Boutique hotel style


How to Create Boutique Hotel Style at Home

Bronwyn Knight

There's something about stepping into a boutique hotel that makes you feel instantly more posh and inspired. It's not just the Instagram-worthy decor: It's the scents, ambience, lighting, cuisine, and organization. It's the unique touches that come from the hotel's surrounding environment, lifestyle, and artisans. But you don't have to travel to a favorite weekend getaway or holiday destination to experience this holistic design approach. You can create it yourself at home.

"Today, a hotel is much more than just a place to sleep; it is all about the experience," says interior designer, author, and lifestyle maven Kelly Wearstler. "It is a place to be inspired, to feel connected to the local surroundings and the people. Now more than ever, we’re seeing an evolution of the hotel experience as they blur the line between traditional residential and commercial spaces. As mentioned before, hyper-locality is also something that is particularly important in today’s world, as travelers now are all about the true experience of where they are.

We talked to Wearstler and some of the country's most in-demand designers about creating an unforgettable (and photo-worthy) boutique hotel experience—and how to seamlessly make your space as inspiring and beautiful as your favorite accommodations.

Simon Brown

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Kit Kemp

Kit Kemp is the founder and creator of Firmdale Hotels, which specializes in uniquely refined interiors with modern British flair. The brand is home to swanky New York and London digs, like Crosby Street Hotel in Manhattan's SoHo.

"I would not have in the hotel anything I would not want in my own home—that may include a dog or two," Kemp says. "If I can’t have the real thing why not a model? I love to play with scale and add a bit of whimsy to the spaces."

Simon Brown

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Kit Kemp

What are your best tips for helping people emulate boutique hotel style at home?

"Scale it up wherever possible. No mirror can be too large or no painting on the wall too bold. "

What are some specific pieces or design features to add to your collection to achieve boutique hotel style?

"Think function, but after that, scale and balance within a scheme is important. Always think of table and floor lamps to act as sculpture in a room. Mixing wood finishes is not a crime."

How can you make your space more glamorous with boutique hotel design practices with a home that feels anything but?

"The devil is in the details—a contrast piping on your favorite chair, fabrics that feel good enough to sit on in the nude, cashmere throws and colorful cushions that will brighten up your day, a colorful rug to ground a scheme."

Anthropologie

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Anthropologie

Folkthread Chair

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Take a page from Kemp's playbook with a set of these gorgeous dining chairs she designed for Anthropologie. The chair features screen-printed and embroidered upholstery, along with a leather strap to easily transition from indoor-to-outdoor dining or to expand your seating options in the living room.

Chi-Thien Nguyen/Elkus Manfredi Architects

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Elizabeth Lowrey, Elkus Manfredi

The Elkus Manfredi team has a seriously impressive client roster that they've designed for over the years (The Peninsula Chicago is a notable one), but their latest project is much smaller than the Ivy Leagues and global companies for which they are used to designing. Lowrey's team designed the brand-new, 32-room White Elephant Palm Beach, opening next month, which is full of dazzling details at every turn.

"We wanted White Elephant to feel like someone's gracious home, not a hotel, but a place where you were being taken care of in the spirit of the person who lives there. A lot of our inspiration actually came from Veranda magazine, and it's all full circle because residential design inspired this commercial property."

What does boutique hotel style mean to you?

"To me, it means a place that has its own point of view and tells its own individual story unique to its context, ownership, history, or all these things. Just like in residential [design], it's about telling your story, welcoming guests, and displaying your own personal history and point of view that defines your own style of hospitality."

Chi-Thien Nguyen/Elkus Manfredi Architects

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Elizabeth Lowrey, Elkus Manfredi

What are your best tips for helping people emulate boutique hotel style at home?

"My other definition of boutique hotel style is making a memorable place that leaves people talking about it a year later, where they vividly remember the details, feeling, and uniqueness. It's all about personalizing, displaying, and curating like you mean it! Take your story and display it.

"Lighting is huge, so light it like you mean it. Take the time to pick a space and commit to displaying your photos, collections, art, and activities and create beautiful vignettes that celebrate those things."

Serena & Lily

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Serena and Lily

Boonville Coffee Table

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This stunner is proof you don't need color to make a statement. Crafted from a real tree root, this weatherproof table's unique shape and texture make it a perfect focal piece for the living room or patio.

One Kings Lane

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Lillian August

The Unconscious 1

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This funky, framed giclée print brings a refined splash of color to any space without stealing the show.  

