Barbara Elza Hirsch: Home Away from Home

March 12, 2013

Going away on a vacation or business trip, I find myself wondering if the hotel room will be comfortable, clean and…appealing. Very often, the room is decently comfortable and clean but the décor tends to be dreadful. Mismatched bedding and wallpaper, bare walls, sickening shades of green, drab still life paintings or over stimulating flowery prints can turn into a vacationer’s nightmare. While in New York last month to attend a blogger’s event, I was pleasantly surprised by the hotel room reserved by Brizo, my hosts. For the first time in a long time, I felt right at home away from home. The Eventi Hotel room felt cozy and inviting. In fact, I could not stop staring at its every detail!

It brought me to wonder: What creates a cozy and welcoming hotel room?

Impeccable details create rooms away from home that feel loved.

Smart color schemes, quality fabrics, ample lighting and plush bedding contribute to creating that effect. Textural variety, unexpected décor elements and fabulous bathrooms will make you swoon!

Without further ado, I present a few examples:

First impressions count. After a long trip, this room at the Eventi Hotel in New York is immediately inviting. The soft lighting yet abundant task reading lights on each side of the bed welcomes one to curl up with a book. The tracked curtain wall creates a cocoon-like feeling as does the top quality bedding.

Photo by Barbara Elza Hirsch

Details add up. Leather and wood armchair echoes the leather orange pillow and striped throw seen above on bed. A New York Cityscape toile fabric on chair, marble bathroom and upholstered headboard with task lamp all tie in together. The color scheme is repeated throughout. Eventi Hotel. http://www.eventihotel.com/
Photos and layout credit : Barbara Elza Hirsch.

Details add up. Leather and wood armchair echoes the leather orange pillow and striped throw seen above on bed. A New York Cityscape toile fabric on chair, marble bathroom and upholstered headboard with task lamp all tie in together. The color scheme is repeated throughout.

 

Details add up. Leather and wood armchair echoes the leather orange pillow and striped throw seen above on bed. A New York Cityscape toile fabric on chair, marble bathroom and upholstered headboard with task lamp all tie in together. The color scheme is repeated throughout. Eventi Hotel. http://www.eventihotel.com/
Photos and layout credit : Barbara Elza Hirsch.

Photos and image layout by Barbara Elza Hirsch

 

A modern and inviting sitting area in this room at the Element HoteI in Lexington, Mass. offers neutral color appeal, clean lines and comfort.

 

Photo courtesy of The Element Hotel

Simple and organic: this bathroom, also at The Element Hotel, works. It connotes rejuvenation and spotlessness.

Photo courtesy of The Element Hotel

The cool mint walls create a peaceful retreat. The Buddha statue accentuates the mood with the small but inviting seascape frame above it.

Grace Suite at the Vanderbilt Grace Hotel in Rhode Island; Photo courtesy of Vanderbilt Grace Hotel

This corner desk area evokes the home. The warm hues of natural wood contrast beautifully with the colorful and glossy bold ceramic lamp base and two textured aqua vases.

VIP Suite at the Vanderbilt Grace Hotel; Photo courtesy of Vanderbilt Grace Hotel

This traditional New England space feels welcoming and cozy. The bedding selected could be something you would find in your own home. Little details such as the striped ottoman, the print of the curtains, the pops of red and brown repeated throughout unify the space.

 

The East Parlour room at the elegant Windham Hill Inn in Vermont; Photo courtesy of Windham Hill Inn

 

A luxury loft by the sea? Yes, and smartly decorated as well. Note the homey interior, with a young West Elm meets Coastal style vibe at The Cottages and Lofts at the Boat Basin in Nantucket, Mass. The calming blues and white evoke the sea and the natural fibers of the woven armchair and basket soften the space just enough. Surely one would feel nestled and happy in this gem of a room!

 

Photo courtesy of The Cottages and Lofts at the Boat Basin

I hope you enjoyed these selections as much as I did and wish you a surprisingly great room on your next travels! A little research never hurts and should ensure a perfect hotel match!

—Barbara Elza Hirsch

 

Barbara Elza Hirsch is a French-American interior designer and principal of ELZA B. DESIGN, INC based in Acton, MA. Her European roots greatly influence her design work, as does her background in art and fashion. She likes to “build a room like a painting, each stroke and layer creating the final space.” Barbara creates elegant, textured and restful interiors for her clients. She was recently recognized for her work with a “Best Of Houzz 2013” Award for the Boston area. Barbara is a regular contributor at Houzz and the writer/editor behind her blog, CHEZ ELZA. She lives in an old farmhouse with her husband, two sons and a giant cat. When Barbara is not gardening or testing a new recipe, you can find her nestled somewhere with a book.

Find A Resource

Search from hundreds of home services, products, destinations, and real estate opportunities.

View All Resources