What makes a hotel feel luxurious isn’t just the grand entrance, it’s the crisp linens, inviting textures, curated details, and the sense that every element was chosen for comfort and indulgence.
In this post, we’ll share tips to bring that same feeling of relaxation, energy, and bliss into your own home…
Tip #1: Create an Ambient Grand Entrance
To create a grand entrance that instantly wows guests, focus on ambiance through thoughtful layering of design elements: a statement light fixture, a well-styled entry table, artwork to add personality or mirrors to add depth.
Cohesive color palettes and inviting seating with elegant textures nearby create a space that feels both impressive and welcoming.
Tip #2: Create Spaces That Pamper and Soothe
To create a pampering bedroom, we focus on luxurious touches like crisp linens, layered lighting, and a soothing color palette. The palette ties the room together with soft neutrals, calming tones, and subtle contrasts that promote rest and relaxation while still feeling elevated.
In the bathroom, spa-like comfort comes through with elegant finishes and thoughtfully styled accessories, transforming everyday routines into moments of indulgence.
Tip #3: Layer with Textures, Textiles, and Feeling
We layer each high-end space with lush textiles that instantly elevate the experience, think soft velvet throws, rich linen upholstery, and flowy drapes that add depth and comfort.
These elements bring in texture and sophistication while evoking the warmth and care of ultimate hospitality. Color and pattern are used intentionally to influence mood, whether it’s calm and serene or bold and energizing.
We bring the feeling of luxury hospitality into clients’ everyday lives by carefully designing spaces that blend elegance with comfort. Each design begins with understanding how our clients live, relax, and recharge, allowing us to craft personalized retreats that not only look beautiful but function seamlessly.
From a spa-like ensuite to a restful bedroom or welcoming entry, every detail is intentionally selected to create a sense of indulgence in everyday activities.
Key Takeaways for Designing Hotel-Inspired Interiors
A grand entrance with layered lighting, statement décor, and elegant textures sets the tone for a hotel-inspired home.
Crisp linens, soothing color palettes, and thoughtfully styled accessories transform everyday routines into indulgent experiences.
Incorporating velvet throws, linen upholstery, and flowing drapery brings sophistication and warmth, echoing five-star hospitality.
Use color and pattern intentionally to create serene retreats or energizing spaces tailored to your lifestyle.
If you need help adding hotel-level luxury to your home, we would be happy to assist you. Contact us here to set up a discovery call.
Until next time, Christa
Meet the Designer
Mickler & Co. is a full-service interior design studio based in Wilmington, NC, led by Principal Designer Rebecca Mickler and Designer Christa Mitchell.
With over 20 years of experience in architectural design, staging, and interiors, Rebecca and her team create spaces that are both functional and beautiful, tailored to reflect each client’s unique lifestyle and vision.
People often focus on updating colors when staging because it’s a quick, visible change that creates a fresh impression, but they forget that effective staging also relies on lighting, layout, cleanliness, and depersonalization.
To truly appeal to buyers, sellers must consider furniture arrangement, curb appeal, and clutter to highlight the home’s best features.
Reality #1: Paint Can’t Fix a Poor Layout
Color alone can’t fix the flow of a room because it doesn’t address how people move through or function within the space. Staging creates a clear vision for how buyers can use each area, making awkward layouts feel intentional and inviting. It can downplay a home’s flaws while strategically highlighting its strengths, helping buyers emotionally connect to the property.
Reality #2: Paint Won’t Set the Right Price
While color has no real impact on a home’s perceived value, staging directly influences how buyers judge its worth because the quality, materials, and style of furnishings signal a lifestyle and price point to buyers.
Thoughtful staging helps buyers see the home as more luxurious or move-in ready, which can justify a higher list price. In contrast, poor or no staging can make even a well-maintained home feel underwhelming and undervalued.
Reality #3: Paint Doesn’t Connect with Buyers
Color won’t connect with a potential buyer because it’s just surface-level. However, staging tells a story about how the space can support their lifestyle. Staging is thoughtfully designed with the ideal buyer in mind, focusing on the lifestyle, design preferences, and functionality that will resonate most with them.
This targeted approach helps buyers see themselves in the home, making it far more compelling and marketable.
Key Reasons Staging Matters More Than Paint When Selling Your Home
Staging highlights flow, layout, and functionality that paint alone can’t fix.
Home staging increases perceived value by showing buyers a lifestyle and quality that supports a higher list price.
Staging connects emotionally with buyers by telling a story about how they can live in the space, while paint is only surface-level.
Professional staging helps homes sell faster and for more money, giving your listing a competitive edge in today’s real estate market.
