Paul Miller
Interior Designer Through millwork and masonry, furnishings and finishes, lighting and leaps of faith, MakeNest Interiors transforms spaces with thoughtful decisions based on core design principles. In our ‘Why We Did That’ series, we take you behind our recommendations.
“Yellow. Cozy. Elegance.”
My client started our meeting about their bedroom design with these adjectives in mind. She also wanted a seating area in the space and for the most to be made of the tray ceiling. I will not say it was a piece of cake, but this design had a lot of elements that inspired me.
It also had a few challenges.
As with many newer homes, the walls were relatively featureless or, looked at another way, they were a blank canvas just waiting for a new image. To establish visual rhythm and elevate the architecture, I had my trusted craftsman add faux wainscoting with a dog-eared corner detail to the walls. The timelessly chic light fixture I selected, along with Benjamin Moore’s Calypso Blue, enhances the drama of the ceiling.
The trim treatment on the walls also affords a measured use of wallpaper, giving me control of exactly how much pattern and texture will show in the design. I selected a paper with a vintage, wicker weave motif evocative of Hollywood Regency, a design aesthetic known for balanced grandeur and comfort.
Like all of my choices, this one was informed by a study of all elements in the space. The small scale of the wallpaper pattern places it amongst other subtler choices, such as the drapery fabric and matelassé comforter, as the corps de ballet of the room, while the fabric I selected for the valances, bed pillows and runner is undeniably the prima ballerina.
My client’s antique swan chair needed a glow up and new fabric, but it was the beginning of my seeing a luxury hotel room as a point of inspiration. The aforementioned printed velvet that I selected for the valances and bedding gives the room its grand gesture, as well as a host of vibrant colors that helped me build out the color palette. For the antique chair, I landed on a luxurious velvet stripe that offers up all of the colors present in the valance material. I specified tassel trim for the window treatments, a detail my client initially viewed with reservations.
Luckily, she trusted the process and loves the look.
As for creating a sitting area, I naturally had to consider the constraints of the room, but a custom settee from one of our makers proved the perfect fit. In a buttery soft boucle in rich blue, it keeps the settee casual and modern. The graceful demilune table in antiqued gold leaf and white marble is the perfect accent in style and function. I always think that the best designs are eclectic and designed the modern ottoman not only for the comfort it provides for tired feet, but for contrast with the more traditional settee.
I always choose lighting to further define the attitude of a space and this is very much the case with the drum pendant in the closet hall and the glazed lamp on the dresser. Both pieces are made up of layered textures and forms that made me think of flapper fashions, which in my mind are very much tied to the romance of vintage boutique hotels.
This design reflects the magic that can happen when a design expert makes use of a deep well of knowledge to not only create comfortable spacet, but one that provides the drama and romance that makes life so much more beautiful.
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Boutique Hotel Style FAQs
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Boutique hotel style is defined by elevated comfort and dramatic choices. As an interior design professional with over twenty years of experience, I recommend starting with a strong concept and picking details that support it. Avoid compromises that muddy the look, as luxury hotels usually have a clear point of view.
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All of the details matter when creating a luxury environment, such as elevated lighting and architectural finishes. Not every piece of furniture needs to be new or even very expensive, but it should be well-made and feature a quality finish. Splurge on bed linens and lighting to make your bedroom really special.
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Yes. Luxury design is a combination of comfort, refinement and striking choices. You might not be able to tackle big architectural changes, but color drenching the space will definitely make a statement. Remember that a strong, unified concept looks more polished, so consider using fabric patterns more than once in the space and use fewer but more impactful decorations.
After Photos: Matthew Lofton
Before
A designer’s every choice is intentional, mindful of scale and proportion, rhythm and harmony, contrast and texture. Our ‘Why We Did That’ series is a bite-sized dive into one-off changes, big and small, that are part of our home transformations.
Interested in learning how we can bring change to your nest? Give our studio a call at 540-336-3385 or hit the button below to tell us more about your project.
