Hem's in the guesthouse
Step inside guesthouse by good neighbor, a hotel that feels like home, located in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. The hotel features seven unique and thoughtfully designed rooms that are a fully shoppable experience. See how good neighbor carefully curated these rooms with Hem alongside goods and objects from local neighbors in the Baltimore area.
Photography Justin Timothy Temple
Tell us about good neighbor
good neighbor was founded in 2019 by my wife and I to create a seamless, multi-touchpoint retail concept centered on being a good neighbor and welcoming people into our home.
Our concept, a blend of design and abundant hospitality, is deeply rooted in our immigrant culture. We go above and beyond for our guests, anticipating and curating their needs. Our aim is to foster an open community, filled with thoughtful products, and to spark creativity and conversation around art, design, fashion, music, and film.
What is guesthouse by good neighbor? What was the inspiration behind this project?
guesthouse by good neighbor is our unique take on hospitality, offering seven distinct, design-immersive spaces that are fully shoppable. Our guesthouse is a true embodiment of staying at a loved one’s home, a concept that good neighbor was founded on. Unlike other hospitality brands, we strike a balance between the comfort of a well-thought-out home and the service of a boutique hotel, ensuring our guests feel cared for and secure.
What was the look and feel you were going for?
Materials from Baltimore, Egypt, North Africa, and India, where my wife and I are from, informed our design decisions. We pushed to reimagine culturally significant landmarks, such as the Pyramids of Giza or the step-wells in India, into interior details, such as the lobby bar and the powder room sink, while bringing them to life with a sustainable team of makers from Baltimore and materials sourced locally. The building is over a century old, and we wanted to maintain its soul and leave many original details intact while modernizing the spaces to feel fresh and spa-like.
“We designed each room with heritage in mind and a love for modern design.”
Why did you choose Hem for this project?
Hem is a brand that perfectly balances trendiness and timelessness. Their pieces are of great quality, beautifully designed, playful, intentional, and relevant. We have been working with Hem since day one, and their ability to adapt to the changes in our shop and spaces has been invaluable. This partnership also provides our customers and clients with a connection to a brand that they can envision in their own spaces, be it residential or commercial.
Which are your favorite Hem pieces?
My personal favorites are the Udon Chair and the Bookmatch Table. They are simple and timeless designs that can stand out in a room full of furniture or an empty room where they become the focus.