7 hostels for interior lovers

When it comes to interior design, globetrotters have always drawn inspiration from their travels. Think daring colour palettes, lovingly repurposed vintage furniture, novel uses of industrial Edison bulbs and plants galore – at least in the case of these hostels. So open up your mood boards and prepare to be inspired.

5 Vintage Guest House in Sofia, Bulgaria

White walls, along with steel blue and cadet grey furnishings at 5 Vintage Guest House, help make this Bulgarian hostel an oasis of calm in the centre of bustling Sofia. The communal kitchen has a warm, rustic design with pots of fresh herbs on every surface, while patterned Turkish tiles and solid wooden furniture bring a hint of the Mediterranean to the scheme. This soothing design extends to the bedrooms, with wood-paneled ceilings and vintage artwork.

Hostel Lukna in Gorenjska, Slovenia

The interiors at Hostel Lukna combine contemporary design with natural materials and traditional Slovenian crafts. Bedrooms are decorated in an industrial style with reclaimed wood and floating shelves, while Edison bulbs give the golden pine-panelled walls and sliding barn doors in an inviting glow. Downstairs in the communal kitchen, faux fur rugs, exposed brick, sturdy wooden furniture and scarlet soft furnishings create a cosy, festive atmosphere.

Green Sleep Hostel in Chiang Mai, Thailand

The fact that the colour scheme at Green Sleep Hostel involves plenty of green won’t surprise you – although the size of the private bedrooms might. Minimalist furniture and natural light combine with teal tables, apple green bed linen and dozens of plants for a slightly Scandinavian and wonderfully serene feel. Meanwhile, contemporary accents like black-and-white symmetrical cushions and amenities such as USB charging points are a reminder that above all else, this hostel puts modernity and practicality first.

The Passenger Hostel in Porto, Portugal

Despite its location in Porto’s historical São Bento Railway Station (part of the city’s UNESCO World Heritage Site); The Passenger Hotel has embraced modern design aesthetics. Large windows let in plenty of natural light, while white walls work to light-boosting effect in these split-level apartments. In the private rooms, platform beds sit above snug micro-living areas, decorated with low furniture and a 1970s palette of burnt umber and claret.

Been Hostel Ratchathewi in Bangkok, Thailand

The eclectic furnishings at Been Hostel Ratchathewi give this Bangkok hostel a truly international feel. Vintage Louis XV armchairs, traditional Thai yoga pillows, woven baskets, vintage cameras, fairy-lights and signs made of mismatched scrabble tiles add to the fun, relaxed atmosphere. Relax after a long day sightseeing in the welcoming communal lounge, or practise your Sirsasana in the hostel yoga room.

Star Hostel Taipei Main Station in Taipei, Taiwan

A minimalist building in the centre of one of Taiwan’s capital city, Star Hostel Taipei Main Station is a stylish spot to recharge your batteries before setting off to explore. Floor-to-ceiling windows light up the leafy communal spaces as travellers gather to attend a pop-up coffee tasting, try a moreish matcha pudding or just sink into one of the comfy armchairs. Upstairs, the clean lines and soothing palette of the bedrooms are ideal for a good night’s sleep.

Two Pillows Boutique Hostel in Sliema, Malta

A calm colour scheme, Scandinavian-style furniture and monochrome art are the order of the day at Two Pillows Boutique Hostel. Pale stone walls and exposed wooden beams reflect the early-morning light of this seaside town, while Rorschach-esq prints keep things interesting. Downstairs, the communal areas on the first floor are full of vintage atlases and globes – a little inspiration for your next trip.