Summer doesn’t mean everyone is off to a tropical getaway. For many, it’s the perfect time to stay snug at home. Personally, I find joy in making my space feel more luxurious, inspired by the ambiance of hotels. You can bring that vacation vibe into your everyday life simply by rearranging your surroundings to evoke a hotel atmosphere.
Hotels excel at creating environments that feel comfortable and welcoming. You don’t have to splurge on a high-end vacation to enjoy this luxury; you can recreate it in your own home. To gather insights, I spoke with TC Chou, an interior designer and founder of a renowned NYC design firm. Chou has crafted award-winning hotel spaces, including the Ritz Carlton Condo Los Angeles and the Shanghai Five Star Hotel. Here are his expert recommendations for transforming your home into a luxurious retreat.
Feature image by Michelle Nash.
Establish a Unique Fragrance for Your Home
A memorable experience from the Pendry Hotel in San Diego was its signature scent. The unisex toiletries and lobby fragrance created a consistent aroma that lingered in my mind. This made me realize the impact of a unique scent, which isn’t just for hotels.
“Introduce a signature scented candle throughout your home,” Chou suggests. “Begin with the entryway, your home’s first impression.” I love having a candle at the entrance and diffusers in the bathrooms. Summer is an ideal time to experiment with fragrances. Want to evoke a tropical escape? Or perhaps recreate a cherished summer memory? Many hotels sell their signature scents in candles and diffusers, allowing you to bring a slice of that environment home. Imagine having a Ritz Carlton candle greeting you at the door!
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Casa Zuma
$72 at Casa ZumaHotel Lobby Candle
$39.99 at Hotel Lobby Candle
Revamp Your Bathroom Into a Spa
Hotel bathrooms are often spacious and luxurious, so why not upgrade your own? While you could undertake significant renovations, simplicity can also bring a fresh feel.
“Incorporate spa-like features such as a towel warmer, a caddy for the tub, and scented candles,” Chou recommends. These additions can elevate your regular shower into a spa-like experience.
Consider investing in plush towels—there’s nothing quite like hotel-quality ones! You might also create a stylish amenity bar on your sink with matching hand lotion and soap, along with a beautiful candle. To amplify the hotel vibe, play gentle spa music nearby, and truly savor your bathing ritual.
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Cozy Earth
$229.50 (reg. $365) at Cozy EarthSalt and Stone
$77 at Salt and Stone
Add a Mini Bar or Coffee Station in Your Bedroom
I've heard of people installing espresso machines in their walk-in closets, inspired by hotel coffee stations. What a delightful idea! To add a touch of whimsy to your bedroom, Chou recommends setting up a mini bar or coffee station.
“Create a beverage area in your bedroom, away from the kitchen!” he enthusiastically suggests.
If you have an unused mini fridge or coffee maker, consider relocating it to your bedroom for some fun. There’s a certain novelty in changing your morning routine. If you enjoy having a coffee station while traveling, why not recreate that experience at home? Compact coffee makers and reasonably priced mini fridges can easily fit into your space. Treat yourself!
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Casa Zuma
$40 at Casa ZumaTarget
Keurig K-Mini Mate Coffee Maker
$79.99 at Target
Keep Surfaces Clutter-Free
Hotel rooms feel airy due to their minimalism. Clear surfaces create a serene atmosphere. If your home feels cluttered, take time to hide items away. Even temporarily, notice how decluttering can promote a sense of calm. For me, tidying up the bathroom and nightstand brings a surprising sense of relief. Decluttering can be a great starting point to make your home feel more hotel-like.
Add Accent Lighting in Your Bedroom
Have you noticed most hotel rooms feature a variety of lighting options? Typically, there’s an overhead light, a standing lamp, and bedside lamps. Chou recommends enhancing the lighting around your bed, particularly at the headboard.
“Many hotel bedrooms feature headboards with integrated lighting—such as reading lights or accent lighting,” he points out. To achieve a similar effect at home, consider revamping your bedroom lighting.
A bedside reading light not only aids your summer reading but also sets a relaxing mood, especially before bedtime. Smaller light sources can create a cozy atmosphere. If your bedroom lacks lamps, consider adding one to your dresser.
Add Accent Lighting
Casa Zuma
$245 at Casa ZumaCasa Zuma
$495 at Casa Zuma
Invest in Quality Bedding
Luxury hotels are famed for their exquisite bedding, so why not upgrade your own? Imagine sinking into a sumptuous hotel bed. It might be time to invest in superior sheets, a larger duvet, or new pillows. Personally, bamboo sheets have revolutionized my sleep experience; I can't go back to cotton! Making your bed can also make a significant difference. Simply tucking in the sheets and fluffing the pillows can create a more polished, inviting look.
Transforming your home into a hotel-like retreat doesn’t require massive spending; it’s about thoughtfully curating your surroundings. Whether it’s a scent reminiscent of a vacation or a neatly made bed that welcomes you at night, small changes can infuse your daily life with comfort and luxury. This summer, you might find staying in feels just as rewarding as heading out.
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Cozy Earth
$330 at Cozy EarthPottery Barn
$99 at Pottery Barn
