God is in the Details

Choosing Guest Space Decor

Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, one of the most significant architects of the 20th century, is credited with coining two phrases: “God is in the details” and “Less is more.” Both of these are great advice when thinking of guest room decor. These two phrases came to the mind of our Quality Assurance Director recently when she was reading through online guest reviews of Select Registry properties and encountered the following phrase, “Our room, like the public seating areas, is over-filled with irrelevant tchotchkes, including on the nightstand.” When choosing items to decorate your guest spaces, focus on choosing a few key relevant pieces that speak to your brand and location, and avoid the trap of trying to fill every inch of shelf or wall space. And always remember this key piece of advice from industry icon Heide Bredvelt, “Horizontal spaces are for the guest, vertical spaces are for the innkeepers.”

Take a look at these properties who excel at picking “select” decor pieces that highlight their location or personal brand:

Chanticleer Inn

Lookout Mountain, GA

Chanticleer is another word for a rooster, which can be seen throughout the decor at the Chanticleer Inn.  From the logo to embroidered pillows or a stuffed rooster on every bed, the innkeepers at this property make good use of this mascot to reinforce their personal brand in their decor.

Chateau Bourbon

Prospect, KY

From the moment of arrival at this property, located on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, you’ll know exactly where you are.  Chateau Bourbon has turned their location into a personal brand, and every delightful detail at the property is reflective of this choice.  The impressive headboard of the aptly named “Single Barrel Suite”, is handmade by owner John and is created from reclaimed bourbon barrel staves.   

Inn at Newport Ranch

Fort Bragg, CA

The Inn at Newport Ranch is an ocean front property in northern CA with a redwood forest on its back acreage.   Their impressive Grove Suite features floor to ceiling pillars made from whole redwood trunks, a stunning tribute to one of the eight microclimates that can be experienced at this 2000 acre property.