Suite Success: 12 Ways to Make Your Space Resemble a Design Hotel
You can bring home your favourite holiday's hip ambience with these chic design ideas
There’s something unmistakably alluring about staying in a hip hotel that really adds definition to a vacation no matter where you are in the world. From large open-plan bedrooms with stunning bathrooms, to clever living and dining combinations, to wall art that seems to captivate and add that cherry on top of the icing, the overall draw factor of the design hotel seems to be the way every detail is so lovingly conceived. Add space-savvy ideas and ingenious storage concepts that maximise the overall experience and you’re transported to design nirvana. So why should we have to only enjoy this hip lifestyle when we are on holiday? Steal inspirational hints from iconic establishments like the W Retreat in Bali (if tropical style went futuristic, this is it!) and The Art Series Hotels in Melbourne (cosy contemporary with lots of shimmer) and live it up in style all year round in the comfort of your home.
2. Dress your walls
It’s completely up to you what sort of wall treatments to use but don’t leave the whole house bare, unless you’re going for a minimalist theme.
Think gorgeous patterned wallpaper, cheeky decals or a wall colour you love, and work this into the design scheme. And yes, you can still have art on your walls even if it is also patterned! Just choose one bold piece rather than clutter the space with lots of little ones.
Check out Goodrich Global for a huge array of wall coverings.
More boutique hotel ideas for bedrooms
It’s completely up to you what sort of wall treatments to use but don’t leave the whole house bare, unless you’re going for a minimalist theme.
Think gorgeous patterned wallpaper, cheeky decals or a wall colour you love, and work this into the design scheme. And yes, you can still have art on your walls even if it is also patterned! Just choose one bold piece rather than clutter the space with lots of little ones.
Check out Goodrich Global for a huge array of wall coverings.
More boutique hotel ideas for bedrooms
3. Use clever feature walls to conceal storage and add utility
It’s amazing how ingenious some design hotels can be when using feature walls to demarcate and add function within a space. You’ll notice that often a feature wall will have several purposes including concealing entrances (to a staff-only area, adding privacy in the lobby, hiding storage near the concierge and bag holding area), showcasing large TVs for guest information, and hosting hidden storage or display space.
You can definitely use this in your own home by planning ahead. If the feature wall is in the common area of the home like the living room, use the wall to anchor the space.
It’s amazing how ingenious some design hotels can be when using feature walls to demarcate and add function within a space. You’ll notice that often a feature wall will have several purposes including concealing entrances (to a staff-only area, adding privacy in the lobby, hiding storage near the concierge and bag holding area), showcasing large TVs for guest information, and hosting hidden storage or display space.
You can definitely use this in your own home by planning ahead. If the feature wall is in the common area of the home like the living room, use the wall to anchor the space.
4. Splash out with oversized art
One thing you’ll always notice in hip hotels is the clever placement of art – many of which will be oversized to create impact.
Of course you don’t want to overcrowd your home so if you can only have one piece of art in your space, invest in a super-sized version and use this in an area that will really define your style.
For instance, try a huge wall mural in the living room that is visible from the foyer. You might get a few curious gazes from neighbours but your artwork will definitely make a statement.
One thing you’ll always notice in hip hotels is the clever placement of art – many of which will be oversized to create impact.
Of course you don’t want to overcrowd your home so if you can only have one piece of art in your space, invest in a super-sized version and use this in an area that will really define your style.
For instance, try a huge wall mural in the living room that is visible from the foyer. You might get a few curious gazes from neighbours but your artwork will definitely make a statement.
5. Maximise space with a kitchen bar
In the kitchen, choose a design that allows you to maximise space by creating a breakfast bar that doubles as entertaining space.
A combination of closed storage for cooking essentials and open storage for your favourite barware would work best here.
In the kitchen, choose a design that allows you to maximise space by creating a breakfast bar that doubles as entertaining space.
A combination of closed storage for cooking essentials and open storage for your favourite barware would work best here.
6. Set the mood with lighting
Bedside dimmer light switches can work a treat in changing the mood and setting the right atmosphere in your bedroom. Most design hotels will offer this as a standard. Do yourself a favour by having bedside light switches installed so you never have to get out of bed to turn it off again! Now that’s an idea worth sleeping on.
Bedside dimmer light switches can work a treat in changing the mood and setting the right atmosphere in your bedroom. Most design hotels will offer this as a standard. Do yourself a favour by having bedside light switches installed so you never have to get out of bed to turn it off again! Now that’s an idea worth sleeping on.
7. Get your furniture custom-designed
You’ll notice that most hotels incorporate custom-designed pieces since this is the best way to manipulate the space efficiently.
Instead of a store-bought bed, get a tailor-made solution that incorporates all your needs in the design.
Think wall-mounted bedside tables, a floating platform bed or an all-in-one piece that includes storage space. Customising will help you design your space so it’s one in a million and not just a carbon-copied picture out of an interior catalog.
You’ll notice that most hotels incorporate custom-designed pieces since this is the best way to manipulate the space efficiently.
