My husband and I don’t get to go away too often over night. While staying at a quaint B&B always sounds romantic and fun, it just isn’t in our budget outside of a special anniversary. And with kids, getting away is definitely more of a challenge. One thing that has always been important to us is that we create a haven from the world right in our own home.
We decided early on in our marriage that if we had the money, we’d rather spend $200 on something lovely for our home than spend $200 for one night away. Since we value our marriage and want to make sure that we “get away” from it all at times, we pay special attention to filling our home and especially our bedroom with special things that give us the Bed & Breakfast feel every day.
How can you get the look of a charming
Bed & Breakfast in your own bedroom?
1. Grab & Box Technique.
Let’s start at the beginning. If your room is overrun by toys, electronics and piles of laundry, it most certainly won’t feel like a bed & breakfast! That is pretty obvious, no clutter allowed! But if you have trouble keeping your room clutter free, here is my realistic suggestion (which you may have heard me talk about before!) for a quick solution: at the end of the day, right before dinner if you can manage it, do the grab & box technique.
Take a big box or laundry basket and gather up all the stray stuff that has made its way to your room and set it “somewhere else.” While you will still have the basket to deal with later, at least your room will feel clean and ready to unwind in at the end of a long day! I would prefer to have my room perfect and clutter free at all times, but at the very least it should be tidy when we want to retreat there in the evening!
2. Cleanliness.
Next, focus on cleaning. Who would go to a Bed & Breakfast if they choked on dust every time they entered the room? Even if you have animals, like we do, you can at least try to keep the dog hair off your bedding. We would never let Winston lay directly on our bed. Way too icky of a thought for me! We have a dog blanket to put out if he wants to be on the bed (my husband lets him up there, I would never do that!). When we want a clean bed, we whisk off his blanket! Keeping a room free of dust isn’t easy, but running a quick rag over your nightstands and lamps and vacuuming the room will go a long way to making things feel more like a B&B.
3. Quality.
One thing I feel is a must for obtaining the B&B feel is quality bedding. I do not like scratchy sheets. Fluffy pillows and good quality sheets on my bed are important to that B&B ambience. I have mentioned this before but I only have one set of sheets! I know that must sound terrible to those of you who love having options, but I just have one quality set. Not expensive, but just good quality! Better one quality set than a bunch of cheap sheets!
4. Layers of warmth.
When I picture a quaint B&B, I picture layers of warmth. Curtains with bamboo shades or shutters underneath. Big pillow shams and decorator pillows on the bed. Pretty bedskirts and a cozy throw over a chair. A fireplace, candles or glowing lampshades. The feeling of a warm nest is essential to that B&B feeling, especially in the fall! I love the chill in the air when I have a cozy bedroom to curl up in!
5. Peace & Quiet.
A B&B ambience requires peace & quiet. Lots of fabric and rugs will make you feel like you can settle in for a peaceful night. Without enough softness, a bedroom feels loud and uncomfortable. A TV can be questionable to me, seeing and hearing a TV ruins the whole ambience of my B&B ideal. I’d like to see piles of books on the nightstands instead! If a TV is a part of the mix, I would at least like it to be hidden or inconspicuous. A TV can be fine in a bedroom as long as its purpose is to enjoy an occasional movie and not the evening news or sporting event. But that is just me.
6. Indulge your senses.
Think about the scent of the room, the feel of the fabrics, the surrounding sounds and the beautiful colors of the room. Your impression of the room when you walk in is greatly affected by the senses, so pay special attention to making the room appealing on all levels. I love a really good smelling linen spray to freshen up sheets and give the whole room a delicious scent. Think about the colors you use and what mood you are trying to create. Try to add as many textures to the room as you can. Add glass for visual sparkle and blankets for pulling up around you.
7. Pack your bags!
I like the idea of staying in a B&B every night. More often than not though during the fall and winter, I am falling asleep in my flannel pjs and warm socks. Not exactly a romantic look. But if you really want to play up the feeling of a special night away, pack a bag of special overnight clothes! Most of us think more about what we wear out to dinner than we do about what we wear to bed. Surprise your husband some night by opening a suitcase packed with something other than your cartoon faced tee shirt! That would really add to the B&B ambience now, wouldn’t it?
