What I’m about to share may come as a surprise but this is a common pitfall I see…
Choosing your paint colour first is a very bad idea.
It may seem like you’ve made a big decision in choosing your paint and you have – but not for the right reasons.
Why is it a Bad Idea To Choose it First?
This finish comes in almost infinite colours so in choosing a colour it seems like you’ve narrowed it down and covered you’re largest surface area. You have however when it comes to the rest of the scheme you are then much more restricted on your colour choices. You’ve now made your job a lot harder to put a whole scheme together successfully. Upholstery of furniture, fabric of blinds or curtains is very limited compared to paint. It’s these things the eye will focus on more in a room. By the time you’ve selected all your flooring, fabrics, accessories and lighting that all sing together you will probably want to change your paint scheme to something a little warmer or a little richer.
When to Pick Your Paint
Picking beautiful paint is one of your last tasks as a designer – it’s hard to get right for a whole host of other reasons too but that’s another subject.
Remember you can mix paint to any colour you need to bring your scheme together.
Paint should be your secret weapon – your “friend at the end” not the thorn in your side -you decide!
Rachel Davies, Spinriver Design
If you need help co-ordinating your serviced accommodation interior contact me on rachel@spinriverdesign.com for a free quotation.
Do you own a hotel or holiday home that needs to increase its revenue? Need to recover from the lockdown?
Expectations grow as the years go by and the Covid19 pandemic brings new challenges. Designers can support this by introducing extra solid surfaces and fabrics for windows with impregnated anti-microbial properties. Attention needs to be paid to how easy everything is to clean now and having a refresh of key areas such as headboards and curtains or drapes that people touch will be significant.
By carrying out a light refurbishment you can increase your booking rates both in frequency and in the rates you charge as your new interiors entice more holiday goers. You should also think about offsetting the costs against your tax bill to make it cost effective, ask your accountant for details.
St Ives Showhouse Coastal SchemeCountry Master in the St Ives Showhouse
UK Interior Designer Rachel Davies trained with world leading 5 star hotel spa designers ESPA International before setting up her freelance business Spinriver Design in 2009. She now works in the UK and Europe to design unique modern homes with a touch of luxury where possible!
During half term break I went to the Cotswolds and met with Stroud based Textile Designer, Sarah Burghard.
Sarah Burghard Designs ltd design and produce custom textiles for many applications which can elevate a good interior design scheme to a truly authentic luxurious one. Sarah takes influences from your project or brand to develop highly individual textile patterns in a very personal way. Once you have your design options you can then choose which to implement and how you want to use them.
Boat House Interior Accessories and Scheme by Sarah Burghard Designs ltd
Sarah Burghard Textile Designer
Gorgeous fabrics from linens to silks can be printed and used for lamps, decorative cushions, throws or upholstery and can meet all the necessary contract standards. Boutique hotel or holiday cottage owners – this is something that will give you the edge and make your interior scheme a memorable talking point of someone’s holiday.
If you are thinking of refurbishing your hotel or holiday home Sarah and I are happy to work together on unique projects to give you an integrated interior design and textile design service.
Luxury Boutique Style Bedroom in Contemporary Country Style
The term “Boutique Hotel” was termed in the 1980’s and referred to independent hotels with aspirational design and excellent service. It was largely a reaction to the chain hotels and the lack of sense of place that was felt these hotels offered, ie you could enter a X hotel somewhere in the world and not really know whereabouts you were until you were without setting foot outside! Of course these days the chain hotels have largely upped their game and style, individuality and sense of place have become a discerning factor for many travellers who hanker after “authenticity” as part of their cultural experience when holiday making.
Designing Your Hotel
So what can you do if you are a small hotel or guest house to increase your desirability and increase those all important bookings. The boutique hotel trend offers those even with the smallest of spaces, small numbers of rooms a chance to excel with a bit of design know how. The first things to consider in my opinion are your existing brand, location and your building. To create a sense of authenticity your interior should fit with all these aspects. Of course if your brand is something you feel is out of date or incongruent with your location and building then this could be changed along with your refurbishment. For example if you have bought a Cornish coastal hotel and it had a family name in the hotel title which associated with the old owners, it would no longer be relevant and it would be ideal to change it to something which lets people recognize it as a coastal hotel in Newquay such as “Towan Beach Hotel”. When we hear something as simple as this our mind begins to create a sense of place. Tap into that and develop it, its your story and your hotel is unique, that is what people will buy into.
