FIG appointed to design The Little Duchess Hotel

Fusion Interiors Group (FIG) is delighted to announce our appointment as interior designers for The Little Duchess, an exciting new hospitality concept formerly known as Espresso Hotel.

As part of a wider repositioning strategy, FIG developed the creative direction behind the hotel’s rebrand – including the name The Little Duchess. The concept was born from our vision to create a meaningful narrative link to its sister property, The Hendrick’s. Drawing inspiration from the story of Prince Hendrik of the Netherlands and his sister, Duchess Elisabeth Alexandrine, the new identity establishes a rich historical thread while introducing a distinctly modern personality.

The design narrative centres on the idea of a quietly rebellious duchess – blending heritage with modernity, elegance with eccentricity, and intimacy with imagination. FIG’s concept reinterprets themes of intellectual salons, personal expression, and subtle defiance through a layered and characterful interior language.

Visually, the scheme brings together an eclectic mix of eras, from Belle Époque refinement and Art Nouveau detailing to bold Art Deco accents and moments of mid-century restraint. The result is a story-led environment where each space feels curated, expressive, and full of personality.

Key elements of the design include a multifunctional salon inspired by private literary gatherings, atmospheric public areas that balance theatricality with warmth, and cleverly designed guest rooms where “little” becomes luxurious through thoughtful detailing and spatial ingenuity.

“The Little Duchess is a project that allows us to fully embrace narrative-driven design,” says Hilary Lancaster, Founder & CEO of Fusion Interiors Group. “Renaming and reimagining the hotel gave us the opportunity to build an entire world around a character – creating a guest experience that unfolds through layers of design, history, and imagination.”

The project is currently in development, and we look forward to sharing further updates as the design evolves.