8. Breakfast in bed ambience.
For the longest time I have wanted a breakfast in bed tray. The last one I had I ended up giving to a friend. Keep your eyes peeled for one at a garage sale or discount store. If you are planning a special “B&B night” with your hubby, you could set out some muffins and big coffee mugs on a tray, and set your coffee pot to turn on in the morning so you’ll wake up to the scent of coffee wafting through the air! Just like a B&B!
9. Make it a true getaway!
In order to capture the true essence of a B&B, I am probably one of those rare people who would rather not have many family photos in my room. Not because I don’t love my kids or parents or nieces and nephews or great grandparents, but because I try to conjure up the feeling of a true getaway in my bedroom. Where would I go that I would see 30 pairs of eyes staring at me in the darkness when I was relaxing in bed?
I like my family photos in the hallway where I can smile back at them every time I walk by. Again, that might just be me. I try to select artwork and accessories that remind me of true getaways in my life. I like to have pencil art from places my husband and I have been!
from my old house
10. Lock the door.
I know I am getting all controversial by saying I don’t want too many family photos in my bedroom and now I am going to tell you I like to have a lock on my door to keep my kids out. Here is my thought…you cannot have a true getaway if you are going to allow your door to be open all evening long. Even if you are just enjoying a good book you deserve a place in your home where you can enjoy a few moments of peace away from the hustle and bustle of your home.
If you do not have a lock, I would encourage you to teach your kids about knocking on doors and waiting until you have been invited in before entering. And even better, if you have kids old enough to read, make a sign for your door that reminds them that you are having a few moments to yourself. I know that isn’t really an option when kids are tiny, but once they enter grade school you can definitely expect them to respect your privacy for a short while each day. It is important for your sanity, so don’t feel guilty about having your own B&B escape right in your own home!
Oh, yay! A giveaway!
Now, because I know you are all wanting to rush right out and create your own B&B haven in your bedroom this very minute, I have the perfect giveaway for you!
One of my wonderful new blog partners, Cara from SheetBoutique, is sponsoring a special giveaway today! It is a brand new DREAMY queen sized pillow worth $85! You can see how wonderful it is right here on Cara’s blog..go read about it!
Then come back to The Inspired Room and leave a suggestion on this post for creating a B&B atmosphere in your bedroom.
What would your dream B&B look like?
If you want an extra entry for the pillow contest, just click here for more info and to sign up or the Sheet Boutique’s occasional newsletter informing you of sales and special promotions on bedding!
I encourage all of you to support fellow bloggers and Cara is a real sweet lady — so visit her when you need sheets, pillows or other bedding!
Good luck! Giveaway ends on Saturday October 3! {THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED!}
Photos:
The Inn at Perry Cabin, [from their website] “a luxurious manor house resort and spa, is located in the Victorian resort town of St. Michaels on the Eastern shore of Maryland. Steeped in history, this colonial mansion exudes calm and elegance, the perfect hideaway.” Don’t you wish your home could be described like that!? I’d definitely stay at this resort if I could! It looks positively dreamy!
Hi, I'm Melissa. This is where I share inspiration for creating a simple, authentic and beautiful home.
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For me I think a bed with lots of layers – pillows, cozy duvet, throw – gives a bedroom a B&B feel. Mind you I think it would have to have many of the other ideas you posted as well.
Our bedroom right now is not what we want for a relaxing retreat that’s for sure, but we are slowly working on it. I have been to a couple of B & B’s and one of the best things about them is the coziness of the room created by a fire in the fireplace and luxourious bedding. The bedding is always fluffy: down comforter and a down mattress cover. Warm tones are what we are goint to go for in our home, rusty reds and browns with some latte creams. That pillow looks so comfortable! Much better than mine right now.
I enjoy a room that is light and bright! Makes me feel like life is more de-cluttered and full of simplicity.
Thanks for the great giveaway!
I think soothing colors is so important too. I’d love to feel like I am at the beach without having to schlep out there.
Carrie´s last blog ..Morning on the Farm
My luxury is crisp white bedding, layers of whites……my color comes in with fresh cut flowers. This screams B&B for me. If the maid(me) could get a handle on the dust I would be well on my way for a great room.
