Creating a signature style for your bed and breakfast (B&B) is important. It’s more than just choosing nice decorations—it’s about making your place special and memorable for your guests. Thus, when your B&B has a unique look and feel, it stands out and attracts more visitors.
Guests today want more than just a bed to sleep in. They want an experience that shows off the local charm and character. Therefore, by adding unique touches to your decor, you can create a welcoming atmosphere that tells a story and makes your guests feel at home. Thus, this can turn first-time visitors into loyal, repeat guests who recommend your B&B to others.
This guide is specially designed for B&B owners and innkeepers in the Southeastern United States, focusing on North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. These states have rich histories, beautiful landscapes, and vibrant communities that offer great ideas for creating a signature style. Thus, whether you’re looking to update your decor or planning your first B&B, this guide will give you helpful tips and creative ideas to make your B&B a unique and inviting place for your guests.
Embrace Local Culture and History as Your Signature Style
The Southeastern United States is full of rich history and culture. Adding this to your B&B can make it feel special and unique. First, think about what makes your area interesting and use those elements in your decor.
Display Historical Artifacts or Replicas in Common Areas
Adding historical items can give your B&B a museum-like feel. Here are some ideas:
Local History Displays: Set up small exhibits in your lobby or common room with old tools, photographs, or maps. These can tell the story of your area’s past and start interesting conversations.
Antique Furniture: Use old-fashioned furniture in your common areas. For example, a Victorian sofa or antique writing desk can be both useful and decorative.
Wall Art: Frame and hang old documents, letters, or newspaper clippings that show important events or people from your region.
Decorate Rooms with Themes Related to Local Historical Events or Famous People
Giving each room a unique theme can make your guests’ stay more exciting and educational:
Historical Events: Decorate rooms to highlight important local events, such as a framed picture of the Wright Brothers First Flight in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Other items can include maps, paintings, and theme-related objects related to that historical event you feature.
Famous Residents: If important people once lived in your area, create rooms that tell their story. Use portraits, books, and items related to these people to create an interesting experience.
Cultural Heritage: Show off the different cultures that have shaped your region. Decorate rooms to reflect Native American, African American, or European settler histories.
Use Furniture or Decorations that Reflect the Historical Style of Your Region
Picture above is one of Georgia’s most historic houses and distinguished structures. The Hay House, located at 934 Georgia Avenue in Macon, was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1974. According to their official website, construction began in 1855 and continued into 1859. The House was built in the Italian Renaissance Revival style, a marked contrast to the Greek Revival architecture of the antebellum period.
Choosing the right furniture and decorations can make your guests feel like they’ve stepped back in time:
Antique Furniture: Use or recreate furniture that fits the historical period you want to highlight. For example, Colonial-style chairs and tables can add a touch of authenticity.
Textiles and Patterns: Use fabrics and patterns popular in your region’s history. Quilts, drapes, and upholstery with traditional designs can enhance the historic feel.
Architectural Details: Add elements like molding, wainscoting, or ceiling medallions that reflect the period style. These small touches can make a big difference in creating an authentic atmosphere.
By using these ideas, you create a connection to the past that guests will find interesting and educational. Your B&B becomes more than just a place to stay—it becomes a place where history comes alive, offering a unique and memorable experience that sets you apart from other accommodations.
Showcasing Local Cuisine as Your Signature Style
Showcasing local cuisine in your B&B is a fantastic way to connect with your guests and highlight the unique flavors of your region. By incorporating food-related decor and themed dining areas, you can create an inviting and memorable dining experience that celebrates the local culinary culture.
Integrating Culinary Elements into Decor as Your Signature Style
Using local food in your decor is a great way to make your B&B feel special and inviting. Here are some simple ideas:
Framed Recipes: Hang framed recipes of popular local dishes. These can be handwritten or printed nicely. Place them in common areas or the dining room to get guests talking and give them meal ideas.
Cooking Utensils: Use vintage or locally made cooking utensils as decorations. Hang them on the walls or display them on shelves. Items like wooden spoons, iron skillets, and ceramic bowls add charm and connect guests to local food traditions.
