Luxe it up: tranquillity is trending in hospitality design
21 June, 2019
Higher sleep quality - with a luxurious touch
Online reviews of hotels are rife with tales of bad nights’ sleep and distracting noise levels. A bad night in a hotel is something that guests will remember long after they’ve departed, so it’s understandable that so much research is being done on increasing sleep quality through good design. A key finding that’s coming out of all of this is that soft surfaces and textiles are very important when it comes to sound absorption. Hard surfaces reflect sound waves: soft surfaces, such as draperies, rugs and cushions, all help against noise pollution. It’s easy to add unobtrusive but sleep-enhancing elements to the design of sleeping spaces, such as sound-absorbing wall panels, upholstered headboards, weighted blankets and blackout curtains.
Tranquil, tropically themed interior decor discovered on the Architectural Digest
A modern take on Hollywood Regency, from Apartment Therapy
An upholstered headboard is the added extra your guests are missing
Upholstered headboards add a touch of luxe to any interior design style as well as softening the edges of the noise level. Other benefits have nothing to do with sound and everything to do with comfort. Upholstered headboards are undeniably much more enjoyable to lean against than hard, wooden headboards or, worse, no headboard at all. As you can imagine, a cushy surface is a boon to bed-time readers and watchers of late-night TV. It’s a simple and cost-effective way to enhance the overall experience of your guests.
Neutral palettes can really wow, as found on Design Contract
Utter luxury in the Hotel Bachaumont's interior design - from Flodeau
Along with Hollywood Regency, Feng Shui is back too
Headboards aren’t the only thing designers are reconsidering.
Placement of beds in hotel rooms and personal spaces can make or break the flow of the interior, and this has been coming more into focus in recent months.
Naturally, the placement of a bed will vary based on the size of the room you are working with, as well as the placement of windows and doors.
Which brings us to feng shui, the ‘command’ position, and upholstered headboards.
Yes, feng shui is back.
The ‘command’ position in feng shui describes an area with view of the door (not in line with it) and without your back to a window. In other words, you command the room: you can see who comes in and out, and your back isn’t exposed to the window either.
Whether you go with feng shui guidelines or not, placing a bed in view of the door, without a window behind the headboard, can understandably increase its occupants’ feeling of security and peace of mind.
Plus, since there are no sharp edges or outlines, an inviting, upholstered headboard does not detract from your feng shui goals in allowing the flow of energy to move freely around the interior space.