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House of Sunny Has Teamed Up with Airbnb: Here's a Peek Inside

When I imagined what an Airbnb inspired by the designs of Sunny Williams’ celeb-adored indie fashion label House of Sunny would look like, whimsical and bold were – hands down – the two adjectives that jumped to the front of my mind. As a brand famed for knitted dresses splashed in David Hockney-inspired lily pads, sunset-adorned cardigans and – more recently – rose motifs to illustrate the Law of Attraction, their immersive Airbnb would be nothing if not a joyful and offbeat celebration of pattern and colour.

“We're an independent brand: self-taught, self-funded; 20 collections deep – and we can now look back and say ‘people know us for this product, and that product'. Yet we're constantly trying to think what could be more memorable," Sunny told me. This collaboration feels perfectly timed, then, since an Airbnb which allows fans of the brand to immerse themselves in a three-bedroom explosion of iconic pieces certainly classifies as memorable.

I approached the House of Sunny studios – which have been transformed into an Airbnb listing to celebrate London Fashion Week – overwhelmed with intrigue. But from the fashionable oasis-of-an-entrance inspired by the swirling green tones of Sunny's Kendall-approved Hockney dress, to the juxtaposing pink and orange bedroom which emulates the melting sunset colour-ways of the Sundown Cardigan, it all encapsulated the brand so well. So well, in fact, that having quite so few expectations felt naive.

The aforementioned bedroom is the first space you enter when you step through the doors of the property. And to be honest, it pipped the others to the post when it came to letting Sunny know of my favourite (not least because of the framed Tripper cross-stitch artworks and abundance of London-themed coffee table books). It takes inspiration from the mid-century modern houses which Sunny admitted he spends far too much time scouring London for, where “yellows and browns give it that retro-ness and mid-century modern colour-way”.

The bed is in the middle of the room, which was another feature Sunny pushed for. “I always like to walk into a room and see the bed front and centre. Having the headboard being a wall that you can then disappear behind – and which you can't see past – I love it. It gives it a better finish; it's a little bit more considered."

Behind said wall sits a wonderful surprise: the wardrobe of any millennials' dreams. Stat. Serving up the chance the try on House of Sunny's latest collection, it's an ethereal and interactive space with a changing dreamscape that literally reflects the design of five of the designer’s freshest pieces. Open one set of wardrobe doors to the latest rose-embellished Tripper and your space becomes a Barbie haven where rose petals float above you and clouds emit a candyfloss pink light. But open the doors the the home of their green landscape jumper and you'll be left reeling over a view of green rolling hills.

At the back of the property is the lavish rouge bathroom – adorned from floor-to-ceiling with contemporary claret tiles in homage to the brand's La Belle dress.

“You see so many pop-ups by brands where it's just fast and done – and I was really hoping that Airbnb would really be able to execute this space with all of the details. And they have.” Aesop toiletries ensure the space feels like a home-away-from-home, cosy armchairs with footstools keep the space comfortable and shaggy rugs add warmth to a lot of square-footage. See. Every. Detail. Considered.

As if you needed further reason to book a stay (more on that later), the studio's surroundings are characteristically joyful. It's located just a stones-throw away from Sunny Williams' beloved Broadway Market – an area which serves up busy, bustle-filled days that can be book-ended by the calm and quiet of the studio. Cafe Cecilia is a must-visit if River Cafe, St John Bread & Wine and Spring are your usual vibe, while a Friday night al fresco feast at El Ganso will fuel you for another fashion-filled day. Don't miss the Croquetas de Jamón.

As for the important part – how you can stay in the House of Sunny. It's exclusive. We'll warn you of that much. Only two very lucky guests will be able to spend the night, during a stay which will take place on September 22. It'll be free-of-charge, wonderfully, but you'll have to be the first person to make a booking on September 19 at 6pm BST via the Airbnb website. Limber up. Get prepared. Circle the dates in your diaries.

How to book

Aspiring designers and fashion fans alike can turn the world into their runway and request to book this overnight stay when bookings open on 19th September 2023 at 6pm BST at airbnb.com/houseofsunny. Guests are responsible for their own travel to and from London. The overnight stay will take place on 22nd September for one night only for up to two guests.

During your stylish sleepover, you'll get to take part in a 1:1 design session with Sunny Williams himself – and you'll get to try on (and snap pictures of) some of the label's most iconic pieces. Before experiencing the bustling community of Hackney that has inspired Sunny for over a decade, of course. This place has to be seen to be believed – and even then, you might feel like your eyes are deceiving you.

*This one-night stay for up to two guests is not a competition. Request to book operates as first come first served. The showroom is independently owned and operated. The right holders for House of Sunny have been compensated for their participation.

For those that don’t get the opportunity to stay, Airbnb is opening up Sunny’s House on Sunday 17th September for the public to take a peek inside. Those looking to come down and capture content of the iconic interiors can book a session at this link to jump the queues, otherwise you’re welcome to turn up on the day and expect a short wait.

Interested in becoming an Airbnb Host like Sunny? To learn more about how you can earn on Airbnb, visit airbnb.com/host.

Book Your Stay

For more from Glamour UK's Senior European Commerce Editor Sophie Cockett, follow her on Instagram @sophiecockettx.

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Update: 2024-01-17