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Hotel style: Opus Hotel Hotel style: Opus Hotel
Hotel style: Opus Hotel ofOpus Hotel Stylish, luxurious and divinely comfortable, Opus Hotel in Vancouver, B.C., takes a fresh approach to hotel living spaces. When it opened in fall 2002, the brick Yaletown establishment was considered Vancouver's first trendy hotel and it remains a world-class leader in stylish comfort -- it was voted one of the best 500 hotels in the world by Travel and Leisure Magazine in 2006. Opus Hotel has 96 rooms presented in five different decor and colour schemes. Red rooms are modern and minimalist, blue rooms more sophisticated; green rooms are for the artistic type, while yellow are more conservative; taupe is for glamour (think chrome and leopard prints). Opus Hotel's general manager, Daniel Craig, says they attract a diverse mix of guests -- from trendy vacationers to corporate travellers and upscale weekenders. "We also do quite well with the entertainment production business," he says. Rumoured celebrity visitors include Lenny Kravitz, Sting, Annie Lennox and Ben Affleck. The lookFeatured here is Opus Hotel's red room scheme -- their take on modern and minimalist room design. Interior designer Karl Lohnes observes that "a room with clean lines and contemporary decor can create a peaceful environment due to the lack of pattern, colours and accessories." The inspirationDaniel Craig says they went after a contemporary boutique style that still felt residential. "You don't feel like you're in a hotel; rather, you're staying at your cool friend's apartment," he explains. While some hotels can be stylish but uncomfortable, Opus Hotel aspires to merge creature comforts with modern style. Design DIY: walls, furnishings, art DIY solutionsKarl Lohnes offers these hints to copy the look of Opus Hotel's chic red room design:1 WallsThis room's decor has impact by using one colour (the red paint) to create an exciting interior that still instills calm due to its simplicity. The walls in this well-designed room could be painted almost any other colour and the furnishings, carpeting and artwork would still work!Paint suggestions: • Benjamin Moore's Vermillion 2002-10 • Benjamin Moore's Ruby Red 2001-102 FurnishingsThe dark wood-stained furnishings create drama in the room by using the dark tones and add sharp contrast to the wall colour. When choosing furnishings with darker tones, try to be consistent; mixing up various wood tones gives a room an eclectic look rather than a modern feel. Dark wood furnishing suggestions: • Sears Whole Home 'Cacao' Tables Photo courtesy of sears.ca 3 Upholstered furnitureA large creamy sofa with modern lines looks great in almost any interior. It helps to keep the room bright and is neutral enough to change up by adding coloured pillows and throws. Consider choosing all squared-off or all curvy-lined styles of furnishings.Square-shaped upholstered furnishing: • UpCountry's Tacoma Sofa and Gramercy Chair Photo courtesy of upcountry.com4 ArtworkBlack and white artwork is always a classic in modern interiors. Even old black and white photos of family members can look hip when enlarged and framed with white matting and black frames.Art:• Home Depot's Artistic Innovations 'Urban Scenery II,' $24.99 eachPhoto courtesy of homedepot.ca5 AccessoriesSimply shaped accessories like lamps, vases and decorative items should be colourless in order to have longevity in a room. The trendier the colour, the more often you will be re-accessorizing.Lamps: • Restoration Hardware's Maxwell Accent and Table Lamps -- bronze.Photo courtesy of restorationhardware.com 6 CarpetsContemporary means plain and simple! Patterned rugs often make a room feel too busy. Plain rugs keep a room calm and collected. Choose the same colour as you might choose for a neutral sofa in the room and buy the best quality you can afford. 100 per cent cotton, wool or silk is best.Area rugs: • Pottery Barn's 100 per cent wool Solid Hand-Knotted Rug in ClayPhoto: Pottery Barn's 100% Solid Hand-Knotted RugsPhoto courtesy of potterybarn.comFor more hotel information, go to opushotel.com- Credit
- Colleen Tully
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Hotel style: Hotel Le Germain Hotel style: Hotel Le Germain
