As a design writer, there’s nothing I love more than a luxury hotel stay. I can’t get enough of the comfy sheets, spacious bathrooms and plush robes, all of which can take an ordinary, hectic travel day and make it feel like a relaxing spa getaway.
I appreciate that hotel rooms are pared down when it comes to stuff, but they offer plenty of eye candy nonetheless. It’s fun to stay in a room that closely reflects a property’s natural surroundings or history or simply has a welcoming, vibrant energy. Luxury hotel rooms are by no means cookie cutter and always appear both elevated and elegant, thanks to the inspiring color palettes and materials present.
Considering how often I visit hotels (I’m usually on a plane at least twice per month, if that gives you any sense of how much I travel!), I can’t help but to find decorating inspiration for my New York City apartment—or future home down the road.
Below, I’m sharing eight key design takeaways from recent trips to top hotels across the globe. There’s something for everyone, no matter your design style, home size or color preference.
Don’t Shy Away From Pattern Mixing
The Riggs in Washington, D.C., proves that there’s no reason not to go a little bold with pattern mixing. As soon as I set foot in my guest room, I was blown away by the stunning marbleized wallpaper behind the bed as well as the colorful headboard that complements the print perfectly. So much of the time, we’re hesitant to try a daring bedroom look, but in my opinion, establishing a focal point in the room like this one is an excellent way to anchor the space. Keeping the bedding white and minimalistic allows these two graphic patterns to shine, while ensuring that the overall result doesn’t appear too visually overwhelming.
Go for a Loud Wall Color
The remainder of this room at The Riggs pulls from the coral bolster pillow on the bed; this color is carried over onto the walls, drapery and even the rug. Again, there is nothing wrong with making a daring choice in a bedroom as long as you keep clutter, decor and furniture to a minimum, as shown here.
Upgrade Your Bed With a Canopy
Gleneagles Townhouse in Edinburgh, Scotland, proves that canopies are back in a big way, and they aren’t just for children’s sleep spaces. Consider placing one behind your bed alongside (or in lieu of) a traditional headboard. It’s an excellent way to add a pop of color to any bedroom while evoking a grand, timeless look, even if you leave yours tied back most of the time.
Add Dimension to the Walls With Molding
Additionally, don’t underestimate the power of two-toned walls. If your bedroom features picture frame molding, paint it in a statement hue. The dark green shade used here at Gleneagles has a sophisticated flair and adds dimension to the room. Picture frame molding can be renter-friendly, too. You can add picture frame molding to your space as well! Cut molding strips to size and adhere them to the walls with double-sided mounting tape for easy removal down the line.
You could also choose to paint inside of the molding in order to create a different kind of two-toned look, as seen here at The Plaza New York in New York City.
Another option is to place wallpaper inside of picture frame molding boxes, as seen in this Plaza suite. This is a great way to embrace pattern on a slightly smaller scale. The end result here is reminiscent of classic chinoiserie panels.
Try a Lengthy Headboard
Who says your headboard can’t span an entire wall? This fabric-covered beauty at the Austin Proper Hotel in Austin, TX, not only looks cozy, but also adds a welcome layer of texture and pattern to this airy guest room. Not only do oversized fabric-covered headboards of this nature look cool, but they also can serve an excellent functional purpose: blocking sound. If you live in close quarters and share walls with roommates or noisy neighbors, you may consider making a DIY headboard like this. With some MDF board, foam and the fabric of your choosing, you could easily replicate this look, all the while enjoying a custom piece that doesn’t break the bank.
Lean Your Art
Artwork doesn’t need to hang on the walls to make a statement. The leaning approach looks chic and casual in this room at the Rosewood Mayakoba in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico, but it’s also an excellent solution for renters (or those who like to redecorate often, myself included!). There’s no need to worry about hammering nails into the wall (or determining how to mount a sizable piece like this one). Simply lean framed work on a table, floating shelf or ledge (or even on the floor, if it’s large enough) and it will still look right at home in your space.
Make Your Nightstand Multifunctional
As a small-space dweller, I’m always inspired by how others make the most of a room with minimal square footage. One way to pull this off is to take a cue from La Fantaisie in Paris and opt for a petite end table next to the bed instead of a traditional nightstand. The top of the table still offers plenty of surface space to accommodate a phone, water glass, book and more at night, but by day, it can easily transform into a desk or vanity as needed. Simply tuck a pretty ottoman underneath as seen here, and you’re golden!
Pattern Drench Like a Pro
Why not go all in with one singular pattern for a maximalist look? Take a cue from the concept of color drenching, which entails applying one shade (or a few related tones) to the entirety of a room and do just that with pattern instead. At 100 Princes Street in Edinburgh, Scotland, a beautiful green and blue tartan makes its way from the bedding to the wallpaper to the curtains in this guest suite.
In order to prevent a room like this from appearing too busy, it’s important to keep the remainder of your color scheme consistent. Here, furniture and decorative pieces rooted in black and gold help to ground the space throughout. Painting the ceiling a solid white ensures that the room does not appear too dark despite the presence of so many deep, saturated colors.
Sarah Lyon is a New York City-based freelancer who produces interior design, travel and lifestyle content. Her work is featured in outlets including Apartment Therapy, Architectural Digest, MyDomaine, The Washington Post and The New York Times. Plus, her personal spaces have appeared on Apartment Therapy, The Everygirl, Houzz and more.