Local Food Displays: Show off local ingredients like jars of honey, preserves, or dried herbs. Place them on kitchen shelves or dining tables to add both decoration and a touch of local flavor.
Dining Area Themes as Your Signature Style
Creating themes in your dining areas based on local food can make meals more memorable for your guests. Here are some theme ideas:
Farm-to-Table: Highlight fresh, local produce with farm-to-table decor. Use wooden crates filled with fruits and vegetables, burlap table runners, and mason jar centerpieces. Hang photos of local farms and farmers markets to complete the look.
Seafood: For a coastal or seafood theme, use nautical decor. Decorate with fishing nets, seashells, and model boats. Use blue and white colors to remind guests of the sea. Hang pictures of local seafood dishes or coastal scenes.
Southern Comfort Food: Celebrate Southern comfort food with cozy decor. Use gingham tablecloths, mason jar candle holders, and vintage signs from local diners or food brands. Display baskets of fresh biscuits or cornbread to make guests feel at home.
Thus, by using local food in your decor and creating themed dining areas, you make your B&B unique and welcoming. Therefore, this not only makes meals more enjoyable, but also makes your B&B stand out as a special place to stay.
Highlighting Local Wildlife and Nature as Your Signature Style
Bringing elements of the local landscape and wildlife into your B&B can create a peaceful and inviting atmosphere for your guests. Thus, using nature-inspired decor and eco-friendly choices helps celebrate the beauty of your surroundings while promoting sustainability.
Nature-Inspired Decor as Your Signature Style
Using nature-inspired decor can make your B&B feel more connected to the local area. Here are some ideas:
Nature-Themed Artwork: Hang pictures or paintings of local landscapes and wildlife. This can include forests, mountains, beaches, birds, and animals common in your area.
Plants: Add indoor plants to bring a touch of nature inside. Use plants native to your region for an authentic feel.
Natural Materials: Decorate with items made from natural materials like wood, stone, and bamboo. These materials add a rustic and earthy vibe to your B&B.
Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Choices as Your Signature Style
Promoting sustainability through your decor can help protect the environment and attract eco-conscious guests. For example, here are some ways to do this:
Recycled Materials: Use furniture and decorations made from recycled or upcycled materials. This could be anything from tables made of reclaimed wood to art made from recycled metal. You can also use eco-friendly products, like what is pictured above.
Eco-Friendly Furnishings: Choose furnishings that are eco-friendly, such as those made from sustainable materials or produced by companies with green practices. Look for items like organic cotton linens, bamboo towels, and energy-efficient lighting.
By highlighting local wildlife and nature in your decor and making eco-friendly choices, you create a beautiful and sustainable environment that guests will love and appreciate.
Reflecting Local Activities and Attractions as Your Signature Style
Your B&B should reflect the fun activities and attractions nearby. Guests often choose a B&B because they want to experience what the area has to offer. Showcasing these activities in your decor can help create excitement and anticipation.
Decorate with Items Related to Local Festivals or Events
Local festivals and events are a big draw for guests. Incorporating these into your decor can make your B&B feel vibrant and connected to the community:
Banners and Posters: Hang banners and posters from popular local events in your common areas. This not only adds color and interest, but also informs guests about these events.
Crafts and Souvenirs: Display crafts and souvenirs from local festivals. These items add a unique touch and can serve as conversation starters.
Event Themes: Decorate a room or corner with a specific event theme. For instance, if your area has a famous annual flower festival, use floral decorations and related items to create a themed space.
Use Artwork Featuring Local Music
Music is a big part of the culture in many areas, especially in the Southeast where genres like country, blues, and jazz thrive:
Local Musicians: Display photos, posters, or album covers of famous local musicians or bands. This can be a great way to celebrate the area’s musical heritage.
Music Instruments: Use musical instruments as decorative pieces. A guitar, banjo, or saxophone can add character and charm to a room.
