The London hotel that's a bit rough around the edges

Rough Luxe hotel in London's King’s Cross is the brainchild of Beirut-born designer and gallerist Rabih Hage, who has deliberately left some walls half-finished to create a feeling of 'urban archaeology'. Contemporary touches, such as the photograph of Gilbert and George in the lobby by Jonathan Root, add the 'luxe' element to the 'rough' Photograph: Marcus Peel

The dining room features a solid wood dining table made out of reclaimed timber from Brighton pier, a ceiling trompe l'oeil photograph of the Cupola di San Lorenzo, and a plaster chandelier by French designer Patrice Gruffaz Photograph: Marcus Peel

Rooms also juxtapose contemporary furnishings with distressed walls. Bedroom one has a fake crocodile print on the bed's headboard under the original print of the opulent Palazzo Altieri in Rome by Massimo Listri. Hage says: 'You can go into luxury hotels in Kensington and Chelsea and you know what you will get. Here there is an element of discovery. There is a richness without any of the ostentation' Photograph: Marcus Peel

Cynics may well see the half-finished interiors as a simple money-saving exercise. Hage says: 'If something is good and works, what is the point of replacing it? We don't have flatscreens and DVD players. Instead there is an element of surprise; an experience.' And also a sense of playfulness and wit Photograph: Marcus Peel

But there's no stinting on the basics: bathrooms combine contemporary showers, again in a vintage setting Photograph: Marcus Peel

Reclaiming and recycling also plays a part - this room is furnished with an original copper bath tub and a ceiling light, bought at auction, that was once an emergency corridor light in the Savoy hotel Photograph: Marcus Peel

Whether Rough Luxe's peeled-back aesthetic is an inspired egg or economic necessity, it's refreshing to find a boutique hotel that isn't obsessed with contemporary 'mochaccino' colour schemes. It's a warm and witty concept and a beautiful piece of design

Rough Luxe, 1 Birkenhead St, London, +44 207 5338, roughluxe.co.uk. Doubles from £135 B&B Photograph: Marcus Peel