The Suite Life

Turn your humble abode into the ultimate staycation destination with these luxe hotel-inspired home decor ideas.

byElizabeth Liew

Turn your humble abode into the ultimate staycation destination with these luxe hotel-inspired home decor ideas.

"Prestige Suite, Sofitel Singapore City Centre"

When you’re on holiday, there are fewer pleasures than sinking into a luxurious hotel bed after a long day of exploring. But what if you could bring that feeling home, simply by making some tweaks to your decor? Whether you prefer a relaxing resort retreat or the high city life, we break down four key ways to style your own boutique suite and feel like you’re on a permanent vacation.

"Prestige Suite, Sofitel Singapore City Centre"

Easy Glamour

Love the chic metropolitan style of luxury suites in cities like New York or Paris? Usher in effortless elegance at home without breaking the bank by introducing decadent details and carefully selected accent pieces. Think luxurious finishings, layered textures and materials such as velvet, suede and marble, teamed with clean lines and a soothing palette of plum, gold and cream for a more sophisticated look. The French-inspired Sofitel Singapore City Centre, nestled in the heart of Tanjong Pagar, is a prime example, with striking features such as large artwork, elegant lamps and furniture with golden trimmings. Closed built-in storage, especially around the TV, is a neat way to disguise cables and other equipment, so there’s nothing to distract from the beautiful interior.

DESIGN TIP

Opt for an ottoman at the foot of your bed or in the living room to add instant glamour – even better if it has hidden storage space!

"The Middle House, Shanghai"

Modern Minimalism

For a bold yet minimalist look, take notes from The Middle House in Shanghai. Designed by renowned Italian architect Piero Lissoni, this hotel’s apartments feature sleek lines and clean silhouettes teamed with a warm monochromatic colour scheme that’s far from boring. The trick? Work in pops of colour or use a metallic element to lift the scheme. For instance, white handle-less cabinets and a built-in oven in the kitchenette offer a discreet, streamlined look, while a touch of silver on the backsplash and countertop add a subtle sheen. Dark floors help create a dramatic yet cosy look, and a four-poster bed adds wow.

DESIGN TIP

Swap traditional doors for sliding panels that can be opened to instantly merge spaces and enlarge a room, or closed for more privacy.

"Bumthang Lodge Suite, Six Senses Bhutan"

Resort Spa

If you’d rather be tramping in the mountains and being at one with nature, an intimate and tranquil lodge-style home is right up your alley. Be inspired by resorts like the Six Senses Bhutan Lodge Suites, designed to reflect the natural beauty of the outdoors. Keep the base palette warm and neutral with plenty of light wood finishings that easily brighten up a space (dark wood would have a heavier effect). For the living room, opt for a daybed in place of a conventional sofa, and woven soft furnishings made of natural material such as jute or hemp for that carefree feeling you get at a holiday resort.

DESIGN TIP

“Float” the bedframe and nightstands to evoke a feeling of weightlessness and leave a room looking less cluttered – not to mention make cleaning underneath so much easier.

GET THE LOOK

EASY GLAMOUR

Achieve chic grandeur with lavish lighting and luxe textures

SODERHAMN

chaise longue, $555, from IKEA.

Panama cushion, $119, from King Living.

House Doctor Kubix table lamp, $338, from Journey East.

Amelia Marble side table, $499, from HipVan.

MODERN MINIMALISM

Give black and white a new lease of life

Chinese ceramic stool, $180.90, from Nook & Cranny.

RoMi Newport table lamp, from $155, from Houseology.

Nordic half cylinder matte vase, $28, from Naiise.

Vancouver table, $3,195, from BoConcept.

"Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona"

Touch Of Whimsy

Create your own hipster haven with a colourful, quirky and character filled interior that perfectly represents your personality. The newest lifestyle hotels, like the Mandarin Oriental in Barcelona, place luxe elements like brass and velvet alongside industrial features like concrete screed walls or geometric-style furnishings for a contemporary twist. You can also consider injecting bright pops of colour into your space, whether in the form of a unique pendant light (instead of wall sconces), statement armchair or tufted headboard in a modern hue. There’s no hard and fast rule, so be as creative as you please! Don’t forget your soft furnishings: Curtains or cushions in a cheery shade will invite happy feelings, and good quality bed linen will be the cherry on top.