Courtesy of Kara Mann

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Kara Mann

Kara Mann has been tapped for some pretty fabulous project over the years, including, recently, ushering in a new era of New York's iconic Hotel Chelsea, where she spent hours combing through the art and works of the famous tenants who'd lived there for her designs. The designer also just launched a new collaboration with CB2 to help you achieve her ultra-glamorous, refined style at home.

What does boutique hotel design mean to you?

"I actually feel like residential design influenced boutique hotel design a lot. Companies like Airbnb really changed the travel industry. Travelers moved away from booking hotels and started looking for places that made them feel at home in a new city. Boutique hotels bridge that gap in that they offer the services and amenities of a large scale hotel yet with the heart and warmth of a home."

Courtesy of Kara Mann

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Kara Mann

What are your best tips to help people emulate boutique hotel style at home?

"I like design contrasts, whether that’s in the color palette and materials I’m working with or even the energy that different pieces can evoke. I think that’s what you see in boutique hotel design, it’s the push and pull of different elements to create a curated look. Finding synergy between vintage and contemporary designs is a trademark of boutique hotels...and so is a stellar mini bar. To re-create this at home, I would pair the Ruffle Sprayed Concrete Credenza from my new collection with CB2 with a set of beautiful, vintage crystal glassware.

How can you make your space more glamorous with boutique hotel design practices for a home that feels anything but?

Invest in quality bedding and an incredible mattress. The bedding adds glamour to the room, and sleeping on a cloud will have you feeling glamorous the next morning!

CB2

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CB2 x Kara Mann

Bridge Ivory Cotton Sateen Bedding

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No matter your aesthetic, we can all agree on the true luxury that is great bed linens. This 100 percent sateen sheet will have you feeling like you're back in your favorite boutique hotel and bring a clean, sophisticated feel to your bedroom.

CB2

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CB2

Avalon Rattan Bar

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Creating your own mini bar at home brings a sense of novelty to your hosting game. This beautiful bar, designed by Brett Beldock, makes a gorgeous addition to your dining room or lounge. 

MK Sadler

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Emma Goodwin

Emma Goodwin and her husband, Matthew, became first-time hoteliers as they painstakingly restored the run-down Surfrider Motel on an enviable stretch of Malibu beachfront into The Surfrider Malibu. Matthew, an architect, and Emma, an interior designer, created not only an Instagram-worthy hotel but a living embodiment of Southern California's lifestyle, food, and culture. They became multi-hyphenates as landscape designers, recipe testers, and music curators to create the hotel.

What does boutique hotel style mean to you?

"A boutique hotel allows for really beautiful scale. I often look at places who call themselves boutique hotels but are more lifestyle hotels. Boutique hotels are large enough to make an impact, create a real sense of energy, and tell a real story but small enough to do so with quality materials and details with a secret language that tells the story along the way.

"On the other side of that, it's more than just finishings and furniture. It’s about so much more: the weather, what music is playing, what food is being served, the scent throughout. All of those little touch points define what design is in a boutique hotel space. What the message is from the confirmation email to how you're greeted to the service of the food. "

Nicole Franzen

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Emma Goodwin

What are your best tips for helping people emulate boutique hotel style at home?

"To capture all the senses, you have to work backward and think, 'What does The Surfrider smell like and what are the linens?' It's all about curating—from making all the beds match and translating that through the bathrooms down to the robes.

"Books are amazing. If you could have the same room, just with one having books all about Roman art and the other about surfing in the '60s, they are two completely different room. What you feel when you walk in is so different because that's where your mind is taken. Coffee table books that are curated about what you ultimately want to feel like is huge.

"Rugs are another thing that can act as art and define a room. Same with ceramic pieces, be they sculptural or for everyday use. The simple act of changing your plates and mugs to handmade and textured pieces is so simple but has a huge impact on helping you start and end your day in a totally different way. "

How can you make your space more glamorous with boutique hotel design practices in a home that feels anything but?

"Linens. If you have a bed with a beautiful, layered, textured space and it carries through the bathroom, you don't have to change the flooring, furniture, or paint and can sill achieve this feeling. Another big thing is storage. If you walk in to a hotel room, you won't see anything out of place or lying around. Everything has a place, and working backward on furniture elements to make sure everything does have a place and offers big impact ensures every item has a key moment."

Courtesy of The Surfrider Shop

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The Surfrider Malibu Shop

Custom Surfrider Hammock

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This gorgeous hammock is handwoven by tribal artisans in the Amazonian rainforest. Shop these babies while you can because each hammock takes four months to make!

Pottery Barn

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Pottery Barn

Cambria Rattan Pendant

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Set the mood and bring some texture to your living, sleeping, or dining space with these beachy light fixtures.  

