Fancy a home like a hotel?

There are very few things more relaxing than spending a weekend at a lavishly designed luxury resort, replete with the latest amenities. As a result, hotels of today have been constantly adapting to the changing trends and have gone to great lengths to incorporate beautifully intricate design elements in their architecture that leave their guests spellbound. Now, however, these trends, having originated in the luxury hotel sector, are rapidly becoming popular even in the residential design sector.

Lavish designs

Consumers today want to experience the same luxury and exuberance in their homes that they do in a resort. Therefore, the residential design sector has experienced a significant shift in the last few years, with a growing need for innovation to capture the spirit of the designs of modern luxury hotels. While hotels have been drawing upon the comfort and cosiness of residential buildings to reflect the same in their design and architecture, residential designs have been incorporating the magnificence and splendour of hotels, along with their luxuries and amenities.

Luxury hotels are well known for their pools, lush green lawns and gardens, adding a touch of nature to their grandiose theme. Residential homes, on the other hand, are designed to be personal spaces that are attuned to the people staying in them and providing a quiet respite from the noise of the outside world. As a result, the use of organic hues and natural designs has been on the rise.

Green homes are also highly popular today, as they leave a lower carbon footprint and are usually self-sufficient in terms of basic necessities like water and energy, by using rainwater harvesting and solar energy panels. People have also tried to incorporate infinity pools in high-rise homes that allow for elaborate elements, or a table fountain for homes with space constraints or catering to a minimalist theme.

Additionally, the ever-increasing number of travellers and tourists in today's world has created the perfect opportunity for the hotel industry to revamp itself to attract guests and customers. While travellers almost always look for the new and unknown in terms of the destination, experience, and so on, an element of relatability becomes a major factor when it comes to their choice of stay. The familiarity factor, a result of them having seen similar designs across the globe or in their own countries helps in capturing the spirit of their travels back home.

Truly yours

While the design aspects of hotels have already made their way into the residential design sector, the decor isn't always inspired by them. Most hotels reflect the local and cultural context of the area, which is not essential for residential buildings. Instead, homes are becoming more and more personalised, adorned with the memories and mementoes of people's travels.

Customers wish to have their homes speak of their experiences and their journeys. Thus, modern homes are designed practically, keeping in mind the specific needs of the residents, while also drawing upon their lives and experiences through regional art, handicraft, and other keepsakes brought back from their travels.

Architectural design isn't about one grand piece, be it a magnificent sculpture adorning the entrance, or a marble fountain in the garden. It is about the many design aspects working harmoniously to create a beautiful home for the owners. The kind of decorations chosen for it has a huge impact on the impression it leaves on guests and residents alike, affecting their moods, temperaments, and overall well-being. A consistently natural theme, in this regard, helps create a soothing environment that rejuvenates the mind and body, while impressionistic paintings and set pieces add a contrasting character to the house.

Homeowners, however, should be careful to avoid emulating the trend blindly as it destroys the primary essence of a home. Instead, they should adopt an original, flamboyant, and carefree theme for the building that reflects who they are. Homes, by nature, are extensions of one's self, and as such, need to reflect their unique personalities. Only then will the true essence of the family or the residents be captured by the building, complemented by the rich, extravagant design elements of luxury hotels.

(The author is founding partner, Studio HBA)