We all know that feeling when we walk into a beautiful hotel lobby, marveling at the chic space around you and how special it makes you feel just to be there. With the new year here, inject some of that luxe factor into your home. By employing good interior design practices and incorporating special touches you can transform your space into something extraordinary. Follow these rules from SweepSouth CEO and Co-founder, Aisha Pandor, to do it well:
Good design right from the start
First impressions count, so beautify your entrance area by hanging an ornate mirror or a beautiful painting on the wall, and make sure there is a dedicated space for hanging jackets and coats, as well as an entrance table for keys, handbags and small parcels down. Avoid cluttering this space and choose to invest in good art and furniture. You may want to opt for more affordable pieces elsewhere in the house, but make sure that whatever you add to this first-impression area has that wow-factor.
Invest in special pieces
Big-ticket household items are the ones that get noticed. Invest in good furniture pieces like a plush sofa, a stylish dining room table, and a luxe-looking bed, then opt for more affordable side tables, lamps and bedside units.
If you’ve got guests coming to stay for a few days, put yourself in their shoes by walking through your home, noting what you can do to make their time with you extra special.
Bedroom bliss
Transform your guest bedroom by upping its luxe factor. Place a few sprigs of lavender or a chocolate on the bed, along with a set of clean towels for your guests to use. Create a dedicated area where they can store their suitcase, and if they’re staying for a while, clear out cupboard space for them to use. Add touches that will make their time with you comfortable, like tissues and hand cream on the bedside table, and a bluetooth speaker to stream music through.
Block-out blinds or curtains and a good quality mattress will ensure your guests get a blissful night’s sleep. Deck the bed out with plush pillows, linen with a high-thread count, a plump quilt that is rolled back, and a duvet placed at the foot of the bed. Thick rugs will make the floor feel cosy underfoot. Most guests will need some private time for themselves, so provide a comfy chair they can relax in, and if the room opens onto a patio or garden, place a garden chair and table there.
Bathroom havens
Make sure your guest bathroom is stocked with sweet-smelling soaps, shampoo and extras like cotton wool and ear buds. Scented candles will add an ooh-la la-la factor and, depending on your location, you could add in extras like mini mosquito repellents and sunscreen. It goes without saying that showers need to be spotless and mould-free.
Kitchen chic
Whipping up a frothy morning cappuccino from a quality coffee machine will wow your guests. Ditch all old dishcloths and oven mitts and replace with colour coordinated pieces. You may even want to take it a step further with gorgeous matching appliances – especially a striking toaster and kettle.
Alfresco chic
Make sure that your patio is a beautiful space where you can relax with your guests over al fresco meals. A table and ample, comfortable seating are a must – add outdoor couches, hammocks or daybeds as lovely extras. Make it extra magical with twinkly fairy lighting and outdoor gas heaters or fire pits for chilly evenings
Small details
Look at your home through a guest’s eyes. Do the carpets smell musty? Are there marks on the kitchen cupboards and is your fridge needing a good clean out? There’s nothing like dirt and grime to detract from the experience of a lovely home. Ensure that everything is sparkly clean and fresh by hiring a trusted and reliable domestic worker through a home services app like SweepSouth.
They’ve also just extended their offering to include outdoor services, so you can have your garden and patio looking smart and tidy in a flash. Even the loveliest outdoor spaces look unappealing if they’re covered in leaves, dust and garden debris.
Going the extra mile to ensure your guests have a memorable stay will show them you cared about the experience they have while in your home.