5 WAYS TO ACHIEVE A LUXURY BOUTIQUE HOTEL-STYLE BEDROOM

20th May 2018
, 28 Comments

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.

It's no wonder that so many of us look to achieve the 'boutique hotel style bedroom' when renovating our homes. Aspiring to create a private sanctuary oozing with elegance and sophistication...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.

 

It's no wonder that so many of us look to achieve the 'boutique hotel style bedroom' when renovating our homes. Aspiring to create a private sanctuary oozing with elegance and sophistication...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

It's no wonder that so many of us look to achieve the 'boutique hotel style bedroom' when renovating our homes. Aspiring to create a private sanctuary oozing with elegance and sophistication...It's no wonder that so many of us look to achieve the 'boutique hotel style bedroom' when renovating our homes. Aspiring to create a private sanctuary oozing with elegance and sophistication...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.

It's no wonder that so many of us look to achieve the 'boutique hotel style bedroom' when renovating our homes. Aspiring to create a private sanctuary oozing with elegance and sophistication...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).

It's no wonder that so many of us look to achieve the 'boutique hotel style bedroom' when renovating our homes. Aspiring to create a private sanctuary oozing with elegance and sophistication...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.

It's no wonder that so many of us look to achieve the 'boutique hotel style bedroom' when renovating our homes. Aspiring to create a private sanctuary oozing with elegance and sophistication...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.

It's no wonder that so many of us look to achieve the 'boutique hotel style bedroom' when renovating our homes. Aspiring to create a private sanctuary oozing with elegance and sophistication...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.

Luxury Master Bedroom - I generally opt for soft neutrals as the foundation of the space. By this, I mean the large, more permanent pieces - headboards, wardrobes, curtains... Choosing the perfect paint colour can be really tricky and you should consider various factors such as the orientation of your room (more advise on this here). My go-to colours range from chalky whites, greige, mushroom, stone and taupe to feather or green-greys, silver, soft champagne and golden hues. I also love the classic Farrow and Ball paint Elephants Breath which I used for my own bedroom.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’.

It's no wonder that so many of us look to achieve the 'boutique hotel style bedroom' when renovating our homes. Aspiring to create a private sanctuary oozing with elegance and sophistication...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

It's no wonder that so many of us look to achieve the 'boutique hotel style bedroom' when renovating our homes. Aspiring to create a private sanctuary oozing with elegance and sophistication...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!

It's no wonder that so many of us look to achieve the 'boutique hotel style bedroom' when renovating our homes. Aspiring to create a private sanctuary oozing with elegance and sophistication...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.

It's no wonder that so many of us look to achieve the 'boutique hotel style bedroom' when renovating our homes. Aspiring to create a private sanctuary oozing with elegance and sophistication...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.

It's no wonder that so many of us look to achieve the 'boutique hotel style bedroom' when renovating our homes. Aspiring to create a private sanctuary oozing with elegance and sophistication...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.

It's no wonder that so many of us look to achieve the 'boutique hotel style bedroom' when renovating our homes. Aspiring to create a private sanctuary oozing with elegance and sophistication...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.

It's no wonder that so many of us look to achieve the 'boutique hotel style bedroom' when renovating our homes. Aspiring to create a private sanctuary oozing with elegance and sophistication...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 no wonder that so many of us look to achieve the 'boutique hotel style bedroom' when renovating our homes. Aspiring to create a private sanctuary oozing with elegance and sophistication...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

It's no wonder that so many of us look to achieve the 'boutique hotel style bedroom' when renovating our homes. Aspiring to create a private sanctuary oozing with elegance and sophistication...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.

It's no wonder that so many of us look to achieve the 'boutique hotel style bedroom' when renovating our homes. Aspiring to create a private sanctuary oozing with elegance and sophistication...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?

It's no wonder that so many of us look to achieve the 'boutique hotel style bedroom' when renovating our homes. Aspiring to create a private sanctuary oozing with elegance and sophistication...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

It's no wonder that so many of us look to achieve the 'boutique hotel style bedroom' when renovating our homes. Aspiring to create a private sanctuary oozing with elegance and sophistication...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. 

It's no wonder that so many of us look to achieve the 'boutique hotel style bedroom' when renovating our homes. Aspiring to create a private sanctuary oozing with elegance and sophistication...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.

It's no wonder that so many of us look to achieve the 'boutique hotel style bedroom' when renovating our homes. Aspiring to create a private sanctuary oozing with elegance and sophistication...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.