Concert Photos: Hang framed photos from local concerts or music festivals. These can add a lively touch and remind guests of the area’s vibrant music scene.
Highlight Outdoor Activities with Decor
The Southeast offers many outdoor activities, from hiking and beachcombing to sailing and fishing. Reflect these activities in your decor to excite nature-loving guests:
Framed Photos: Display framed photos of nearby hiking trails, beaches, parks, or other outdoor attractions. This not only beautifies your space, but also gives guests ideas for their own adventures.
Outdoor Gear: Use items like vintage fishing rods, hiking boots, or camping gear as decor. These pieces can be both functional and decorative, adding a rustic charm.
Nature Themes: Decorate rooms with themes based on popular outdoor activities. For example, a beach-themed room could feature shells, driftwood, and coastal colors, while a hiking-themed room could include maps, trail signs, and rustic furnishings.
Local Sports and Recreation
Sports and recreational activities are another big draw for guests:
Team Memorabilia: Display memorabilia from local sports teams. This can include jerseys, pennants, and photos, creating a sense of local pride.
Recreation Themes: Decorate rooms with themes based on popular local sports or recreational activities. For example, a room themed around local golf courses could feature golf memorabilia and photos.
Interactive Elements
Make your decor interactive to engage guests even more:
Photo Walls: Create a photo wall where guests can take pictures and share their experiences. This can include backdrops featuring places like Downtown Asheville, North Carolina as pictured above.
Guest Maps: Set up a map where guests can pin places they’ve visited or plan to visit. This interactive element encourages exploration and adds a personal touch.
By reflecting local activities and attractions in your decor, you make your B&B a gateway to the area’s adventures. This helps guests feel more connected and eager to explore, ensuring they have a memorable and enjoyable stay.
Practical Tips for Creating as Your Signature Style
Creating a cohesive theme for your B&B is essential for making a strong impression on your guests. A well-chosen theme ties all elements together, creating a unified and memorable experience.
Choosing a Cohesive Theme as Your Signature Style
Creating a cohesive theme for your B&B is essential for making a strong impression on your guests. A well-chosen theme ties all elements together, creating a unified and memorable experience. Selecting a theme that ties all elements together is crucial for creating a signature style. Here’s how to do it:
Identify Your Unique Selling Points: Think about what makes your B&B unique. Is it the location, history, or local culture? The picture above is of the Currituck Lighthouse in North Carolina. Use these one-of-a-kind elements as the foundation of your theme.
Create a Mood Board: Gather images, colors, and textures that represent your theme. This visual tool helps you see how different elements work together.
Stay Consistent: Ensure every room and common area reflects your chosen theme. This creates a unified look and feel, making your B&B more memorable.
Balance Variety and Unity: While it’s important to have a consistent theme, each room can have its own twist. For example, if your theme is local history, each room can highlight a different historical event or figure.
Sourcing Local Materials and Artisans as Your Signature Style
Using local materials and working with local artisans adds a unique and authentic touch to your B&B. Sourcing locally not only enhances your decor, but also supports the community and tells a story about your region.
Visit Local Markets: Farmers markets, craft fairs, and artisan shops are great places to find unique items that reflect the local culture.
Network with Local Artisans: Build relationships with local craftsmen, artists, and suppliers. They can provide custom-made pieces that perfectly fit your theme.
Use Natural Materials: Incorporate materials native to your area, such as local wood, stone, or textiles. These materials add a genuine touch to your decor.
Support Local Businesses: Highlight the work of local artists and artisans in your B&B. This not only adds unique pieces to your decor, but also supports the local economy.
Balancing Authenticity and Comfort as Your Signature Style
Striking the right balance between authenticity and comfort is key to making your guests feel at home. While unique decor adds character, it’s important to ensure that your B&B remains a comfortable and welcoming place to stay.
Comfortable Furniture: Choose furniture that is not only stylish, but also comfortable. Guests should feel at home while enjoying the unique decor.
