"I want to create a luxury hotel feel in my bedroom – can you give me some pointers?"
Of primary importance to the hotel look is clearing up clutter. Organise your belongings, putting them away neatly in drawers, and attractive baskets and boxes, only keeping out items that visually enhance the room. Next, position your bed so that it’s centre stage, and add symmetry and balance with bedside tables either side. This gives a smart formality to the room. To dress your bed, invest in the best bed linen you can afford – pure white for the classic luxury hotel look. A beautiful, statement headboard will add real glamour and bring your scheme together. Creating a soft ambience in the evening light is key, so ensure you have layers of lighting that can be toned down according to the time of day - a pair of over-sized matching bedside lamps is always a good option. Alternatively, install wall lights either side of the bed for an ultra sleek look.
I love the wide range of gorgeous velvets that are now available, but are they a practical choice for a family home?
Velvet is an ideal fabric for upholstery when creating a stylish family home, as it looks great, but is generally very hard wearing and doesn’t snag – perfect for pets and little people. Look for the highest “rub” or “martindale” tests, as the higher this count, the stronger it will be. Velvet made from 100% cotton can be prone to marking, so choose one that has a minimum of 10% manmade content, such as polyester or viscose, as this is easier to look after. For ultimate durability, and a fabric that is wipeable and stain repellent, you could choose a totally manmade option that is 100% polyester, such as Baker Lifestyle Montpellier Velvet, which is available in a whole rainbow of vibrant colours. Velvet is also great for accessories, such as cushions, for a bold pop of colour, and headboards too.