Donald Trump orders entry fee, DEI changes at national parks. How it affects Michigan
The new order calls for charging non-U.S. residents higher fees for park entry and recreation passes, including the yearlong America the Beautiful pass, which grants access to public lands across federal agencies, as well as pulling back on DEI orders under President Barack Obama and President Joe Biden.
"From the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon to the tranquility of the Great Smoky Mountains, America's national parks have provided generations of American families with unforgettable memories," Trump said in the July 3 order.
"It is the policy of my Administration to preserve these opportunities for American families in future generations by increasing entry fees for foreign tourists, improving affordability for United States residents, and expanding opportunities to enjoy America's splendid national treasures," he said.
In Michigan, people can visit a national park (Isle Royale), two national lakeshores (Sleeping Bear Dunes and Pictured Rocks), a national battlefield park (River Raisin in Monroe), a national historic park (multiple sites in the Keweenaw Peninsula) and a national heritage area (Detroit). Only Isle Royale and the lakeshores entry charge fees.
Any revenue generated by higher fees from foreign tourists, Trump's order says, will be funneled back into infrastructure improvements and other enhancements across federal recreation sites. The order also requires a review of maintenance needs and stipulates that the Secretary of the Interior will take steps to make necessary improvements.
USA TODAY reached out the Interior Department and National Park Service for comment on the new executive order.
What to know about the order and Michigan's national parks.
Reservations required: Which national parks require them in 2025
The order calls for giving Americans "preferential treatment with respect to any remaining recreational access rules, including permitting or lottery rules."
The executive order revokes a presidential memorandum signed by then-President Barack Obama in 2017 that promoted a range of diversity and inclusion efforts in the management of national parks and other public lands.
It called for improving access for all Americans and "considering recommendations and proposals from diverse populations to protect at-risk historic, cultural, and natural sites."
Diversity and inclusion were also priorities for parks during the Biden administration.
Before leaving office in January, then National Park Service Director Chuck Sams told USA TODAY: "When I took my oath of office on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, Secretary (Deb) Haaland said, on behalf of the president of the United States, myself and the American people, I'm charging you with these monuments, memorials and parks, but more importantly, we're charging you to find those stories that are less told or haven't been told yet, and to tell them fiercely.
"So over the last three-plus years, working all across the park system, we've been able to tell stories to ensure that every American sees a reflection of themselves in the parks," he said.
But the latest move comes after Trump on his first day back in office in January ordered an end to government diversity, equity, and inclusion programs established under Biden.
In 2023, 2.8 million park visitors spent an estimated $273 million in local gateway regions while visiting National Park Service lands in Michigan, the NPS said. The expenditures supported a total of 3,730 jobs, $139 million in labor income, $237 million in value added, and $413 million in economic output in the Michigan economy.
The statistics were not broken down by domestic or foreign visitors.
Visitor spending around Sleeping Bear Dunes totaled $197 million, Pictured Rocks about $46 million, River Raisin about $17 million, Isle Royale about $12 million and the Keweenaw area about 42 million.
In 1966, Congress designated the area along Lake Superior's southern shore between Munising and Grand Marais as the nation's first national lakeshore, but the park's features are more than 10,000 years old.
More: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore renown for colorful cliffs, but there's more to see, do
The namesake of the park is the multicolored sandstone cliffs that stretch for 15 miles along Lake Superior's south shore. The cliffs are streaked with various minerals that leave different colors behind.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore saw 910,939 total visitors in 2023, a 1.5% decrease from 2022 and a 30% decrease from 2021, where the park saw its highest visitation of 1.3 million visitors, according to the National Park Service.
Standard pass fees are $15 (snowmobile) to $25 (private vehicle), and $25 to $100 for commercial vehicles. An annual pass for the lakeshore is $45. America the Beautiful passes range from free to $80.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, northwest of Traverse City, welcomes 1.5 million visitors each year, according to the National Park Service.
More: This national lakeshore offers dunes, camping along Lake Michigan. Where to visit
The national lakeshore offers towering sand dunes to navigate, beaches for swimming and sunbathing, hiking and biking trails, inland Manitou islands, historic coastal villages and museums, camping, forests, rivers and inland lakes for kayaking or tubing or canoeing, a lighthouse and more. The tallest dune is 450 feet.
