Showing posts with label Hospitality. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hospitality. Show all posts

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

7 Ways to Make Your Home More Inviting














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1. Friendly Door Mat - Nothing says "Welcome" more than a friendly first impression! If you like the idea of putting your last name or a custom design on your door mat, then check out this tutorial for a DIY door mat at Old Blue Silo blog.  It's really easy!

2. Arrange Furniture for Conversation - Don't feel like you have to have all of your furniture against the wall.  Pulling the furniture in creates a more intimate conversation space.  Also, having seating in the middle of a room like in the photo, allows every seat in the room to be a great seat for conversation!

3. Freshly Fluffed Sofa & Pillows - If you have a saggy sofa you'll be glad to know there is a very easy DIY method for breathing fresh life into your saggy sofa cushions and the supplies are only $10. You can find an easy tutorial here on the Living Rich on Less blog.  Visit Decoist blog for tips on the art of pillow placement!

4. Welcoming Scent - Your guest won't be disappointed with the scents I've suggested! The Henri Bendel "Fig" reed diffuser and the Circle E. Candles "Bird of Paradise" candle

5. Resort Feel - Having fruit infused water available or a fresh glass of lemonade is a wonderful way to welcome your guest.  Try this recipe for infused water and this recipe for strawberry lemonade the next time you have a visitor stop by.  Absolutely refreshing, just like at the resort!

6. Engage Your Guest - With interesting coffee table books and curiosities!  This will ensure that people stay comfortable and engaged even if you have to step away for a moment.  Here are two of my coffee table books: The Houses of Veranda and A Year of Festivals (A Lonely Planet Guide). 

7. Fresh Flowers & Plants - Fresh flowers & plants are the easiest and most classic way to give your home a more inviting feel.  If you want to make sure your home always has this fresh look, try a large faux potted plants like this one.  

Monday, October 20, 2014

Stunning Hotel Lobbies

For the traveler, the design of a hotel's lobby is a predictor of the experience to come, so it's no question why hotels are packing such a punch in their lobby design.  


                                                                                   Langam Hotel Chicago, Image via New York Times 

The Langham Hotel in Chicago (above) is just stunning with its custom glass bauble installation art hanging in the lobby.  The lobby is both sophisticated and whimsical, a combination that is one of my favorites! The choice of neutral and cream colored furnishings really allows the accessories to shine, while creating a relaxing environment for the Langham Hotel traveler. Skillful design indeed. 

Take a look at their website and you'll find that their rooms are just as stylish and upscale as the lobby.  I'd certainly book an extended stay here. If you're ever in Chicago, I should note that The Langham Hotel features hand-crafted cocktails and live music every Friday and Saturday night (8:30-12, but call first to confirm the schedule hasn't changed - more info here).  The city views are an added bonus!

Richly dyed furnishings and the crystal lighting of the hotel above exude luxury. This lobby says to the style maven, "You are just where you belong."  What more could you want from a hotel? Well, perhaps a comfortable bed too, but something tells me that won't be a problem here. 

                                                         Hotel Bel-Air, Los Angeles, Image via World All & Details


The Hotel Bel-Air is California casual-luxury at its best!  I love the contrasting black accents on the armchairs and with the arrival of Fall's crisp air, I especially appreciate the inclusion of a cozy fireplace.   The arched french windows add to this hotel's luxurious charm.  This hotel also features a highly-recommended bar & restaurant with a menu crafted by Wolfgang Puck and nightly live music. Doesn't this hotel space make you want to cozy-up and relax?-- while dressed very stylishly of course.  


Stunning Lobby Room Hotels Residence with Modern Design Style Beige Sofa , Interior & Furniture, 667x500 pixels


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                          Sofitel So Singapore Hotel, Designed by Karl Lagerfeld, Image via ButterBoom

How unique are the hexagonal wine racks at the Singapore Sofitel's lobby bar? The designers achieve a contemporary and distinctly memorable look. This hotel is on my list of hotel designs I must see in person. Hopefully I'll be sharing a photo with you of myself in this very lobby in the not too distant future.  Fingers crossed!

1. The Langham Chicago





























Image via BizBash

What features make a hotel most memorable to you?