Written by Jack Wagner
Niagara-on-the-Lake, one of Ontario’s premier year-round destinations, is a scenic hub along the shores of Lake Ontario. Renowned for its sprawling vineyards and historic architecture, this charming town is home to one of Canada’s top boutique hotels: The Scotsman. Housed in a former 1835 post office, The Scotsman is a five-star boutique hotel with interiors redesigned by world-renowned designer Lori Morris. In 2024, the hotel earned Morris the prestigious Luxury Lifestyle Award for Best Luxury Hotel Interior Design.
Lori Morris, founder of Lori Morris Design (LMD), is celebrated for her opulent interiors that feature bold color palettes, intricate textures, and an undeniable sense of grandeur. Based in Toronto, with projects spanning the globe, Morris has spent decades infusing spaces with her signature luxurious elegance.
The Scotsman Hotel, Morris’s latest project, is a testament to her ability to blend history with modern luxury. Following a comprehensive renovation, the hotel now features six suites, a grand lobby, eight bathrooms, a piano lounge, and a breakfast room. Each room showcases Morris’s renowned craftsmanship and custom design, with every space offering a distinct ambiance.
For this project, Morris sourced the finest materials, incorporating luxury marble, stone, and high-end fabrics. The LMD team meticulously custom-designed or handpicked every piece of furniture, with their bespoke services covering everything from initial sketches to material sourcing, construction management, and full-scale renovation.
The hotel’s overall aesthetic is quintessential LMD, characterized by extravagance and sophistication. Ornate furniture takes center stage in every room, each with its own unique color palette.
For example, the piano lounge boasts a striking black-and-gold theme that instantly captures attention. The exposed brick wall and rich leather furniture, complemented by black-and-gold light fixtures, evoke the building’s historic roots while creating a cozy yet visually bold atmosphere for guests to enjoy.
Each of The Scotsman’s six suites is individually designed. The crown jewel, the Owner’s Suite, exudes understated elegance with its stylish gray-and-black color scheme. This lavish suite includes two ensuite bathrooms, one featuring a gorgeous clawfoot tub—a classic statement piece. The spacious sitting room, complete with a fireplace, offers the perfect setting for cozy evenings.
Morris’s design successfully merges the building’s historical charm with her contemporary, luxurious style. While the structure dates back over a century, Morris has skillfully enriched the space with her distinctive flourishes.
“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 Morris.
Guests at The Scotsman Hotel will find plenty of ways to indulge during their stay. Located in a charming part of the town, the hotel is surrounded by quaint shops and high-end restaurants. The hotel also offers personalized arrangements for a variety of activities, from rejuvenating spa treatments at some of Canada’s most luxurious wellness centers to private wine tours through the region’s renowned vineyards.
Explore more of Lori Morris’s impeccable designs on the LMD website.