Entrance passes to the lakeshore include a $25 standard pass, with varying prices for larger vehicles; $45 annual pass and America the Beautiful pass at varying prices. There are also seven-day digital passes.
The America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands pass is $80 for an annual pass, $80 for a senior lifetime pass, $20 for a senior annual pass and free for military annual pass, military lifetime pass, access pass, fourth grade pass, and volunteer pass.
River Raisin park preserves, commemorates, and interprets the January 1813 battles of the War of 1812 and their aftermath, the park service said, that resulted in the greatest victory for Tecumseh's Confederation and the British and the greatest defeat for the U.S.
The park includes the battlefield itself, as well as a nearby visitor center. The park visitor center includes a diorama of the River Raisin settlement, orientation maps, ranger programs, basic park orientation, and gift shop.
The park sits on the north bank of the River Raisin, along Elm Avenue. The visitor center is across the street along North Dixie Highway.
No entrance pass is required to access River Raisin National Battlefield Park, according to the park service. There is also no charge to view the film "The Untold Legacy of the River Raisin" in the park's theater.
The Keweenaw National Historic Park includes a variety of sites throughout "Copper Country" in the Keweenaw, many of which are privately operated.
The Calumet Visitor Center is located at 98 5th Street in downtown Calumet. Visitors can explore two floors of interactive exhibits, films, and museum pieces focusing not only on mining history, but also the social aspect of the communities that developed to support mining operations, the park service said.
An entrance pass is not required to access Keweenaw National Historical Park, but privately operated sites within the park area may charge fees.
Isle Royale National Park, one of the nation's least-visited and most remote parks, offers a rugged landscape in the middle of Lake Superior to explore in the northern Great Lakes, according to Pure Michigan. The park is operated by the National Park Service, the lone national park in Michigan.
There are more than 400 islands, some tiny, that make up the archipelago. Isle Royale, the park's main island, is 9 miles wide and 50 miles long, the park service says.
More: How big is Isle Royale National Park? What to know about the remote island chain
In addition to reaching the islands via private boats, there are several seaplane and ferry routes to the archipeligo.
Some lodging options are available on the island, including the Rock Harbor Lodge and the Windigo Camper Cabins. The island has boating docks, multiple campgrounds with options for group camping, inland lake paddling campgrounds, trail accessible campgrounds and Lake Superior accessible campgrounds.
Isle Royale National Park charges a $7 per person daily entrance fee to enter or remain within the park per calendar day. The Isle Royale season pass costs $60. Federal lands passes (annual, military, veteran, senior, access, and volunteer) are accepted at Isle Royale.
Congressionally designated in 1998, MotorCities National Heritage Area preserves the story of how tinkerers became titans and how auto and labor helped build the middle class while transforming manufacturing worldwide, the park service says.
The area encompasses the Automotive Hall of Fame in Dearborn, Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Detroit Historical Museum, Edsel and Eleanor Ford home, Ypsilanti Automotive Heritage Museum, Gilmore Car Museum near Kalamazoo, Alfred P. Sloan Museum in Flint, Ford Piquette Avenue plant, R.E. Olds Transportation Museum in Lansing and the Old Mill Museum in Dundee.
The sites included in the heritage area all are operated by groups other than the park service and charge entrance fees.
— USA TODAY contributed to this story.
