Now that we’re all stuck getting to enjoy more time at home, it seems everyone has been in nesting mode. We started a new decorating project right before the whole world changed, which is a little panic inducing (not the most ideal time for big spending), but also a much needed distraction. It’s no secret that I am obsessed with boutique hotels. They were my inspiration for so many of my design choices.
When we renovated our townhouse over five years ago, we used a lot of what we already owned. We couldn’t afford new living room furniture and our bedroom was kind of thrown together. I bought cheap nightstands as placeholders and never replaced them. Our living room was my least favorite room in the house. It is small and dark and I couldn’t figure out how to make it feel energetically better.
I discovered the interior designer Kirsten Blazek of a1000xbetter while reading my favorite interiors magazines, Rue. She is also an interiors stylist, styling for big companies like CB2, which is really why I decided to hire her. When I emailed her, I said, “I need you to come into my house and tell me what to buy to make it look finished!” Thankfully she was up for the challenge. I cannot wait to show you the before and afters of our living room, dining room, and bedroom, when this pandemic is over, so stay tuned!
Now that we are spending every waking moment in our home, my obsession with boutique hotels has served me well. I’ve pulled out bath products I snagged from my favorite hotels to remind me of our times in faraway lands. And, through working with Kirsten, we’re getting gorgeous new bedding— like this cotton pinstripped throw that will be perfect for warmer months.
Read on for some of the other ways to easily make your home feel more like your favorite home away from home.
Crisp White Linens
If you want to know how to make your bedroom looks like a hotel suite, you have to start with the bedding. I used to have Euro shams in our master bedroom, but I recently switched to the simplistic trend of stacking two hotel quality pillows that you will actually use and then adding a couple throw pillows like these. It will make your bed look like it just had turn down service. Also, blue and rust are the hottest colors in design right now.
Stylish Soap
The great thing is that you don’t have to spend a fortune to have expensive looking soap. I will splurge on Savon de Marseille for my powder room, as it lasts forever, but for the master bath, I love Bamford products to remind me of London and hotels like The Wild Rabbit.
Playful Art
Art is usually a key decor element in boutique hotels. The Rachel Brown Art at The Landsby Hotel is one of the details I remember most about our stay. It’s also what makes Kit Kemp’s hotels so whimsical. Some of the art I’ve purchased for our living room refresh includes this one and this one.
Texture & Pattern
Throw pillows, faux fur, patterned rugs, and cozy throws are all details that pack a lot of punch. Adding some of these elements are a great way to spruce up your home as the seasons change. I really need a storage unit to house all my extra throw pillows!
Gorgeous Glassware
A beautiful bar is almost always part of the boutique hotel experience, and the easiest way to recreate this at home is with your glassware. From vintage colored glasses to adorable margarita glasses, elevate your lack of weekend plans with my favorite cocktail in the perfect coupe.
