How many times have you visited or seen a hotel and wished you could live there full-time (bellmen and all)?
The Walper Hotel's original wood floors, high ceilings, vintage-inspired etched wallpaper and tall windows evoke Victorian charm, while its updated furnishings, lighting and pops of primary colours appeal to the mid-century-modern design enthusiast. From $155 per night, www.walper.com
Last week, I wrote about giving your guest room the comforts of a five-star hotel. This week, I’ll show you how to find decor inspiration from the hotel rooms you visit on your travels this summer. As a decorating hound, I find inspiration in all the places I travel — not only the sights, but inside the hotel rooms.
How many times have you visited or seen a hotel and wished you could live there full-time (bellmen and all)? Well, travellers take note: the beauty of hotel rooms is in the details, and it’s yours for the taking.
One of my favourite places for inspiration right now is the Walper Hotel in Kitchener, Ont. It was built in 1893, but was recently renovated and decorated for the 21st century. The designers married old and new, retaining the historical character of a 125-year-old Victorian building but incorporating sleek mid-century-modern-style furnishings. The 92-room hotel (no two rooms are the same in layout or design) is striking a chord with the style-conscious traveller. Its compelling combination of old and new offers plenty of design lessons to bring home for a five-star feel. I’ve done a little shopping to help you bring Walper’s look home.
WALLPAPER: Designers joke that the layers of wallpaper in New York City’s old hotels are keeping the walls upright. No surprise — it has been one of the most important visual elements in hotel rooms for years.
Bring it home: Either keep your choice of wallpaper subtle (like a weathered marble-look) or create a focal wall with a paper so unique you won’t need artwork. Remember, always situate a focal wall in a bedroom behind the bed — but you knew that rule from my previous articles, right?
Journeys Bicycle Abstract Wall Mural (108″x 10′,6″) adds a grand-scale, Victorian charm.
FURNISHINGS: Most hotel rooms of substantial size have a small sofa or chair. Rarely used, they are a great place to throw your clothing or shopping bags.
Bring it home: If you have room in your bedroom, consider a chair with an airy, open design that won’t add visual clutter. An upholstered cocoon chair on a pedestal base (usually metal or wood) is a classic mid-century-modern-style piece that offers relaxing comfort but has a floating, airy look.
The BENARP Armchair fills the need for comfort and style at a fantastic price. $349, IKEA.com
LIGHTING: Hotel rooms today often hardwire hanging pendant lights into walls or ceilings instead of using table lamps, which take up precious space on desks and nightstands.
Bring it home: For ultimate comfort when reading in bed, the bottom of the pendant should be 40 to 48 inches off the floor.
The matte black Kenley Pendant shines 60s style with a touch of au courant gold for an elegant feel. $142, zonemaison.com
PAINT: Creating an environment with neutral colours is how designers give hotel rooms looks that last, but when you add pillows, a rug or a chair in a bold colour (as in the Walper Hotel room pictured), the space becomes memorable. I love the way the chair and matching door in this Walper room add pizzazz. When the shots of red begin to look tired, it’s easy to change the look with one new coloured accessory and some paint.
Bring it home: Interior doors, a mantel or oversized window frames are always great architectural features to bring forward by painting in a striking accent colour.
Ruby Red 2001-19, BenjaminMoore.ca
Beyond your guest room
When travelling this summer, get the most decor inspiration out of your hotel stay with these tips.
— Ask the hotel staff if they have any ‘signature suites’ to stay in. These are most often one-off decorated rooms that stand apart from the regular rooms offered.
— Once checked in, inquire about tours of the hotel (especially if large and stately). Is there a room the Queen would stay in? Is there an original apartment suite to tour?
— Hotel restaurants and cafés can also be a great source of decor inspiration that might lead to another hotel-inspired decorating project in your dining room.
Got a decor dilemma? You can ask Karl at klohnesdecor@sympatico.ca
Karl Lohnes has worked as a home decor expert and product designer for 25 years. He appears Thursdays during the 8 a.m. hour on Global News Morning Montreal.
