Inspiration can be found anywhere, and with summer just around the corner, popular holiday destinations can provide the perfect ideas to inspire your next home renovation.
Whether you’re daydreaming about a luxurious 5-star hotel in the heart of London or a rustic cabin surrounded by woodland, there are elements of any location that can be brought into your home to help recreate that feeling.
English Countryside
The tranquil English countryside is a popular destination for those seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. It’s a place to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, explore quaint villages brimming with charm and character, and slow down to indulge in a more relaxed pace.
Interiors in the countryside mirror the calm of their surroundings, with classic style choices that make a room welcoming. Homely touches encourage relaxation, through soft furnishings and comfortable seating positioned to either connect with others or to provide a view from a window that could be a landscape painting.
Walls are one of the easiest DIYs that can bring the feeling of the countryside into a home, no matter the postcode. MDF panels will add a cosy cottage feel, even in a new build with pristine white walls.
City Break
There’s nothing quite like walking into a hotel room where every single detail is perfect—from the brilliant white sheets without a wrinkle, to a luxurious marble bathroom with the fluffiest white towels. You’re ready for an evening of indulgence in the roll-top bathtub and have already spotted the hanging bathrobe you'll wear while browsing the room service menu.
Even the most luxurious hotel bathrooms can be recreated in your home (even if you don’t have a bathtub), as it’s all about designing a space that excites you to relax and unwind in.
While real marble can be expensive due to the cost of extracting this natural stone, you can still achieve a marble-inspired look using panels.
Inexpensive decorative items can also make a difference, like filling a bath tray with products you're excited to try, adding a diffuser with a hotel-like scent, or even something as simple as updating your towels.
Far East
There is no definitive interior style when it comes to the Far East, especially in Japan. The country’s capital, Tokyo, is renowned for its futuristic ingenuity, with a 3D billboard that attracts thousands of tourists and pod-like hotel rooms with shared bathrooms that prioritise functionality over style.
Then there’s another side of Japan that feels like a time capsule, reflecting the country’s traditions and heritage. A popular tourist choice is staying at Ryokan guest houses, where people can experience traditional Japanese lifestyle and hospitality, incorporating elements such as futon beds, Japanese-style baths, and local cuisine.
These houses feature a neutral colour scheme, sliding shoji screens, wooden architecture, and minimalist design.
To capture the essence of traditional Ryokan-inspired interiors, aim for a functional, minimalist bathroom design. Use a neutral colour palette and make wood-effect panels the focal point. Embrace the minimal aesthetic by reducing decorative items and storing them in bathroom cupboards or rattan storage boxes.
By incorporating design elements inspired by your favourite destinations, different rooms in your home can become a reminder of the places that inspire you, whether it's a quaint village you’ve already explored or an exotic country you can't wait to visit someday.