A sense of five-star luxury

THERE is no comfort quite like experiencing the plush luxuries of an extravagantly decorated and tastefully embellished hotel room.
From a bed that contours to the silhouette of one's body and beckons one into a deep and restful night's sleep, plump feathered pillows, Charlotte Thomas "bespoke" bed linen, constant cool temperatures that are just right, large windows with breathtaking views, bathtubs that you want to soak in all day long, not forgetting daily housekeeping services that come with a personal butler to keep the luxury in place 24/7.
Is there anyone who can say they have left a long and luxurious holiday without a heavy heart? Instead of having those little moments of luxury for short spells on occasions and have it create quite the dent on one's bank account, why not recreate such luxury within one's home and indulge in daily deluxe living?
With just a few tweaks to interiors, cushy comforts can be part of your every day!
Here's how:

BEDDIE 'BUYS'
The most luxurious hotel beds are usually dressed in all white; from the sheets to the pillows and comforter.
"Visually, the idea of the white bed is important," said Starwood Hotels & Resorts global brand design vice-president Erin Hoover as reported in the Huffington Post.
"Something about an all-white bed connotes luxury and a good night's sleep. The all-white bed creates this halo effect, where people think a room has been renovated, even if it is just the bed that has been changed."
So ditch the bright prints and patterns and opt for good ol' white sheets. Choose sheets with the highest thread count your budget can afford. Have at least two plump pillows on the bed – then again, the more the merrier.
Throw out pillows that are flattened to avoid poor quality sleep and neck aches. Down comforters also give you that "burrito" warmth in a cool bedroom. However, if the budget is limited, consider alternatives such as rayon, polyester or cotton, among others.
A good headboard is important for those moments of relaxation where you want to just lean up against and read a book comfortably. Tufted headboards for example, offer great cushioning when sitting upright in bed. Certain headboard designs also work to tone down noise levels for a better night's sleep.
Add two nightstands on either side of the bed for small items, be it your phone, an alarm clock or a table lamp. If space permits, add a touch of nature with a small vase filled with flowers or a succulent plant.
Having different layers of lighting is important in setting the right mood. You wouldn't want to feel wide awake from fluorescent lights right before you head to bed, would you?
This is where a bedside lamp comes in perfectly. Interior designer Corey McIntosh advises, "If the room is large enough, it is nice to have three points of ambient light in a triangle. This could be translated into having bedside lamps and another lamp on that table that is diagonally across the bed. It provides balance and warmth to the room. If you prefer to keep the nightstand clutter-free, opt for wall sconces instead," he says.
Just like your bed, the floor should be soft and inviting as well. Invest in a big area rug that can go under your bed. It can be the biggest decorative item in the room that also forces your bed to be the main focus in that space. Besides, isn't it a nice feeling to wake up from a good night's rest and slip your feet into the warmth of a shaggy rug.
If you're lucky enough to have an abundance of space in the bedroom, consider placing a chaise lounge near the windows to function as a cosy corner for relaxation.
Alternatively, you could have two armchairs facing each other and an ottoman nearby to prop your legs up while you chat away with a friend or a significant other.
Keep the fabrics of the sitting area in neutral tones that easily complement the rest of the room. Have a small side table next to the lounge or between the two armchairs to place any cups of beverage or to hold decorations, like a decorative statement piece or a framed photo.
Lastly, good draperies help curb the noise and light and give you a good night's sleep. Heavy, good quality drapes may leave a hole in your pocket, but ask around and do some scouting for an affordable seamstress who can work within your budget. If it's possible, purchase the fabrics yourself and get him/her to customise it to your liking.
BATHROOM BLISS
Every hotel room is fitted out with an en-suite bathroom, complete with lighting that flatter the design and accoutrements. If a bathtub can't be fitted into your bathroom, opt for a glass-enclosed walk-in shower with a shower head that allows you to adjust the intensity of the water jet sprays.
The sink area should be wide enough to accommodate all one's toiletries – make-up, skincare and oral hygiene needs included. Get a "floating vanity" with shelves underneath for storage of extra bath towels or toilet rolls, similar to hotel bathrooms designed to a modern concept. Use baskets to store these items and to keep that clutter-free look, while trays can be used as a chic organisation accessory on the counter-top where all your toiletries can be neatly arranged.
Complete the vanity area with a large mirror and good lighting to assist you with whatever one does in front of the bathroom mirror, bedtime preparations and face-cleansing rituals included.
For a hint of added extravagance, treat yourself to bath time little luxuries like scented candles, bath salts, even spiced or fragrant bubble bath. Trust me, you'll leave the bath looking like a million dollars and luxuriating in sweet-smelling delight.
Don't forget the small plush rug by the sink to warm your feet in the early morning or cold night. Set aside a small chest or basket to hold the soiled apparel. Don't forget to work into the area, a space to hang up towels to dry.
After all the changes and alterations to bed and bath rooms, treat yourself to a spa night every once in a while. This comes as a great elixir for a good night's rest besides a whole list of other perks.