Elevate your home by creating cozy spots to retreat

Bringing the essence of travel into your home can be a transformative experience, creating a personal retreat that reflects your favorite destinations. For me, every journey leaves an imprint, influencing the way I design my space. My travels to Hotel Indigo in Athens, GA, Ace Hotel in Toronto, and Avani Palazzo Moscova in Milan, Italy, have inspired a fusion of warmth, elegance, and modern comfort in my home. Each corner tells a story, evoking the ambiance of these beautifully designed hotels while maintaining a sense of personal coziness. I do want to emphasize, I am not an interior designer. My spaces are not perfect and there are no rules. I just enjoy it and wanted to share how I bring my experiences into home.

In my bonus room, I’ve embraced a mid-century modern aesthetic, heavily influenced by the bold character and rich textures of Ace Hotel and Hotel Indigo. The depth of colors, warm wood tones, and inviting seating arrangements create a space that feels like a stylish escape within my home. A caramel leather chair, vintage-inspired lighting, and layered textiles bring in a touch of nostalgia while keeping the space contemporary and inviting—a perfect place to unwind with a good book or reflect on past adventures.

In my living room I created a little corner reading nook. I love how hotels always have seating areas either tucked away so that you can enjoy a quiet cup of coffee, read a book or enjoy a glass of wine or in larger gathering spaces for when you are with a group. In my living room adding a simple chair in the corner offers a perfect spot to grab a blanket and read a book. 

My sunroom is one of my favorite places although it still needs a lot of work. Our dog loves his green sherpa bean bag and the sunroom is his favorite place to hang out. (I don't see the green anymore so here is a link to a gray one they offer now.) So by adding a green chair and ottoman we’ve created a comfortable spot to watch TV and hangout with Murphy! The vibe in here is more reminiscent of spending time with my grandparents in Kansas. I love incorporating old with the new. Mixing some antiques with new purchases gives this room a homey feel.

Meanwhile, my bathroom incorporates a blend of cooler tones with warmth, inspired by my time in Italy. The use of marble brings in a timeless, luxurious feel reminiscent of historic Italian architecture, while decorative bottles for shampoo, conditioner, and soap keep the space clean and clutter-free. I've also added some touches of wood candle sticks and vase to soften the white and match the vanity. To elevate the experience, I was gifted a towel warmer, which has become an indulgent addition, mimicking the comfort of high-end hotels. These thoughtful details allow me to bring the relaxation of a world-class stay into my everyday routine, proving that a home retreat is more than just decor—it’s about the experience.

Now, let’s talk about an inspiration fail. I love how hotels have chairs in the bedroom area. Just a little spot to sit and put your shoes on, drink some coffee and/or watch TV or work on your laptop. I decided to add this blue wingback chair in my bedroom to be used in the same way. Unfortunately that chair has only been here a couple days and has already turned into a laundry catch. It is comfortable though so maybe I make it work.

But, one that I hope is more successful is the one I added upstairs in a guest bedroom. It's a cream colored Sherpa accent chair. I’ve added a throw and it has an ottoman making for the perfect spot for guests to unwind, enjoy a book or watch some TV. The top of the ottoman also comes off so it adds a little extra storage for an extra throw, sheets or tucking a way the the TV remote, chargers and coasters.