Hotel style: Hotel Le Germain ofHotel le Germain, Toronto The hotelLocated on a quiet side street in the middle of Toronto's entertainment district (clubland, the Rogers Centre, the trendy Queen Street West shopping strip), the Hotel Le Germain epitomizes boutique-hotel chic. Its minimalist grey exterior gives way to a warm, richly toned cocoon of neutral sand and rich mahogany wood tones in the soaring lobby library area. The lookEach of the rooms and suites has a clean, welcoming look. "The feeling is modern and calm," says Viateur Michaud, owner and principal designer of Quebec-based Lemay-Michaud Architecture & Design. A neutral palette and minimum of fussy details, plus large, recessed windows and an open-plan design make for a relaxing vibe. "We wanted to please the customer by providing intimacy and privacy in a space that feels more like a living room," says Viateur.Image courtesy of germaintoronto.com DIY solutions DIY solutionsLove the look? Here's how to get it in your bedroom and ensuite: 1 Quench your thirstKeep a bottle of mineral water on your nightstand along with an elegant glass souvenir from your stay. The Hotel le Germain sells tumblers customized with the room number from your stay. Visit hotelboutique.com. 2 BedsA pedestal bed has a sleek modern look, especially in a rich brown stain. IKEA's Malm Sultan Lade. Add more function while keeping things looking sleek with a Malm night table, which can be attached to the headboard. Image courtesy of IKEA.ca 3 BeddingDress your bed in crisp white, 220-count cotton sheets from Au Lit's Hotel line. Nothing's sexier than great quality bedding -- or more restful, if that's more your thing! Image courtesy of Aulitfinelinens.com 4 Flooring Slate tiles are sophisticated and add a dark, modern feel to the bathroom. They can be expensive though, so one way to get the look for less is through rustic slate-look ceramic tile like this Cairo Blue floor tile from Eliane. Image courtesy of Homedepot.ca 5 Accessories A glass vanity console like the Tiffany with built-in sink makes a grand statement in a modern bathroom. It's an impressive hit of eye candy that seems to float weightlessly in the room. Image courtesy of Art-bathe.com- Credit
- Yuki Hayashi
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Hotel style: San Juan Marriott Resort Hotel style: San Juan Marriott Resort
Hotel style: San Juan Marriott Resort ofThe inspiration The hotelSun, sand and an onsite casino, too: what more do you need for grown-up fun in the sun? The San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino on Puerto Rico's spectacular Condado Beach has it all -- plus elegantly appointed guest rooms, as well. Many of the rooms and suites in the four-star beachfront resort boast stellar views of the Atlantic Ocean. When you're not soaking up the sun (don't forget your SPF 45!) or trying your luck at the card tables, head over to the Ocean Club Pool Spa & Fitness Center for pampering.The lookThe guest rooms put a coastal spin on traditional decor. With deep, richly stained wood furniture, crisp white bedding and fresh peachy-salmon accents, the look is welcoming and chic. Because the furniture pieces clearly come from different furniture sets, the look is refreshingly un-cookie cutter. You can snag that look for yourself by mixing and matching pieces with different styles. To avoid design discordance, coordinate them by stain instead.The inspirationYou needn't look any further than Condado Beach's expanse of soft, creamy sand and the endless blue of sea and sky, to realize that this hotel's interior design capitalizes on its location and sightlines. The historic sights of old San Juan, including 15th century villas is paid homage to in the warm, burnished tones you'll find in the rooms, too. Get the look Get the lookHere are some pieces that will help you nab the San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino's traditional-meets-luxury island look. A flat-screen TV is a sleek addition to a dresser. Who says bigger is better? This petite model is perfect in a bedroom setting. LG 20-inch LCD HDTV, $499.99, futureshop.ca. Crisp, luxurious ultra-high thread count Egyptian cotton sheets will lend a pampering hotel feel to your bedroom. White is right for summer, but add a throw blanket in a rich, spicy tone and you're ready for the colder weather. 650 Thread Count Stripe, $99.99, Canada.lnt.com. A fresh cream-and-red stripe curtain adds a get-happy vibe to your room. Give your window a finished built-in look with a valance painted to match. Alvine Smal Curtain, $49.99 per two-pack, ikea.com/ca. Casual comfort meets contemporary chic in this big 'n' cozy armchair. Salmon-hued upholstery with contrast piping is unexpected - yet a warm accent in rooms either modern or traditional. Daphne Chair, la-z-boy.com for dealers and pricing. This combination solid-wood-and-MDF headboard in Manchurian Ash finish adds a traditional element to the room. Avoid a matchy-matchy look by buying the bed only. Find nightstands and a dresser elsewhere for a more eclectic look. Oak Jasper Queen Panel Bed, $629.97, thebrick.com.- Credit
