Interiors & Designs

Luxury simplified

Five-star hotel rooms provide luxury. Mid-level and boutique hotels can do the same, with a simple and low-maintenance design plan. By Shankar Prasad

The words sybaritic experience, evoke images of luxury provided by high-end spas situated in a dream locale. This term can also hold good for boutique and middle level hospitality centers. Irrespective of the classification, hospitality centers can easily offer spatial experiences that have uplifting ambience and provide a high level of guest comfort. Sincere commitment of the operators, alternative approach of the designers and astute sourcing and organised implementation of the project management team can help achieve this comfort zone. The primary issue to be resolved would be to arrive at the appropriate design concept to optimise the spatial parameters.

Shown in the illustration (next page) is a typical floor plan that explores a guest room space in an innovative manner.

• The atypical changes begin at the guest room door - a well designed room signage that could incorporate a news paper slot instead of a bag hanging on the door handle, provides so many creative possibilities.
• The vestibule remains a transition zone that can promise a unique experience to the guest. A full length mirror in a specially designed frame becomes a piece of art, inducing even the underdog to become a narcissist.
• A pocket door that slides unobtrusively into a veneered sleeve leads the guest to the vanity area.
• Wardrobes can be designed with cutting-edge precision to provide for clutter free storage. Pull out shelves at various levels eliminate the need to stoop down, sensor lighting and carefully chosen accessory hardware provide for good guest comfort. A multi level luggage rack with pullout options and a well ventilated shoe rack add value to the well organized space.
• The vanity counter can become state-of-art, with SS pullout trays and carefully designed lighting. The bathroom needs to have provisions to save water. Also as a nation we are fastidious and tend to use more water, use of an oval, deep rimmed basin will minimise water splash on the counter. We are not a diminutive race either, larger WCs are more appropriate. Provisions of both health faucet and paper rolls satisfy our specific sense of hygiene. A shower cubicle with or without a spa fixture and tub completes the story.
• Depending on the classification and budget this vanity area could go high-end or be toned down. Attractive designs for all price points are also available. Aromatherapy supplies are available at affordable price ranges for the operator to select.
• The bed area should have indirect ambient lighting providing great visual appeal. If the budget provides
  for it, mood options can create a sensual experience. The bed after all should be an oasis of calm and
  elegance.
• All furniture should conform to specified standards of ergonomics. The profiles of the mini bar, bed, study table are well rounded and help avoid breaks in veneer joints and housekeeping headaches. The design of the recliner chaise is of great importance. The guest should be able to stretch out with a foot rest or be able to sit up for a meal without having to crouch. A laptop arm provision in the recliner chaise arm will also be appreciated.
• The study table, if it has a glass top should have glare-free luminaire in the reading lamp. Long staying guests require a chest of drawers for professional belongings.
• The space between the bed corner, study table, chaise and coffee table is of utmost importance. It should be adequate to provide space for room service hot meal trolley without the waiter having to perform contortionist acts.
• Lighting is a wonderful tool in the hands of an adept designer. Even on tight budget, great visual appeal can be achieved by indirect mood lighting and appropriate colour scheme. Shadow play can create depth in a flat room and enhance the ambience. It is important that while on the bed, the chaise lounge or on the study chair; the guest experiences the different facets of the room's ambience to avoid visual monotony. This can be achieved in a very effective way with good lighting design. Energy efficient task specific light fixtures should be used for bed side reading, chaise lounge area, both for reading and relaxing and study table work.
• It would be prudent to avoid ceiling down light spots as they can disturb the guest while in the bed or on the chaise. Instead night lamps can be situated near the bedside table and in similar indirect sources in vestibule and vanity areas to create an enchanting ambience.
• An important ambient element is the air conditioning and exhaust system. Well designed equipment, properly positioned air conditioned grills (that can and should be designed to fit the room theme) will help avoid sickroom syndrome.

A wellness room would not achieve its objective unless materials used are chosen with great care. It is mandatory to use materials that can sustain wear and tear and remain reasonably fresh for at least a period of six years. Great care should go into designing material edges, profiles, material to material joining etc. Even minute details such as laying wooden flooring parallel to the bed length to minimize abrasions, contribute to the overall upkeep and ambience. India has a rich heritage of colours, artifacts, textiles. An infinite story line of design enhancing elements can be woven into the rooms. Variation of themes, floor wise helps avoid visual monotony to the guest.
Atithee devo bhava - India has the culture that elevates the guest to the level of divinity. It motivates us to strive and uphold our traditions and look into our heritage and at the same time reach out to technology to arrive at successful design themes.

The writer is the chief concept designer at Concept Infinitum 2000, a hospitality design firm having bases in Bangalore, Chennai and associate offices in Singapore and Bali.