We’re Stealing These Design Tricks From Chairish x The Colony Hotel’s New Villa

Since opening its doors in 1947, The Colony has been synonymous with Palm Beach chic, drawing jet-setters—Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor—with its trademark mix of tropical whimsy and old-school glamour. Over the years, some of the design world’s most boldface names have also put their own mark on the “Pink Paradise,” from Carleton Varney and Mark D. Sikes to Celerie Kemble and Mimi McMakin.

This month, The Colony is unveiling its latest collaboration with antiques and vintage mainstay Chairish. Decorated with the help of local designer Catharine Willmer and Schumacher Hospitality, the two-bedroom Chairish Villa is a Palm Beach dream, with nearly all of its furnishings—think plaster palm trees, colorful chintz-covered seating, and plenty of wicker and rattan—sourced from Chairish dealers within just a few miles of the hotel. Join us for a peek into the brand-new villa and find out which brilliant decorating strategies—from stylish organization solutions to camouflaging quirky corners—we’ll be bringing home!

Create a Chic Drop Zone

No foyer? Don’t despair—you can create your own de-facto entry in even the smallest of homes by designating a console table or cabinet as a drop zone for mail, keys, bags, and more. Place decorative baskets below to hold beach towels, shoes, or sports gear. It’s the perfect solution for keeping essentials within reach while maintaining a polished look, making everyday arrivals and departures a breeze.

Add Drama with a (Faux) Tented Ceiling

Nothing evokes old-school glamour quite like a tented room, but actually swathing surfaces and ceilings in untold yards of fabric can be a daunting proposition. Instead, use striped wallpaper to achieve a similar look with less hassle. This designer-favorite strategy enhances sight lines and architectural details, creating a space that’s visually impactful.

Use Table Lamps in Unexpected Places

Table lamps are for more than just, well, tables: Placed on a kitchen counter, they’re a tried-and-true way to add warmth and charm to an otherwise utilitarian space, making every corner a well-lit haven that seamlessly blends style and function. (And, face it, who couldn’t use a bit of extra light while chopping vegetables?)

Play the Match Game

Coordinating wallpaper, window treatments, and upholstery is one classic trick that never fails to feel delightfully fresh. Inspired by the Yellow Roses Room in Palm Beach’s famous Flagler Mansion, the Chairish design team went all-out with Schumacher’s Del Tesoro fabric and wallpaper (based on a 19th-century French document), using it to cover walls, roman shades, a vintage settee, and even lampshades in the primary bedroom.

Camouflage Angles with Patterned Wallpaper

Unleash the power of prints to seamlessly conceal quirky, odd, or just plain unsightly architectural details, from sloped ceilings and eaves to inconveniently placed soffits. Select bold patterns that divert attention, creating optical illusions that mask irregularities, like the Chairish team did in the villa’s guest room with Schumacher’s Hydrangea Stripe wallpaper.

Make Mine a Double

While a pair of twins might be fine for a kids’ sleepover, when it comes to hosting grown-up guests, consider double beds—they make shared accommodations feel infinitely more luxurious. The extra space provides heightened comfort and versatility, so visitors of all ages can enjoy more room to stretch out, while the side-by-side arrangement still creates a cozy atmosphere.

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