In a world filled with cookie-cutter bed and breakfast inns, unique selling points and features have become in demand amongst tourists around the world. By going against the grain and using creative, out-of-the-box design ideas, you can make your bed and breakfast more interesting and more marketable, even during off seasons. All you need are patience, creativity and the diligence to research on design and colour trends. The different pointers below can help you get started on adding more spice and flair to your bed and breakfast inn.

1. Choose different themes for each room. This design idea has propelled boutique hotels to become the most sought-after enclaves for high-end tourists, rock stars and even actors and actresses. Themes can be as simple as a single colour (a predominantly red or blue room) or as wild as an era in time (an elegant 1920s Art Deco room). Choose matching furniture, curtains and bed sheets. You can also decorate the bathroom to match the theme.

2. Choose statement pieces and furniture. Go shopping at antique stores, garage sales or even in boutique shops. Chances are, you’ll find very interesting pieces at affordable prices. A mirror with an ornately carved wooden frame, a black, leather arm chair or even a window ornament made out of peacock feathers can add style and character to any room. Much like stylish accessories can pump up an otherwise staid outfit, statement pieces can liven up your bed and breakfast inn.

3. Use photographs of your neighbourhood or area creatively. Inspire your guests to explore your town by putting up photographs of key areas and spots. Take photographs of your favourite haunts–from secluded beaches to the local fruit market–and print these out in large formats. Place them in frames that match the theme of your bed and breakfast. Guests will surely marvel at these photos and ask you about the places featured there. They also make for great conversation pieces that will allow you to bond with your guests.

4. Make use of plants and flowers. Nothing livens up a room more than verdure and foliage. Put potted plants in the different rooms of your bed and breakfast. Certain plants, such as lemon, eucalyptus and geraniums can sweeten a room without the toxicity of artificial air fresheners. Make an effort to gather fresh flowers every morning and put these in sitting areas, your patio and your dining area.

5. Be creative when you plan or put up lighting in your bed and breakfast. Harsh lighting can be very unflattering. Make sure that you use soft lighting and low wattage to create a homey, comfortable and even romantic ambience. Place accent lighting over key pieces, such as interesting or antique furniture, paintings, photographs and sculptures. Add lamps in sitting areas and bedrooms to give the guests options for lighting.

Stand out from the other, more common bed and breakfasts by introducing different creative design elements in your inn. Mood lighting, framed photographs, flowers and plants, as well as thematic rooms and statement pieces can all add to the beauty and character of your bed and breakfast. These elements can also attract more customers to your inn.

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Category: Travel
Keywords: b & b, bed and breakfast, hotels