Who doesn’t love staying in a beautifully designed hotel room? I have been lucky enough to have been to quite a few in the UK and abroad. Design is high on my wishlist when booking a little getaway but it’s not all about design by any means. Location, service and food (yes, I’m a foodie!) are also important. As a family, we love a staycation too because it’s not always possible to hop on a plane and take a week off. We have been to quite a few UK hotels which I would say were very high standard in every way. The interior design choices usually reflect that too and I have learned a lot by just staying at mid- to high-end hotels by analysing how rooms are put together. Honestly, I don’t think I could enjoy my stay if I hated the interior. The whole point of staying at a nice hotel is to go away and relax and switch off from the pressures of everyday life.
Here are a few tips I’ve picked up from our hotel stays that I like to apply when designing our own home.
1. STICK TO CLASSICS
Lime Wood, New Forest.
Timeless design classics do not date and if in doubt avoid trends and stick to classics instead. I’m mainly talking about furniture here and bigger, investment pieces that will take a big junk of your budget. They are classics for a reason and if you want something to last a long time it is important to pick a design that can stand the test of time. I’m not just talking about vintage pieces here. It can be anything you deem to be good value, good craftsmanship and good design. A perfect example of this is the infamous Barcelona chair which has been going strong since 1929 and is currently manufactured by Knoll.
2. QUALITY OVER QUANTITY
The Royal Crescent, Bath.
Hotel design should be all about luxury and creating those special moments that make you feel like you are at home away from home. Good quality furniture and fabrics not only look luxurious but will also add a whole new level of comfort to your interior scheme. Superior quality also means that surfaces and fabrics will wear well and last much longer than the cheaper alternatives. Natural materials are preferred as they tend to last longer and can be cleaned repeatedly. So next time you are thinking of not splashing out, don’t. If you want your interior to last a long time, invest in the quality. You won’t regret it, I promise.
3. MIX OLD & NEW
Château Monfort, Milan.
I am a huge fan of Relais & Châteaux hotels and how they mix old and new. Whether that’s by using contemporary furniture, art or something else. I love it when old period properties have contemporary furniture mixed with original features. I also like classical interior design but there is something edgy about bringing the two worlds together. It is all about creating the perfect balance between the two. Let one style dominate your scheme or stick to a certain colour to be safe. There are many ways to achieve the perfect old-meets-new look!
4. STATEMENT PIECES
Coworth Park, Berkshire.
Who doesn’t love a statement piece? Every room should have at least one item (art, chair, flooring, anything!) that will stand out and add a bit of drama to that space. I personally love a quirky piece of art or why not a copper bath in your en-suite?
5. WINDOW TREATMENTS
Lime Wood, New Forest.
Never underestimate the power of custom window treatments. Bespoke curtains, made by a talented seamstress, are a true investment and will last decades. They will also look totally different than ready-made curtains and will make your house look more expensive and polished. I feel that window treatments are like jewellery for your room; the room simply won’t look finished until they are done.
6. HIGH-QUALITY BEDDING
The Royal Crescent, Bath.
My favourite thing about staying at a hotel is having a good night’s sleep in those high-quality cotton sheets. I always get major bedding envy after a hotel stay and try to (desperately) recreate a similar Egyptian cotton oasis at home. I just hate the ironing part and I am seriously thinking of investing in a steam press to help me out. I also tend to check the bedding brands they are using. White Company sheets are popular here in the UK and if you’re looking for a slightly more affordable brand, Soak & Sleep are perfect for creating that hotel feel at home.
7. NATURE THEME
Ikos Dassia, Corfu.
Bringing the outdoors in doesn’t date and that is a fact. Of course, it depends on the surroundings but in general picking colours and shapes from nature will always be in style. The same goes for materials; wood, wool, stone, marble etc will always be a timeless choice. I know I feel more relaxed and happy when I get to reconnect with nature (whether that’s indoors or outdoors).
8. ART
Linthwaite House, Lake District.
I fantasise about owning the art that I see at hotels. Often it is way out of my price bracket but dreaming is free, right? I think the right art is worth saving for though. Take your time and buy what makes your heart sing.
9. MOOD LIGHTING
Gran Melia Palacio de los Duques, Madrid.
Last but not least, lighting can totally make or break your home decor. Create multiple lighting layers to make the most of the space you’ve got. And trust me, you’ll need more lighting sources than you think!
That’s it! Let me know if there’s anything you’d like to add in the comments below.
Don’t forget, you can also check out my hotel reviews under the categories tab.