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Hotel style: The Pullman Bangkok King Power Hotel style: The Pullman Bangkok King Power
Hotel style: The Pullman Bangkok King Power ofThe hotel's style The hotelThe Pullman Bangkok King Power is Bangkok's most recently built hotel, offering travelers first-class, upscale luxury in the heart of this bustling, vibrant metropolis. It's ideally situated near to the city's core and provides easy access to public transportation like the easy-to-navigate sky train and local expressway. Opened in late 2007, this property offers up the amenities of a business hotel with all the comforts of luxury accommodations. And the service? You'd be hard-pressed to find better care. The staff is exceptional and guests are treated to vouchers for free welcome drinks upon check-in. A pretty good way to start your stay in Bangkok, we'd say. If shopping is on your agenda, the King Power Duty Free Complex is adjacent to the hotel, while local shops and markets are just a few minutes' walk from the property. All in all, the perfect option for accommodations in Bangkok (and impossibly well-priced rates, too).The lookThe hotel has a decidedly modern look. It's clean, fresh and inviting inside with lots of windows, which flood the spacious, open-concept lobby with natural light. The on-site trendy restaurants are gorgeous and contemporary and serve up a delectable Asian fusion menu. The hotel has 386 rooms and suites. The no-fuss style in the rooms (clean lines, simple white linens and pretty Asian-inspired artwork) evokes a feeling of calm and tranquility. Soft lighting and a muted rust, brown and orange colour palette are soothing against the otherwise neutral palette of the room. Simple and elegant, these rooms guarantee sweet dreams night after night. How to get this look at home Get the lookWant to recreate the look at home? These products will help you achieve the clean modern lines as seen in the style of rooms at the Pullman Bangkok King Power hotel. Textured pillow covers (available in a variety of colours)Available at: Pottery BarnPrice: Ranges from $25 to $39European goose down pillows and comfortersAvailable at: Restoration HardwarePrice: Ranges from $14 to $449Art: Bamboo Inspirations II, wall tapestry by Thomas McCoyAvailable at: art.comPrice: $225.38Orange herringbone cashmere throwAvailable at: bluefly.comPrice: $153.99Paint: Pale Straw, 2021-70Available at: Benjamin Moore stores across CanadaPrice: See in store for detailsEaston upholstered right-facing chaiseAvailable at: Restoration HardwarePrice: Ranges from $2545 to $2905For more information, visit: pullmanbangkokkingpower.com- Credit
- Natalie Bahadur
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Hotel style: Union Bank Inn Hotel style: Union Bank Inn
Hotel style: Union Bank Inn ofThe look The hotelTrendy and immaculate, Edmonton's Union Bank Inn is a heritage building in the downtown business and arts district. Once a circa-1910 bank, in 1997 it was transformed into a chic boutique hotel. Its 34 rooms cater not only to business types, but also to globetrotting hipsters. An entire wing of the hotel is dedicated to 14 designer-decorated rooms, ranging from red Victorian-style boudoirs to ultramodern minimalist spaces. Our fave? This glam and restful suite by Edmonton-based Go Design Group.The lookThe key to this fresh look: Soft colours and a mix of modern and contemporary furniture. We love the pendant lights and lamps, the mix of tables, and the comfy neutral slipper chairs. Even the ceiling ties in to the blue of the throw pillows and artwork -- it's a pretty robin's egg hue. What makes the room so visually appealing, according to its designer, Tammy MacKay of Go Design Group, is "the use of textures -- silk, velvet, faux fur and suede," she says. "Also, the use of three small, inexpensive pendant lights together in a cluster, which make a large 'chandelier'-type arrangement."The inspiration"The style of the room is 'glamorous comfort.' It's supposed to evoke a '40s Hollywood glamour type of feel," says Tammy, a registered interior designer. "The inspiration came from a Chanel basic wool suit that is timeless -- the texture of the fabric, the sparkle of the buttons and the simple classic lines," she says. "The headboard is a large button-tufted chocolate velvet. The tension between this, the cut-glass mirror and the glass tiles on the fireplace make it interesting by providing a bit of sparkle." DIY suggestions DIY suggestionsLove this bedroom look? Here's how to get it.Where to shop: "Places like The Bay or Sears have items you could purchase to achieve this look," Tammy says. "It's a hunting expedition to find the perfect piece!" That's true, but we know you're busy, so we've done some of the hunting for you.