For the second time in less than a year, the historic Touraine apartment building has converted one of its rental units into a short-term “sleepover suite.”
But this time, creative director Liz Solms, has taken the design in an entirely new direction.
“It’s a Scandinavian and Japanese blend,” Solms said of the short-term home at No. 105. “You open the door and step into a different world.”
The unit, a studio on the first floor of the historic (and coveted) residential building, can be rented out for one or two nights by Touraine residents—who get a discount on the price—or by anyone else passing through the area and looking to stay in the century-old structure. The Touraine’s first short-stay unit, a one-bed suite in No. 108, opened in October.
But where No. 108 presented visitors with bold colors and a bohemian flair, No. 105, instead has soft white walls complemented by sleek grey countertops and wood furniture. The art that hangs around the space consists largely of black and white photographs and paintings.
The design was inspired by Japanese bathing culture, Solms said, adding that she was drawn to the minimalist and uncluttered look for this unit in particular.
“As a studio, doing something maximalist doesn’t work. It makes it seem busy and cluttered,” Solms said. Rather packing the space with art, Solms kept it clean, and instead doubled down on the quality of items around the apartment—from good Japanese cookware in the kitchen, to black, grey, and white linen bedsheets.
One element of the place that Solms said she was particularly fond of, was the short, modernist coffee table in the living area. Another: the quality bath products.
“You’re getting those things that you’ll never actually treat yourself to,” Solms said. That includes the yoga studio and gym in The Touraine, which are open to visitors staying overnight. She added that the unit is the perfect place for one person to get away from everything and spend some time on their own.
An average night at No. 105 costs $257. Solms said they eventually they hope to convert more of the building’s first floor apartments into sleepover suites.
- The Touraine’s new hotel suite is a bold and colorful getaway [Curbed Philly]
- Inside The Touraine’s historic renovation [Curbed Philly]