Kyle Knodell

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Chloe Pollack-Robbins and Head Designer Anna Cappelen, Curious Yellow

The Curious Yellow team recently finished bringing their designs for The Rockaway Hotel to life in the eponymous beach community. The duo was inspired by the unique and diverse Rockaway community, '60s beach culture, Scandinavian and Indonesian surf culture, and Norman Jaffe's love for nature.

What does boutique hotel design mean to you?

"To us, a boutique hotel is meant to feel like home yet transport you to an eclectic, warm, and inviting space with various nooks and crannies to enjoy. This was everything we thought about when we designed Rockaway. A sense of comfort and nostalgia with a new sense of inspiration." - Chloe Pollack-Robbins

What are your best tips for helping people emulate boutique hotel style at home?

"Purchase vintage fabrics to reupholster chairs and make pillows. Sisel rugs are very inexpensive but beachy and natural. Rattan furniture is very popular right now, making it easy to find something that emulates that '60s feel. We also love to buy secondhand art books and surf books at the Strand." — Anna Cappelen

St. Frank

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St. Frank

Cactus Silk CL Rug

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St. Frank's debut rug collection features cactus silk, a cotton and vegetable blend, that is both cozy and sustainable. The rugs are handmade in Morocco and offer your space some global flair.

Serena & Lily

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Serena and Lily

Edgewater Lounge Chair

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This chair is as durable as it is beautiful and is made with performance fabric that can withstand staining, mold, UV rays, and other types of wear and tear. It's the perfect chair for indoor-outdoor living.

The Ingalls

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Kelly Wearstler

Kelly Wearstler has designed some of the most jaw-dropping boutique hotels, like Four Seasons Anguilla and Viceroy Miami. Here, the West Hollywood-based designer embodies Austin's talent, organic beauty, and eccentricity at the new Austin Proper Hotel.

"To truly create an authentic experience within a space, it is important to look beyond the interiors to what is surrounding them," Wearstler says. "Good design considers all the contextual fabric, the soul of a place. Without this grounding, you could be anywhere and risk creating a formulaic space. I like to draw inspiration from the local surroundings and environment when designing hotel spaces. I always look at architecture, location, and history as a starting point for telling the design story, taking cues from the culture and history of a place.”

The Ingalls

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Kelly Wearstler

What are your best tips for helping people emulate boutique hotel style at home?

“I’ve always believed in staying authentic to the space and location, so I recommend looking at the architectural structure for inspiration. My aesthetic is also about mixology—the juxtaposition of contemporary and classic, masculine and feminine, raw and refined—to give a space a contemporary yet comfortable feel. In both residential interiors and hotel spaces, I like to incorporate vintage and soulful historic reference points to create this spirit.”

What are some specific pieces or design features to add to your collection to achieve boutique hotel style?

“With all of my hospitality projects, I always incorporate local artisans and artwork and even indigenous materials to capture a city’s soul and infuse it into a property. A hotel lobby filled with as many locals as travelers is a testament to authenticity, so I want to be able to create a link to the local residents within the overall style.”

West Elm

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West Elm

Capiz Tiered Chandelier

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This stunning light fixture is made with hand-cut capiz shells by Filippino artisans and adds a touch of laid-black glamour to any room.

Dressing Rooms Interiors Studio

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Dressing Rooms Interiors Studio

Red Distressed Wood Boxes

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Bring a touch of unexpected character and patina with these beautiful boxes for your coffee table or shelves. We love Dressing Rooms Interiors Studio for unique vintage finds that will bring your home to life. 

Douglas Friedman

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Krista Stokes

The Maine-based designer is behind the rustic and luxurious interiors of Kennebunkport's Hidden Pond—a Veranda favorite—and the hotel's brand-new From Away Lodge designed in partnership with menswear designer Todd Snyder.

What does boutique hotel style mean to you?

"Boutique hotel style is less about a price point and more of a high attention to detail for me. From the time you arrive on the property, you feel that people have been working to make sure you feel welcomed, cared for, engaged, and relaxed."

Jeffrey R Roberts

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Krista Stokes

What are your tips to help emulate this style at home?

"Connect with your interiors. Is your home a representation of your travels, your taste in art, things you have collected when you were in a happy place, items that you invest in that bring you joy? Are you looking for things that are made locally? Are you supporting makers that also give great importance to details?" Stokes advises leaning into artwork, books, items you find on walks in nature, unique items from antique shops or Etsy to help create a home that's uniquely you.

How can you make the boutique hotel design trend fit your own personal style?

