We have all experienced that feeling of sheer bliss upon entering a hotel room and lying on the perfectly made bed, against a pile of plump pillows, while revelling in the order of the clutter-free environment.
The combination of peace, simplicity and luxury make these temporary abodes a total escape from the chaos of most of our everyday lives.
But what if we could recreate a similar atmosphere at home? What if our bedrooms could be a sumptuous, tranquil haven or our bathrooms a decadent space for pampering and our living rooms transformed to generate even a soupcon of the luxe feel of a five-star hotel?
Well, according to the experts, it can be done.
At Castlemartyr Resort, the five-star hotel in Co Cork, all the bedrooms and suites have been completely refurbished. General manager Brendan Comerford says they took an all-encompassing approach with the new decor.
“The consideration when designing the rooms is that the bedroom is not just for sleeping, it’s a space which allows you indulge in some self-care, so there are lots of elements to consider,” he says.
“From an aesthetic perspective, it’s important to give a holistic choice when choosing a colour as it must bring a sense of comfort and relaxation and be pleasing to the eye, so that being in the room becomes a pleasure. You can have fun choosing soft furnishings to complement the chosen colour for a complete look.
It is estimated that the average person will spend approximately 26 years of their life sleeping so the benefits of a good bed cannot be underestimated
“Also, depending on size and layout, you should make the most of the natural advantages of a room. So if there is a great view from the bedroom window, build a window seat, or maybe there is space for an occasional chair and footrest for peaceful reading. Additional touches which make the room a place of enjoyment, from scatter cushions to a lavender scented candle, can transform a moment into a peaceful experience. And lastly, I recommend using only natural fibre bedlinen as high-quality crisp cotton makes for a fresh feeling getting into bed.”
Marie Chawke, director of business development at Dromoland Castle, the five-star resort in Co Clare agrees, and says a good night's sleep is hugely important and a good quality comfortable bed is a worthwhile investment.
“It is estimated that the average person will spend approximately 26 years of their life sleeping so the benefits of a good bed cannot be underestimated,” she says. “Our mattresses in Dromoland Castle are King Koil Seventh Heaven and the deep pillow top is wonderfully luxurious. We recommend using mattress protectors and pillow protectors to extend the life of your bedding and to help keep your bed clean and fresh. Also, it is good to rotate your mattress every three months and hoover it every three to six months.
“If you have the space, oversize duvets are a lovely luxury. Pillows are also a very personal choice and there is a huge range available from memory foam or microfibre to soft goose down. Wool pillows are the most environmentally friendly, but you can also get luxury bamboo memory foam pillows now too.”
Chawke recommends changing pillows every one to two years, and giving the bedroom a luxe feel with fresh bed linen and some pops of colour.
“Nothing feels nicer than sinking into a freshly made bed with luxurious soft linens and there are some great ranges available such as the collections from Francis Brennan or Paul Costello [at Dunnes Stores] and you can finish the look with a colour throw and some matching bed cushions,” she says. “And when making your bed each day, fold the top sheet and duvet halfway down the bed to freshen it and open the windows to allow air to circulate.
“Bedrooms should be an oasis of calm and relaxation, so we suggest keeping the space somewhat neutral colour wise, with perhaps a feature wall behind the headboard if you like to add a splash of colour. Lighting should be soft at night, but consideration should be made for an additional reading light. Good quality heavy curtains will keep daylight out or purchase from a ready-made blackout curtain selection.
“Of course, a nice chair always works well in a bedroom but remember less is more in this area so avoid a cluttered look. And a soft carpet is nice to the touch underfoot or if your preference is for the more traditional floorboards, finish off with a few soft rugs.”
Life is short, so why not make your home as warm and welcoming as possible as you spend a lot of time there
Dromoland Castle accommodation manager Caroline Dudley says accessories are also very important when it comes to creating a great bedroom.
“Bedside lamps should be decorative, form part of the design of the bedroom and emit a subtle or low light,” she says. “A separate reading light is also a good idea. And the headboard is also important as the bed area is the first thing you look at when you enter the bedroom.
“A nice bed throw and cushions add to the overall design of the room along with a good comfortable Queen Anne chair with another throw over the arm of it.”
Interior designer Máire Hennessy O’Connor of Chic Dwelling Décor has some tips on how to achieve five-star opulence, not only in the bedroom but also the bathroom and living room, without costing the earth.
“Life is short, so why not make your home as warm and welcoming as possible as you spend a lot of time there – and you deserve it,” she says.
Máire Hennessy O’Connor’s tips for adding luxury
The bedroom
“Treat yourself to soft white cotton sheets, duvet cover and pillowcases. That would be my number one for a luxury hotel feel at home. Keep an eye out for the summer sales as crisp, white, high thread count sheets instantly give a feel of luxury.
“Hotels are renowned for their luscious decorating schemes, so it is useful to tap into their calming colour schemes – such as soft blues and greens. And if you have muted neutrals in your living space, then your bedroom is a space where you can really express your personality and go with what you really love yourself.
“If budget allows, a fabric headboard can make such a huge difference to the look and feel of your bedroom space. No matter what the shape or size or style, they instantly make a space feel classic and they draw the eye to the most important part of the room – the bed.
The bathroom
“Beautiful Irish-made scented candles are definitely a winner to add a luxury feel to your bathroom as a good candle instantly gives a relaxing feeling and signifies that it is time to take a breather.
“You might not think bathrooms and wallpaper go together or can be incorporated into a luxury scheme, but provided it is done correctly, it can make a fantastic, long-lasting impact. You can choose to cover all the wall space or just one feature wall, away from high moisture areas, so be adventurous.
“One appeal of a spa retreat is the sense of escapism and totally immersive experience. So, as well as calming music and touches such as a soft robe and slippers, pieces of soothing wall art and indoor plants can create a relaxing master bathroom without breaking the bank. These will all add to that sense of sanctuary where we can run a nice bath and escape from our busy lives.”
