Once you've forgotten the hassles of airport security checks and lost baggage on your return from a restful holiday, you may start dreaming about giving your home a makeover reminiscent of the chic hotel you stayed in, a swanky restaurant you dined at or stylish shops you visited.
Logical planning is the best starting point, says Natasha Usher of Nude Design. 'The space must meet the fundamental operation for what is intended,' she says. 'Professional design must be functional and beyond aesthetics.'
To emulate a chic hotel living space you need a fairly neutral colour scheme. But you can inject personality using one or two of your favourite colours, working with complementary tones in small doses, Usher says. 'Controversial' colours, such as purple, blue, pink and mustard, should be avoided. 'Usually, we keep the architectural framework neutral and add colour into soft furnishings, drapes and wall features, including art.'
Christopher Bene, from Chang Bene Design, says all-white interiors with unusual lighting fixtures are a trend, as is recycled wood for floors and walls. Lighting is often overlooked but is a crucial part of the planning process. Lighting expert William Kwan, from LUMIN8, says your home should be lit in such a way that it makes you want to linger. As an example he points to restaurants that are dimly lit for atmosphere, directing light only where it needs to be.
'This results in a quiet ambience so that you feel comfortable in the surroundings. Compare that to a cha chaan teng where all the lights are blazing - you want to be out of there as soon as you've finished.'
Kwan recommends using energy-saving lights. Choose warm, inviting temperature tones and steer clear of blue-white tones that will make the room seem harsh and bright, he says. Well-planned lighting will offer lots of flexibility in the number and range of lights, and also control the brightness.
'Look at any hotel function room and you find that it needs to serve many different purposes, from conferences to cocktail parties,' Kwan says. 'Good lighting will allow that space to be used in any number of ways and it has the ability to set the right mood for any event. There's no reason why you shouldn't have that same flexibility in your own home.'