Soft Textiles: Use soft, high-quality textiles like plush pillows, cozy blankets, and comfortable bedding. These small touches make a big difference in guest comfort.
Functional Decor: Select decor items that are both beautiful and functional. For example, an antique writing desk can add character while providing a useful workspace for guests.
Avoid Clutter: While it’s important to showcase your theme, avoid over-decorating. Keep spaces clean and uncluttered to ensure a relaxing environment.
Personal Touches: Add personal touches that make guests feel welcome, such as fresh flowers, local snacks, or handwritten welcome notes.
Thus, by following these practical tips, you can create a signature style that is unique, authentic, and comfortable for your guests. This not only enhances their experience, but also sets your B&B apart from others, making it a memorable destination.
Recommended Decor Websites for B&B Owners
Here are some highly recommended decor websites that can help you find unique and stylish items to enhance your B&B located in North Carolina or the state of Georgia. Whether you’re looking for handcrafted pieces or high-quality furnishings, these websites offer a wide variety of options to suit your needs.
North Carolina
Cedar Hill Studio: Located in the heart of North Carolina, this studio offers a range of handmade furniture and home decor items crafted from reclaimed and sustainable materials.
East Fork Pottery: Based in Asheville, East Fork Pottery offers beautiful, handcrafted ceramic pieces.
Outer Banks Furniture: Based on the coast, this store offers a wide selection of coastal-themed furniture and decor, perfect for beachside B&Bs.
Seagrove Pottery: Showcases pottery from the historic Seagrove community, known for its rich tradition of ceramic artistry.
Southern Highland Craft Guild: Featuring a range of handmade crafts from the Southern Appalachian region, including North Carolina.
The Village Potters Clay Center: Based in Asheville, this center supports local ceramic artists and offers unique, handcrafted pottery.
Georgia
R. Wood Studio: Based in Athens, R. Wood Studio offers handcrafted ceramic pieces and home decor items, perfect for adding a local touch to any B&B.
Redefined Home Boutique: Located in Atlanta, this boutique features a mix of new and vintage home decor and furniture, focusing on local and sustainable items.
Savannah Bee Company: While known for their honey, they also offer beautiful home goods and decor items inspired by the local environment and culture, perfect for a Georgia B&B.
Shop SCAD: Features artwork and home decor items created by students and alumni of the Savannah College of Art and Design.
The Beehive: Based in Atlanta, this collective features handmade goods from local artisans, including various home decor items.
These websites offer a range of unique, handcrafted items that can help B&B owners create a distinct and authentic local atmosphere.
Takeaways for Your Signature Style
Creating a signature style for your bed and breakfast is key to making it stand out and giving your guests a memorable experience. By focusing on your location and heritage, you can make your B&B unique and welcoming.
Start by highlighting the rich history and culture of your area. Use historical artifacts, themed rooms, and decor that tell a story. This not only educates your guests, but also connects them to local history.
Add local culinary elements to your decor and decorate your dining areas with themes that celebrate local food traditions. This creates a unique dining experience and showcases the flavors of your region. Use nature-inspired decor and eco-friendly choices to reflect the local landscape and wildlife. This makes your B&B beautiful and promotes sustainability.
Decorate your B&B with themes that reflect local activities and attractions. This encourages guests to explore the area and participate in local events, making their stay more fun and engaging. Choose a theme that ties all elements together, use local materials and artisans to add authenticity, and balance unique decor with guest comfort. These tips will help you create a special and welcoming environment.
By following these guidelines, you can turn your B&B into a standout destination that delights guests and keeps them coming back. Celebrate what makes your location special, and let your decor tell the story of your bed and breakfast.
B&B Consulting
Licensed Realtor Rob Sales is an experienced real estate professional who specializes in hospitality properties. In fact, Rob and his wife, Jane, formerly were successful B&B owners and innkeepers. Therefore, this means Rob not only has the real estate expertise, but he also has the hospitality business experience. Are you thinking of buying or selling a bed and breakfast inn or small hotel in North Carolina or Georgia? Contact Rob today for a complimentary conversation.