Lori Morris Transforms The Scotsman Hotel into a Luxe Masterpiece
When it comes to pushing the boundaries of interior design, Lori Morris stands out as an innovative and fearless artist. Her work is characterized by a “no rules” approach that amalgamates sumptuous elegance with a sexy, distinctive edge regularly transforming the ultimate design dreams into a fully finished space. This unique vision has led her to create some of the most breathtaking interiors globally, and her latest project, The Scotsman Hotel, located in the scenic wine country destination of Niagara on the Lake, Canada, has earned her a respected Luxury Lifestyle Award in 2024 for Best Luxury Hotel Interior Design.
The transformation of the property, which was originally built in 1835 as a post office into a world-class boutique hotel, proves Lori Morris’ ability to merge history with modern luxury. The renovation of The Scotsman Hotel was not without its challenges, one of the most significant hurdles was the strict historic limitations.
“I looked at the space which was historical and some of its value and architecture was open to interpretation. But that’s always a good thing from an esthetic perspective because it gives it the authenticity that we’re looking for.” says Lori Morris.
Now standing as a luxury 5 Star boutique hotel it features six suites, eight bathrooms, a lobby, a waiting area, a piano lounge, and a breakfast room. Each room is designed to be a unique destination, offering guests a luxurious and immersive experience, displaying the highest level of craftsmanship and Morris’ passion for luxury and attention to detail.
All materials used in the project were top quality, and sourcing the finest materials, such as luxury marble, stone, and high-end fabrics, added another layer of complexity to the project. Each piece of furniture and fitting was either custom-designed or carefully sourced by LMD, ensuring a cohesive and luxurious aesthetic throughout the hotel.
“The House of LMD has been designing luxury spaces for over 35 years and our team has developed a very streamlined process to carry us through each project. We’re here as the facilitators for the client and as the artists to create this magic and make this all happen. We handle this process with white gloves and a full commitment to the end product of what our clients are trying to achieve.”
It took a full suite of services, including architectural planning, design sketches, architectural drawings, material sourcing, full renovation, construction management, space planning, millwork, custom cabinetry, custom furniture, custom drapes, furniture sourcing, art sourcing, and decoration to achieve the end result.
“We start by presenting a visual experience with hand drawn conceptual sketches done by our creative director, Julie Ballard. Once the design is approved, we start the development of the detailed drawing package that the trades use to construct every element of the project. These drawing packages are very detailed and include all of the floor plans, elevations, finishes and schedules to implement the finished product.”
Lori Morris’ work at The Scotsman Hotel exemplifies her remarkable talent and devotion to creating luxurious, unique spaces. By combining historical charm with modern opulence, she has transformed a historic property into a world-class destination that embodies the essence of luxury. Her fearless approach to design and dedication to quality continues to set new standards in the industry.
“To me, beauty is beauty, and whether it comes in all shapes or sizes or colors, it’s a general statement of beauty, and that’s what this hotel exudes, beauty, elegance, charm, sex appeal and opulence.”