Ten minutes with Matt Hulme from Dynargh Design

The founder of Dynargh Design and the man behind Watergate Bay’s beach lofts talks touchpoints and design inspiration.

The beach lofts at Watergate Bay are premium rooms boasting beautiful sea views. Matt’s brief was to amplify the ‘wow’ factor and make each one feel extra special.

‘I started with the concept of “surf in, surf out” style rooms, like ski chalets, but on the beach,’ Matt tells us.

‘It was impossible not to be influenced by the proximity of the beach, but I was determined to steer clear of seaside cliches. Instead, I took a subtler approach focused on texture and earthy tones, as well as recycled elements like reclaimed wood floors and terrazzo tiles – sustainable choices that still feel luxurious.’

As well as larger statement features like the restored exposed beams and fireplaces, the smaller details were integral to the project.

‘Handles, switches and sockets may be less obvious, but they’re equally important. It’s no longer acceptable to specify standard white sockets – and why would you when you can choose high-quality fittings in matching finishes that bring a space together?’

It was Corston’s quality feel and dark Bronze finish that caught Matt’s attention.

‘I really appreciated the fact that the same finish was available across every product line, so I could get that all-important cohesion without having to shop multiple suppliers and waste hours trying to match finish samples.

‘In commercial spaces like this, durability is extra important, so I was also looking for front plates that wouldn’t show fingerprints and switches that would be easy to wipe clean.’

Finally, we asked Matt what his top interior design tip would be: ‘When it comes to your home, the décor should be personal. There’s nothing worse than trying to replicate a room from Pinterest or a brochure – it’ll look contrived. Take your time and build up the look gradually based on what you love, not the latest trends.

‘After sixteen years working in commercial design, I’d describe my own home, near Bude, as a little like a “member’s club” – or a very lived-in hotel.’

Falmouth School of Art graduate Matt Hulme cut his design teeth at Urban Outfitters, Hotel du Vin and Malmaison before establishing his own practice, Dynargh Design, in 2011. The team have designed and decorated some of the most desirable hotels in the UK, most notably Another Place in the Lake District and Cornwall’s Watergate Bay Hotel.

Dynargh Design, www.dynarghdesign.com
Watergate Bay Hotel, watergatebay.co.uk