The Power of Good Design
At the end of my recent trip to Portland and Seattle, it dawned on me just how much hotels influence the experience of their guests’ entire trip. Travelers, by definition, are away from what is familiar, and in several ways, are operating off-balance, without the stability and level of safety of having their own space in a familiar place. Hotels, then, offer not only shelter for the night, but also possess the uniquely potent opportunity to restore, empower, and balance their guests.
To be honest, I felt very outside a sense of stability on my trip. Already frustrated with the rain at home in Minnesota, the fact that it literally did not stop raining for several days in Portland / Seattle (I mean, what else can be expected in the PNW, I don’t know, but I still didn’t love it) not only put a damper on my intentions to walk around and explore the cities, but made me feel restless, like I couldn’t get comfortable, being either “cooped up” in a hotel or restaurant, or pelted and soaked by rain outdoors. I felt very off my game.
That’s probably why, when I arrived at the Hoxton in Portland, my last stop, I felt such a huge sense of relief and deep gratitude for the place. This is not at all an ad but it was such a great personal experience of what good design can make you feel that I really need to dedicate an entire post to this hotel, along with several online reviews.
My pretty but wet walk around the Portland arboretum
I’m even going to skip over the design of the lobby and hotel restaurants, the kindness and friendliness of the staff, and even how my room was also a masterclass on small space design (maybe I’ll put those tips in a separate post), and selectively talk about how my hotel room finally made me feel comfortable, valued, rejuvenated, and gave me a sense of stability I so desperately was lacking. If you’d like to create a true sanctuary out of your bedroom as well, listen up.
1. Get a sturdy bed frame and headboard.
In the bedroom, the biggest influence is of course, the bed. Even if we’re at home, where everything is comfortable and familiar, our subconscious recognizes that we are most vulnerable when we’re asleep, and therefore, will be comforted if we can communicate with our bed that we’re drifting off in a safe and sturdy position. The bedframe and headboard in my hotel room was such that I felt I could kick, jump on, or rattle the bed and it wouldn’t move an inch. See above how large and solid the bed frame is? See how the headboard is tight against the wall and reaches below the mattress to the frame?
2. Prioritize the quality of your mattress, sheets, and pillows.
We spend about 1/3 of each day in bed, so if there was any one place to splurge for our comfort and quality, it’s here. I loved the fluffy duvets and pillows with top notch sheets to keep me both comforted and comfortable.
3. Remember that the little details actually do matter!
Funny enough, the first thing I noticed about the room actually wasn’t anything visual at all, but rather soft, chill music playing from a radio. The result was an immediate feeling of relief. What a delightful, unexpected detail! It reminded me how far the little things can take us in creating a space that we truly love. So turn on the music, light the candle, buy the flowers, and make the bed. It may seem so tiny it couldn’t be necessary, but it’s these things that make us feel most welcome.
4. Design your room like you’re a person.
Something we don’t see as often are hotel rooms with a particular style of design. Trying to please everyone from the professional to the party guest, hotel rooms are notorious for simple and solid colors, dark wood materials, and very basic furniture. By catering to everyone, the space is robbed of any individuality or personality. No one is turned off by the design, but no one is elated by it either.
At this hotel, I realized how refreshing it was that they did make a specific and individual choice in their design. It spoke to me on a more personal level, and truly made me feel valued much more than the other rooms I visited on my trip. Frankly, I do love the design style chosen of an eclectic mod / art deco vibe, although I probably wouldn’t make the choice to bring that exact style into my own home. But it didn’t matter! By choosing a lane letting the room communicate who it was, I felt more at ease to be myself, too.
So, in your own space, consider the personality, or lack thereof, in your bedroom. Opt to wait for nightstands that really speak to you rather than simply purchasing a bedroom set from Slumberland. Look not just for what will get the job done, but reach higher for what will make you happy.
Truly, as I write this post, I will absolutely be looking to incorporate more of this into my own bedroom. I realize that in some places I’ve been quite intentional, and in others I’ve simply ‘made it work’. While I’m absolutely for using what you already have, I also strongly believe that incorporating purposeful improvements where and as you’re able is an investment that more than pays for itself in your personal well being, confidence, and growth.