&productIdPaint is an easy way to get this glam vibe. "All the paint is by Benjamin Moore," Tammy says. "The wall colour is Manchester Tan HC-81, and the ceiling is Colorado Gray 2136-50."Look-alike accessories can be found at IKEA for under $30: for instance, the Tranby round mirror and Klasbo table lamp.Constructing an upholstered headboard is a relatively straightforward DIY project, Tammy says. But if you're not so inclined, Sears carries an upholstered version called the Sierra that reflects the room's warm brown tones. Getting your bed linens as movie-star-rumpled as these is a cinch. "Get this look by layering textures rather than pattern," says Tammy. Layer your bed with a beige duvet and sheets and a faux-fur throw, contrasted with light blue pillows. IKEA has Tupplur sheets and shams in the perfect beige shade, and Sears has a faux-fur throw in brown. Madeleina side tableSears Tranby mirror IKEA Sierra upholstered headboardSears Faux-fur throwSears Tupplur sheetIKEA Tupplur pillow shamIKEA- Credit
- Helen Racanelli
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Hotel style: Wailea Beach Villas, Maui Hotel style: Wailea Beach Villas, Maui
Hotel style: Wailea Beach Villas, Maui ofWailea Beach Villas, Maui The hotelUnparalleled luxury can be found at a destination sitting out in the middle of the Pacific. If Maui's incredible beaches, stunning sunsets, countless water activities and fresh, fragrant air aren't enough to get you considering a Hawaiian holiday, then perhaps the chance to stay at the luxury accommodations at the Wailea Beach Villas will have you reconsidering. The private residences at the Wailea Beach villas offer the best of hotel and home, merged together to provide a level of luxury and service that's hard to beat. Situated right on the ocean, this resort is ideally located, providing easy access to the beach, which, let's be honest, is where you're bound to spend most of your time. The resort also offers breathtaking views of the West Maui mountains and the islands of Lanai, Kahoolawe and the Molokini Crater.The rooms here are private residences, rented out by the owners and managed by the Wailea Beach Villas, so no two are the same. But they all have one thing in common; exceptional design. We chose one of our favourite rooms; let's take a closer look. The lookThis particular bedroom is one of our favourites. It's clean and simple with a soothing colour palette. The colour on the walls gives off a warmth that mimics the sunny Hawaii climate, while splashes of blue and green are reminiscent of the pure colours of the ocean. Beautiful artwork, featuring nature's beauty, is the perfect complement not only to the colours of the space but to the setting itself: Hawaii.Learn how to recreate this look at home Get the look: Wailea Beach Villas, Maui Get the lookEager to recreate this easy beachy look at home? Here's how:PC Home bedding100% cottonAvailable at: President's Choice Home locations in Loblaws Superstores across CanadaPrice: $49.99 - $59.99, depending on sizeBamboo ForestPhotographic printAvailable at: art.comPrice: $88.85PaintJasper Yellow, 2024-50Available at: Benjamin MoorePrice: See in store for detailsBedside lampsPortico lamps in antique silverAvailable at: Restoration Hardware or online at restorationhardware.comPrice: $35 to $214 depending on size and styleGold pillowLiquid gold square accent pillowAvailable at: pillowdecor.comPrice: $49.95Pillows in blue and green18x18 inch pillows, 55% cotton, 45% rayonAvailable at: stretchandcover.comPrice: $14 eachNightstandSolid Australian ash and ash veneerAvailable at: Crate and BarrelPrice: $399For more information, please visit: waileabeachvillas.comCheck out this guide on what to do, where to stay and what to eat in Maui- Credit
- Natalie Bahadur
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Hotel style: Black Walnut Manor Hotel style: Black Walnut Manor
