“Trends come and go, but in the hospitality industry, understand how much your interior design components can affect your guests’ experiences.” Courtney Martin iQ design.
Hotels have been changing their décor styles over the past number of years to become more guest user friendly. As an example, making the transition from cookie cutter guest rooms to a more natural and home-like feel. They are also transforming the interior design in their lobbies to make them more comfortable and welcoming. Phrases like ‘social hub’ and ‘gathering place’ are used to describe this transformational trend. From budget to luxury, hoteliers see it as the future.
The small lodging industry, B&Bs, country inns and boutique hotels have been offering comfort and a home-like feel in public rooms and guest rooms for decades. But are B&Bs updating their ‘interior design components’ to keep up with the changing trends? Do they see the future?
Some B&Bs have been resistant to address the ‘grandma’s attic’ cliché that some travelers still connect to B&Bs.
The ‘grandma’s attic story’ is a story that needs to be changed.
The B&B Team recently sold an inn that was steeped in that cliché. The new owner has transformed this property into an inn that reflects her style, while keeping the distinctive historic integrity of the Inn. A property that tells a unique and engaging story with design as well as offering an experience that is genuine and personal.
Yes, you can keep historic integrity and be hip at the same time!
A before and after B&B story…
Besides the change in décor and her extensive (and much needed) decluttering, the innkeeper has updated her marketing, including professional photography by Christian Giannelli Photography plus website design by White Stone Marketing. As a result, her guests have become updated as well. The Waldo Emerson Inn stands out. Her story targets travel shoppers that want to find a property that can provide them with a unique and authentic experience in the Historic District of Kennebunk. And it delivers!
From recent reviews:
“The Inn has been refurbished with modern amenities yet the décor remains consistent with period pieces that maintain its 18th century charm.”
“This historic house has a unique story to tell. It has a legacy, famous past owner’s and spirits!”
Thank you, Hana, for providing these compelling before and after photos. Plus, showing us what can be accomplished when light, life and love are brought back to a well deserved historic Inn.
Thanks for Listening,
Janet Wolf
