Gathering Inspiration From Hotels

Ritz Carlton

This Summer is flying by!  

I can't believe that it is mid-July already.  

Miss Beaux has her college orientation next week 

and before you know it the Bell Tower 

will be ringing in her first day of school.  

Vacationing and traveling are one of our favorite 

things to do during the summer 

as it is with many families.  

Matter of fact, we are taking off again next week, 

back out to California to see family 

and a fun College Sorority reunion 

for a short weekend.  

I always love staying in nice hotels (who doesn't).  

But my reasons may be different 

than most folks, 

I like to steal decorating ideas while I am there!  

I took a few pictures while 

I was at the Ritz Carlton in Naples 

to share some of my stolen ideas with you all.  

Flowers:

 OK, this is a classic idea, orchid in a decorative pot.   

What I liked about it is the under planting 

of the house plant, the moss 

and the mushroom pod.  

I need to remember those details 

and apply them in my own house. 

This display in the lobby reminded me 

to use what I have in the yard...  

Gather some hydrangeas, lily's, large leaves 

and add in some moss balls 

to the mix in neutral containers.  

Viola!  

Centerpiece!

Remember to use low centerpieces for dinner parties.  

It's nice to see the people across the table.  

Ritz Carlton

Tip: If the scenery is this gorgeous let it take center stage.  

Notice how the tablecloth, 

chairs and dishes are all neutral 

so the backdrop and the flowers 

can be the star of the show?  

 I just thought this was unusual so I snapped a photo.  

It's more like modern art 

than a flower arrangement.  

Decorative Accessories:

Repeat simple accessories for a larger impact.  

How easy would this be?  

I bet you could find these jars at the dollar store.

Fill them with sand 

and place them on your shelf.  

Beach under glass... 

It's the grouping that makes it interesting...

Again the elements were repeated 

because of the large space to fill.  

Ritz Carlton

Decorate using the colors of Nature.  

Sunny yellows, sea and sky blues, sandy beige.

Ritz Carlton

Orient your seating arrangement to the view 

if you have one.  

Blocking this view would be a crime!  

Lighting:  I love seeing traditional lighting in a non-traditional space.

Using unusual objects for lighting.  

This is a crystal decanter used as a light fixture.  

Very Cool.

How fun would that be over a bar?

Ritz Carlton

A professional photo of the space.    

So there you have a few ideas 

stolen from grand hotels!  

Until Next Time,

Beaux R'eves,