So let’s say we are trying to create a boutique hotel with a contemporary coastal theme on a budget. A good place to start is by simply changing the window treatments (this is your curtains or blinds). You can keep walls largely neutral and add accents of colours using cushions and runners on the beds. You may want to have a feature wall behind the bedhead. Try and avoid putting beds below windows but on the wall which your focus is naturally drawn to when you enter the room. If you have a particularly wonderful window and view it would be nice to be able to place the bed so that you can see this window opposite it for example. Try and work your design around the best points of your room’s architecture. If you have fantastic ceilings then keep other elements simple and perhaps pick out the ceiling in two shades of white for example. A simple way to create a feature wall is to use a paint colour on one wall which picks up on your main fabrics in the room. Blues work particularly well with yellow or orange for a contemporary look. If you want a more traditional look think of the blue and white florals which are reminiscent of pottery, these can look really fresh and work well with either white painted furniture for a slightly shabby chic effect or dark timber furniture for a very classic traditional look. Keep flooring simple, a plain neutral carpet in a mid tone or timber flooring is good particularly if you have original floorboards that can be sanded back and waxed. Patterned carpets are to be avoided as these are dated. If timber flooring is not in such good condition consider making good and painting it in an off white or neutral colour such as a Farrow and Ball Mouses Back or String. Good quality plain white bedding can be used – I much prefer to see plain bedding that is lifted by a small patterned runner in a more delicate fabric with some cushions in complementary fabrics. Try to give each room a different scheme and its own accent fabric. Pe0ple love individuality and you can give rooms much more personality in this way. There should be common elements to the rooms so maybe you pick different fabrics from the same range for example a large floral master room, a small ditsy floral single room, a stripe for the twin or family room.
Artwork and Scale
Pay attention to the scale of your room, if you have very high ceilings and a large room then small pieces of artwork placed either side of a small window will not look right. You would be better to cluster a few smaller pieces to give it more impact and “match” the scale of your large window and room. Alternatively find larger pieces of art. If you only have two or three similar sized small pieces of similar size then set them in matching frames and group them vertically for example. I’m putting an online course together for hotel owners that perhaps couldn’t justify working with a designer 1:1.
Have Your Say
If you would like to benefit from cost effective online interior design service, influence the shape of things to come by answering 5 questions here and leave your email at the end so I can give you a heads up when it goes live!
When choosing fabrics for your hotel or holiday home curtains or blinds it is really important to understand the performance requirements with regards to fire ratings before you start. There is no blanket rule such as all holiday homes have to be FR inherent as each location has unique requirements. The onus is on the business owner or the legally designated “responsible person” to ensure that the correct fabric is used, so you do this through carrying out your own Risk Assessment (and indeed all other fabrics such as upholstery and bedding). It is best to seek the advice of your local Fire Officer trained to know this complicated and technical information, they will be happy to advise you for free. They will advise not only on soft furnishings but on all aspects of fire safety such as keys, smoke alarms, furniture. They are able to visit your hotel or holiday home and offer their judgement of what is needed for each particular area. For example there may be different requirements dependent on the volume of visitors, size of the building and other factors. They can guide you if you need to use a Fire Resistant fabric or not. Then there are two types of fire resistant fabrics – those which are inherently FR by their nature not flammable such as Trevira and those which need to be treated to become FR. Be aware that FR treatment adds to lead times and also washes out gradually so your curtains may need treating again in future. Also be aware that not all fabrics are FR treatable so you or your designer need to check this when specifying too. If you need an easily washed fabric that is machine wash you will also have to consider this. Having more restrictions on being FR inherent and washable will reduce your options on fabric designs and colours.
Spinriver Design are experienced in sourcing luxury fabrics to the highest and most stringent standards for fire and ease of care so if you are finding it a minefield why not save yourself some time and pick up the phone, we are happy to liaise with the Fire Officer on your behalf here in Cornwall if you are not in the vicinity. We supply a range of beautiful fabrics for a complete range of budgets and know where to look for that contemporary coastal or country look you want to achieve for your hotel or seaside holiday home. We can also advise on types of window treatments for particular rooms and arrange custom design of curtains and headboards which may need to be to a higher “Crib5” fire testing rating.
Give Rachel a call on 07590 530806 or email info@spinriverdesign.com to make an enquiry today.