Hotel style: Black Walnut Manor ofThe design of Black Walnut Manor When Carole Gurgol first took possession of the house that was to become the Black Walnut Manor, she looked at the decrepit living room, sat down and cried. You'd never know it judging from the current condition of the chic boutique B&B. Carole gutted the nearly 100-year-old home and transformed it into the classy inn that she runs with her husband, Mike, in Vineland, ON, in the heart of Niagara's Twenty Valley. The hotelThe house, built in 1911, received its complete renovation in 2002, in time for a June opening. The manor lures its guests with style and elegance. The aptly named Retreat king suite is the cream of the crop of the three designer suites. A spa-inspired sunlit space, the Retreat is an ideal place to unwind and refresh. The look“The Retreat is my full concept; open, light and airy with a rooftop terrace,” explains Carole, who independently designed and styled the entire inn. Her fine art and retail background gave her the skill set to create soothing and modern spaces. Contrasting the cool blue walls and sheer bed canopy with rich brown leather club chairs and a pull-out day bed gives the room a pleasing and comfortable decor. The metal accents and black and white photos generate a contemporary feel while the colorful pillows, faux fur throw and area rug warm things up.Stocked with plush white towels, the gleaming white ensuite, complete with jetted tub and shower, beckons you to indulge in a soak. Carole started there with the paint colour and the bathroom tiles, a white crevice-like tile, and worked in the rest around that foundation. She also considered maintenance issues, since she would be cleaning the suites.The inspirationWanting to give each room its own character, Carole spent much time piecing together the elements. “There was a lot of back and forth,” she remembers. “It's a process, and it depends on what you find that you love. Once you have the bones, then you can go out and find the other stuff. Just be sure to take into account the scale of the room.”The home's thoughtful juxtaposition of old and new creates a classic look with a modern edge. “It doesn't have to be all lace and doilies just because the house is old,” Carole affirms. How to copy the look in your own home. 1. PaintPaint defines the overall tone of a room. For a peaceful space, “it's important to choose paint colours that they have a gray undertone for a softness that's soothing to the eye,” says Carole. A cool blue can be found at Canadian Tire in Debbie Travis' Paints. Try Powder (ID: CM331) from the Calm collection. debbietravis.canadiantire.ca/debbie.html2. ArmchairTo properly unwind, there must be appropriate seating to do so. Recline in style in a leather armchair that's big enough to swallow you up, but doesn't overtake the whole room. IKEA's EKTORP armchair offers a rich brown tone in a soft, yet durable dark grain leather. It's easy to care for, so you can go ahead and sip your tea or nibble on snacks without worrying. ikea.ca3. Bed canopyTo create the Retreat's canopy, all you need are some sheer drapes and rods. “The bed treatment is very easy,” Carole says. “All I did was hang curtain rods from the ceiling to create my own interpretation of a reflective space.” Pottery Barn offers both drapes and rods that will do the trick. Pick up the Remy Sheer Drapes with subtle embroidery. Go with the white or try the ivory colour to warm things up. The Simple Drape Rod wraps on both ends, making it ideal for ceiling mounting. potterybarn.com4. PillowsLuxurious pillows make the bed inviting so you can put your feet up and let go. Try a mix of embroidered and solid-coloured pillows for aesthetic interest. Select nice-to-touch materials like silk or velour. Try Pottery Barn's Quilted Silk Pillow Cover. Available in multiple colours, it offers a classy touch to any retreat. potterybarn.com- Credit
- Colleen Seto
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Hotel style: SoHo Metropolitan Hotel Hotel style: SoHo Metropolitan Hotel
Hotel style: SoHo Metropolitan Hotel ofThe hotel's style The hotelFor the ultimate in indulgence, the SoHo Metropolitan Hotel in Toronto's theatre and entertainment district is the place to be. Since its opening in April 2003, the 92-room upscale luxury hotel has played host to "people seeking the finer things in life, not the cookie-cutter hotel," explains Trina Hendry, the hotel's director of public relations. Some of those people include Madonna, Cameron Diaz, P. Diddy and the boys of Coldplay. DIY suggestionsFor a SoHo Metropolitan Hotel look in your home, begin with a vinyl grasscloth wallcovering, available at local paint and wallpaper stores. If you prefer a flat wall, simply borrow the colour -- Benjamin Moore's Flax, 2098-50. For the beautiful headboard wall, purchase a- Credit
- Heather Camlot
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