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Trump orders national parks to charge foreign tourists higher fees
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28 minutes ago
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Here's What It's Like to Be a Flight Attendant on the Longest Flight in the World
The longest flight in the world is 18 hours and 45 minutes long and connects New York City's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Singapore Changi International Airport (SIN). For the flight attendants who work this ultra-long-haul route, the work presents unique challenges—as well as unique ways to connect with passengers. To thrive during the extended time in the air, flight attendants have come up with interesting ways to make their work more enjoyable. There are long-haul flights, and then there are ultra-long-haul flights, a completely different beast altogether. Currently, the longest nonstop flight in the world clocks in at 18 hours and 45 minutes, connecting New York City's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Singapore Changi International Airport (SIN). For most passengers, that's a test of endurance. For flight attendants, it's just another day at the office—albeit one that happens to be 38,000 feet in the air. We spoke with Madeline Khaw, a leading flight attendant at Singapore Airlines who regularly flies this marathon route, to get her perspective on what it's like to work the world's longest flight and her tips for making ultra-long-haul flights more comfortable. What It's Like to Work the Longest Flight in the World A flight attendant talks to two passengers. Singapore Airlines For most people, the idea of being a flight attendant might bring to mind images of glamorous travel to far-off destinations—but Khaw says that there's much more to being a flight attendant. For example, the logistics alone on this route are staggering. Since the flight is 18 hours long, the crew operates in carefully planned shifts. "The crew is divided into designated rest periods in the crew bunks," Khaw says. "It's critical to ensure that all crew members get adequate rest, so they're alert and able to provide consistent service and deliver the required safety standards throughout the journey." Plus, sleeping at 38,000 feet presents its own challenges. Khaw says that designated rest areas are available to help the crew recharge, but sometimes it can be tricky to sleep on board because of turbulence or cabin noise. The toll on crew members goes far beyond simply being tired. Readjusting to time zones that are 12 to 15 hours apart wreaks havoc on sleep patterns and overall well-being. "Operating long-haul flights does come with its own set of challenges, with fatigue being one of the most noticeable long-term effects," Khaw says. "Over time, it may contribute to things like persistent tiredness and occasional breakouts." This reality has forced Khaw to become proactive about self-care. "Facial masks have become a must in my skincare routine, especially hydrating ones, to combat the effects of drier cabin air and jet lag," she says. The long flight time also creates unique team dynamics. The crew's preparation begins long before takeoff, with rosters specifically arranged to help them prepare for and recover from these demanding flights. "From the moment we begin our duties, there's an unspoken understanding that we'll need to rely on each other throughout the 18 hours—not just for service efficiency, but also to maintain morale and energy," Khaw explains. Even small moments matter during such a long journey. "Sharing a laugh or moment with the crew during a lull period is a real energy booster," she says. What Passengers Are Like at 38,000 Feet for 18 Hours A group of friends celebrate on a flight. Singapore Airlines What makes this route particularly unique is how passenger interactions evolve over such a prolonged period. Unlike shorter flights where passengers maintain relatively consistent moods, the 18-hour journey reveals what Khaw describes as "a fuller spectrum of human behavior." "We tend to see people go from being fresh and excited to tired and sometimes emotional, before reverting to a more cheerful demeanor closer to landing," she says. However, the length of this particular route has led to some of Khaw's most memorable moments in her career. On one flight, she remembers a passenger struggling to connect to the onboard Wi-Fi while trying to send an important email. "I made the unconventional decision to offer him my personal device, understanding that I would want someone to extend the same offer to me if I were in his situation," Khaw says. "This allowed him to finish sending the email promptly and return to enjoying his flight." The story doesn't end there, though. "What made the incident really touching was what happened after,' Khaw says. 