What needs to be considered when you create your own spa?
First you need to think about what space you have and what will realistically fit. If space is not an issue then a pool is a must! As well as a lap pool you may want to consider your heat experiences. These can be quite space hungry when it comes to provision of plant for your steam room for example or for a vitality pool with water features and jets which need pumps and filters and so on.
Next you probably want to think about your whole spa journey so that means somewhere for you to change and shower, access to your heat treatments, your treatment room and finally your relaxation area.
Lighting is key to setting the mood in each area and is something your designer will want to consider with you when creating your spa ambience.
Your designer can guide you through the plumbing, drainage and electrical needs for each area.
Also you should ensure provision for adequate storage of towels and products. Your spa treatment room will also need to house any equipment your spa therapist will be using regularly. A basin is needed by your therapist as well as the specialist treatment couch. If you want to be able to have full body wraps and treatments such as this you may want to think about having a shower located within your treatment room too.
For manicures a desk height table and comfortable seating will be needed and for pedicures you will need to be seated comfortably so that your therapist is also comfortable working on your feet, possibly on a stool. A stylish raised chair on a platform is one way to achieve this which is much prettier than standard solutions on the market from spa retailers.
Your spa designer can guide you through the intricacies of designing a home spa that fulfils you personal needs, and is not only aesthetically appealing but is modelled to run smoothly to ensure your spa experience is first class!
Interior Designer Rachel Davies trained with world leading 5 star hotel spa designers ESPA International before setting up her freelance business Spinriver Design in 2009 in Cornwall then moving to Exeter. She now works in the UK and Europe to design unique modern homes.
Solid Oak Internal Doors …are not just for cottages
Contemporary Oak Door from The Heritage Collection
Solid oak internal doors certainly complement a traditional cottage interior. However, as with any product, their ability to make a distinctive contribution to the ambiance of any interior is one of the hallmarks of that quality.Solid Oak Doors are a design classic that have continued to evolve. Contemporary designs, made with the same craftsmanship and attention to detail as traditional designs simply add a new range of style options to the original concept. This just extends the contexts in which they look good. Traditional manufacturing methods married with modern designs have seen an increase in the number of contemporary oak doors available in the market which now allows for quality doors to be installed no matter what style interior you have.
Class is Permanent
Solid oak internal doors offer unrivalled quality. Hand built to order, solid oak doors fashioned by craftsman will last for centuries. The traditional reputation oak wood enjoys is due in no small part to its ability to convey an air of stability and permanence within any interior. Modern designs have added greater tactile elegance and flexibility to these traditional qualities. It is now possible to purchase a solid oak internal door to complement any interior setting
Style and Versatility
Solid oak internal doors often look attractive as they are but al lend themselves to a whole host of finishes. The oak can be stained in a range of oil finishes from clear oak through to dark oak (ebony). This can be a useful way to get oak doors to blend in with other furnishings. Of course, a good paint finish will achieve a similarly good blend. Oak doors can also be extensively customised by adding suitable handles and latches, glazing panels, mouldings and bracings to suit the demands of different interiors.
A Solid Investment
Solid oak internal doors are rarely the cheapest option, but their deserved reputation for durability
and long life means they are a wise long-term purchase. Oak doors can be energy efficient too; a solid wood door is a good insulator and will help stabilise room temperatures all year round whilst also helping to reduce heating bills by keeping warm air exactly where you intend it to stay.
A Thing of Beauty
Heritage Solid Oak Door from The Heritage Collection
Above all, the sheer beauty and character of an oak finish must remain the most appealing feature of solid oak internal doors. Whether it is the timeless & quality appearance of a cottage interior, or the sheen and minimalist finish of a contemporary design, oak has the matchless abil
ity to make that definitive statement of class and character.
This piece was written by Liam Pettinger, writer for The Heritage Collection an online shop specialising in solid oak flooring, doors and stair parts.
A private spa bath is a necessity for a VIP or Bridal Suite in a luxury hotel today in order to maximise your return on investment and be able to offer private spa treatments, but what facilities should be provided around this?
Well let’s enter into our suite via a lobby for example, which would have a focal point with an elegant piece of furniture such as a console with a beautiful bowl or objet d’art upon it. Aside from the reception lounge and dining area and guest w.c. what would a VIP guest expect?
