Turning fantasy into reality

What do hotels have to teach us about designing a bedroom?

- Giles Kime

THE great advantage of a hotel is that it’s a refuge from home life,’ wrote George Bernard Shaw. There’s no doubt that there should be a clear distinction between the two; hotels shouldn’t be too homely (otherwise why bother forking out?) and homes shouldn’t evoke hotels because therein madness lies—mini fridges, trouser presses, ‘statement wallpaper’ and the mysterious practice of piling industrial quantities of cushions on a bed.

There are, however, lessons to be learnt about why we love hotel bedrooms. One is a sense of order and tranquillity that is perhaps the lowest hanging piece of fruit. The enemy of tranquillity is too much stuff; clothes, books (except the ones you are reading), dustgathering clutter you bought on holiday because you thought it would add character. However devoted you might be to the cause of unhinged eclecticism in the rest of the house, it makes sense to channel your inner minimalist in the bedroom. As well as self-discipline, there’s no doubt that a dressing room will help, ideally en suite to the bedroom or bathroom—or, at the very least, within easy hitting distance.