Your five-star bedroom: how to bring that hotel aesthetic home

The Guardian

22-02-2025

Whether it's the crisp white sheets, plush rugs, luxurious finishes or serene feel, there is always something deliciously inviting about a boutique hotel bedroom. So it is hardly surprising many of us attempt to recreate that same warm and inviting look in our own homes. In fact, according to Pinterest, in the last three months alone, searches for 'hotel room aesthetic' have risen 30% from the previous quarter and 'modern luxury bedroom' has jumped 25%. And yet we still somehow fall short: the bed never looks quite as plump, furnishing appears less harmonious and clothes are constantly spilling out of wardrobes.
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'People can find it difficult to design bedrooms because it is such a sacred and personal space,' says Minnie Kemp, interior designer and design director for Firmdale Hotels, which includes London's Ham Yard Hotel and New York's Whitby Hotel. 'But it doesn't have to be difficult and there are lots of things that you can do, like the choices of bedding, furniture and artwork, that will help achieve that boutique hotel look.'
London-based interior designer Anna Haines believes the starting point for a beautiful bedroom is the bed itself, bearing in mind we spend a third of our lives in one and it is the room's focal point. 'I love a four-poster bed because it gives a room a feeling of grandeur,' she says. 'People think you need a large room but we like to overscale furniture in smaller spaces. It works particularly well and helps the room feel a bit bigger.'
Choose a statement bed frame or headboard to make an impact. 'You don't have to change the whole bed, but if you can reupholster your bed frame with a beautiful fabric which has pattern and colour, that instantly draws your eye,' explains interior designer Enass Mahmoud, founder and creative director of London-based Studio Enass.
A good mattress is also crucial. 'It's like a good sofa,' explains Haines. 'You need one that lasts years.'
There has been a rise in popularity in more sustainable options from brands such as Naturalmat and Vispring. 'There is no way to select the correct support for your weight or to determine your comfort preference, other than trying out in store,' says Clare Schifano, Vispring's global marketing director. 'If you are purchasing with a partner, always shop together. A common misconception is that firmer is better; in fact, a softer mattress can still be supportive.'
When it comes to dressing the bed, white cotton holds the trump card, according to Kemp. 'I love using it because it is fresh and timeless and then you can be playful with your bed cushions and bedspread.' A vintage quilt can also be thrown over the end of the bed for added effect.
Haines agrees: 'I tend to source antique kanthas or Welsh blankets just to throw the scent off from everything being too matchy. It helps break up what can be a colossus of white.' Silk bedding is also popular. 'It's a wonderfully soft and smooth finish that emulates a perfectly made hotel bed,' says Deborah Fiddy, founder of silk brand Gingerlily. 'Unlike cotton, which absorbs the moisture from our skin and hair, silk helps retain it and as a result the bed sheets won't feel damp or uncomfortable.'
Everyone agrees that a couple of pillows on the bed are not enough for hotel-style impact. 'I would have two in white cotton and two more extravagant 60cm by 40cm cushions,' suggests Kemp.
The foundation of a boutique bedroom lies in its colour scheme. Paint may be your natural go-to option but do also consider wallpaper, says Haines.
'It feels more cosy and can be an understated pattern.' Artwork, even on wallpaper, adds personality.
While neutral tones create a timeless backdrop, don't feel you have to play it safe. 'We always try to express to clients that it's OK to use darker tones in the bedroom. It actually makes you feel more relaxed,' says Mahmood, who has designed several bedrooms with moody blues and greens. Dressing the windows is also a must. 'I love layering them – having a really nice patterned blind and then adding beautiful drapes over it. People sometimes put up curtains that are exactly the same width as a window, but if you were to drape the curtains from the ceiling right down to a few inches off the floor, it makes it look more elevated.'
Storage is the biggest issue when it comes to bedrooms at home, which generally need to pack in more than in a hotel. 'There is nothing worse than not having enough space and for clothes to be strewn all over the room,' says Haines. 'People underestimate the importance of having really good, bespoke joinery to maximise the space you have. With joinery, you can create a shelf at the top for suitcases or seasonal clothing, have hanging space, and then drawers at the bottom.' Kemp adds: 'I love ottoman beds. They give so much storage.'
Lighting is frequently an afterthought in bedroom design but it is key to the right atmosphere, says Georgia Metcalfe, founder of the company French Bedroom. 'Choose elegant overhead lighting on a dimmer, paired with soft low-level lights that give a warm bedside glow. Lighting should always look as good on as it does off – sculptural table lamps make beautiful ornaments within a room. For a truly hotel-style room, consider low-hanging pendants either side of your bed, or wall lights above the bedside tables.'
Mixing vintage furniture with contemporary pieces makes a room more visually appealing. 'We always encourage putting an armchair in a bedroom and we often source an antique chair,' says Haines. And lastly, if you are wondering whether to go for carpet or a rug, why not try both? 'I would recommend a fitted sisal carpet and then layering rugs on top of that,' says Kemp. 'It is not only great for acoustics but also has an indulgent hotel feel.'