There is no experience quite as amazing as staying in a luxury hotel. The sheets are usually Egyptian cotton, whilst the shower is like a spa treatment in itself. The room or suite will be immaculately presented; probably with a tasty treat on your pillow every day.
Despite your best efforts it is unlikely that your home ever has quite the same feel, this is partly because you have to do the cleaning and tidying yourself! However, the following tips will help you to transform your own home into a taste of luxury; without blowing a huge budget:
The Bedroom
One feature that all luxury hotels have is a lavish bedroom, matching bed linen and curtains are essential. Make sure your bed has a good mattress and then add plump pillows and a down comforter to it. Make sure your bed has a headboard, preferably a soft one to rest your head on. There should also be matching bedside tables; one on each side of the bed, with lights on. If you have the space, a desk and chair, if possible even a comfortable chair or two. Of course, you also need a TV on the side. Just like that your bedroom will feel like a luxury hotel room every time you walk in.
The Bathroom
The shower must be a glass enclosure with built in jets and a top of the range shower head. Unfortunately there is only one way to simulate this; that is to actually fit a shower enclosure and Jacuzzi bath. Other luxury touches include a heated towel rail and heated flooring; preferably marble or tiles. You may not be able to achieve all of this in one go but small steps combined with scented candles, soft towels and a few, carefully placed, miniature soaps and shampoos will give the same feel.
The Entrance
The trick as you or your visitors enter your home is to draw their eye. Place a small table with a pretty arrangement of real flowers near the front door. It will immediately catch anyone’s eye. Add a few books, a bowl and maybe a soft light to finish the effect.
Curtains
Instead of buying blinds or off the shelf curtains, make your own or have them made for you. The end result will transform any home; a custom curtain will fit your window and change the feel of the room. Pick the material yourself to match the room. If you have the skills, sew the curtains yourself; if not a seamstress will not be as expensive as you think.
Temperature
Every hotel room has a thermostat and the room remains at just the right temperature. No matter what heating system you use it is possible to replicate this by fitting your own thermostat. Your heating does not need to be on all the time. There are now wireless systems which can be used to tell your heating to turn on; before you even start heading for home!
Lighting
A harsh light can ruin the decor of any room. All light fittings can be replaced with ones which are more sympathetic to the feel you are trying to create. Use modern lights with dimmer switches to ensure the right mood can be set for any occasion.
Space
No matter what space you have available it must be constructed to look neat, tidy and well organized. Bookcases, bespoke metal furniture pieces, and sideboards should have decorative objects on show as well as perfect rows of books. There should be no clutter; odds and ends belong in either drawers or in bowls on the side.
Flowers
Every room of your home should have some form of plant. The greenness brings the outdoors inside and helps to create the feel of an opulent space. Flowers will also provide a pleasing scent to anyone arriving at your home. If maintaining plants is beyond the time available or your skill level; then consider dried twigs or river stones in a bowl.
Last but not least, don’t forget about the flooring. It needs to be hardwearing and uniform across the room. Most importantly it will be clean. Choose flooring which will suit your daily needs and be easy to keep clean. A shiny floor will give an impression of a luxury hotel.
