How to Make Your Home Feel Like a Luxury Hotel? Designers Share Their Secrets

There’s something about stepping into a beautiful hotel room that feels like an exhale—it's a comforting, serene, and luxurious experience. So why reserve those feelings for when you’re visiting a new destination?

People are taking notes from luxury hotels and creating that rich, relaxing vibe in their own homes, incorporating elements like lavish linens, calm colorways, and indulgent bedrooms. Inspired to transform your space? Read on for designers’ top tips.

What Is Luxury Hotel Style?

This aesthetic takes cues from your favorite boutique hotels or resorts, where every detail is considered. "[It's] about anticipating needs and creating an effortless sense of comfort," says Christie Ward, co-principal of Ward + Gray and the designer behind Wildflower Farms hotel. "It shows up in details like intuitively placed outlets and lighting that shifts from bright and energizing during the day to soft and atmospheric in the evening."

This style isn't about going over the top, but rather intention. "It starts with exceptional basics: impeccable linens, deeply comfortable mattresses, generous pillows, plush towels, and robes that feel indulgent but familiar," says Ashley Wilkins, founder and creative director of Islyn Studio.

Wilkins—whose clients include Hilton Hotels and Kimpton Hotels—notes that this style focuses on personal touches, particularly in the bedroom and bathroom. "It’s the ability to choose a bath salt based on how you want to feel that day, the pleasure of heated bathroom floors, double shower heads, and deep soaking tubs," she says. "Luxe hotel style is about how a place makes you feel long after you’ve left it."

How to Get the Look

Lighting is a great place to start when incorporating the luxe hotel style. "Avoid harsh architectural overheads whenever possible," Wilkins says. "Layer light sources—table lamps, sconces, floor lamps—to create intimacy and atmosphere, rather than illumination alone."

Also, be sure to prioritize lighting controls that feel intuitive. "We gravitate toward old-school rotary dimmers and burnished brass toggle switches—timeless, tactile, and beautiful to use," Ward says. "We also like to include a single bedside switch that turns off the entire room, so nothing interrupts the ease of settling in. While there’s certainly a place for more complex smart systems, they aren’t required to achieve a truly luxe, hotel-level experience."

Both Wilkins and Ward agree that in terms of color and texture, it's best to take notes from nature. "Nothing glossy, plastic, or soulless," Wilkins says. "The palette should feel calm, grounded, and quietly rich."

Ward particularly likes honest materials such as non-lacquered living metals, true hardwoods, and honed stone. "Their authenticity allows them to age beautifully over time, developing character and depth that naturally conveys a sense of luxury," she says.

How to Decorate the Bedroom

Most hotel rooms are centered around the bed, so bedrooms should be a focal point when transforming your space. "Start with bedding that truly invites rest—ultra-fluffy, sink-right-in bedding, often achieved by layering two down duvets," Wilkins says. "Add a beautiful throw in cashmere or alpaca, paired with a bed pillow in a vintage or heirloom fabric to bring in soul and history."

It's also helpful to keep technology, clothing, and extra linens out of view. "Custom millwork provides integrated storage so everything has its place, keeping the bedroom feeling serene, uncluttered, and beautifully composed," says Staver Gray, co-principal of Ward + Gray.

To set a relaxing ambiance, thoughtful lighting makes all the difference. "We often layer both reading sconces and bedside table lamps, all set on dimmers with a warm 2700K glow to allow the room to shift effortlessly from bright to intimate," Gray says.

From there, you can focus on additional furniture and details. "A generously upholstered lounge chair encourages lingering, whether for reading or morning coffee," Wilkins suggests. "Always make space for fresh flowers, a beautiful crystal drinking glass with a matching carafe, and, if you’re lucky, a fireplace. These small gestures elevate the everyday into something ritualistic."