One of my favourite tv programmes is Escape to The Country. In this programme the presenter helps someone who wants to move from an urban environment to the country. Often the client is looking for a business opportunity which is frequently the opportunity to run a holiday let or B&B.
Perhaps this is your dream but you aren’t sure about how to go about presenting the letting accommodation or the rooms or want to increase the income from the business. If so, I can help. Whether it’s an existing business or you are creating a business from scratch the decor is very important. Maybe it’s because we travel so much these days, take mini breaks or watch travel programmes, but our expectations are very high. So what do I consider are the most important elements of a boutique holiday let or B&B. In this blog I am going to focus on bedrooms and bathrooms but it applies to living spaces as well.
Simplicity
This might sound counter intuitive, you might imagine that boutique means glitz and glamour. Well simplicity doesn’t exclude glitz or glamour nor does it exclude luxury, but more of that later. For most of us when we go on holiday we want to relax, at least at the end of the day. Simple spaces are most restful. To me simple means uncluttered, not too much furniture or unnecessary accesories. You want the room to feel spacious not cramped. It also means that the decor shouldn’t be too “busy”. You don’t want bland but nor you want too many colours or “nik naks”.
Comfort
This is very important particularly when it comes to beds. Perhaps the top of guests’ wish lists is a good night’s sleep so invest in a quality bed, mattress, pillows and duvets. Buying duvets and pillows is a topic in itself so do your research and consider having a selection so that you can meet guests’ preferences. Where possible I would include an armchair to provide somewhere comfortable for guests to sit and read or watch TV. A small table so that people have a place for the laptop or to write is also handy.Don’t forget those little touches that make all the difference such as throws/ blankets and dressing gown.
Luxury/ Quality
You want the room to exude luxury and quality and this extends to the smallest detail. For example, a studio apartment I recently stayed had slate tiles on the walls and floors of the bathroom and as a splashback in the kitchen. Sheets should be soft to sleep in but you need to weigh up laundering properties. Similarly towels need to be super soft and fluffy. Bathroom products should be high end brands.
One final comment is that it is great to use local suppliers as you might do with food, whether for features such as tiles, or wood but also furniture and furnishings, derive inspiration from the local landscape.
If you are refurbishing an existing business or starting a new one then contact us by e mail at info@homestyle4u.com, call on 07745 876182 or complete the enquiry form below. We cover Cheshire and the North West.
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