'Having remembered my birthday from our brief conversation, he would send a simple birthday greeting to me every year—a small but meaningful reminder of how a small act of empathy can form a lasting human connection, even at 38,000 feet in the air." How Flight Attendants Prepare Before Each Trip A reclined airplane seat in Premium Economy. Singapore Airlines Before each 18-hour journey, Khaw has developed specific rituals to prepare for the demands ahead. "An important activity to keep me grounded is to spend quality time with my loved ones at home," she says. "Sharing a simple, home-cooked meal with my family can help me reset emotionally before being away for several days." Practical preparation is equally crucial. "Making sure I am fully prepared gives me peace of mind, so I have a ritual of double-checking everything I've packed for the longer layover, such as extra sets of uniforms, skincare, and vitamins." Khaw's approach aligns with other experienced crew members on the route. Lead flight attendant Ashley Tan, who has been part of this marathon journey since its early days, emphasizes the importance of getting adequate rest the night before, ideally around seven to eight hours of sleep. During long breaks mid-flight, Tan changes into comfortable clothes for more relaxing rest periods and strategically avoids caffeine, which can have heightened effects at altitude, including jitteriness and potential nausea. "I still remember that flight. I was so excited that I couldn't sleep before the flight," Tan says of her early experiences on the route in a Straits Times video. But perhaps most importantly, Khaw maintains perspective about her unique role. "Mentally, I try to stay grounded by reminding myself of the bigger picture—that this is a privileged role and not everyone gets to do this," she says. "I'm flying to New York, one of the most exciting cities in the world, and I've trained hard to be here. That sense of pride keeps me centered." Despite the challenges, Khaw says that the job has given her unique growth opportunities both professionally and as a person. "Getting to operate ultra-long-haul flights has taken me to places I never imagined visiting," she says. "Beyond just traveling, this role has helped me build resilience, adaptability, and strong time management skills from working in constantly shifting time zones." Expert Tips to Make Your Next Long-haul Flight More Comfortable A passenger relaxes on a flight with headphones. Margot Cavin/Travel + Leisure Based on her experiences and what she's noticed from frequent travelers, Khaw has four tips to make your next ultra-long-haul flight more comfortable: Strategic Meal Timing "I've learned that eating too much, too little, or at the wrong times can really throw off my body clock and affect digestion, especially when crossing multiple time zones," Khaw says. "To avoid sluggishness and bloating, I try to stick to light, non-greasy meals before a flight." Stay Hydrated Experienced passengers understand the importance of proper hydration during extended flights. "Frequent flyers on this route sometimes prefer drinking plenty of water throughout the flight, avoiding sugary or caffeinated drinks that can dehydrate," Khaw says. Comfort and Preparation Seasoned travelers often come prepared for the long journey ahead. "They will often dress comfortably to adapt to the changing cabin temperatures, making sure to bring essential items, such as noise-canceling headphones and a neck pillow, or a good moisturizer," Khaw says. Time Zone Adjustment Smart passengers don't wait until landing to start adjusting to their destination's schedule. "Travelers would also make a conscious effort to try and adjust to the time zone of their destinations by either sleeping or staying awake at appropriate times," she says. After countless hours working at 38,000 feet, Khaw has learned that ultra-long-haul flights reveal something fundamental about human nature, both in passengers and crew. Whether it's a frustrated passenger who becomes a lifelong connection or a crew member finding their stride during demanding shifts, these marathon journeys often strip away pretense and show what really helps: good preparation, a bit of empathy, and the small gestures that make long distances more bearable.
Yahoo
an hour ago
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How To Make Your Home Feel Like A Fancy Hotel
There's something particularly relaxing about staying in a nice hotel. Maybe it's the clean sheets and plush towels or the cool artwork and fancy lobby bar. But whatever it is, I often find myself wishing my apartment gave me the same feeling I get from spending time in a boutique hotel or luxury resort bar. I know I'm not alone in this wish. 'The feeling of walking into a nice hotel evokes an excitement in all of us,' Jessica Lagrange, founder of Jessica Lagrange Interiors, told HuffPost. 'You feel as though you are somewhere special as soon as you walk into the hotel with beautiful design all around you and many perks and amenities we may not have at home.' But it turns out there are ways to incorporate some of those perks into your own space. We asked Lagrange and other interior designers, as well as hotel experts, to share their tips for making your home feel like a fancy hotel. 'Luxury hotels have a recognizable aroma,' said home stager and designer Leia T. Ward of LTW Design. 'The 1 Hotels have a beautiful aroma and sell it in their 1 Hotel candles, and the Ritz Paris is another hotel with its own aroma that they also sell in a candle. This evokes a sense of calm and feels very inviting for travelers.' Floral, woodsy, fruity ― whatever your preferred scent is, make sure it fills your home. 