The suite should be located adjacent to a couples treatment room that has two treatment couches, storage for spa equipment and a wash hand basin for the therapists use. Guests would also need access to two separate showers as if they were for example both to have a body wrap treatment they would need to wash this off to finish the treatment process.
Attention should be paidby the interior designer to the materials used in each of the rooms; so that it is in keeping with the location, period and context of the hotel, region and country. Authenticity is key to providing as luxurious experience as possible.
Spacious vanity areas for grooming and double wash hand basins should be provided in the area with a w.c. and a separate dressing area should be provided if possible.
There should be a relaxing area for post spa time with furniure such as daybeds or chaise longues to lounge on in bathrobes. Also in a warmer climate an outdoor relaxation area should be provided with a panoramic view where possible. If there is a private pool area then care needs to be taken to choose elegant water resistant furniture for the poolside with loungers and small tables.
VIP guests expect spa toiletries of good quality to be complimentary to their stay as well as small luxury gifts such as wine, flowers and chocolates.
If there is room a small sauna and steam cabin may also be provided but this is not always possible.
Smart technology can also be incorporated so that the guests stay can be tailored to greet them on the the flat screen tv, they can easily dim lights to suit their moods and open large blinds or curtains without having to get up. It can also be used for the different lighting scenes needed in the VIP couples treatment room.
Rachel Bogdaniec of Spinriver Design ltd can provide spa design to hotels incorporating these important factors plus many more to make the most of the space available in your hotel and ensure that every square metre is making you the best return on investment. We work closely with local furniture, smart technology (availble to new build and retrofit) and soft furnishing suppliers to ensure that you get the best possible design and a finish to impress.
We’d love to hep you get it right! Ask a question for free on our facebook page http://www.facebook.com/SpinriverDesign or leave a comment here if you prefer!
Ultra Chic Hotel with Shutters (inage courtesy of the California Company via Facebook)
The hospitality market is becoming more and more varied these days, and those who are designing hotels need to be aware of the latest trends as they develop their own ideas. Inspiration for designs can be taken from almost anywhere, but there are a number of features found in chic hotels which can help generate ideas for those who are designing a new commercial space.
General design details
It is important for a chic hotel to avoid any clutter. Too many knick knacks and the guests will begin to feel as though the walls are closing in on them. A feeling of spaciousness, even in a small room, can be achieved by just having one or two pieces on show. One or two pictures on the wall and perhaps a vase on a side table for holding fresh flowers will be enough.
The colour scheme should also be kept simple. Neutral walls provide the perfect backdrop for any room. Additionally colours can then be picked out for the other features of the room, such as soft furnishings. Wallpaper is once again becoming fashionable, and a modern spin is to create a feature wall instead of wallpapering a whole room.
Light fittings can be used to bring out the sparkle in a room. A chandelier fitting as the room’s main light source is a good idea. Chandeliers are available in a variety of styles, so the hotel could feature one in a traditional style or opt for a more modern design. The correct lighting can also help create a welcoming atmosphere in the hotel through the use of adjustable lighting or lamps.
Features of popular hotels
Interior design inspiration can be taken from other chic hotels. There are a number of hotels around the world that have opted for unique and stylish features, and studying them for inspiration can help when putting together a design for a new property. Some hotels have decided to include unique items in their guest rooms, such as pencils which have been made from recycled CD cases and hand-made stationery.
If the budget is unlimited for a chic hotel design, it may be possible to include remote control features around the room and bathroom. For instance, a hotel in Tokyo has equipped its bathrooms with remote controls so that the technology in the room can be operated while the guest is relaxing in the tub.
A chic hotel should also ensure that the most is made of the views. In a city, this generally means large windows which not only offer great views, but also let in plenty of natural light. In other areas, such as hotels on the island of St Lucia, it might mean that a whole wall is absent. The design allows guests to see out, but others cannot see in thanks to the strategic positioning of the suites.
Careful consideration should be given to the type of guest that the hotel is intended to attract. Keeping the design simple and neutral will ensure fairly broad appeal, but if the aim is to bring in one particular demographic, then the design will need to take this into consideration.
Interior Designer Rachel Bogdaniec has previous experience of working with award winning, leading five star hotel brands and understands how to create the luxury look on any budget. Give her a call on 07590 530806 01637 872247 for an informal discussion of your hotel refurbishment needs or email her at rachel@spinriverdesign.com. Alternatively write on our facebook wall and we will respond for free as soon as possible!