Anyhow, I have pillow envy…..crossing my fingers I will have envy no more.
Soft light using lamps, stacks of books, a basket of knitting, and always linen spray on the pillows…HEAVEN!
It has to be the bedding–a soft pillow top mattress, a warm and cozy comforter and clean, crisp high thread count sheets.
I loved the comfortable bath with whirlpools. Our bedroom is not even big enough to call a normal bedroom, rather than master. It does have a bathroom nearby, and that was what made us determine it was for us. Someday, I want to add a room and make the window into a sliding glass door, then have a jacuzzi in it. But I can see that will never happen in our lifetime, so I think I will work on decluttering and adding some new beautiful carpet. I love sewing beautiful quilts, and we do have some very nice sheets and pillows. Thanks for your blog, I love reading it.
~a
annie´s last blog ..WIP 18 Sep 2009
Oooh, love this post and all the lovely pictures. The only other thing that I would add to your suggestions would be scent and music. Lovely, soft background music is a must. And I would specify that a different kind of music to play in the evening than in the day. I always choose up beat music for energy during the day. But in the evening, I like soft, romantic, calming violin, piano, harp or guitar music. It helps me to switch gears.
Also, a little more about scent. Really good, high-quality incense infuses a whole room with non-toxic (unlike some plug-ins out there) odor that is very inviting and scrumptious.
Oh, what a difference these two things can make.
God bless,
Elizabeth
Elizabeth´s last blog ..Outdoor Wednesday and a Treat!
I totally agree! Lock on the door and no TV (too bad my husband doesn’t agree about the whole tv thing
anyhow, what I totally love to do is also put fresh flowers in the room – makes it all the more special feeling.
The Lady´s last blog ..Go sign up!
What a wonderful giveaway!
I love all of your suggestions. The only other things I can think of are scented candles, and some good quality chocolates left on the pillows.
Kara´s last blog ..Fleur de Lis Love
For a B&B staycation I would get some fancy choclates along with some champagne and set that out nicely on a tray in our bedroom. Even if we didn’t eat the chocolate it would be nice to look at nicely wrapped boxes with a sweet surprise inside.
Mrs. Dunbar´s last blog ..And the winners are…
The lock is KEY
(cute huh?) It teaches children, respect for our (and their) private moments.
When I first introduced privacy to my kids they were just entering kindergarden, when i would ask them FIRST if they needed a private moment to “calm” down… they understood when I then said grown ups need that private time too.
Great — no, wait– wonderful post!! One every family should read and try for.
If you get a chance please stop by and say hi!
TTFN~~Claudia ♥ ♥
Claudia@DipityRoad´s last blog ..Autumn- Canyon Colors
Thanks for the great giveaway! I’m in the midst of creating my new bedroom post-divorce and a new pillow would fit the bill nicely.
I love #10! As I was reading your list, I was thinking… I hope there is something on here like send kids to a friend’s house. ha! I really need several boxes to get rid of my clutter that has appeared lately. Arg!
I usually just focus on one room when wanting to get into the B&B feel. With 2 small kids, cleaning the entire house takes too much time. The bedroom is the main room I focus on and a fluffy pillow and feather bed is a must!
Amy @ Living Locurto´s last blog ..Fun News
I love my bedroom’s color and lovely bed and linens. A great new pillow would be wonderful! : )
~ Philicia
Love your ideas! On a very basic level, my suggestion is to keep closet door(s) closed whenever possible. It takes 5 seconds and then you’re not bombarded by visual clutter.Thanks.
I love to have fresh flowers in a vase on our nightstands as often as I can during the summer, or as often as I can afford during the winter (which is very long in Cleveland, Ohio). Also, I have 2 small, softly lit lamps that I like to use instead of the big lamps on nightstands (unless I am reading.) I also like a lot of pillows on my bed !!!
