Simple ways to good design
Like wonderful service and delicious food, the right look and style is at the very heart of your guests' enjoyment. And the great news is that beautiful design isn't just for boutique hotels and chic retreats. It's for all kinds of hotels, from country inns to traditional b&bs to seaside guest houses.
So use this guide to ensure when your guests take a break away from home they find an inspiring and welcoming environment where they can really enjoy spending time.
Before starting any new redecoration or refurbishment, look at your interiors as though you were a guest staying for the first time. Then choose a style that will really appeal to the guests you'd like to attract.
The truth is that good design guidelines work for all interior styles. They cost no more to put into practice than basic decorating - all you need is a little inside info...
Work with the space you have
It's important to work effectively with the space that you have. Plan the furniture you really need and check the scale of the pieces you intend to buy carefully. Making a rough scale floor plan and cardboard furniture templates can help you work out the finished effect and save a fortune.
Avoid oversized furniture in a small room and bear in mind that small-scale furniture will look lost in a large room. Use the grid at the back of your brochure to make sure the space is used effectively.
Back to basics
It's the simple things that go a long way in impressing guests and encouraging good word of mouth. Make sure your building looks great from the outside by keeping the exterior well maintained. Sparkling windows and porches, clutter-free paths and carefully trimmed hedges and gardens will create the right first impression.
Entrance halls and receptions should be welcoming, tidy and clean. Think about using fresh flowers or plants to give your entrance a softer look. Try using products such as Dulux Trade Diamond Matt, which is ten times tougher than standard vinyl silk.
Let there be light
Lighting is one of the most important starting points when planning new decorating. Good lighting can make even the most basic of interiors look amazing and you'll spend less money on furniture because the light itself makes the space interesting. Take time to plan lighting and think about creating different lighting areas to enhance mood and ambience.
It's all in the balance
Symmetrical balance sees furniture and accessories arranged in a mirror image of each other. Sophisticated and formal, it works beautifully in bedrooms and seating areas. Buy identical pairs of sofas, bedside tables, vases and table lamps and place them opposite each other in the room.
Asymmetrical balance builds a more casual and relaxed look with items that don't match. It's easy to achieve - use pieces of furniture and accessories either side of the centre of the room. For an easy starting point, try this look out on a mantelpiece or lobby table.
For all the senses
Great interiors appeal to all the senses. Looking good, feeling comfortable, smelling fresh, tasting great and sounding relaxed should all come together seamlessly for your guests' enjoyment. Lighting, colour, pattern and texture in furnishings and accessories all play a part in creating the feel good factor.
The right colours and decoration
Together, colour and decoration can set an individual style which will please current guests and attract new ones. Choose colours, patterns and textures that complement the character of the building, then use the same colours to create a coordinated flow through the rooms and open spaces. Start with neutrals and add bolder tones and patterns to areas you want to highlight.
Know your guests
Be guided by your guests and what they're looking for from their stay. If they have the time, ask their opinion - it's the best insight you could possibly have.
Ready for a little more inspiration?
Our leading interior designers have put together some looks to inspire you. And there's no need to follow them to the letter to have a big impact - there are lots of hints and tips to help you make changes that will make a big difference at little expense.