'Candles can be placed in bathrooms, on coffee tables and even by the kitchen sink,' said Lisa Galano, founder of Lisa Galano Design Consultancy. 'A warm scent throughout the home does wonders to elevate a vibe and mood. A few favorites are Otherland, Maison Louis Marie and Byredo.' 'Buy the best bedding you can afford,' said Liana Hawes Young, creative director at Wimberly Interiors. 'Luxury, top-quality bedding comes in a range of price points and will provide you with a five-star slumber.' We spend about a third of our lives sleeping, so it's worth investing in our beds. If your mattress is due for an upgrade, invest in a new one that has a plush pillow top, as many luxury hotels use. Interior designer Anouska Hempel believes a good bed gives a strong focal point to the space 'Ensure that your bed is extra-deep with a 12-inch mattress,' she noted. 'Dress the bed beautifully with lovely toppers and six to eight pillows. It is important to make it an inviting and special place for yourself.' As for the sheets, there are great options from Brooklinen, Frette, Safera and Matteo, according to BHDM Design's Dan Mazzarini, who is leading the Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead's latest renovation. He also suggested buying down inserts for decorative pillows that are 2 inches larger than the fabric to make the room 'feel more luxurious and sumptuous.' And don't forget to make your bed in the morning. 'I recommend finishing with Downy Wrinkle Release and a spritz of Fredrick Malle 'Dan mon Lit' bedding mist for a hotel-ready smooth bed and a subtle and soothing rosewater scent,' Mazzarini said. 'Lighting is integral to creating the most emotive environments, whether for a dinner party, relaxing in your living room or nighttime reading in bed,' said Selina McCabe, senior partner of architecture interiors at Winch Design. 'The right balance between task lighting, architectural lighting and ambient lighting and its ability to transform a space should not be underestimated.' Several designers recommended warm lighting for a luxurious hotel feel. 'Check your light bulbs,' Hawes Young said. 'You want the color temperature to be a warm 2500K.' As for the fixtures, look into adding interesting lamps, chandeliers, sconces and more. 'From a styling perspective, dimmers on everything,' Mazzarini said. 'I especially love a picture light on a dimmer. They allow a space to go from day to night, with a softer, romantic sophistication.' Galano noted that Lutron makes reasonably priced, easy-to-install dimmers. Lagrange shared a tip for mastering your lighting scheme. 'Black-out draperies with sheers is also nice to have as you are able to control the privacy and light within your personal space,' she said. 'Everyone loves the hotel bar, so create your own bar at home for entertaining,' said Jay Jeffers, an interior designer who recently opened The Madrona hotel in Healdsburg, California. 'This could be a full bar setup with a counter, fun barstools and overhead lights, or it could be a decorative bar cart stocked with beautiful glassware and a bowl of fresh citrus.' Many of us dream of re-creating our favorite vacation cocktail and never get past the stage of looking up the ingredients. But with your own bar space at home, you might be more likely to actually make it. Creating a spa-like bathroom environment is a great way to make your home feel like a relaxing escape. 'Depending on your investment, this could be an oversized bathtub with intricate tiling or even just plush towels and a bathrobe,' Jeffers said. 'Decorative mirrors that double as art add even more luxuriousness to your space.' Don't forget about your bath products as well. 'I recommend investing in nice aromatherapy touches like Aesop hand soaps, Vitruvi diffuser blends, Crosby Elements candles, bath salts, a cozy Parachute robe, quality skin care,' said Devin VonderHaar, creator of The Modern Minimalist. 'Anything that enriches the sensory experience in your home.' 'Nice hotels always think of what you need and where and when you might need it,' Nikki Reed and Staci Inspektor, founders of Atelier Saucier, told HuffPost in an email. While your home might not come with a reception desk, concierge or housekeeping, there are ways to create a space that makes your life more convenient. 'Always having a charging station ready to fire up your electronics, a water glass situated next to the bed and a lamp switch in arm's reach,' Reed and Inspektor advised. 'I am in a true believer of proper scale and proportions,' said Therese Virserius of Virserius Studio, who designed The Starling in Atlanta. 'When you are trying to squeeze a large sofa, no matter how comfortable it is, into a small space, it just looks and feels unbalanced.' Before buying a new piece, measure everything and try to visualize how it will look in your home. There are even room planner websites and apps that make the visualization process super easy. 'Investing in the right size of furniture for your space is crucial,' Virserius said. 'Small doesn't mean uncomfortable, just as large doesn't mean comfortable. Find the right fit.' 