Oh Melissa,
Our 10 year anniversary is coming up and my husband just booked us a long weekend, at I hope a B&B…we looked at several options and that was top on the list because we love them. But I am waiting until we pull up to the “place” before I will know where we are staying! You have created a wonderful in home B & B here. I don’t know that I can think of anything else to add. Soft music is always nice. My bedroom is small because of our oversized furniture, so its hard to have a sitting area, etc. One this is for sure though, keep the bedroom clean and clutter free. No one wants to be romantic under a pile of clutter! I’d love to win this pillow…We have gone through a few Sam’s club pillows..that just flatten in no time…we wake up w/ our necks and backs pretty uncomfortable.
Alyce
Alyce´s last blog ..Maple-Drizzled Apple Muffins
Coziness!! Down comforter, soft clean scented sheets, soft lighting, lots of books and magazines and unique hand lotions, oh and of course candles!!
When I want to recreate that B&B experience, I always put an arrangement of fresh flowers on the nightstand and set out a nicely folded copy of the newspaper (not a regular thing in our house!)
What a relief to read someone else’s views on family photos and EYES in the bedroom! I only have photos of my husband and me, and of the kids as babies… sleeping.
We also removed the TV, but it’s really easy to use the laptop for cosy DVD’s or programmes we’ve missed on BBC iPlayer.
What a wonderful post this is! I loved the photos, but most of all, I really resonated with the whole concept of capturing what makes us feel refreshed when we go on holiday as well as focusing on those elements that say values, refreshed spirits and comfort.
My favourite photo was the french windows opening onto a wee table. I’d like to do that to ours, but can’t for security reasons. The room’s at the back of the house and we’re overlooked and have a lane nearby. I’d be scared of forgetting to close and lock them.
janice | Sharing the Journey´s last blog ..Berries and Birds
A locked bedroom door has saved my kids years of therapy. Great post!
Lynn from For Love or Funny´s last blog ..With this ring, I thee pester
I agree – no TV in the bedroom. A chair for sitting and reading would be nice. I love to sit and stare at a beautiful made bed. Please enter me in your giveaway.
I signed up for the sheet boutique newsletter.
amen to locking the door. i can’t tell you how many times my husband and i are enjoying ourselves in our room when the door gets banged into….it’s locked and they try to come running in to a locked door.
it’s very important to lock your door.
i love all these ideas.
we put a dimmer switch on all our lights.
it really sets the mood. and that is an easy fix.
and it’s nice to adjust your eyes in the morning too.
i wish i had new sheets right now.
and that pillow rocks!
meg duerksen´s last blog ..this is BIG!
Oh, the bedroom pictures are so beautiful. (I come to your site several times a week just to look at the pics. So lovely.)
Thanks for the giveaway (the pillow would definitely be a B&B addition to our room)! One of my favorite bedroom things is something you don’t find in most B&Bs — sheets that have been line dried. So fresh and clean. I also love open windows, even in the dead of winter (okay, here in IA I just crack them in the winter months).
Karen
I’m lovin this b&b retreat plan. I’m working on it but my bedroom still needs some more tlc to make it more relaxing! I agree with you about keeping the photos in the hallway, don’t need those eyes watching me sleep!
Tracy P´s last blog .."Fall-ing" behind
I have created a ‘retreat’ in our bedroom. I wanted a haven to come to where everything was right in the world even if just in this room for just a short period of time. I also have no ‘family’ photos in our room. The only personal photos in our room are of us on our honeymoon or a particular photo that my husband loves of me that he wanted onhis bedside table, things like that. Our colors are neutrals (light brown and chocolate brown) with beige and sage green. It totally has that serene feeling in there. I have been looking for some great pillows. thanks for letting us know about these.
Cherri Engle´s last blog ..‘Nesting’ Around My House
Another thing I like is soft music……Usually the only music in our bedroom is that alarm going off in the morning so some relaxing music once in a while really changes the feel. I am heeding your advice and going to work on making our master more of a retreat. We moved in our house last year and have spent more time and $ on fixing up the public areas but I never feel special in our bedroom. It is nice but now complete. We deserve for it to be beautiful too! I was just contemplating a new pillow last night…so I am keeping my fingers crossed for this one:)
Kim Swales´s last blog ..Kate sings in Hebrew!
Oh ack, you caught me on this one. Ive broken every rule I think. And to make my room a sanctuary I first have to start thinking of it as one…instead of the place to throw things, the place no ones sees.
The Crazy Suburban Mom´s last blog ..Whole Lotta Vintage Shakin’ Going On Today!