Instead of a store-bought bed, get a tailor-made solution that incorporates all your needs in the design.
Think wall-mounted bedside tables, a floating platform bed or an all-in-one piece that includes storage space. Customising will help you design your space so it’s one in a million and not just a carbon-copied picture out of an interior catalog.
Bathroom
8. Use tactile surfaces in the bathroom to add interest
Just because your bathroom is a small space doesn’t mean you have to keep everything plain-Jane. That said, you don’t have to go back to the dark ages with patterned floral tiles either.
Deck out your bathroom in trendy hexagonal tiles and other cool surfaces such as black tap ware for a modernist take on laid-back designer living.
GF+A Global has a good selection of gorgeous tiles and finishes.
Just because your bathroom is a small space doesn’t mean you have to keep everything plain-Jane. That said, you don’t have to go back to the dark ages with patterned floral tiles either.
Deck out your bathroom in trendy hexagonal tiles and other cool surfaces such as black tap ware for a modernist take on laid-back designer living.
GF+A Global has a good selection of gorgeous tiles and finishes.
9. Utilise sliding panels for privacy
Studio apartments are literally an open concept dream-come-true but it can be tricky when you have guests over. Unless you are fine with people seeing the contents of your private space.
Reclaim your privacy by utilising sliding panels to demarcate zones within your home. Better yet, opt for mirrored panels that can add an element of spaciousness in a small home.
Studio apartments are literally an open concept dream-come-true but it can be tricky when you have guests over. Unless you are fine with people seeing the contents of your private space.
Reclaim your privacy by utilising sliding panels to demarcate zones within your home. Better yet, opt for mirrored panels that can add an element of spaciousness in a small home.
10. Opt for symmetry of style when decorating
One of the easiest ways to achieve a dreamy designer appeal at home is to use symmetry. In the bedroom, this can mean bedside tables on either side with table lamps allowing for before-bedtime reading.
Add a pop of colour with one gorgeous framed artwork above the bed for that perfect balance worthy of a design hotel.
One of the easiest ways to achieve a dreamy designer appeal at home is to use symmetry. In the bedroom, this can mean bedside tables on either side with table lamps allowing for before-bedtime reading.
Add a pop of colour with one gorgeous framed artwork above the bed for that perfect balance worthy of a design hotel.
11. Use light wood surfaces to inject warmth
Just because your apartment is tiny doesn’t mean it has to be stark white and cold. Take inspiration from Scandinavian homes that are usually very dark and use light wood flooring to add cheery warmth to the place.
If you live in a studio, extend your privacy by creating a louvred wall (from light wood timber that matches the floor) to create a privacy screen without blocking in the space. The last thing you want is to feel claustrophobic, so letting natural light permeate the entire space will definitely go a long way.
Just because your apartment is tiny doesn’t mean it has to be stark white and cold. Take inspiration from Scandinavian homes that are usually very dark and use light wood flooring to add cheery warmth to the place.
If you live in a studio, extend your privacy by creating a louvred wall (from light wood timber that matches the floor) to create a privacy screen without blocking in the space. The last thing you want is to feel claustrophobic, so letting natural light permeate the entire space will definitely go a long way.
12. Create hideaway rooms to maximise your space
You’ll notice that many hotels now include fold-away desks or dressers because space seems to be a premium even in resorts. That, and hideaway rooms, tend to keep clutter at bay.
If you need to have a study but use this on an occasional basis (not daily), it might be wise to craft a study niche within a guest room or in the living area instead of having one entire room for this.
Your designer will be able to custom design shelves, a bench and even a chair to match, in your hideaway study. If you’re after a hideaway dresser, keep in mind that natural light works best for makeup application so try and choose an appropriate spot near a window for best results.
TELL US
What’s the most relaxing spot in your home? Share in the Comments and attach a picture!
You’ll notice that many hotels now include fold-away desks or dressers because space seems to be a premium even in resorts. That, and hideaway rooms, tend to keep clutter at bay.
If you need to have a study but use this on an occasional basis (not daily), it might be wise to craft a study niche within a guest room or in the living area instead of having one entire room for this.
Your designer will be able to custom design shelves, a bench and even a chair to match, in your hideaway study. If you’re after a hideaway dresser, keep in mind that natural light works best for makeup application so try and choose an appropriate spot near a window for best results.
TELL US
What’s the most relaxing spot in your home? Share in the Comments and attach a picture!
One of the biggest defining features of design hotels is the amazing bathrooms that exist to please you. Whether or not you enjoy taking baths or prefer hot showers, dream up a stunning bathroom and the battle will literally be half won! Freestanding tubs are decadent additions but a regular bath would be perfect as well.
The idea is to recreate a relaxed space that you can indulge in whenever you want. Take it one step further by including your very own vertical wall full of gorgeous succulents (which are low-maintenance) or plants of your choosing. It’ll not only add to the ambience but you’ll need very little else to complete your space.
Not green fingered? No worries. Good quality artificial potted plants can give you the same effect without the need for maintenance.