'A touch of greenery or a live element of your choice finishes any space and brings in both color and fresh scent,' said Stephen King, CEO and founder of The Loren Hotels. Even if you aren't the plant parent type, you can still bring the outdoors in with some nice flowers. 'Whether it's from your grocery store or sending yourself an arrangement, fresh florals make any room have a note of hospitality,' Mazzarini said. 'I recommend massing out one kind of floral. A big floral always seems luxurious, seasonal and softening to a room. If you have the room, a center table in a front hall with a floral says welcome, luxury, arrival and respite.' 'I think any time you can present your everyday items nicely you are on your way to that relaxing hotel feeling,' said Julia Miller of Yond Interiors. 'Adding your Q-tips to a special ceramic holder, placing your soap on a nice teak tray or folding your towels can also create an instant calming vibe.' Galano similarly recommended smaller items that don't cost a ton but serve a purpose and really elevate a home. 'Invest in bath accessories like tissue covers, soap pumps and toothbrush holders,' she said. 'Some of our favorite boutique hotels are known for their memorable statement art,' said Gail Dunnett, founder of Studio D. 'Likewise, we recommend using artwork as an important visual tool to set the tone for your space. From the subject matter to the color palette to the materiality, there are infinite ways in which you can use artwork to create the perfect energy in moments throughout your home.' Special pieces of art that you select can make a hotel or house feel less like a sterile furniture store environment and more like an inviting home. 'I think art is crucial for a space as well,' Virserius said. 'Without it the space feels bare and empty, no matter how nicely everything else has been put together in the space. You need that extra layer of warmth and comfort. ″[E]nsure that the different rooms flow together while never being too matchy-matchy,' Jeffers said. 'Sometimes people feel that their homes need to totally match from one room to the other, and that just makes for a boring house!' Although you want your rooms to work together on the whole, each space can have a different feel. Don't be afraid to mix and match elements within the same room as well. 'Make sure there are layers and personality to the items in the home,' said Paul Price, design consultant for Mission Pacific Hotel and Seabird Resort. 'Don't make it feel as if it were all bought at the same time and place.' The combination of colors, textures, big pieces and accessories don't have to mimic what you see set up at a furniture store. 'Look into symmetry and beautiful fabrics ― mix vintage with modern items to give you an eclectic style,' Hempel said. 'Curate, curate, curate,' Hawes Young urged. 'Less is more. Purposely place items and objects in your home that you are fond of.' She recommended buying only coffee-table books that mean something to you ― such as an artist you like or a destination you've visited. 'Stack them on your bedside or coffee table in a tray with an object or two you found while traveling or during a special moment.' These kinds of special 'found pieces' are unique to your home and bring a sense of detail and finishing. 'Treat your home like your charm bracelet,' Price said. 'Have different items from different times in your life or places you lived or visited.' If travel books aren't your thing, consider other accessories like throw pillows or blankets from local stores you like. 'Decorative pillows can also add a touch of pizazz, from a unique face pillow to a soft mohair lumbar pillow,' Mazzarini said. 'The print, color and fabric of these decorative accents are the icing on the cake to your home.' 'A relaxing hotel vibe starts with a clean, decluttered space, so first I recommend an investment in organizing and decluttering, which can lower your stress level out of the gate and is something accessible that anyone can accomplish with a little bit of time set aside,' Dunnett said. Make sure there's a place for everything in your house and that you can see all of your belongings when you open a closet or cabinet. 'Cluttercore' might be having a moment, but visible clutter is not part of the fancy hotel look. Prioritize on function and organization instead. 'If you want an intentional, calming vibe, then take away the clutter and let the pieces breathe,' VonderHaar said. 'Beautifully designed furnishings speak for themselves.' 21 Decor Tips From Home Staging Experts The Biggest Home Organizing Mistakes People Make 19 Mistakes People Make With Houseplants
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
How To Make Your Home Feel Like A Fancy Hotel
