The Art of Escape: How Karen Taylor Brought World-Class Design to Brighton’s Brunswick Square

Nestled at the top of Brunswick Square, one of Brighton’s most coveted Regency addresses, a holiday let has been reimagined into something extraordinary. This isn’t your typical seaside getaway—it’s a masterclass in contemporary design blended with the timeless elegance of Brighton’s architectural heritage. At the helm of this transformation is Karen Taylor, the celebrated designer behind Patten Haus Design, whose portfolio spans the globe and includes prestigious projects like Engels at the Royal Exchange.

The result of her latest work is a one-bedroom, sea-view apartment that feels more like an intimate boutique hotel suite than a traditional holiday rental. The ethos? A seamless marriage of form and function, with a dash of understated glamour that whispers rather than shouts.

A Design Philosophy Rooted in Place

Taylor’s approach to this project was both intuitive and exacting. “I wanted to honour the Regency heritage of Brunswick Square while making it feel fresh and inviting for today’s discerning traveller,” she explains. “The balance was key—creating something that feels rooted in history but not beholden to it.”

The apartment’s palette nods to the hues of Brighton itself: soft, sandy neutrals complemented by the deep blues and greys of the English Channel. Textures, too, take inspiration from the seaside—think plush velvets that mimic the luxurious depth of the ocean and sleek, reflective surfaces that catch the ever-changing light of the coast.

A Collaborative Vision

This redesign marks the relaunch of MyHolidayLet Brighton, which is on a mission to elevate the city’s holiday rental scene. Catherine Lane, the owner of the best holiday rentals in Brighton, collaborated closely with Taylor to ensure every detail resonated with the property’s historical character and the brand’s promise of excellence.

“It was important to create something that felt unique to Brighton,” Catherine says. “Karen’s vision perfectly captured that sense of place while also introducing a global design sensibility that makes the apartment truly exceptional.”

From bespoke joinery to thoughtfully curated furnishings, every element has been carefully considered. The open-plan living space is both cosy and sophisticated, designed to maximise the spectacular views of the square and the sea beyond. The bedroom offers a sanctuary-like quality, complete with sumptuous linens and ambient lighting.

Redefining the Holiday Let Experience

This collaboration isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about redefining what a holiday let can be. In an era where travellers are increasingly seeking homes-away-from-home that rival luxury hotels, properties like this one are setting a new standard.

For Karen Taylor, this is precisely where design is heading. “People want more than just a place to stay—they want an experience,” she says. “That’s what we’ve aimed to create here. It’s not just about beautiful interiors; it’s about the feeling you have when you walk through the door.”

The Future of Brighton Escapes

With this launch, MyHolidayLet Brighton is positioning itself at the forefront of the city’s high-end rental market. For those lucky enough to book a stay at this Brunswick Square gem, the experience will undoubtedly linger long after they’ve left.

As Brighton continues to reinvent itself as a destination that combines heritage with modernity, this property is a shining example of how thoughtful design can elevate even the simplest of escapes. In the hands of Karen Taylor and MyHolidayLet Brighton, it seems the city’s design future is in very good hands indeed.

To learn more or book a stay, visit brightonholiday.com.