AS SEEN IN EMIRATES HOME MAGAZINE
Super excited Harf Noon Design Studio got a second feature this month in the September issue of Emirates Home Magazine! In the interview, I discuss how to get that boutique hotel bedroom look.
You can check the entire article below to recreate your own hotel-inspired bedroom.
In a Hotel inspired bedroom make sure you keep all the senses engaged, from what you see to what you smell and what you touch and hear, below are some of my tips.
What are your top five tips for creating a hotel-inspired bedroom?
1- Bedding - My philosophy has always been, spend the most you can afford on the things that come into contact with your body. Creating a beautiful and comfortable bed is just a matter of a few good choices. For the ultimate hotel look, your bedding has to be white. Start with the best bed sheets you can afford. One hundred percent cotton is best because cotton allows air to flow and keeps your body more comfortable through the night.
Next are Duvets which are sold without a finished decorative cover. If you like to change your top of bed design often or just seasonally than a duvet is best for you. There are a number of natural duvet options, but down is most often recommended due to it’s flexibility.
Layering a bed adds comfort and helps define the style of the bedroom. Add a coordinating coverlet to the foot of your bed for chillier AC nights, it can add color and texture to any bedroom. A throw contributes to further the designer finish in the bedroom. Always use your pillows (preferably in luxurious velvet) to add another layer with decorative shams. Finally, finish with decorative cushions in accent colors to create that off-the-page-of-a-decor-magazine look.
2. A reading nook - A single chair with a footrest and add a floor lamp, big pillows and a throw to style it.
3. Art – Never leave the walls empty if you have a large bedroom, you can always add some kind of wall décor to further enhance the looks of the room and it can be paintings, canvas art, or any kind of wall art. There is a wide variety of options out there, from beautiful black and white photography to abstract paintings. Just make sure you hang these at eye level.
4. Lighting - Choose statement ceiling lights to make an impact and to soften the look and take it to a luxurious level, go for table lamps, hanging lamps and floor lights in your bedroom. Candles and mirrors will help reflect light too.
5. No Clutter Policy– less is definitely best, so toss out all the fussy accessories and focus on whats important in the room.
Top three accessories for a high-end look?
Make it a habit to purchase fresh flowers every week. It doesn’t have to be something expensive. It could be a few carnations in one colors, or even one or two peonies, or simple green leaves like eucalyptus. Also adding a scented candle is a plus.
Trays are great for accessorizing, think silver or clear acrylic, they can hold different perfumes, stacked books, trinket boxes etc.
Decorate in 3’s, 3 items of the same thing (think three vases, 3 votives etc..) or three different items keep things neat and uncluttered
What is the best colour scheme for a hotel look?
Shades of grey in warm and cool hues create a hotel style bedroom that exudes elegance and style. Take the time to ensure that the colours blend harmoniously. Ultimately you want a room setting that is calm and serene, or bold and extravagant. Steer away from contrasting colors.
I want to wallpaper my bedroom walls, do you have any suggestions of a look that a hotel might use?
There are a lot of trending colors right now from Dark Navy, to dark Green, and 50 shades of Grey! Whatever you choose go bold. Choose wallpaper that has a nice texture, that will soften the space, it can be a fun playful pattern, I suggest not going for overly simple wall patterns that you can replicate with paint. Also you can save money by placing it only on the headboard wall and choosing a neutral harmonious paint color for the rest of the walls.
How can I introduce stylish storage?
Big night stands are a must (if you have the space for them) you can hide a million things, and gives you extra storage in the space too. Make sure to style it with a nice tray to hold your book, fresh flowers, a scented candle and a beautiful alarm clock.
Also editing and styling the dresser with a big round mirror, a few accessories and a beautiful table lamp is a plus (remember the rule of 3’s)
You can even look for stylish storage options that won't spoil the finished look of the room. Dual-purpose furniture such as a storage ottoman at the bottom of the bed, even a storage headboard, will put clutter out of sight.
Any tips for a wow-factor headboard?
In any hotel style bedroom the focus is on the bed, so make sure to make it the main feature in the bedroom. An oversized upholstered headboard in Diamond-tufted fabric is a classic, done in grey linen or velvet fabric will add the right touch of luxury when combined with accent colors and accessories. Alternatively you may consider framing the bed with huge upholstered panels that highlights the sense of luxury.
What fabrics would you suggest for luxury curtains and blinds?
Blackout drape curtains are a must do for the perfect night’s sleep. With floor touching voile’s that offer filtered light during the day and possibly a pelmet (if the ceiling height allows), it will give you the perfect window treatment.
Patterns are a great way of making a statement. Think vivacious hues, bold patterns and innovative designs for the wow factor. Get a dynamic look with an assortment of rich tones and patterned designs to mix and match, creating an exciting heart to any room. Chic and contemporary fabrics dares to set trends in a palette of rich and neutral tones, complementing the luxurious easy-to-care-for, washable fabrics. The cool linen, soft satin and subtle metallic look is a perfect match for geometric, herringbone and medallion designs.
Any lighting tips?
Lighting is key for a beautiful Hotel inspired bedroom, it sets the right mood at all times. In order to keep the overall look soft think of multiple lighting points. Choose a dramatic, showstopper like gorgeous pendant lights or Scandinavian designed modern options. Skip bedside lamps for hanging scones or reading lamps on either side. Introduce extra lighting in the reading nook and on the dresser if possible too, that way you have an overall relaxing ambience whenever you need it.
Finally, have your ipod preloaded with relaxing tune or podcasts and if the room is an en-suite, follow the same theme of colors into your bathroom as well.