"Be hospitable to yourself, treat your own home as a space of respite, pay attention to details that support you feeling seen and heard in your home, give in to self expression, and stop playing it safe. Invest in pieces that you love and host gatherings that bring laughter and positive energy into your home."

RW Guild

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The Organic Sheep

Sheepskin Longhair

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This cozy piece was ethically and environmentally sourced so you can feel extra-excited about your purchase. It's perfect for creating a layered look or displaying as is. 

Goodee

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Skagerak

Edge Pot Ø18, Indoor - Terracotta

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Bring the outdoors in with these beautiful, handmade terra-cotta planters inspired by Greco-Egyptian designs.

5 WAYS TO ACHIEVE A LUXURY BOUTIQUE HOTEL-STYLE BEDROOM

And relax!

I’m talking that exquisitely indulgent moment – the moment when you first melt into a sumptuous hotel bed. Transient, yes but oh-so memorable. Gently fragranced overstuffed pillows, fluffy robe, soft lighting – a home from home…only much, much better! The beautiful boutique hotel is no ordinary pied-à-terre. It represents pure, unadulterated luxury. It’s no wonder that so many of us look to achieve the ’boutique hotel-style bedroom’ when renovating our homes.

Image: Sophie Paterson Interiors

But what makes a master bedroom feel like a luxury hotel? Tricky, where there’s a distinct lack of turn-down service and pillow-chocolates… This is a question I’m constantly exploring and was something I considered closely when redesigning my own master bedroom.

 

Relaxing in my master bedroom which I gave a luxury boutique hotel style transformation

Packaged into 5 neat sections, I hope that this post will guide you to achieve a truly aspirational and luxurious boutique hotel-style bedroom of your own.

 

 #1. COLOUR SCHEME | LUXURY BOUTIQUE HOTEL-STYLE BEDROOM

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – colour is key. And I use the term loosely as it can also refer to ‘lack of’! For ideas on the latest colour trends in 2018, read my post here.

A pivotal device for all rooms, colour can set the tone of your scheme, creating mood and atmosphere. The right hue can even induce sleep. For hotel-inspired luxury living, the palette requires a certain sophistication. Fuschia pink walls just don’t quite cut it. The overall colour-scheme should be considered holistically; from wall-coverings to wardrobe finishes, linens and flooring.

Keeping the overall palette chic and understated in my own bedroom

THE ‘FOUNDATION’ PALETTE

I generally opt for soft, easy-neutrals as the ‘foundation’ of a luxe hotel-inspired space. By this, I mean the larger, more permanent pieces – headboards, wardrobes or curtains. Choosing the perfect paint colour can be really tricky and you should consider various factors such as the orientation of your room (more advice on this here).

Image: Sarah Mailer Design

My go-to colours range from chalky whites, greige, mushroom, stone and taupe to feather, green-greys, silver, soft champagne and golden hues.  Dusky pinks and pale blush are also fabulous contemporary options for walls, linens and window treatments. Gentle blues with warmer undertones can also sing.

For my own, north-facing master bedroom, Farrow and Ball’s classic Elephant’s Breath was the perfect solution. A contemporary neutral paint with warm, red/lilac undertones, this hue has beautiful depth and a soothing quality. For continuity – and to extend the feeling of space – the woodwork and radiator dutifully received a couple of coats too.

My bedroom is painted in classic Farrow and Ball colour, Elephant’s Breath

WALLCOVERINGS

Wallcoverings are used extensively in luxury boutique hotels as they bring textural interest and depth to a space. If you’re looking to work with wallpaper in your home, first and foremost, I recommend choosing something that you love. And don’t be afraid to hang everywhere, especially if a subtle grass-cloth or gently textured silk appeals.

If paring with paint, allow the wallcovering to guide the colour. Whilst the heavily accented feature wall is pretty dated, use subtlety and flow as a contemporary way of combining wallpaper and paint. If you’re looking for on-trend wallpaper inspiration, this blog post is for you.

Image: Sarah Mailer Design

Wallpaper selection is quite personal but I always find myself gravitating towards textural or gently curved patterns and subtle, loose prints. Even a floral works but I recommend softness for a hotel-inspired luxury master bedroom. Sophisticated serenity is the goal.

BUILDING THE SCHEME

It’s always worth injecting a bit of contrast or colour into your scheme. Dark wood, deep bronze or black accents work well with lighter, muted neutrals as they ground the design and offer ‘weight’. Add punch through bedside tables, fireplace surrounds or statement lighting. Smaller accents – candles, framing or hardware – also work incredibly effectively. It’s amazing what a matte black handle can do to lift a wardrobe door.

