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9 ways to bring five-star hotel feels into your home

9 ways to bring five-star hotel feels into your home

Daily Mail​28-06-2025
LUXE TILES
Statement tiles are straight out of a sleek hotel's playbook and will make a space feel boutique, even if the rest of the room is quite simple. Think marble chevron, Moroccan zellige or vibrant geometric patterns used in smaller areas, such as the bathroom floor. That way you can make an impact without blowing the budget. The trick is to pick tiles that feel modern but classic – monochrome, terrazzo and earthy shades like sage green or mustard are all good choices. For similar tiles to these, try mandarinstone.com.
STATEMENT PAINTWORK
Hotels often paint architectural details, such as moulding and woodwork, in colours to make them stand out. The effect gives a tailored finish and is easy to recreate at home. Shades that are darker or lighter than the surrounding walls are best for impact – use a gloss finish to reflect light around smaller spaces. For a similar dark blue paint shade, try Passionate Blue, yescolours.com.
POSH PANELLING
Panelled walls add instant character to any room. If your budget doesn't stretch to ready-made panelling, DIY versions are just as effective – and no one will know the difference. Measure and sand your wall, cut your wood (MDF works best) to size and attach the panels using a strong adhesive. Fill any gaps, prime the surface, then paint in tonal colours for a hotel-worthy finish. Sofa, £1,200, and table, £250, habitat.co.uk
BOLD HEADBOARDS
Not only does a dramatic headboard scream 'luxe hotel', it's also a great way to experiment with patterns. Don't be afraid to go big with oversized prints such as florals or stripes, or play with striking silhouettes in tactile textures such as velvet or brushed linen. Try bensonsforbeds.co.uk for a range of velvet freestanding headboards, or reupholster an existing headboard – buttonandsprung.com offers upholstery services.
OVERSIZED LIGHTS
A statement pendant light looks bespoke (even if it isn't) and can be seen in all the best hotels. When choosing a design, look for a luxe finish such as smoked glass, brushed brass or woven texture. Go oversized in scale – a large pendant light hung above a dining table or kitchen island delivers designer vibes, even if the shade is from the high street. Rattan flower pendant light, £199, pooky.com
AND FOR BONUS BOUTIQUE POINTS...
★ Opt for white towels and bed linen for a clean hotel aesthetic at home. Find an affordable selection at hm.com.
★ Swap plastic for glass carafes on nightstands – uk.muji.eu sells a variety.
★ Layer sofa and bed cushions for a luxe feel and mix bespoke and high-street designs. For extra texture, add a throw.
★ Light candles or use an essential oil diffuser for a spa-like ambience.
Bolster cushion
£35 Shop
Towels
£18 Shop
Wall tile
£42 per sq m Shop
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After years of falling audience figures, Love Island is also experiencing a boom this summer: increased numbers tuned in to watch the UK and US versions, with the New York Times attributing the popularity of the latter to its ability to offer reprieve during 'times of societal and economic hardship'. As dress and design historian Amber Butchart put it when curating Splash!, a recent exhibition on swimming and style at the Design Museum in London: 'Swimwear's close relationship with the body means it reflects changing attitudes to modesty, morality and public display. From the 18th century, bathing machines were used to protect sea dippers from prying eyes. But throughout the 20th century, a number of boundary-pushing designs challenged previous ideas of decency while also courting controversy. For the last century, what we wear while swimming has been used as an excuse to police bodies.' 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Once [the fashion industry] has forgotten something, then it can be recuperated – and it makes for a little sense of novelty.'

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