There's something particularly relaxing about staying in a nice hotel. Maybe it's the clean sheets and plush towels or the cool artwork and fancy lobby bar. But whatever it is, I often find myself wishing my apartment gave me the same feeling I get from spending time in a boutique hotel or luxury resort bar. I know I'm not alone in this wish. 'The feeling of walking into a nice hotel evokes an excitement in all of us,' Jessica Lagrange, founder of Jessica Lagrange Interiors, told HuffPost. 'You feel as though you are somewhere special as soon as you walk into the hotel with beautiful design all around you and many perks and amenities we may not have at home.' But it turns out there are ways to incorporate some of those perks into your own space. We asked Lagrange and other interior designers, as well as hotel experts, to share their tips for making your home feel like a fancy hotel. 'Luxury hotels have a recognizable aroma,' said home stager and designer Leia T. Ward of LTW Design. 'The 1 Hotels have a beautiful aroma and sell it in their 1 Hotel candles, and the Ritz Paris is another hotel with its own aroma that they also sell in a candle. This evokes a sense of calm and feels very inviting for travelers.' Floral, woodsy, fruity ― whatever your preferred scent is, make sure it fills your home. 'Candles can be placed in bathrooms, on coffee tables and even by the kitchen sink,' said Lisa Galano, founder of Lisa Galano Design Consultancy. 'A warm scent throughout the home does wonders to elevate a vibe and mood. A few favorites are Otherland, Maison Louis Marie and Byredo.' 'Buy the best bedding you can afford,' said Liana Hawes Young, creative director at Wimberly Interiors. 'Luxury, top-quality bedding comes in a range of price points and will provide you with a five-star slumber.' We spend about a third of our lives sleeping, so it's worth investing in our beds. If your mattress is due for an upgrade, invest in a new one that has a plush pillow top, as many luxury hotels use. Interior designer Anouska Hempel believes a good bed gives a strong focal point to the space 'Ensure that your bed is extra-deep with a 12-inch mattress,' she noted. 'Dress the bed beautifully with lovely toppers and six to eight pillows. It is important to make it an inviting and special place for yourself.' As for the sheets, there are great options from Brooklinen, Frette, Safera and Matteo, according to BHDM Design's Dan Mazzarini, who is leading the Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead's latest renovation. He also suggested buying down inserts for decorative pillows that are 2 inches larger than the fabric to make the room 'feel more luxurious and sumptuous.' And don't forget to make your bed in the morning. 'I recommend finishing with Downy Wrinkle Release and a spritz of Fredrick Malle 'Dan mon Lit' bedding mist for a hotel-ready smooth bed and a subtle and soothing rosewater scent,' Mazzarini said. 'Lighting is integral to creating the most emotive environments, whether for a dinner party, relaxing in your living room or nighttime reading in bed,' said Selina McCabe, senior partner of architecture interiors at Winch Design. 'The right balance between task lighting, architectural lighting and ambient lighting and its ability to transform a space should not be underestimated.' Several designers recommended warm lighting for a luxurious hotel feel. 'Check your light bulbs,' Hawes Young said. 'You want the color temperature to be a warm 2500K.' As for the fixtures, look into adding interesting lamps, chandeliers, sconces and more. 'From a styling perspective, dimmers on everything,' Mazzarini said. 'I especially love a picture light on a dimmer. They allow a space to go from day to night, with a softer, romantic sophistication.' Galano noted that Lutron makes reasonably priced, easy-to-install dimmers. Lagrange shared a tip for mastering your lighting scheme. 'Black-out draperies with sheers is also nice to have as you are able to control the privacy and light within your personal space,' she said. 'Everyone loves the hotel bar, so create your own bar at home for entertaining,' said Jay Jeffers, an interior designer who recently opened The Madrona hotel in Healdsburg, California. 'This could be a full bar setup with a counter, fun barstools and overhead lights, or it could be a decorative bar cart stocked with beautiful glassware and a bowl of fresh citrus.' Many of us dream of re-creating our favorite vacation cocktail and never get past the stage of looking up the ingredients. But with your own bar space at home, you might be more likely to actually make it. Creating a spa-like bathroom environment is a great way to make your home feel like a relaxing escape. 'Depending on your investment, this could be an oversized bathtub with intricate tiling or even just plush towels and a bathrobe,' Jeffers said. 'Decorative mirrors that double as art add even more luxuriousness to your space.' Don't forget about your bath products as well. 'I recommend investing in nice aromatherapy touches like Aesop hand soaps, Vitruvi diffuser blends, Crosby Elements candles, bath salts, a cozy Parachute robe, quality skin care,' said Devin VonderHaar, creator of The Modern Minimalist. 'Anything that enriches the sensory experience in your home.' 'Nice hotels always think of what you need and where and when you might need it,' Nikki Reed and Staci Inspektor, founders of Atelier Saucier, told HuffPost in an email. While your home might not come with a reception desk, concierge or housekeeping, there are ways to create a space that makes your life more convenient. 'Always having a charging station ready to fire up your electronics, a water glass situated next to the bed and a lamp switch in arm's reach,' Reed and Inspektor advised. 