If you’re ready to sell your listing profitably, reach out to us before you reach for that paintbrush! We will help you stage with intention.
Warmly, Christa
Meet the Designer
Mickler & Co. is a full-service interior design studio based in Wilmington, NC, led by Principal Designer Rebecca Mickler and Designer Christa Mitchell.
With over 20 years of experience in architectural design, staging, and interiors, Rebecca and her team create spaces that are both functional and beautiful, tailored to reflect each client’s unique lifestyle and vision.
Imagine a cramped kitchen with barely any counter space, cluttered drawers, poor lighting, and appliances awkwardly crammed into tight corners. If cooking feels like a chore and finding utensils is a daily treasure hunt, it’s time to rethink your space.
Keep reading for design tips that will transform the relationship you have with your kitchen…
Feature #1: A Functional Layout
A well-planned kitchen layout creates effortless movement between the 3 key work zones–the sink, fridge, and stove. It’s also important to consider how the kitchen connects to adjacent living or dining areas, allowing for better entertaining and family interaction. Aligning the layout with how you actually use the space day-to-day will make everyday tasks smoother and more enjoyable.
Feature #2: A Hard-Working Kitchen Island
A large kitchen island with built-ins can become the true hub of the home, offering extra prep space, casual seating, and smart storage all in one central spot. Depending on your lifestyle, you can customize the island with deep drawers, open shelving for cookbooks, a prep sink, built-in cooktop, or even a wine fridge for easy entertaining. Prioritize features that support how you cook and gather.
Feature #3: Lighting That Sets the Mood
Layered lighting transforms a kitchen from purely functional to warm and welcoming by combining multiple light sources that serve different purposes. The three layers–ambient (general), task (focused), and accent (decorative)–work best.
Bright, focused task lighting over prep and cooking areas, soft accent lights to highlight architectural features or open shelves, and pendants or a chandelier for general lighting complete the look.
Optimize your kitchen layout by creating smooth flow between the sink, stove, and refrigerator—the three main work zones.
Add a multifunctional kitchen island with built-in storage, seating, or specialty features like a prep sink or wine fridge to maximize both style and efficiency.
Incorporate layered lighting (ambient, task, and accent) to ensure your kitchen is both functional and welcoming, day and night.
Personalize your kitchen remodel to match how you cook, entertain, and live every day.
A thoughtfully designed kitchen reduces stress, boosts efficiency, and becomes the true heart of your home.
With a thoughtfully designed layout, a multifunctional island, and layered lighting, your kitchen transforms into a harmonious space. Cooking flows effortlessly, entertaining feels natural, and every moment is more joyful. The result? Less stress, more efficiency, and a stunning heart of the home that truly reflects your lifestyle and personality.
If you’re ready for an expert to bring function and beauty to your kitchen, we’ve got your back! Contact us and let’s get to know each other.
Until next time, Christa
Meet the Designer
Mickler & Co. is a full-service interior design studio based in Wilmington, NC, led by Principal Designer Rebecca Mickler and Designer Christa Mitchell.
With over 20 years of experience in architectural design, staging, and interiors, Rebecca and her team create spaces that are both functional and beautiful, tailored to reflect each client’s unique lifestyle and vision.
First impressions are crucial with homebuyers because the exterior is the first thing they see. If it feels neglected or uninviting, many buyers won’t even step inside. A home could have the perfect interior, but if the curb appeal falls flat, it might never get the chance to shine.
Tip #1: Deep Clean for a Fresh Look
There are key details often overlooked, such as washing all exterior windows, clearing or replacing old gutters, and power washing siding, driveways, and stones. These make a big impact on overall appearance! Don’t forget about cobwebs, trimming overgrown plants, and hiding trash bins.
Tip #2: Simplify Decor to Showcase the House
It’s best to remove bold exterior décor that might distract buyers or make the yard feel cluttered. Simplicity helps buyers focus on the home’s features. Pruning unruly hedges, trimming low-hanging branches, and pulling weeds all create a clean, well-maintained look. Adding a few potted or in-ground flowering plants can provide inviting pops of color that enhance the space.
Tip #3: Add Small Touches with Big Impact
A full exterior remodel isn’t necessary to boost curb appeal. Small, budget-friendly upgrades can make a big difference. Consider painting the front door in a fresh, welcoming color, updating outdated house numbers or the mailbox, resealing the driveway, and swapping out old light fixtures for more modern styles. Even simple touches like a new doormat, fresh mulch, or seasonal wreaths can elevate the overall look without major expense.
