TEXT BY JASMINE BIBLE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY AARON H. BIBLE, SUSAN KALERGIS, CARRIE TURNER
There’s something special about staying in a boutique hotel room. A sense of ease comes over you, allowing you to instantly relax and be present in the moment. Imagine if you could replicate that same feeling in your own home. We visited the Graduate Hotel in Charlottesville, VA, the Quirk Hotel in Richmond, VA, and the 21c Museum Hotel in Durham, NC. Each of these hotels have a different style, but achieve the same serene response. We’ve taken notes from each and discovered six commonalities that you can use to turn your bedroom into a chic retreat.
1. SYMMETRY
A balanced arrangement of objects and the negative space around them is naturally pleasing to the eye. A matching set of nightstands, lamps, and a rug centered under the bed sets a solid foundation.
2. BOLD DESIGN ELEMENTS
Rather than over-styled with too many objects, choose two or three bold elements like the velvet pillows on a velvet couch, pictured below at the 21c Museum Hotel in Durham, NC. Or the channel tufted headboard that goes all the way to the ceiling as seen above, also found at the 21c Museum Hotel. This will allow for each element to feel meaningful and impactful.
3. PLAYFUL ARTWORK
The bedroom is the perfect place to have a little fun with your artwork. You are the only one who is going to see it, so find something that speaks to you. Find something that inspires you, calms you, or makes you laugh (like a hot pink penguin!).
4. LUXE TEXTURES
Place a soft, thick rug underfoot. Use fluffy pillows, high thread-count bed linens, and a cozy throw. If crisp white sheets aren’t your style, linen bedding is worth the investment, and the natural wrinkles add to the charm. Add accent chairs in sumptuous fabrics like the red velvet chairs and grey velvet lounges we found at the Graduate Hotel in Charlottesville, VA.
5. STRICT COLOR PALETTE
Whether you choose rich jewel tones, or various shades of pink as seen at the Quirk Hotel in Richmond, VA, stay true to your color palette. This goes for the walls, trim, ceiling, draperies, and furniture. The result will feel cohesive and intentional.
6. CLUTTER FREE
Time to declutter! This may be the hardest rule to achieve, but will make the largest difference without costing you a penny. Remove everything that isn’t absolutely necessary. Place all books, night creams, and random clutter inside the nightstand. Keep electrical cords organized and out of site. Immediately place clothes into your closet or hamper, and hang up wet towels.
What is your favorite thing about a boutique hotel room?! Share your tips for a serene bedroom in the comments below.
We shared this story with you in our Spring/Summer 2018 Issue of NEST Magazine. To view the full issue, click here.