Image: Sarah Mailer Design

Fashionable metallics and iridescent finishes can transform a palette. From rose-gold, copper and chrome to pewter, bronze and brass, a metallic pop can really sizzle. Mix and match with confidence (I’ve written more on this here).

Brights can also be introduced through soft furnishings and accessories – essentially, inter-changable aspects that don’t require huge commitment. When designing a luxury master bedroom, the ‘colours’ that I generally select tend to be more ‘balmy’ than ‘bright’.

Image: Sarah Mailer Design

 

#2. STATEMENT FURNITURE | LUXURY BOUTIQUE HOTEL-STYLE BEDROOM

 

THE BED

The bed (and headboard) should be the focal point of the luxury master bedroom scheme. Aim to position centrally in the space and work symmetrically around it if possible. One of the best pieces of advice that I can give is to go for the largest bed that the space can handle. My bedroom is really quite small but a good night’s sleep wins every time! After all, if you want to achieve total hotel luxury, comfort is paramount.

For a mattress, I champion anything with a topper. Go for the best that you can afford – it’s a long-term,worthwhile investment after all. I would also suggest you always try before you buy to avoid costly mistakes.

 

THE HEADBOARD

Image: Laura Hammett Interiors

Whether you’re buying a new bed in its entirety or simply adding a separate headboard, consider how to achieve that ‘wow’ factor. Drama and unashamed opulence is certainly a key aspect of the luxury hotel and this can be achieved through scale.

As my own master bedroom is so tiny, I designed a full height, vertically upholstered bespoke headboard which was wall-hung. This strong emphasis on verticality encourages a feeling of height and space (read more here in my interior design secrets post). It also offers a strong, statement backdrop for the layered cushions. We installed bespoke mirrors either side to add to the symmetry and drama!

Dressing the bed – one of my favourite parts!

Beautiful upholstery denotes classic luxury and elegance. Choose timeless fabrics like silk, satin, velvet or the more understated cotton-linen for the ultimate in hotel luxury living. Deep buttoned styles, studding and sectioned headboards always appeal to me. Sectional headboards are also perfect for spaces with limited access – small corridors or cramped staircases – so always consider this when planning your scheme.

Toy with interesting shapes – curves or architectural motifs for a different take or explore the ultimate luxury – an upholstered wall. Meanwhile, a framed headboard offers the perfect opportunity to introduce dark wood or black for that all important contrast.

Image: Sarah Mailer Design

I’m also a huge fan of low-level headboards which span across the back of the bed and beyond. These can really emphasize the feeling of horizontality within the space. Finish with some artwork above to fill the ‘void’. Cushions, artwork bedside lamps should work in proportion with the headboard.

Image: Laura Hammett Interiors

 

ADDITIONAL FURNITURE

Nothing says ‘luxury boutique hotel’ more than a seating area within a bedroom scheme. If you’re lucky enough to have the space for some occasional chairs and a little table – go for it! At the very least, an end-of-bed upholstered bench or storage ottoman is #goals. My master bedroom has no such space and so I’m forced to live vicariously through my clients. A sofa or bath is clearly denotes next-level luxe.

Image: Sophie Paterson Interiors

Wardrobes don’t have to be cumbersome. Ideally, they will be in-built (or at least appear to be with careful surrounds). Go for the maximum amount of storage that you can as this is everything. The luxury hotel bedroom certainly doesn’t ever feel cluttered and unmanageable, so the more secret spaces available for you to hide things away, the better.

To avoid wardrobes looking bulky, consider painting them the same colour as the walls so that they simply ‘melt’ away. I also love to use wallpaper on wardrobe doors, whether within panelled recesses or wrapped-around. To avoid looking pastiche and for durability, go for beautiful textured vinyls or silk coverings.

Image: Sarah Mailer Design

Bedside tables don’t have to come as a matching pair, although I love it when they do! And so does the luxury boutique hotel. (We’re suckers for symmetry).

Aim to keep them lower than your mattress and proportionate to your bed (so aim for wider if you have a Super-King like me). Of course, this isn’t always possible but certainly something to bear in mind, should space allow. Remember that dark colours can feel weighty and so these work well either side a large bed and oversized headboard. Also, dark wood like wenge or walnut is beautifully timeless.

 

#3. LUXE LINEN & SOFT FURNISHINGS | LUXURY BOUTIQUE HOTEL-STYLE BEDROOM

I make my bed every day and I cannot recommend it enough. I maintain that it’s good for the soul! Arriving home to an unmade bed can be stressful and doesn’t set a restful tone for your evening ahead.

