I gather design inspiration anywhere (and everywhere!) I go — and if you know me, you know that includes more than my fair share of hotels and restaurants. These are spaces that are meant to entertain, invite, and accommodate, which is why I love gathering inspiration from their designs… I mean, who doesn’t want an entryway that feels as luxe as a five star lobby or a dining room fit for a tasting menu? Here, I’m sharing a few ways to get that VIP guest treatment in your own home.

Squeaky-clean luxury

If there’s one thing I love about staying in a hotel (but don’t make me pick just one!), it’s getting to pamper myself in the beautiful bathrooms. My favorite hotels over the years have almost always included a large soaking tub where I can relax after a long day of exploring a new city or chasing my kids around from site to site. 

There was a time when clients were forgoing the spa tubs in the primary bathrooms and instead putting in just a large shower (because who had time for a long bath?). Now (thankfully) people are realizing how important self-care is. Taking time for yourself is not just taking care of your physical self, but your mental self as well! Now, I can’t resist putting a soaking tub in each of my projects I design (and using my own as often as possible!).

Dinner and a show 

I’m an absolute sucker for banquettes. Now more than ever, I’m seeing these multi-purpose (yet chic) surfaces outside of the restaurant world and included in more and more home kitchens. Many families love having the entertaining and dining experience all in one room, and the banquette style seating is very cozy and allows for more people gathering around. This type of setup is also perfect for entertaining. It’s easy to set up a few snacks or charcuterie at the table to keep those guests satisfied while they watch you prepare the rest of the meal––it’s dinner and a show in the comfort of your own home!

An amazing first impression

Just as a beautiful hotel has a stunning lobby, your home deserves an equally show-stopping entryway or foyer. Hotels understand that first impressions are important, and a stunning lobby is something I’ve always loved over the years. I tie this in by making bold choices in an entryway — think: flourishes of patterns and unique colors, or even allowing the space for a subtle entryway vignette. 

Sticking to the plot

Every restaurant tells a story and has a concept and an ideal customer in mind. When designing kitchen and dining area designs, Team AKD likes to do this same thing — but with our clients’ story in mind. Do they like to entertain? Do they want the room to be sophisticated, casual, or have a lively atmosphere? How conducive is the room to how they like the meal to flow (i.e. what’s the proximity to the kitchen, a bar, or outdoor space?). I can’t say there’s one size fits all — I design with the client’s story in mind, which all has to do with how they live, who they eat with, and who will be coming over to gather around the dinner table.

Not to name drop… but here are a few my favs

It’s hard to choose just a few spots that have inspired me throughout my designs, but I’ll name a couple that have left a lasting impression on me…

• I love avec in River North, Proxi, and RL for their banquettes, and I especially love the few that have the channel set backs. I think one of my favorite touches, however, is the lighting used at Maple and Ash. They have so many levels of lighting that work so well to create that special ambiance in the space — it flows so seamlessly with the paint colors and fabric choices they’ve chosen. Perhaps my single most favorite thing utilized in restaurants to create that perfect ambiance with candelabras on tables. THAT I would love to bring back into all of the dining rooms I can get my hands on. 
• As for hotels, the ones I’ve been inspired the most by have been during my recent travels. During my travels through Paris and San Miguel de Allende, every single hotel I stepped foot in was breathtaking. Both of these trips gave me insight into blending architecture, furniture, and art seamlessly to create a blended and balanced experience with design. 
• I love good food, great travel, and even better design. So I can’t help but keep my eye out for what’s next when I’m at restaurants and hotels. Integrating these tips into your own home will give your space an elevated, layered, and luxurious design that will make you question why you’d want to leave home in the first place.