10 Ways To Decorate A Small Space Like A Boutique Hotel

If you’re stumped when it comes to decorating your small apartment, you might want to take some inspiration from a boutique hotel room or suite.

Decorating rooms or a small space in a way that is chic and sophisticated can be challenging. However, boutique hotels and luxury hotels seem to master small space design by coupling aesthetics with an emphasis on elevating the living experience in a space.

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When it comes to decorating a space boutique hotels pay close attention to detail. Design is no stranger to the hotel industry as it is one of the most important aspects of creating an inviting and comfortable space for hotel guests. In fact, hotels around the world have been incorporating design into their properties for decades.

Boutique hotels unique designs often set them apart from the cookie cutter designs of chain hotel.  From the front desk to the guest rooms and lobby, every detail of a boutique hotel should reflect the style and personality of the brand.

From zoning spaces to using quality luxurious fabrics and even using light fixtures to accentuate a space–the hospitality industry has got small space decorating down to a science.

Keep reading to see why boutique hotels are a great source of inspiration for your small space decorating ideas.

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Thanks to hotelier Ian Schrager who was credited to being a co-creator in the boutique hotel category period–we can appreciate the unique interior design of hotels all over the world. I did a little research myself on the history of boutique hotels and it’s definitely worth a little read.  It might give you some insight as to how the concept was even invented.

Whether your hotel is located in downtown San Francisco or Times Square in New York City, you’ll always be able to find an impressively designed boutique hotel.

You can generally find that any hotel guide will give you a run down of the coolest, quirkiest hotels usually. In fact, I find that the more exotic the location, the more unreal the hotel boutique design will be. For instance, some of the boutique hotels in Japan or Indonesia are absolutely out of this world!

Aside from the interior design, most of these hotels are only a stone throw away from city centers. Most are equipped with a restaurant and bar as well which tends to enhance the hotel experience overall.

#1 They Are Inviting

Typically when you walk into a boutique hotel room or suite, you’re immediately met with interior design that is both charming and inviting. Unlike most large scale hotels that often feel corporate and cold, boutique hotel rooms tend to be unique and personalized. They typically offer a more stylish and luxurious experience while making it feel like your home away from home.

This is a tip for thinking about the overall ambiance you want to create with your interior decor.

Utilize lighting, art and even some natural elements to create that first impression. If you’re starting from scratch in your interior journey, be sure to check out Best 5 Principles of Interior Design For Small Spaces.

#2 They Pay Attention To Details

Details are so important when it comes to decorating a small space. In fact, details really add a sense of cohesiveness to a space if done correctly. Boutique hotels make it seem so effortless, but taking the time to really organize your home furnishings really makes a difference. Have you ever found yourself looking at all of the cute knick knacks in a hotel room?

Pick interesting art work, decor accents or home accessories to really add a bit of interest to your space.  Check out our post on 10 Small Apartment Accessories You Didn’t Know You Needed.

Shop Decor & Mirros from CB2

#3 They Feel Luxurious

Boutique hotels really know how to make a room feel luxurious. Everything from the bed sheets to the drapes and even the bathroom towels feel quite special. Boutique hotels really pay extra attention to the interior bits that can really be impactful and make a statement.

Also consider the little luxuries that would elevate your own living experience in each of these spaces. That doesn’t necessarily mean you have to spend a lot on your interior decorating. It just means that you can choose quality furnishings where you think it would make the most improvement.

You can do this by adding some extra throw pillows to your bed or even adding art to your walls. Add some more plusher, lusher fabrics to your bedding too.

We love the Laura Ashley Home – Natalie Collection available on Amazon and

The White Company Vintage Etienne Bedspreads & Cushion Covers

#4 They Accentuate Features

Boutique hotels really know how to accentuate architectural details of a space. Be it large arch windows, a fireplace or beautiful crown molding–highlighting these details in a space can really elevate the interior decor.

Play up these focal points and use it to your advantage when decorating your space. 

#5 They Play With Textiles

Even some of the more neutral interior styles in a boutique hotel room design seem to play with a variety of quality of textiles and fabrics in the space. This is a great way to make your room feel like a luxury hotel room. Expensive fabrics and textiles are often the first thing you notice in a boutique hotel interior and definitely give a feeling of opulence. Which is a lot more than I can say about a corporate chain hotel. Shudder.

Go for a beautiful upholstered bed and some high quality fabrics for your drapery and bedding. 

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#6 They Define Living Spaces

Another great reason to decorate your small living space like a boutique hotel is the focus on the living part. Boutique hotels really pay special attention to their patron’s experience in any given space. The feeling of a home away from home is an integral factor to how and why they elevate spaces so perfectly.

Use rugs, wall paper, painted walls and other ways to create separation in a living space. You can also organize your space in a way to create these other living spaces. Check out our post on How To Create Separation In A Studio Apartment for more tips.

#7 They Use Lighting As A Feature

Lighting fixtures are no longer just a functional piece of furniture, they are now also functional and sculptural art for your home. Boutique hotel room lighting is a great source of inspiration when it comes to using multiple lighting fixtures for various spaces.

In fact utilizing different types of lighting fixtures can elevate those defined living spaces even more. 

For instance you might want to create accent lighting with sconces or art light fixtures where you’d like to create more of a focus. Pendant lamps are great light fixture that works as a type of task lighting and would do well in areas like corners or a kitchen space. Romantic or flattering lighting is key to the atmosphere of a room.

#8 Not Afraid Of To Be Bold

Boutique hotel rooms can be bold in their interior design. That boldness may be conveyed in a beautiful wall mural or even oversized furniture. Wall decor and fabrics are other ways to add a whole lot of personality to a space.

You can experiment with dark and moody paint colors, themes, even interior styles.

If there is one thing that is clear about boutique hotel interior design, it is the very fact that the name of the game is to impress. 

Check out Burke Decor for some cool wall murals

#9 They Use Contrasting Colors

Contrast is a great way to break up a space both horizontally and vertically and a key principle in interior design. Boutique hotel interior spaces often do this and it can be done in so many different ways.

The point is to create that bit of interest in a space by creating tension against things. You can add contrast to your walls, ceilings, art work, decor, furniture, etcetera.

#10 They Use Wall Space

Don’t forget that the walls in your small living space are a fantastic opportunity to get creative. Boutique hotels do this so well and really capture how transformative it can be to a space when you dress up your wall. Whether it’s wallpaper, paint and especially the use of large wall art, adding something to your wall space can really add another dimension to your interior design entirely.

Adding some framed prints or large canvas wall art or a wall mural is a great way to implement this tip.

Modern Wallpaper selection from CB2

Athena Tapestry From Anthropologie

MARTHA STEWART Directional Ebony Wall Art from Amazon

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