This month I have been featured on the Creative Trends blog by Terry’s Fabrics, you can also see photos of my latest project at Cornwall’s Five Star Retallack Resort using a palette of soft greens. Take a look here to read all about it! Thank you for reading.
If you would like to contact me in regards to a refurbishment you are planning or any other design related query such as planning drawings, please call me on 07590 530806 or email info@spinriverdesign.com for a free initial consultation.
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 ltdSarah 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!
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.
This photo above is of Surf Haven Bali is courtesy of TripAdvisor
Woo hoo I’m all excited not just because I have an awesome summer holiday in Bali to look forward to but my spiritual path seems to be opening up right now just as the Age of Aquarius dawns : )
(This photo on the right is of Surf Haven Bali is courtesy of TripAdvisor)
Yes I have so much to tell you at the moment. I’m being coached over the internet via Skype or web by the amazing Kristin Sweetly Morelli who is a US based entrepreneur. It’s an 8 day immersion course and I am on day 6 of learning how to work with my energy. Already the difference in my approach is effective and has really brought about a boost in my creativity. Not only that I feel that all my passions in life are finally linking together in a holistic way that serves me practically too. Astrology, Feng Shui, Yoga, Surfing and Social Media & Health Food are all passions of mine along with Interior Design. For the last couple of months I’ve been doing some soul searching and had my husband and my birth charts above my desk for me get a deeper understanding of both of us (we happen to have the same birthday, both Sagittarius only I’m a year older!!). There are huge things going on Astrologically at the moment – today is a full moon in Aquarius. If you want to know more about this I recommend American Astrologer Kelley Rosano’s blog and YouTube channel. My interest in Feng Shui has led me to Google about space clearing and low and behold the world leader in Space Clearing (one art of the Chinese practise of Feng Shui) lives in the UK! She is called Karen Kingston and she spent 20 years living in Bali where the practise of Feng Shui is ingrained in their culture!
I can’t wait to go to Bali and find out first hand all about Feng Shui and energy in space. One of my goals is to de-clutter my house and get it flowing with good energy (chi) and I’ve realised from the coaching course I’m on, I am not alone. It’s one of the things that people seem to struggle with most. This is what I’m going to concentrate on – helping as many people as I can as quickly as I can be the best they can be in their homes by de-cluttering and designing their dream homes. Would you like to join me on my journey? Please leave a comment for me below, I’d love to know how I can help you and the most inspring challenge/comment I will respond to personally for free! Come on over to my facebook page here and post a photo the room you need help with!
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!
New York’s Wolrd Trade Fair 1939 Depicting the Trylon and Perisphere on a Postcard by Keystone
Recently I made the trip of a lifetime to New York and California for my honeymoon for 3 weeks. I’ve never been to the USA before and so it was all the more exciting.
One of my interests is looking at the future – this fascinates me not only on a contemporary level but also looking historically at what we thought would lie ahead of us. I like to see what is going on and one of the ways I do this is by joining forums such as the Technology Strategy Boards’ “Knowledge Transfer Networks” or “KTN’s” essentially a knowledge forum.
The Technology Strategy Board is a government body that promotes technology through businesses in the UK. It links the public sector to private companies small and large to work on live projects together in an innovative way. Forums or “platforms” as they call them have different themes such as Low Impact Buildings or Assisted Living. Within these platforms lie the KTN’s (knowledge forums) such as Modern Built Environment. Read more here
A programme called Catapult Centres is also fascinating; these are technology and innovation centres which aim to bring the best of the academic research world and join it with industry, promoting the UK to gain business here and abroad. One of the most exciting is their Catapult Centre entitled “Future Cities” – the location is still being decided. Read more about the Catapult Programme here:
Another of my passions is the 1920’s and I have collected a few interesting things in Paris from the 1920’s such as postcards from the original Art Deco exhibition in Paris in 1925 and a fashion newspaper also printed in the 1920’s. Imagine my joy when I found these postcards depicting the New York World Fair of 1939 – a vision of the future as they saw it then the Trylon and the Perisphere on these postcard drawings were actually built . The fair was “Building the World of Tomorrow”. Even better the guy that sold them to me was a young child and saw these very buildings at the fair himself!
Night Visual of The Trylon and Perisphere of the New York World Fair of 1939
What do you collect and why I’d love to hear from you – please post pictures of things you have collected to my facebook page here http://www.facebook/spinriverdesign
Multicoloured Glass Mosaic from Acorn TilesSwimming pools are made of four basic components the tank, the circulation system, the filtration system and the chemical treatment system. Commercial swimming pools are generally made of reinforced concrete to BS8007 which requires that the tank is watertight when constructed rather than relying on waterproof finishes after construction.
Finishes and lighting really make a huge difference to the look and feel of a more luxurious spa pool. For example underwater lighting using fibre optics or LEDs are effective. Architectural features such as coffered ceilings, rafts or uplighting textured walls can really dramatically change the mood of a pool surround lifting the appeal to a new level rather than the more utilitarian approach so often used.
There are some beautiful tiles to choose from to finish your pool in style one of my favourites is this eyecatching Basalt and Glass mosaic below from Acorn Tiles at £69.95 per metre exluding VAT and delivery as well as the top image featuring the Multicoloured Metallic Glass Mosaic at £92.65 a square metre.
Barr and Wray are the leading commercial pool consultants in the UK (they’ve done the Paralympic Pool at the Olympics recently) – I had the pleasure of working with them with ESPA and it is worth visiting their site to see some of the wonderful spa pools and custom shower experiences they’ve helped to create.