LINEN

It’s all about the luxe linen. This Luxury 600 Thread Count White Bed Linen was gifted by The Secret Linen Store

Using the appropriate linen as a base to making your bed is key to achieving that boutique hotel-inspired look. I tend to opt for luxury plains with high thread counts. The Oxford border always offers another dimension of elegance. I would recommend investing in quality bed linen, as it not only needs to look inviting but feel it too. Slipping into beautifully pressed sheets at the end of a long day is also incredibly ‘hotel-luxe’.

 

DRESS THE BED

Image: Sophie Paterson Interiors

Consider the linen as your bed’s foundation. Finish ‘dressing’ it with a large textural bedspread or throw, a soft blanket and some beautiful cushions. Layering is key. Mix patterns, textures and finishes – from herringbone weaves to mohair knits or quilted cushions. Stick to feather-filled stuffing for cushion karate-chop perfection. And for unashamed luxury, go velvet. Trims can be a beautiful finishing feature and I’m always an advocate of a piped-edge.

Image: Sophie Paterson Interiors

You can have a little play with colour here (I have been known to throw in a mustard, gold or olive green)! Explore scale too – using larger cushions as a backdrop for smaller accents in the foreground. For some gorgeous cushion ideas, click here for my need-to-know one stop shop.

 

WINDOW TREATMENTS

Curtains? Blinds? Shutters?

My beautiful chandelier added the perfect finishing touch to my boutique hotel-style bedroom! You can buy the same here

Windows vary greatly in their style, size, depth and finish. For my unsightly UPVC run (sigh), I opted for a semi-sheer blind in a soft white, which allows natural light to diffuse into the space. This creates a universally flattering effect and effectively hides the plastic frame.  A simple trick that I can’t recommend enough, semi-sheer roller blinds are inexpensive and also aid climate control. Alternatively, you could install sheer voils to similar effect.

For a streamlined and luxurious look in the bedroom, I’m a huge advocate for floor to ceiling interlined and blackout curtains. Hang them high to visually elevate your ceiling height, adding grandeur and glamour to the space. When a significant run of fabric is being used, I generally opt for a plain or lightly patterned finish rather than anything too heavy or brash. Less is more, after all.

 

#4. LIGHTING | LUXURY BOUTIQUE HOTEL-STYLE BEDROOM

Image: Sarah Mailer Design

This element is so often overlooked but is one of the most important factors in styling the perfect luxury boutique hotel-style bedroom. Beautiful hotel rooms create mood and atmosphere, achieved through an artfully layered lighting scheme. From the soft, diffused, ambient lighting either side of the bed to the task light on a dressing table for perfect make-up application. Again, scale is key so don’t be afraid to go tall with your bedside lamps if your headboard is imposing for balance and flow.

Install little reading lights either side for practicality and consider a low-level glow through LED strip lighting under the bedside tables. This also works behind the headboard, creating a soft wash across the walls. Keep those ceiling spotlights turned off. Instead, a statement pendant or chandelier – always on a dimmer – completes the look and can add real ‘wow’ factor.

For a flattering evening glow, candles are your friends. Use generously. 

Image: Sarah Mailer Design

 

#5. STYLING & ACCESSORIES | LUXURY BOUTIQUE HOTEL-STYLE BEDROOM

Essentially jewellery for the bedroom, curate select pieces on your surfaces to give it some ‘sparkle’. It’s important to appeal to all senses in the accessories you choose.

 

SMALL ACCESSORIES

Feel dreamy with a luxury scented candle burning early-evening (an edit of my all-time-favourites will be appearing on Girl About House very soon). Pretty perfume bottles also work effectively as a styling tool, whilst pillow sprays look lovely and can induce sleep too – win/win. I like to display these on the bedside table, space dependent.

All the ingredients for a fabulous boutique hotel-style bedroom scheme

Add textural variation with extra blankets or rugs, which are especially welcomed when the temperature drops. Plants or flowers also inject visual interest – go faux if you’re looking for minimal upkeep. They can also be used to introduce a pop of colour and more organic shapes into the scheme.

Image: Sarah Mailer Design

 

ARTWORK AND MIRRORS

When planning how to dress your walls, a big question mark hangs in the air. Should you forgo the TV?