'I am in a true believer of proper scale and proportions,' said Therese Virserius of Virserius Studio, who designed The Starling in Atlanta. 'When you are trying to squeeze a large sofa, no matter how comfortable it is, into a small space, it just looks and feels unbalanced.' Before buying a new piece, measure everything and try to visualize how it will look in your home. There are even room planner websites and apps that make the visualization process super easy. 'Investing in the right size of furniture for your space is crucial,' Virserius said. 'Small doesn't mean uncomfortable, just as large doesn't mean comfortable. Find the right fit.' 'A touch of greenery or a live element of your choice finishes any space and brings in both color and fresh scent,' said Stephen King, CEO and founder of The Loren Hotels. Even if you aren't the plant parent type, you can still bring the outdoors in with some nice flowers. 'Whether it's from your grocery store or sending yourself an arrangement, fresh florals make any room have a note of hospitality,' Mazzarini said. 'I recommend massing out one kind of floral. A big floral always seems luxurious, seasonal and softening to a room. If you have the room, a center table in a front hall with a floral says welcome, luxury, arrival and respite.' 'I think any time you can present your everyday items nicely you are on your way to that relaxing hotel feeling,' said Julia Miller of Yond Interiors. 'Adding your Q-tips to a special ceramic holder, placing your soap on a nice teak tray or folding your towels can also create an instant calming vibe.' Galano similarly recommended smaller items that don't cost a ton but serve a purpose and really elevate a home. 'Invest in bath accessories like tissue covers, soap pumps and toothbrush holders,' she said. 'Some of our favorite boutique hotels are known for their memorable statement art,' said Gail Dunnett, founder of Studio D. 'Likewise, we recommend using artwork as an important visual tool to set the tone for your space. From the subject matter to the color palette to the materiality, there are infinite ways in which you can use artwork to create the perfect energy in moments throughout your home.' Special pieces of art that you select can make a hotel or house feel less like a sterile furniture store environment and more like an inviting home. 'I think art is crucial for a space as well,' Virserius said. 'Without it the space feels bare and empty, no matter how nicely everything else has been put together in the space. You need that extra layer of warmth and comfort. ″[E]nsure that the different rooms flow together while never being too matchy-matchy,' Jeffers said. 'Sometimes people feel that their homes need to totally match from one room to the other, and that just makes for a boring house!' Although you want your rooms to work together on the whole, each space can have a different feel. Don't be afraid to mix and match elements within the same room as well. 'Make sure there are layers and personality to the items in the home,' said Paul Price, design consultant for Mission Pacific Hotel and Seabird Resort. 'Don't make it feel as if it were all bought at the same time and place.' The combination of colors, textures, big pieces and accessories don't have to mimic what you see set up at a furniture store. 'Look into symmetry and beautiful fabrics ― mix vintage with modern items to give you an eclectic style,' Hempel said. 'Curate, curate, curate,' Hawes Young urged. 'Less is more. Purposely place items and objects in your home that you are fond of.' She recommended buying only coffee-table books that mean something to you ― such as an artist you like or a destination you've visited. 'Stack them on your bedside or coffee table in a tray with an object or two you found while traveling or during a special moment.' These kinds of special 'found pieces' are unique to your home and bring a sense of detail and finishing. 'Treat your home like your charm bracelet,' Price said. 'Have different items from different times in your life or places you lived or visited.' If travel books aren't your thing, consider other accessories like throw pillows or blankets from local stores you like. 'Decorative pillows can also add a touch of pizazz, from a unique face pillow to a soft mohair lumbar pillow,' Mazzarini said. 'The print, color and fabric of these decorative accents are the icing on the cake to your home.' 'A relaxing hotel vibe starts with a clean, decluttered space, so first I recommend an investment in organizing and decluttering, which can lower your stress level out of the gate and is something accessible that anyone can accomplish with a little bit of time set aside,' Dunnett said. Make sure there's a place for everything in your house and that you can see all of your belongings when you open a closet or cabinet. 'Cluttercore' might be having a moment, but visible clutter is not part of the fancy hotel look. Prioritize on function and organization instead. 'If you want an intentional, calming vibe, then take away the clutter and let the pieces breathe,' VonderHaar said. 'Beautifully designed furnishings speak for themselves.' 21 Decor Tips From Home Staging Experts The Biggest Home Organizing Mistakes People Make 19 Mistakes People Make With Houseplants
