Why Not . . . Become Your Own Decorator?

In yesterday’s post This & That: No. 5, I recommended Susanna Salk’s recently released decor book Be Your Own Decorator: Taking Inspiration and Cues from Today’s Top Designers. With gorgeous images of rooms designed by top interior designers such as Mary McDonald, Nate Berkus, Kelly Wearstler, Charlotte Moss just to name a few, Susanna organizes her book as a suggestion. In other words, the images she has collected essentially beg the question, Why Not . . .? – use a bit of color, be aware of how furniture is arranged, or break a few decor rules and allow your books to be chaotically organized within a perfectly organized room.

So with her suggestions to consider when it comes to decorating a home, I began to make a list of my own tips that have served me well as I have over the years painted, remodeled or rearranged my apartments, houses, and various rooms.

Salk organizes her book into seven different chapters which focus on inspiring images in the following areas: color, mixing up styles, arrangement, balance, whimsy, accessorizing and rule-breaking.  With these chapters as the foundation for becoming your own decorator, below are a few more specific suggestions that I have found great success with as I continue to create my very own simply luxurious sanctuary:

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What to Pack for a Luxurious Hotel Stay

A simple way to make sure your time away from home, whether it be for business or pleasure, is a relaxing retreat when you retire to your hotel room is to pack the luxurious essentials that will ensure a pampered and tranquil experience.

While there are many lists out there that tell you what to pack regarding the essentials for clothes, beauty supplies, etc – this list covers the pampering – feel-good items to always include in your travel luggage to provide a restful, relaxing and enjoyable experience whether you are alone or spending time with someone else.

After all, while our house is our sanctuary, wherever we sleep at night can also be transformed into our temporary sanctuary if we happen to be on vacation, on a business trip or simply changing it up a bit and treating ourselves to a night in an extravagant hotel.

Pampering Packing List

I-Feel-Beautiful Pajamas

Nothing makes a night’s sleep more luxurious than slipping into freshly cleaned and pressed pajamas no matter what they may be made of (I prefer cotton or silk). Whether you have a set reserved for traveling or it’s your favorite pair at home, always make sure to pack them.

Slippers

Especially if you are traveling in chillier months, pack your slippers to help keep you warm and cozy.

Reading Material

Aside from my luggage, I always have a tote specially reserved for the magazines I need to read, books I am dying to read and my planner. Often times, I am unable to make it through everything, but I prefer to have choices.

Robe

Often, 4 and 5 star hotels provide terry-cloth or waffle-weave robes, however, unless you know for sure, bring your own.

Candle

Introduce a scent to your room just before bed and you are certain to create an environment that is welcoming to the sight as well as to your nose.

Bubble Bath

Pack your favorite bubble bath, maybe a special L’occitane bubbles, and reserve one bottle for only your travels.  Soaking in a quiet room after a busy day of meetings, shopping or site seeing is an easy way to pamper yourself.

Tea/Coffee

I always enjoy a cup of tea in the evening to wind down before going to bed, and often the tea that is available in my room isn’t to my liking.  By bringing my favorite tea bags with me, I know I am one step closer to a deep night’s sleep.

 

Upon Arrival:

After checking in and tipping the bellboy, take a few minutes to completely unpack, placing your clothes in the closet and drawers, organizing your beauty products and utensils in the bathroom, setting up your nightstand just so (books, glasses, etc) and locate everything in your room that you may use – the desk, iron, robe, remote, etc.

After setting it up, hide your suitcases and other luggage so that your room truly feels like your sanctuary.  By doing this you are helping to create an environment of calm that, while small in effort, can yield very great results.

 

While this is a list that has worked for me, I would love to hear what you have found to be useful in creating a sanctuary away from home while you travel. Happy travels everyone!

Images: (1) We Heart It (2) We Heart It (3) Kensington Hotel London