In theory, yes. This is, however, somewhat rich coming from me <insert hiding monkey emoji here> with a 40 inch monstrosity currently installed on angled bracket. I love to watch a box-set from the comfort of my own bed as much as I would from my holiday retreat. Visually, TVs are a nightmare so try to be clever with the placement. If you want to embrace mindfulness and pure serenity then perhaps leave it at the door. The jury’s out here…

Image: Sophie Paterson Interiors

The big TV debate aside, embellish your walls with beautiful mirrors and treasured artwork. I used mirrors either side of my bed to enlarge the space – a trick many miniature boutique hotels also adopt. Eglomisé, foxed and other antiqued finishes are softer on the eye and more flattering. Artwork can be used to add focal point to empty wall space – from pretty watercolours and understated line-drawings to layered prints.

AND FINALLY – BREAKFAST IN BED?

If you’re unwilling to commit to a chocolate on the pillow every night, consider investing in a large, coordinating breakfast tray. Perfect to use on those casual, breakfast-in-bed mornings. Those days when you have nowhere else to be (said no mum, ever)! Ideally, assign someone else to make the pancakes and finish with an extra helping of maple syrup!

All you really need is a breakfast-in-bed tray.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on my luxury boutique hotel-style bedroom scheme and about your own design updates. For some inspiration and glamour, take a look at my posts on The Ned, London, The Ned Part 2 and The Langham hotel. Comment below or continue the conversation on Instagram.

Girl signing off,

Sarah xx

Enjoying some well-deserved ‘me time’ after completing this mega blog post!

What is the difference between a boutique hotel and a hotel?

Modern travelers are not easily surprised. Choosing an accommodation option, tourists are limited only by the budget and their own imagination. You can stay in a modest apartment or in a luxury chain hotel, in a secluded villa or in a bustling city hostel. Another option for a vacation home is a boutique hotel.

What are the characteristics of boutique hotels?

A boutique hotel does not have a specific definition. The first hotels of this concept began to appear in the 80s of the 20th century in large cities in the USA and Great Britain. Their difference is a special, chamber atmosphere, individual service and unusual style of rooms. Over time, the number of hotels of this type has expanded and today stylish boutiques attract connoisseurs of comfort, design and privacy from all over the world. Boutiques are ready to offer guests personal service, peace and the highest comfort, which even luxury chain hotels cannot boast of. This type of accommodation does not have unified standards for design, room size, location. Nevertheless, there are a number of factors that unite all boutiques under a single concept. nine0003

Size

A characteristic feature of boutique hotels is a small number of rooms. The maximum number of rooms is 100, but often it does not exceed 30-40, creating a homely atmosphere of comfort and privacy. Each hotel has a cozy public space where guests can chat with each other.

Personality

Another integral part of every boutique hotel is exclusivity. Unlike large hotels, boutiques are not networked, endowed with an individual concept and style that never repeats. nine0003

Design

An additional difference between a boutique hotel and a chain hotel is the exclusive style inherent in a boutique. Already at the project stage, the style of the entire building, its common spaces and rooms are thought out. Architectural and design solutions are always unique and individual. Everything in the hotel is thought out to the smallest detail: furniture, decoration, additional decor items. The highlight of the boutiques is the individual design of each room. Often such hotels are located in historical buildings (castles, estates, public spaces). Then designers try to skillfully combine retro style with modernity, creating a special atmosphere in the rooms. nine0003

Character

As a rule, each hotel has its own specific bright concept, which distinguishes it from its own kind and from chain hotels. This can be expressed in the design of rooms, in service options, in special offers for guests. So, a boutique hotel in Washington offers guests to order a goldfish in their room - in case you miss your pet.

Location

There is no single rule here. A boutique hotel can be located anywhere: on a paradise island, in the center of a busy city, in an elite district of the capital, on secluded streets. Often such hotels are located in ancient castles and estates. nine0003

Culture (concept)

In addition to the general stylistic concept, many boutique hotels have an ideological concept. The hotel becomes a kind of interest club. So the creators attract people of the same circle and hobbies. It can be anything - sports, music, winemaking, agritourism.

Service

High service is the hallmark of boutique hotels. Each guest has a personal manager who, even before the arrival of the guest, knows his name and wishes. Throughout the holiday, the staff fulfills the orders of customers, offers a variety of luxurious amenities to order. nine0003

Gastronomy

Naturally, hotel managers strive to keep the cuisine up to par. Guests are offered delicious dishes from talented chefs, bright, authentic cuisine. The main goal of the chefs is to make sure that even gourmets are delighted with visiting their restaurant.

Clients

Boutique hotel guests come from all walks of life. Often they are united by common interests reflected in the concept of the hotel. Staying in such a hotel, it is easy to find like-minded people. What are the types of hotels: Wikipedia

What is a boutique hotel? — nachas.ru

In search of an unusual place to stay, boutique hotels are often offered. What are these hotels? Do they have something in common with classic boutiques where they sell something, or does the name carry a different meaning? In our article you will learn all the most important and interesting things about modern boutique hotels.

