A tabby cat wearing multiple strands of pearl necklaces against an orange background.

Tough Customer: Product development is serious business, according to Cheeze Behr, Chief Marketing Officer and Night Desk Manager. Pictured here in apparent frustration following a review of concepts rejected for failing to meet her exacting standards. Notoriously difficult to please, Ms. Behr applies her discerning taste to items designed to delight those notoriously hard-to-buy-for persons on many holiday and birthday gift lists.

From the Front Desk

Every day’s a vacay at Design Motel!

What with staff busily dreaming up new product ideas between refreshing dips in the pool, the Motel is a hive of activity positively humming with creative energy. That said, it’s not all fun and games. Company policy requires that every design submitted for approval earn a Smile-O-Meter score of at least seven out of ten — the first step in our rigorous quality-control process. Only those creations that pass muster with our grumpiest employees graduate to become official Design Motel souvenirs and home goods.

Founded by design nerds Joseph Heroun and Christine Car (pictured), the Motel aims to brighten the everyday with a growing collection of smart, cleverly-designed items intended to spark joy.

Portrait of co-founder, Christine Car
Portrait of co-founder Joseph Heroun

Front Desk Managers: Christine Car and Joseph Heroun of Design Motel.


Guest Services

Don’t see your favorite getaway in the mug section? Have an idea for a pillow design for your binge-watching couch buddy? A parting gift for a beloved retiring co-worker? Or, how about a one-of-a-kind clockface for your time-addled teen? Welcome to Design Motel’s Atelier, our 24/7 custom design service delivering personalized merch, swag, and thoughtful, inspired gifts to elevate any occasion. Artists are standing by...
Click here to inquire.


Trademark Notice

DESIGN MOTEL® is an independent e-commerce brand. We have no affiliation, association, sponsorship, authorization, or endorsement — express or implied — from Design Hotels GmbH or the DESIGN HOTELS® portfolio of boutique hotels. All products, artwork, and retail offerings on this site are created solely by Design Motel® and are entirely unrelated to the hospitality services or limited retail offerings of Design Hotels GmbH. Any similarity in names is coincidental and does not indicate any relationship or connection between the two businesses.