Skip to content
FF2 Logo
  • Accessories
  • Bathroom
  • Bedroom
  • Dining
  • Living
  • Kids
  • Kitchen
  • Office
  • Outdoor
  • Storage
FF2 Logo

Interior Designer Inspirations: Boutique Hotels

ByCade Wilson August 7, 2008July 31, 2014 Updated onJuly 31, 2014

When asked where interior designers get their inspiration, most of us will tell you that it comes from many sources….

Post Views: 0

When asked where interior designers get their inspiration, most of us will tell you that it comes from many sources. It is true we have a keen eye for color, texture, pattern, and scale, but we seek sources of inspiration from time to time. When put on the spot, we may not be able to name all of our inspirational material, but much of it comes from real life experiences or images that we see in trade publications. Travel is one of a designer’s greatest assets, especially to places most people never see or are unaware of. When I want to produce a look for a special client who wants something different, crisp, refreshing, or eclectic, I often look to Boutique Hotel designs to inspire me. I have collected some of my favorite inspirational photos and will give some brief explanations of the spaces, which will hopefully give you some ideas on how to implement these looks in your own home.
First up is a living space that transitions into a dining area at the Hotel des Academies et des Arts in Paris, France.

Hotel des Academies et des Arts in Paris France

This space takes cues from its traditional architectural elements (such as the doors and moldings) and incorporates them into the transitional aesthetic. The cabinetry is glammed up with mirrored nooks and spaces, as well as modernly stylized versions of antique wallpaper patterns, which are then sparsely accessorized with unexpected pieces like brightly colored books and antique photos. Key pieces like the traditional overstuffed sofa and chair are wrapped in luxurious, yet unconventional materials. The velvet on the sofa is not really out of place for a traditional piece, but the red hue and the way this particular velvet catches the light give it an eclectic feel. The presence of the matching ottoman on the right helps to balance out the sofas weight on the left side of the room. The chair, once again cleverly wrapped in what would appear to be traditional leather, is made incredibly unique by the fact that it is an exotic Ostrich Skin. Mirrored nesting tables with chrome frames and modern accessories add transitional charm. The continuous use of chrome and mirror help to unify the room, and bring in additional light.
Next we will look at this playful, yet balanced take on a color filled living space in a junior suite at the Shanghai Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand.

Shanghi Inn Thailand Botique Hotel

Obviously not an instant hit with everyone, but this colorful space could look amazing as a breakfast area. This photo shows you that colors can, and should be, mixed to create spaces that are exotic, eclectic, and energetic. This image also shows you how to create a more proportionate space by giving the illusion of a lowered ceiling if the furnishings don’t quite fit the scale of the space. If you look at the colorful light violet paint on the wall, it is held down from the ceiling line by about 18 inches. This allows your eye to stop at that point, and tricks you into believing that is where the ceiling begins. The plum colored curtains are held at just about the same height as the paint line to create a continuous visual around the room. The poppy red door calls attention to the carved door, a bright exit into a new day. The chairs are the unifiers in this space, bringing in tones of the walls, the door, the dark painted sideboard and the colorful sunflower yellow pot with a pink flowering plant in the background. The rug beneath the table and chairs helps to group them together and provide a grounding place for the grouping to be on the vast stained concrete floor. The colored glass pendant above the table looks like a precious gem in a jewel box.
Even design has its extremes, and it comes as no surprise that “El Bistro” is just as clean and stark as its designer, Philippe Starck himself.

Universe el Bistro Buenos Aries Argentina

This bistro is located at Faena Hotel+Universe in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The floor, ceilings, and silk fabric walls are all pure white, as are the leather sofas and linens. And yes, those are white unicorn heads sticking out of the walls (the space was inspired by Alice and wonderland in grand Buenos Aires style… something tells me the queen of hearts was in on this one). The punches of red are truly a knockouts, and create a high-profile design one would only find in the most fashion forward of design style. The most obvious red items are the rugs and roses, but look closer, the crystal stemware, candle votives, candelabra accents, and even the eyes of the unicorns are ruby hued. Golden accents can be found on the ceiling, chairs, sofa feet, and candelabra. Mirrors and clear crystal make the rest of the space sparkle.
A couple of these designs may seem a bit extreme, but when designers look for inspiration, we look for “wow factor”. We are fully aware that most consumers are not going to go for an all white room with red accents for their living space, but what about a breakfast area, or powder room? I can see a gorgeous music room with a white baby grand piano and red accents. The colorful Asian space may be an overload of color for some, but could it help you come to terms with the fact that sometimes red and purple really can coordinate? The reason designers get paid to do what we do, is because we can see possibility in a space or picture that most people cannot relate to fitting in their homes. If you love a photo you find in a magazine, but feel you can’t achieve it in your space, contact an interior designer and let them help you to turn your inspiration into a feasible reality.




Alphabet Furniture, Chair, Table and Lamp, Are All Made of Letters

Updated on June 13, 2014
•
By Chris Michaels
•
Posted in Accessories
This isn’t the first time we see furniture items inspired by alphabet letters here at Furniture Fashion, but we’re always impressed to...
Read More Alphabet Furniture, Chair, Table and Lamp, Are All Made of Letters
contemporary-sideboard-by-Capo-D'opera

Pure and Simple Storage: Zurich Cabinet by Capo D’Opera

Updated on June 26, 2022
•
By FF2
•
Posted in Storage
Zurich Cabinet by Capo D’OperaThe Zurich cabinet from Capo D’Opera and designed by Silvano Pierdona is a sleek and straightforward way to...
Read More Pure and Simple Storage: Zurich Cabinet by Capo D’Opera
Tagsstorage ideas
laquered-oak-living-furniture

Point TV Unit from Alexopoulos: Sophisticated Entertainment

Updated on April 9, 2018
•
By Amy
•
Posted in Living
Do you love watching television and showcasing your entertainment equipment? Why not do it in style with the Point TV Unit from...
Read More Point TV Unit from Alexopoulos: Sophisticated Entertainment

La Dolce Vita: 10 Modern Italian Beds

Updated on July 20, 2012
•
By Cade Wilson
•
Posted in Bedroom
It’s no secret that Italy is, in many circles, considered to be the nucleus of modern furniture design.  So, when the subject...
Read More La Dolce Vita: 10 Modern Italian Beds

The Zuo Spring Adjustable Modern Styled Bar Stool

Updated on June 9, 2014
•
By Cade Wilson
•
Posted in Living
Give a professional touch to your home bar by investing in some high-quality and stylish furniture. The Zuo Spring Adjustable Bar Stool...
Read More The Zuo Spring Adjustable Modern Styled Bar Stool
Home Mud Room Ideas

Home Mud Room Ideas

Updated on June 29, 2021
•
By FF2
•
Posted in Storage
Great Home Mud Room IdeasMud rooms can be at an entryway or the exit at the back end of the house. It’s...
Read More Home Mud Room Ideas

Posts navigation

1 2 3 4 … 533 Next Page




We hope you like our recommendations! As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for using our links, it is much appreciated.
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Affiliate Disclosure

© 2023 Furniture Fashion

Scroll to top
  • Accessories
  • Bathroom
  • Bedroom
  • Dining
  • Living
  • Kids
  • Kitchen
  • Office
  • Outdoor
  • Storage
Search