Home decor ideas that will make you feel like you're on a staycation

A Blissed-out Sanctuary

1/3

Picture: Artur Nyk /123rf

 

There is a reason why holiday-goers head to resorts for a city-detox; they are often miles away from everything fast-paced and noisy! To be surrounded by nature is a luxury for city-dwellers, but it is not impossible to recreate this environment in your home.

 

Three important features make up the experience of a villa bedroom. “Incredible views, privacy, and spaciousness,” says Anthony Lark of beachfront resort Trisara Phuket. “Imagine your home as part of a garden. Your bed should face a view and the interior should be simple; don’t let it distract you from the surrounding environment.”

 

Not in a home surrounded by nature? Bring nature indoors. Susan Colley and Marco Scarani, interior designers of the Nihiwatu resort in Indonesia, suggest using materials such as rope, woven fabric and wood. “The authenticity of artisanal accessories such as handmade baskets and traditional ikat prints will also add character,” they say. 

 

As villa bedrooms are often spacious and uncluttered, be careful not to overdo the accessories, and choose items with similar hues and details to unify the look. 

Alternatively, you can bring the outdoors in by using colours inspired by the landscape; Nihiwatu uses terracotta-hues, greens and blues, whereas Trisara opts for a dark brown-and-white colour scheme, in the form of teak furniture and white orchids. 

 

To create a sense of privacy and tranquillity, Geraldine Dohogne of Phum Baitang Cambodia says the resort focuses on features that ensure total relaxation. This includes quiet air-conditioning, dimmers to create various atmospheres throughout the day (though natural lighting is still the best option) and a firm and thick mattress with quality linen.

The Unique Boutique Experience

2/3

Picture: Viacheslav Khmelnitskiy /123rf 

 

What sets boutique hotels apart from luxury hotels, other than the former having fewer and smaller rooms, is their strong emphasis on design and individuality. Each bedroom usually has a different theme.

“A boutique-hotel guest room gives you a sense of escape from the daily grind,” says Colin Seah of Ministry Design, who designed the New Majestic Hotel. For such a bedroom, homeowners should aim for “comfort, but with a strong visual presence”.

 

Ting Huong Tak, general manager of M Social, echoes a similar sentiment: “Decide on a theme or mood, and use unique finishes and a variety of furnishings and fittings to tie it together. However, keep comfort and practicality in mind.”

Take a cue from M Social, the recently launched design-led hotel (M Social is too big to be considered a boutique hotel, though!) designed by Philippe Starck. Its rooms feature statement-making designs such as pitched roofs and concrete-finished walls, and also high padded headboards, printed carpets and plush leather sofas. 

 

If you don’t want to commit to bold finishes and colours, Colin suggests retaining a sense of playfulness by displaying quirky travel finds, oversized plants, and artwork. Other elements such as platform beds and multipurpose furniture – great for small spaces – will also work! 

The Ultimate Luxury

3/3

 

Picture:  roseburn / 123rf

 

The guest room of a luxury hotel exudes a restful but sophisticated ambience, and that goes for both renowned marquee names as well as boutique establishments which might prefer a cleaner, contemporary design.

 

Marguerite Casey from Fbeye, an interior firm that has worked with hotels such as the Four Seasons Maldives and Pan Pacific Singapore, says a low-key but glamorous interior focuses on the finer details, rather than ostentatious features. 

 

To replicate that in the home, homeowners should choose a neutral colour palette that is not too masculine or feminine, such as white, soft beige, and blue-grey. 

 

“Glamour can then be introduced in hints of gold or blue trimmings, or custom-made pieces such as a uniquely crafted air-con vent or hand-painted armoire,” she says, using the design treatment of Fbeye’s latest project, Intercontinental Singapore, as an example.

 

Furnishings, from chaise longues to canopies and pillows, “will influence the ambience and add softness to the interior”, according to Jaya International Design, the firm behind Capella Singapore’s design. 

 

A good night’s sleep is a priority; like hotels, homeowners should pay attention to the type of mattress and linen they use. For instance, Westin Singapore uses the Westin Heavenly Bed, an oft-praised, pillow-topped mattress, and Capella Singapore uses linen by Italian luxury label Pratesi. 

 

Give your room a luxe feel by choosing quality materials such as Egyptian cotton and Irish linen, as well as plush feather or down pillows – whichever agrees with your body and skin! After all, the bed is the most important furniture piece in the bedroom.

 

This article was originally published in Home & Decor July 2016.