Soft lighting from lamps rather than overhead and also some candles (lit) in the room and/or the bathroom. Thanks, Maureen (jnomaxx at hotmail dot com)
Thank you for the giveaway! count me in <3
Wow! This post is one of my all-time favorite blog posts I’ve read so far!! I am in love with this concept. I am so excited that I want to rush into my room and take the steps to make it a B & B getaway. Thank you so very much for this post. I am bookmarking it and will let you know when I have my final peaceful results.
Lisa´s last blog ..Color It Pretty
Also, I just clicked on the link and signed up for the newsletter for an extra entry. Thank you!
By the way, speaking of giveaways, I am having my first giveaway on my blog right now and I’m super excited about it!
Come enter if you’re interested.
http://www.mooreminutes.com/2009/09/pleated-poppy-giveaway.html
Lisa´s last blog ..Color It Pretty
Pillows! And not the kind you throw on the floor when you get in bed. I think that fluffly, feather pillows to cuddle up with are a must. – Beckie
My room right now is a 2nd living area since its the only other tv in the house and with 8 people in the house thats allot of people for the one public t.v. I do believe in a locked door however I swear they hear it lock and all come running
I have my one set of good sheets also . I can’t stand cheap sheets either.
I am not much of a bed and breakfast fan per say I like more privacy so we are more guest house or cabin people. But I love fluffy inviting beds. feather bed toppers, down pillows, lots of pillows , nice sheets, down comforters. I love to sink into a bed.
I love the idea of dimmer switch on the over head light . we do have lamps but even that is too bright sometimes. we have to use our closet light and adjust the amount of light by how much we leave the door open. …… that is pitiful isn’t it.
Love the photos on here.
Carla´s last blog ..New Bathroom Finally!
I agree totally about the layers! Nothing says B&B to me like the pillows and the quilts and just the warmth. It’s a must have for a master bedroom!
sylviarj at yahoo dot com
Cast another vote for luxury bedding in layers. Ahhhh – I love a great feather bed, with layers of sheets, blankets and a great comforter!
We will ignore the fact that I slept on my unmade bed – right on the mattress with a thin blanket over me – last night because I was to tired to remake it after washing the sheets.
One thing that would add to a B&B bedroom is a beautiful chandiler! Our ceiling fan just broke {thanks to a 5 year old that was bored with his nap and chucked his blankie onto the blade
} so I mentioned fixing it to my hubby OR getting the new chandilier!! I will have to show him this post! I think the extra-special, packed nightie idea will surely win him over 
Love your blog!
You are exactly the right person to say these things, Melissa, and you said them beautifully! Your ideas are great ones.
Sometimes we get so busy in our various jobs that we forget about our very important job of being the love of our husband’s life. Your suggestions here will help all of us keep that special role uppermost in our minds.
So many times you combine beauty and grace with down-to-earth REALNESS. It’s one of the things I really appreciate about you. Thank you!
Richella´s last blog ..Autumn inspiration
I would add more windows for breezy napping, a door that opened right to the beach and lots of white and light blues.
This is the hardest room for me to keep tidy and pleasant. And I know it should not be this hard. Our current space is so tight that we had to take ur computer desk, computer and all other office supplies (we work from home) and put it in our bedroom. When your bedroom is also your home office, it just never seems to be romantic or a retreat.
I am trying like crazy to work to this. I would love any suggestios anyone has!
Diann @ The thifty Groove´s last blog ..Shortcuts
While I love colour in my bedroom, they’re soft blues and greens and I love layers of soft furnishings, pillow and quilts etc. And amen to the no TV, locks on doors and no family photos.
I also think it’s important to not have a cluttered dresser, especially not keeping out toiletries and makeup and the like on display. Just a kerosene lamp and a few candles on a vintage embroidered runner.
I’d love my husband to not keep his gym bag out and his books scattered all over his bedside table, but if that’s the least of my worries, I’m not doing to bad.
I love having a white noise machine in my room! The ocean or rain sounds block out noise from whatever is going on in the rest of the house.
Very useful post Melissa!I am going to post some (with links)over the weekend on my blog.I think we all need that kind of reminder.Thank you lots!
