Get The Look: Hotel Chic in 1/12th Scale for the Dolls House

The mixture of glamour and simplicity, with the recreation of fittings and finishes of a high-end boutique hotel, combine to create this wonderful, contemporary package.

For simple, yet luxurious flooring use opulent marble papers, high gloss wood, and lush carpeting. Any of these finishes can then be brightened up with a large modern rug to add colour.

Venetian marble floor from Susan Bembridge

Wall coverings tend to be matt paint colours in neutral tones, with added accents from modern wall art, which is either framed, or in box canvas form. Art work is one of the key elements of this look in miniature because this is where the the realism comes in. Use paintings which have a similar theme and group them in odd numbers to keep up with the latest designer trend. Abstracts or modern prints are perfect for this.

Miniature art by S. Van Middendorp

Unless it is a chandelier, no boutique hotel worth its salt would have overhead lighting, so top up on paired table lamps, picture lights, floor lamps, recessed spots and wall lights to create the right lighting effects.

Original chandelier from Peter Tucker

Everything in this style is overstated - if there's a mirror it's not neatly tucked above a console table, it's floor to ceiling height; If there is an upholstered headboard or sofa, it is buttoned and overstuffed until it's bursting at the seams. As opulence and glamour are the watch words for this look, modern glass tables and high gloss kitchen units are paired with feature beds dressed in crisp, white linen, and freestanding baths in a contemporary or Victorian design for the ultimate in  hotel chic.

Kim Selwood's Pierre Legrain high gloss desk

Key Colours: Coffee, cream, mauve, burgundy.

Key Features: Marble, art work, high gloss finishes, glass.

Japanese style Jacuzzi from ELF Miniatures

How to Customise

• Re-stuff chairs, stools and headboards to add more padding.
• Add a high gloss look to furniture by layering thin coats of clear varnish or repainting with gloss paint.
• The more accomplished artist could create a marble effect paint finish to table tops, consoles and desks.
• For a modern twist to traditional miniature furniture, replace or re-spray gold coloured hinges and handles with a more modern chrome look.

Fiona Bateman's turned horn and trustone vases

This feature was originally published in Dolls House and Miniature Scene magazine. If you like making miniatures, why not buy yourself a copy of the magazine. Or better still take out a subscription so you never miss an issue. For fans of Facebook and Twitter, or to email, print or comment on the feature, please use the buttons above to share with your friends.

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