Tip #4: Stage With Subtle Lifestyle Touches
Once the exterior is cleaned and refreshed, staging it with subtle lifestyle touches helps buyers envision themselves living there. I like to create inviting spaces like a cozy front porch seating area, a simple grilling station, or poolside dining setup to evoke a sense of relaxation and everyday enjoyment. Thoughtful staging sells more than a home, it sells a lifestyle which creates an emotional connection with buyers.
Key Exterior Staging Takeaways
Buyers often decide whether to tour a home based on its exterior.
Power washing, clearing gutters, and trimming landscaping can instantly refresh the look.
Painting the front door, updating light fixtures, or adding fresh mulch are affordable ways to upgrade.
Adding porch seating, planters, or a grilling area helps buyers imagine living there.
Exterior staging not only attracts more buyers but can also increase the selling price and reduce time on the market.
Looking for home selling and staging tips that will make your life easier? Sign up for our monthly newsletter so you don’t miss out.
Warmly, Christa
Meet the Designer
Mickler & Co. is a full-service interior design studio based in Wilmington, NC, led by Principal Designer Rebecca Mickler and Designer Christa Mitchell.
With over 20 years of experience in architectural design, staging, and interiors, Rebecca and her team create spaces that are both functional and beautiful, tailored to reflect each client’s unique lifestyle and vision.
Window treatments are often overlooked because, when done well, they blend seamlessly into a home’s design. Yet when they’re not thoughtfully chosen, they stick out like a sore thumb. Keep reading to get a designer’s intel on how to avoid common mistakes that can throw off your entire room.
Mistake #1: Mounting Treatments Too Low or Too Narrow
Mounting window treatments too low or too narrow can make ceilings feel lower, windows look smaller, and the entire room appear cramped. To avoid this, always hang curtains high and wide. Allow 10-12 inches on either side of the window frame. To create the illusion of height and spaciousness, mount the curtain rod as close to the ceiling as possible.
Mistake #2: Choosing the Wrong Curtain Length
Window treatments that are too short can look awkward and unfinished. Overly long ones may bunch messily on the floor, much like a pair of pants that don’t quite fit. Just as you’d tailor clothing for the right look, curtains should be measured precisely. Always measure from the rod to just a few inches above the floor. Don’t forget to consider the ring size!
Mistake #3: Using Too Little Material
Curtains should cover the entire window and then some. If the curtains aren’t wide enough, they will sit flat on the window with no dimension. To ensure treatments drape beautifully both open and closed, aim for 2 to 2.5 times the width of the window.
Pro Tip: Place one curtain ring or grommet on the outside of the bracket to keep it in place.
Mistake #4 Forgetting Functionality
Outside of aesthetics, what is the purpose of the window treatments? Maybe you need blackout lining for privacy purposes, motorized for high ceilings or convenience, light-filtering for sun-facing windows.
Window treatments should enhance the space without drawing attention. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box! Layer sheers over blackout curtains for alternating uses and a luxurious look. Roller or woven shades add natural texture with functional perks.
“Bringing the outdoors in” with organic materials creates a space perfectly blended with outdoor elements, allowing you to embrace the fresh air and soak up your stunning view whenever you please.
Here are a few tips and tricks to maximize your indoor/outdoor space…
Tip #1: Plan How You’ll Use Your Space
Make sure your furniture layout flows easily with large walkways. Consider how the space will be used–easy pool access, hosting events, family gatherings, or simply relaxing.
Tip #2: Choose Quality Materials
Seek quality materials that will withstand traffic, weather, and moisture. If water will be tracked in from a pool, water tolerant or outdoor rated selections are a necessity to last.
Pro Tip: High-sheen paint like satin or semi-gloss is moisture resistant and easy to clean!
Tip #3: Splurge on Durable Furnishings
Depending on how much exposure there is to the outdoors and weather, you’ll likely need outdoor rated furnishings. Splurge on items that will get the most wear and tear, such as seating, coffee, or game tables. Not all furniture needs to be specifically for outdoor use, as long as they are made of durable materials.
Living in a beach town, homes often have the opportunity for indoor/outdoor mesh spaces with features like large sliding doors, sunrooms and large patios. We’ll help you create a flexible space that flows seamlessly and lets in the fresh, salty air
Ready for an indoor/outdoor space that leaves you speechless (in the best way)? Contact us and we’d be delighted to help!
Say Hello To Mickler & Co. Welcome to the Mickler & Co. Design Studio blog, your go-to source for expert interior design, home staging & rental design tips, the latest trends, and creative inspiration to transform your home into a personalized haven.
Visit us at 2007 Dawson St., Wilmington, NC 28403, or shop our online store for inspiration! https://shop.micklerco.com/
