How to give your guests the Boutique bedroom experience.
Halina Sroka is the owner of Boutique and Breakfast, the definitive guide to the most desirable Bed and Breakfast and self-catering accommodation throughout the UK and now expanding into Europe. She is also a qualified interior designer and offers a consultancy service to property owners looking to create boutique-style bed and breakfast or self-catering accommodation. She shares with us her tips to giving your guests the boutique bedroom experience.
B&Bs are a British institution and they have come a long way since the days of candlewick bedspreads, communal bathrooms and badly cooked breakfasts. Now rooted firmly in the 21st century, B&Bs offer all the home comforts, mod-cons and luxurious finishing touches that you would expect to find in a boutique hotel. But if you are unsure how to go about creating that boutique experience in your own guest bedrooms, here are some tips to help set you on your way.
Create a statement – You want guests to think ‘wow’ as soon as they walk into the room and what better way than with a show-stopping bed. Favourites include the timelessly romantic four poster, which, whether you go for a full-on carved number or a more minimalist design, always says glamour. A popular alternative is a tall statement headboard, which adds a sense of height and elegance to the room and more than a touch of grandeur!
Dress the bed – Sumptuous bed linen is a must for the boutique guest bedroom, so invest in soft sheets and plump pillows to create a haven for luxurious lounging. Add colour and texture by incorporating accessories such as cushions and bed runners, which can be easily changed should you fancy a change. The use of rich fabrics including velvets and silks will serve to reinforce the feeling of luxury and glamour.
Add a feature wall or be bold with artwork – Perfect for framing the statement bed, a stand-out feature wall can totally alter the look of a room, turning it from ordinary into totally fabulous. Ensure you balance this with neutrals however, so as to keep the look chic. If you are worried a feature wall may be too permanent, invest in some artwork and simultaneously transform the space and feel of the room.
Style the bedside table – A welcoming environment is essential in hospitality and the presence of flowers is well known to affect the well being of individuals. Dress the bedside table with a striking floral display and a stylish bedside lamp is an absolute must!
Soften the lighting – Try softening the mood through the use of table lamps and dimmer switches instead of having a fixed overhead light which can be harsh. The result will be a calm and sophisticated atmosphere, perfect for guests looking to just ‘chill out’.
Add a bath – If you have the space then why not stretch to having a bath in the room? A luxury usually seen in hotel rooms, a fee standing bath conveys the ultimate in luxury. Add mood lighting and scented candles to complete the ambience, luxury toiletries and large fluffy bathrobes and you will be well on the way to giving your guest the most decadent of boutique experiences.
Don’t forget finishing touches – To add sophisticated glamour introduce luxurious textures such as leather, alabaster, bone china and chrome. Finishing touches such as leather hangers, or bathroom accessories that pair luminous alabaster and sleek chrome, all serve to complete that super luxurious boutique feel.
Play around with styles – Whilst it is often wise to style a room in keeping with the property’s architecture, done well, you can blend period features with contemporary minimalism surprising your guests with a totally unique look.
For more information visit www.boutiqueandbreakfast.com
