Have you ever stayed in a hotel or bed-and-breakfast that was so charming you wanted to recreate that same feeling in your own home? Before we had children we frequently stayed in charming places in Vermont or the Berkshires, and even though they were all different, there were certain qualities they all shared. 
Somewhere on the premises there was a fireplace surrounded by comfortable furniture. The common spaces (living room or lobby) all felt homelike–only better! And the bedrooms were beautifully appointed with great furniture, simple window treatments, and gorgeous bed linens or quilts. Each bedroom always had its own “theme” and sometimes this theme was carried out with stenciling or wall murals.Outside there always seemed to be the most beautiful flower gardens and patios that made you want to linger just a bit longer than you had intended.
One of the most unique places we ever stayed was in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. When we arrived at the front desk the manager told us to “look around and choose a room.” He said that any open door indicated the room was available. So we somewhat hesitantly looked in every room that had an open door, and finally settled on the first room we had seen when we arrived. The room had beautiful antique furniture and, of course, beautiful bed linens. But what drew us to this room in particular was the balcony that looked down on the quaint main street.
Each of the places we have stayed would draw us back again. Is there something about your own house that draws you home at the end of the day? How have you created that feeling? Or do you wish your home looked more like that beautiful bed-and-breakfast with the stenciled walls? We’d love to hear from you!