Kit Kemp’s Iconic Design Vision for Firmdale Hotels: Spotlight on Warren Street

Few names in contemporary hospitality design are as immediately recognisable as Kit Kemp. As Co-Founder and Creative Director of Firmdale Hotels and Founder of Kit Kemp Design Studio, Kemp has redefined what it means to create boutique hotels that are as much about lifestyle, culture, and design as they are about accommodation. With her signature eye for colour, texture, and narrative, Kemp has built a distinctive visual language that is now synonymous with the Firmdale brand.

At The Fluxx, we had the great pleasure of interviewing Kit for both our website and the fourth issue of our magazine, where she shared her inspirations, creative processes, and insights into the art of storytelling through interiors. That conversation offered a fascinating glimpse into how she has cultivated a style that resonates globally. This article takes a closer look at that world—focusing on Firmdale Hotels and Kemp’s unmistakable design approach, with a spotlight on the recently opened Warren Street Hotel.

Firmdale Hotels: A Distinctive Approach to Hospitality

Founded in 1985 by Kit and Tim Kemp, Firmdale Hotels has become a defining force in boutique hospitality, with a collection that spans London and New York. Each property under the Firmdale umbrella is unique, but all share a sense of individuality and artistry that set them apart from conventional hotel design. Unlike global chains that rely on standardisation, Firmdale thrives on difference—each hotel is conceived as a one-of-a-kind experience.

From the Charlotte Street Hotel and Ham Yard Hotel in London to the Crosby Street Hotel and The Whitby in New York, the group’s portfolio radiates creativity. These are not hotels designed to blend into the urban landscape—they stand as cultural landmarks in their own right. Guests are as likely to be drawn in by the theatrical interiors as they are by the locations or services. In that respect, Firmdale occupies a rare space: hotels that are destinations in themselves.

At the centre of this vision is Kit Kemp, whose role as Creative Director has shaped the very DNA of the brand.

Kit Kemp: Storyteller Through Design

Kemp’s career has been defined by her ability to merge boldness with elegance, and eccentricity with warmth. What sets her work apart is the narrative approach—each interior tells a story. Instead of imposing a single style across multiple properties, Kemp crafts spaces that respond to their surroundings while remaining firmly within her design lexicon.

Colour plays a vital role. Where other hoteliers may prefer a palette of neutrals to appeal to the widest possible audience, Kemp embraces vibrant hues, layered textiles, and unexpected patterns. Yet her interiors are never overwhelming. Instead, they are harmoniously balanced, offering moments of surprise and delight without sacrificing comfort.

This interplay between the daring and the homely is central to Firmdale’s identity. It is also what has made Kemp one of the most influential figures in design-led hospitality today.

The Warren Street Hotel: A New Chapter

The Warren Street Hotel, located in New York’s vibrant Tribeca neighbourhood, marks Firmdale’s latest addition. Like its predecessors, the hotel is instantly recognisable as a Kit Kemp project, while still carving out its own personality.

The building itself—a striking new development—provides a canvas for Kemp’s vision. Inside, the hotel features 69 individually designed bedrooms and suites, each brimming with character. Bold wallpapers, bespoke textiles, and art commissions transform every room into a unique experience. No two spaces are the same, encouraging repeat visits and offering guests the sense that they are staying in a curated home rather than a commercial hotel

One of the defining features of the Warren Street Hotel is the emphasis on art. Kemp has long championed contemporary artists and artisans, often commissioning bespoke works to bring her interiors to life. At Warren Street, this ethos continues, with original pieces adding depth, humour, and texture to every corner of the hotel.

The public spaces are equally compelling. The Orangery, for example, is an architectural marvel filled with natural light, serving as both a dining destination and an immersive design showcase. The use of playful details—such as sculptural lighting, patterned flooring, and hand-finished furniture—underscores Kemp’s commitment to creating environments that feel alive.

Defining an Iconic Style

The genius of Kit Kemp lies in her ability to make the eclectic coherent. Her interiors pull together elements from diverse cultures, time periods, and artistic disciplines, yet they always feel intentional. This is where her style transcends aesthetics to become a philosophy: design as storytelling.

Some of the hallmarks of Kemp’s work include:

Textiles and Patterns – Layers of embroidery, woven fabrics, and hand-block prints define her spaces. She collaborates frequently with artisans and textile designers, giving each hotel a bespoke quality.
Art Integration – Original artworks are not accessories but central characters in her designs. They provide wit, surprise, and identity to every space.
Colour Confidence – Whether it’s a punch of cobalt blue, a burst of citrus orange, or softer pastel pairings, Kemp’s fearless use of colour challenges the muted tones of traditional hospitality interiors.
Craft and Detail – From custom lampshades to sculptural headboards, Kemp’s commitment to craftsmanship gives her hotels a tactile richness that invites exploration.

This approach has created not just a “look” but a design identity; one that is instantly recognisable without ever being formulaic.

Warren Street Hotel Kit Kemp Design Studio FH_N558 copy.webp

Warren Street Hotel Kit Kemp Design Studio FH_N676 copy.webp

The Wider Influence of Firmdale and Kemp

Over nearly four decades, Firmdale Hotels has established itself as a tastemaker in boutique hospitality. Kemp’s work has influenced countless designers and hoteliers, demonstrating that guests are increasingly seeking experiences that are memorable, meaningful, and personal.

Her reach also extends beyond hotels. Through collaborations with brands such as Wedgwood, Christopher Farr Cloth, and Anthropologie, Kemp has brought her style into homes around the world. Her books—including Design Thread, Every Room Tells a Story, and A Living Space—further cement her role as both a designer and a communicator of design philosophy.

At the heart of all of this lies a belief in joy. Kemp designs spaces that delight, where discovery happens at every turn, and where design is never about intimidation but about invitation.

Why the Warren Street Hotel Matters

The opening of the Warren Street Hotel is significant not just for Firmdale but for the broader conversation about design in hospitality. In an era where minimalism and “quiet luxury” dominate the cultural landscape, Kemp’s work reminds us of the power of maximalism, completed with skill. Her designs are bold yet understated, complex yet refined, and luxurious without being overly extravagant.

For New York City, the hotel offers a new cultural hub—an intersection of design, art, and hospitality that feels both local and global. For Firmdale, it represents the latest chapter in a story that continues to inspire designers and travellers alike.

Kit Kemp’s Enduring Legacy

Kit Kemp’s design for the Warren Street Hotel is more than an addition to the Firmdale portfolio; it is a reaffirmation of the brand’s ethos. It demonstrates how storytelling, craft, and creativity can elevate hospitality into an art form.

Her style has become iconic not because it follows trends, but because it creates them. It is recognisable yet always surprising, rooted in a sense of narrative and individuality. With Warren Street, Kemp once again proves that design can be transformative—turning a hotel into a work of art and a stay into an unforgettable experience.

At The Fluxx, it has been a privilege to hear directly from Kemp about this journey through our exclusive interview and Issue 4 feature. Her insights continue to resonate, not only with our readers but with anyone who values design as a way of seeing and experiencing the world.