By Bunny Wong
Enjoying a serene, soothing environment doesn't have to be a matter of booking a $500-a-night room at a boutique hotel. True, places like the W, the Mercer and the Mondrian eschew clutter while embracing minimalist sophistication, but it's easy to recreate that vibe at home. We asked three design experts how to translate the look of a luxurious hotel into an inexpensive style that works at home. Read on for our upgrade pointers. 
Paint the Stress Away
It's one of the easiest, cheapest ways to transform a space. "Use neutral, calming colors," says Pablo Solomon, an Austin, Texas-based artist and designer. "You can add depth and the illusion of size by using different tones on different walls in the same room." Another tip: Using attractive hues, spray-paint secondhand finds. "Check out used-furniture stores," he says. "I have bought stylish furniture from the '50s, '60s and '70s for next to nothing-$25 for a dresser, for example." Benjamin Moore Natura Low-VOC Paint; BenjaminMoore.com for more information
Steamline Your Furnishings
"Most upscale hotels are very modern and sleek. Lots of creams and whites-that's your starting point," says designer and television personality Courtney Cachet. Although "modern" and "sleek" sound expensive, stores like CB2 (www.cb2.com), Crate & Barrel's hip, younger sibling, offer lower-priced, neutral-toned, utilitarian accent pieces with a hint of charm-like this one, with its nod to 1950s TV trays. Made with white lacquer, this water- and heat-proof find functions as a side table, breakfast tray, liquor sideboard and more. CB2 Formosa Tray Table, $49.95; CB2.com
Put Into Context
"In good hotels, the mirror in the bathroom's going to be huge," says Kris Kolar, vice-president of interior design for Robb & Stucky. "The right mirror will make the whole bathroom look more expensive-and larger, too." Another way to make a bathroom mirror look elegant? Frame it. MirrorMate provides a way to retrofit plate-glass, and installation only takes about 20 minutes. (Measure your mirror's height and width, then choose from 40 styles.) MirrorMate Frames, prices start at $100; MirrorMate.com
Get Plush
"Luscious towels with a lot of weight are standard at upscale resorts," says Kolar. "And they should be white." What better place to find the perfect hotel-esque towels than from a retailer that's also a hotel chain? Kimpton Style sells accessories used at Kimpton Hotels, like these 100% cotton Turkish-style towels, featuring a striped border that complements all manner of decor-another plus to using white. Sobella Wash Cloth, Hand Towel and Bath Towel, prices vary; KimptonStyle.com
Banish Mess
"Unclutter what you have," advises Solomon. "Strip your rooms down. Do not have shelves full of knickknacks." Of course, unlike in a hotel, people at home have a lot of, well, stuff-including papers, computers, pencils and notepads. This nifty desk solves the problem of what to do with your work-related items; the white powder-coated steel box actually unfolds into a small laptop workstation-a desk-to-go, if you will, which includes lockable storage space and can be wall-mounted. Ikea PS Laptop Workstation, $59.99; IKEA.com
"There should be very little pattern going on, as far as the upholstery goes," says Kolar. If your living room furniture is a riot of paisley or plaid, don't despair; instead, look for slipcovers. They're an easy, inexpensive way to kick it up a notch without investing in a whole new sofa. Worried about that pale cloth getting stained? Most slipcovers can be thrown right into the washing machine. SureFit slipcovers, prices vary; SureFit.com
Show a Little Personality
Yes, whites and neutrals look expensive, but that doesn't mean you have to douse everything in those hues. If you're into color, look to upscale resorts for inspiration. "Think of what you would find in the tropics and at the beach," says Kolar. "There's furniture made from twigs, and tables with river-rock tops." Don't have the bank account to purchase fancy furnishings? Try investing in some faux nature instead, like this appliqué wall art. In an otherwise neutral room, it adds relaxing, cheerful color. Field Flower Removable Wall Decal, $20 for three 12" x 17" decals; Flair4All.com
"Things are more Zen in both the bathroom and the bedroom at upscale hotels," says Kolar, who points out that Chinese antiques-or reproductions of same-often bring to mind the relaxing atmosphere of a resort spa, as do many Asian-inspired pieces. This bamboo bath mat passes every requirement on the hotel-decor checklist: It boasts clean lines, organic materials and a neutral color-and it gives off a relaxing vibe to boot. Bamboo Bath Mat, $19.95; CB2.com
Use Texture in Accessories
"Hotels have to keep their furnishings simple because they have limited space," says Cachet. "The way you make an impact is through accessories like great pillows. You can make a great statement even if it's just by using silk or something like that." Color, polka dots and pleats-like the stiff box pleats shown here, in a sophisticated mustard hue-are all ways to keep those neutrals and clean lines interesting. Pleat Pillow, $34.95; CB2.com
Be Your Own Designer
Deep-pile carpets, Egyptian-cotton sheets, thick-weave pillows
: The materials used at fancy resorts are luxurious (and usually easy to clean as well). One budget shortcut for getting great pillows at a lower price: Make them yourself. It's a breeze to do (look online for directions; basically you stitch the wrong sides of the fabric together, leaving a sizable opening, turn right sides facing out, stuff, stitch up the hole and you're done). We picked these fabrics because they're easy to clean, affordable and come in elegant patterns. Crypton Fabrics, prices vary; Joann.com
Take Cues from Resort Spas
"It's all about that little bit extra-that pampered feeling," says Cachet. Small touches like mo
nogrammed soaps or candles bring to mind those sweet add-ons that hoteliers know guests love (think chocolates on pillows). The company that makes this candle will also carve up soaps with your initials or name, and the pale golden hues fit perfectly with a resort aesthetic. 4" Palm Wax Candle with Name & Phrase Engraved, $25;
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