Oh how I love a good pillow!
The perfect addition to making a room a cozy place is a big overstuffed rocker…perfect for cuddling in with a good book!
Love your blog and the B & B ideas. I think chocolate is a definite must and then candles lit to create a wonderful light.
Please enter me into your give-a-way! I would love to win the pillow as I think pillows are soooo important in sleep. I’ve been searching for a new pillow and this may just do it!
Laura T
The lock is an absolute MUST! One tip, even if the lock is locked, make sure the door is actually shut all the way tight and cannot still be pushed open….that is all I will say!
I would love the pillow!
Mary Jean´s last blog ..Meet Asher
When my husband and I got married, we agreed that if we had enough money to choose between a room full of furniture or a vacation, we would choose the vacation every time. We have gone to Europe or across the US every year for 3 week vacations. Our house is still sparsely populated furniture wise (we do have a dining room table and chairs for the 6 of us to eat together as a family!), and we have no regrets. We remember all of the trips and adventures and know that our kids will too. I don’t think we would have ever felt that way about a living room set! I’m not anti nest – just pro making-memories-on-vacations!
This must be my lucky week. I “lucked” onto your blog, which I’ve really enjoyed reading, and “luckily”, you’re having a giveaway of something I’d like to win. Also, luckily, I only need the one pillow, as my precious husband has an old shredded-foam atrocity that he can’t sleep without. (I did sign up for the newsletter, though, just in case.)
As for getting that B&B feel, my thoughts are with the other commenters – fresh flowers, candles, the right music, dark chocolate, clean, fresh-smelling linens… Excuse me, please, I have to go pack a nightie.
Thanks for the fun of the giveaway, and the inspiration of the B&B.
I need to work on making our bedroom a retreat–especially with nice sheets and bedding! This pillow would be a great start!
A great, big farmhouse in the middle of nowhere! Huge beds, heavy comforters that weigh you down, and lots of lovely old prints hanging on the walls!
Em Reply:
October 4th, 2009 at 12:25 am
We’ll have to keep in touch. I’m planning on opening a B&B in MI. It probably won’t be for about 10 years, but it will fit all of your qualifications.
i would want the softest bed to sink into with a bunch of pillows
dymphna´s last blog ..
The pillow sounds scrumptious. I have always wondered why it is so hard to find one comfortable allowing a great nights sleep. Guess I will have to try some.
B&B’s seem to inspire soft fabrics, lots of layers, books, soft lighting and a nice cozy chair you can curl up in to read or nod off. I would have a psot of tea and some homemade scones with jam for a light snack. I also would like layered windows and a soft wool rug underfoot. A fireplace is always nice, but not a necessity
Mmmmm! I love this! I’ve started thinking this way when I want to decorate–what do I like about vacation, and then I keep my eye on craigslist for something that we can make work. This was how I discovered we would appreciate a sectional sofa. I was right! We sold our sofa and chair, lived for several months without any (didn’t really enjoy that, but it was worth it), and then found a cheap but great quality sectional on craigslist.
Oh, you asked about bedrooms. My idea of the B&B comfy bedroom is big and fluffy bedding, especially with down pillows and a down comforter. A second fluffy comforter folded at the bottom of the bed. I love a firm matress with a cloud of puffy bedding on top, and like you, a set of high count sheets!
Our bedroom could use some warmth. I try to keep it spotless without too much decor.
I have a suggestion for Dian. We once had a tv in our bedroom and happily got rid of that distraction. If your home office needs a new spot, could you repurpose another room for that even if it means giving up something else? For example, if there are children not sharing rooms, would they be able to try sharing? Or is there room for a small desk in the kitchen or living room? This may mean getting smaller office furniture (sell yours and get used if you’d like). I love the idea of an armoire. If you must keep it in your bedroom, I’d get one and close it up faithfully at the end of the workday. Stain or paint it a color you love so it will be beautiful furniture to you. Armoires are seen in B&Bs!
You covered most of the things that come to my mind when thinking about feeling (simply) pampered. The feeling of clean layers of bedding, pillows, candles… bliss. I would also love to have fresh flowers, maybe a few petals or even a pile of them on the bed and truffles…mmmnn
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