8 Ways To Get That Luxury Hotel Feeling Without Leaving Home

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Clear the clutter.

The first step to duplicating that clean yet comfy feel of a super luxe hotel feel is to embrace minimalism.That doesn't mean you need to rid your home of everything with sentimental value, but it may be time to part with many of those dust-collecting knick knacks and trinkets. At the very least, you need to get them organised, says designer Nora Voon. “If you have ornamental things you've collected over the years from your family or your travels you can showcase them in a nice display cabinet or wall fixture," she says. "Don't line them all up in a row like they're for sale in a shop; layer them with books and photographs."

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Invest in great bedding.

Why are hotel sheets so comfortable? The answer is simple: high thread count. Whenever possible, buy the highest thread count sheets you can afford. “A lot of the good hotels, will actually sell you the same sheets, pillows and mattresses you find in their rooms if you call and ask," says Hicham Enhaili, co-owner of a luxury lifestyle firm. Some hotels even sell these items in a lobby shop.

Once you obtain the right linens, you'll need to take proper care of them to maintain colour and softness. Tumble-dry them on low, or, better yet, let them line dry, says Enhaili. “If you don't watch the way you dry them they'll need to be replaced constantly, which can be extremely expensive."

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Don't underestimate the importance of mood lighting.

Many homes feature overhead spotlights on a grid system, like track lights in a row. "But for that ambient, moody hotel feeling you do not not want light to be directly above your head,” says Voon. “You never see that in luxury hotels. Instead, you want a collection of floor lamps and desk lamps and sconces on the walls so you can create soft, ambient lighting and adjust it according to how you feel. The more lamps the better.”

If your budget allows, consider hiring a lighting designer, says Enhaili. Retaining an expert in this area generally isn't too expensive, and it can really help you create a luxurious and cozy mood. Plus a designer can often obtain unique commercial-grade pieces that cater to your specific needs, he adds.

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Add pops of colour.

Your goal is to create a delicate balance of colour—not too much, not too little, and nothing clashing—which isn't always easy to do. That's why Enhaili again suggests turning to an expert, in this case an interior designer who knows how to use colour to make a subtle yet powerful statement.

When in doubt (and especially if you're going the DIY route), Voon suggests keeping much of your home neutral but weaving in colourful accents. Instead of buying a bright sofa or painting a room yellow, consider purchasing one chair in a bold colour and adding colourful pillows or throws. She's also a fan of colourful rugs, which can complement a neutral room without breaking the bank. “There are a lot of affordable rugs that look expensive. They can add a lot to a space in terms of coziness and personality,” she says.

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Pay attention to texture.

When you're going for a minimal yet luxurious hotel feel, you need to sweat the small stuff. If you like a sleek, modern look, stick with neutrals and bring in bits of rich materials and details, like leather, suede wood or bronze to make the place look and feel rich and lavish, says Voon. If you prefer more eclectic, boutique-style hotels, you can get a little braver: Maybe pick a crazy wallpaper for one wall and choose accents that match.

Whatever your style, remember to mix it up a little; you don't want an entire room decked out in leather or silk, for example. “Layering materials and textures brings in a homey and distinctly personal feel to your space,” says Voon.

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Elevate your wall art.

“Having a lot of things around or on the wall is not in fashion—less is more,” explains Enhaili. “One piece of art that is meaningful to you or tells a story, like a photograph that your friend took or a mural that you picked up on a trip to Barcelona, is ideal."

Art is so personal and crucial, in fact, that Voon says she will often use a client's prized artwork as inspiration and design the rest of a room around it. If you don't already have the perfect piece, that's OK. Take your time and make sure to choose something that really speaks to you.

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Dress up your windows.

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Add fresh flowers.