You can get that boutique hotel look at home by adopting some of their tricks, writes Omeshnie Naidoo
Avid travellers will tell you there’s nothing quite like a newly-made hotel room bed; its crisp, clean white sheets and fluffy pillows that invite you to draw back the drapes and stay in all day.
The bathrooms are always luxurious too, with soft down-lights that make the taps and tiles sparkle. There is likely a pretty picture on the wall and a fresh flower at the sink.
Come to think of it, the hospitality industry’s main aim is to make us feel at home. They just manage to be a lot better at it than us busy working moms and dads who seem to be caught up in perpetual laundry.
Lisa Woodhouse, who with her business partner, Willard Maseko, recently converted her 119-year-old family house into a four-star boutique hotel, shared a few trade secrets used to take Lambert House, in the heart of Morningside, from a historical home into the realm of opulence.
Needless to say, you cannot decorate without clearing your clutter. Always start there. Once everything has a place you can set about giving the rooms character.
Woodhouse wanted to conserve the colonial grandeur of the house and achieved this on the exterior by planting a palm tree-lined walkway from the car park to the grand house and ensuring a perfectly manicured garden.
Interiors are more contemporary and lavish.
She says it’s important to pay attention to detail.
When it comes to essentials such as linen, buy what is beautiful and of the highest quality you can afford. Also look for timeless design.
Consider the senses – not only should objects look beautiful, but they should feel luxurious as well.
Also invoke the sense of smell. Plant jasmine or lavender near windows, buy soaps in scents you adore and always, always have fresh flowers.
If you’re putting down carpets, make sure there is underfelt. You’ll want to walk around barefoot all day.
Choose soft lighting over harsh overhead lighting by incorporating lampshades and downlights.
You don’t have to keep everything white, but do aim for serenity when it comes to elements of the palette you cannot change often.
Think of what a sanctuary means to you and add those elements to your living areas – this may be books, magazines, a fireplace, picture frames, a beautiful bowl, scented candles or large cushions.
Surround yourself with what you love. Layer the look.
Woodhouse says it’s important to add a personal touch – make rooms homely and welcoming, while still being stylish and beautiful – by decorating to suit the personalities of the people who occupy them.
Entertain in style by adding those extra special touches that hoteliers do.
Examples here might be heated pools, jetted showers or simply trays for serving sundowners.
If budget allows it, add the hotel amenities you enjoy such as a spa or gym.
Ultimately, aim for a holiday the next time you travel and not a “getaway” because your home should be your haven.