It's no wonder that so many of us look to achieve the 'boutique hotel style bedroom' when renovating our homes. Aspiring to create a private sanctuary oozing with elegance and sophistication...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…

It's no wonder that so many of us look to achieve the 'boutique hotel style bedroom' when renovating our homes. Aspiring to create a private sanctuary oozing with elegance and sophistication...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!

It's no wonder that so many of us look to achieve the 'boutique hotel style bedroom' when renovating our homes. Aspiring to create a private sanctuary oozing with elegance and sophistication...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

It's no wonder that so many of us look to achieve the 'boutique hotel style bedroom' when renovating our homes. Aspiring to create a private sanctuary oozing with elegance and sophistication...Enjoying some well-deserved ‘me time’ after completing this mega blog post!

28 thoughts on “5 WAYS TO ACHIEVE A LUXURY BOUTIQUE HOTEL-STYLE BEDROOM”

  • I’ve just stumbled on your site as I search for a new house to move to, the bedroom blog is an inspiration. Now I know exactly where I have been going wrong in my decoration and how to amend it. Thank you x

  • Very attractive content to read with an eye catching image. Great ideas on designing a luxury hotel style bedroom.

  • Hi I wondered if you supplied oor knew where I would get the cushion tassels from the picture above? Thanks!

  • Hi, I love love your master bedroom! I am going to have to immediately follow on instagram! Beautiful neutrals like this are my favourite. I wonder if you recall at all where your two bed throws are from (the velvety looking one and the herringbone one underneath). Thank you so much x

  • Wow!!!! it’s the amazing interior of rooms, I love it. I like the bed (and headboard) should be the focal point of the luxury master bedroom scheme.

  • Really Fantastic designs and I love it so much. In these designs i love all designs… Thank you For Sharing it…..

  • I just love every stuff of this room. The furniture is so stylish and you really set up all the things so perfectly.

  • Wonderful site and advice .Colour schemes are calming ,rich and welcoming .Thank you for putting a smile on my face during these hard coronavirus days.

  • Would you be willing to share the brand name of the gray herringbone throw? I just love the look of it.

  • Perfect timing for this post! Appreciating the time and effort you put into your website and in-depth information you offer. You’ve really covered up almost all the possible info that every bedroom lover should follow. Worth sharing! Please do continue sharing updates! Thanks!

  • It is the great blog post.It is the helfpul and informative blog .I am always read your blog . I like it thanks for sharing this information with us .

  • Great blog post helfpul and informative.I am always read your blog . I like it thanks for sharing this information with us .

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  • Hello! I found you through an online search for luxury hotel bedroom ideas and think your ideas are spot on. My trouble? Curtains. Yours seem to have the perfect drape, weight, and shape with all those classic, stacked folds. What do I need to look for to recreate this look at home? I personally want to avoid pinch pleats since I’ll want my curtains to be functional for closing each night – and it looks like yours are. Thanks for sharing!

  • This is so luxurious! Thanks for sharing

  • I have read your blog its great

  • Such a nice blog on 5 ways to achieve a luxury boutique hotel style bedroom and I hope you keep update us with such great tips and information in future too. This is a great post; I will share as much as I can.

  • I love your bed. Can you tell me where’d you purchased the duvet, throws, and pillows?

  • Thanks for your sharing. Love the decoration. I want to put a hotle style bedhead in my room, what do you think about it? The design of the hotel bed headboard can be a very important aspect to consider. In order to maintain the overall appearance of the room, the design of the headboard must be aesthetically pleasing, but not overly decorative. It should also match the other elements of the room, including the bedding and the bathroom fixtures.

  • Great post! The informative article was very helpful, Amazing post and great content. Thank you for sharing it

  • I think you are right about having a seating area in your room. My wife and I want to get a hotel for our anniversary. We’ll have to consider getting a bed and breakfast reserved.

  • The article “5 Ways to Achieve a Luxury Boutique Hotel-Style Bedroom” by Girl About House provides useful tips for anyone looking to elevate the style and comfort of their bedroom. The author presents ideas that are easy to implement, such as adding layers of bedding, incorporating plush textures, and using statement lighting. By following these simple steps, readers can transform their bedroom into a luxurious oasis that rivals the comfort and elegance of a high-end boutique hotel. Overall, this article is a great resource for those seeking inspiration and practical advice on how to create a more inviting and stylish bedroom.

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