What is a boutique hotel?

Boutique hotel is a small hotel with 10 to 1000 rooms respectively. Its distinguishing feature is the unique design of each of the rooms. For the first time this format of the hotel appeared in the 80s of the XX century in the USA and Great Britain. The trend for such numbers gradually "migrated" from London, New York and San Francisco to European cities. nine0003

Translated from English, “boutique” means “small expensive shop”, and “boutique hotel” is a small hotel with expensive repairs and special service.

The boutique hotel was named after Stephen Rubell, who in 1984 turned his London Morgan Hotel into a work of art. He hired several designers who designed each room in a unique style.

The idea of ​​turning every room into a work of art seemed to Rubell not only original, but also commercially successful! The popularity of this concept has led many hotel owners to refurbish them. And, oddly enough, the number of people wishing to stay in boutique hotels has skyrocketed! And, accordingly, the profit of hoteliers. nine0003

The first boutique hotel in London became so popular that similar establishments began to open around the world.

Why do people choose boutique hotels?

Boutique hotel is a small hotel with 10 to 1000 rooms, respectively

Guests who often travel and stay in hotels often get bored with the monotonous interior of typical hotels. In search of something unusual and stylish, more and more people are staying at boutique hotels. This is really a worthy alternative to hotels that are "stamped" according to ready-made examples. Each boutique hotel has its own individual concept that embodies creative and exclusive ideas! nine0003

Competitive advantages of boutique hotels

Everything is unusual in a boutique hotel. Starting from the place of deployment, and ending with the choice of plumbing and textiles!

  • Exclusive design. As a rule, creative designers are involved in decorating hotels in this style. They do not work on a carbon copy, but on the basis of the individual design of each issue.
  • Only unusual ideas. Everything is unusual in the boutique hotel. Starting from the place of deployment, and ending with the choice of plumbing and textiles! Very often, such hotels are built on the site of former factories, factories, production workshops. nine0082
There are examples when a boutique hotel has appeared in an aircraft hangar or on a fishing boat!
  • Uniform style. In such a hotel, everything "from" and "to" is designed in the same style. For example, the famous Berlin hotel "SCHLOSSHOTEL" Grunewalde is made in the corporate style of the philanthropist Walter von Panwitz.

Lush draperies of textiles, monograms on the walls and furniture, antique decor items - all this reminds of the era of the German Emperor Wilhelm II. By the way, Karl Lagerfeld himself became the author of the hotel design. Also in Europe there are a lot of hotels made in the style of cultural Paris of the beginning of the 20th century, or gangster Chicago 1920s.

Visually, a boutique hotel can be confused with a museum or an architectural monument, and such objects look expensive, spectacular and presentable.
  • Small number of guests. The boutique hotel accepts several dozen guests, which also indicates the special status of the institution. It is always cozy, dignified, noble and not cheap here.
  • Special service. A special status dictates special guest service. So, to each guest - a strictly individual approach. The staff is sympathetic to the whims of some guests in the form of a transfer in a vintage car or breakfast with freshly caught oysters, not frozen ones. nine0082
  • Design contribution. Perhaps one of the key features of the boutiqie hotel is the design of the rooms. Creative directors of well-known fashion houses are often involved in the work. Karl Lagerfeld, Christian Lacroix, Giorgio Armani, Rick Owens - this is not the whole list of fashion art maestro who once helped to create unique hotels.

Perhaps one of the key features of the boutiqie hotel is the design of the rooms

Differences between a boutique hotel and an ordinary hotel

Unlike the same chain hotels, a boutique hotel is the only one of its kind

  • Bold design solutions and unique style. Unlike the same chain hotels, the boutique hotel is the only one of its kind.
  • Orientation to a refined audience. A boutique hotel will not have a large number of rooms and thousands of guests. The emphasis is on quality, not mass production. nine0082
  • Compliance with the privacy policy. Guests of such establishments can be sure of the confidentiality of the settlement. That is why among the guests of such hotels you can often see the stars of show business, politics, and business. By the way, one of the favorite places of the famous musician Bono in Florence is Porto Rossa - a classic boutique hotel with antique furniture from the 12th century!
  • Cost. Given this special positioning, the price of services in a boutique hotel is above average. But in return, the guest receives comfort, individual approach and enjoyment from being in such an unusual environment. nine0082
This boutique hotel is the ideal place for those who want to relax in style, in a relaxing atmosphere.

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