Michigan State University Extension
Tourism Educational Materials - 33400020
06/06/02
Resort Interiors
Archived Document: This Extension bulletin is no longer
available from the publishing State and may contain
outdated information.
Source: Minnesota
Authors: Alexander, Harold
ID: CD-FO-3630
Year: 1988
A stay in a Minnesota resort may be memorable for a variety
of reasons. It could be the number of fish caught, the
beautiful scenery just outside the door, the swimming and
boating, or the comfort of the room or cabin that stands
out. Or, it could be the companions, the food, or the other
people met at the resort that will make people want to
return. One of these reasons, or a combination of all of
them, can make a resort stay special.
Interesting, unique, clean, pleasant, and comfortable
resort facilities will often increase the likelihood of
repeat reservations and recommendations to future guests.
For you, the resort owner or manager, these factors can
make the difference between just moderate and outstanding
success.
Questions to consider in an evaluation of your resort
The following questions may seem obvious but they need to
be considered in an evaluation of a resort's interior
spaces and furnishings. You should keep them in mind when
reviewing your business.
Do You Review Your Resort's Appearance From Time to Time?
Over time, both the exterior and interior of buildings,
including the furniture, will change or even deteriorate if
not carefully and meticulously maintained. Although human
beings have the ability to accommodate subtle changes here
and there, a combination of small changes can eventually
alter the entire ambiance or look of your resort. Record
your resort by photographing it completely, both indoors
and out. Take several pictures of each room. Refer to these
photographs once or twice a year. You may be surprised at
how the interiors change.
Have You Recently Looked at Your Resort Through the Eyes of
a New Guest?
First impressions are extremely important! It is wise to
periodically evaluate your resort as a person might who
visits it for the first time. Is it as you expected?
Make it a point to stay in one of the guest rooms or cabins
from time to time during the season. Is your stay as
comfortable and enjoyable as you thought it might be?
Record your first impressions, as well as those that remain
in mind after your overnight stay.
Does Your Resort Look and Smell Clean?
The interior and furnishings of your resort must look and
smell as clean as they really are. For example: furniture,
wood paneling, and hard-surfaced floors must shine; linens,
draperies, carpets, and upholstery must be clean and not
worn; lamps must function and their shades must be
undamaged and straight; and paintings must hang level on
the walls.
Cabins and cottages should smell clean and fresh. Cabins
located near lakes or under trees are particularly
susceptible to molds and mildew, especially when they are
closed for long periods of time. If the previous occupants
were heavy smokers and/or there is a fireplace that smokes,
the cabins must be well aired before the new guests arrive.
If this does not do the trick, use an air-freshener spray.
Does Your Resort Make Use of Bright Colors?
There are some colors that never seem to look clean, while
there are others that always look fresh. Again, it's the
first impression that counts. Grayed or dull colors (such
as olives, some browns. dark golds, maroon, and navy blue)
will usually appear drab unless livened up by lots of white
and some fresh clean colors (such as lemon yellow, bright
leaf green, military blue, and clear reds). Since a resort
interior should be a "happy" place, use colors a little
fresher and brighter than you might have in a home.
Even if the guest facility is heavily used and there is
little time between guests, that extra little effort to
make it appear and smell clean will be noted and
remembered. After all, the facility is a home away from
home, and in today's market it must be of equal or better
quality than home.
How Would You Describe Your Resort?
Is it rustic, comfortable, modern, new, worn,
old-fashioned, family, primarily for children or seniors?
What are its attributes? Its liabilities? What makes it a
place that a person might like to come to? If you have
difficulty describing your resort, how do you think guests
describe their stay there?
Do You Know the Style or Styles of the Buildings?
A stylistic unity for all of the buildings should be the
goal of every resort owner. This is not to say that your
resort buildings must be quaint or cute, or try to look
like an Alpine village. Even if they were built at
different times, do your cabins and other structures all
seem to belong to one resort? Many times buildings and
other structures are added without considering what is
already there. Buildings may sprout up like mushrooms (or
are they toadstools). Frequently, coordinated paint and
other simple, cost-effective improvements can create unity
where none existed before.
Is There a Relationship Between the Exterior and Interior
Spaces of Your Resort?
While there can always be exceptions, frequently there is
coordination between the appearance of the exterior of your
resort and the interior spaces and furnishings. For
example, if the exterior of your resort is "rustic" or
"historic," the same theme could be incorporated in the
guest rooms. A modern contemporary look might not work as
well. This is not to say that there cannot be a mix of
contemporary and antique furniture, or that all the modern
conveniences cannot be incorporated in bathrooms and
kitchens.
Do You Really Know the Style, Quality, and Replacement
Value of the Furniture and Furnishings You Have in Your
Resort?
This is particularly important when upgrading the interiors
and furniture or purchasing additional furnishings. It may
be less expensive and far more interesting to have existing
older furniture reupholstered or refinished, instead of
replaced.
In addition, you may not realize the value of the furniture
that you have. With a little rehabilitation and
rearrangement, it can often serve better than newer pieces.
If you do have valuable antiques, are they strong enough
for the increased use they may receive? Move delicate
antiques to locations where they will not receive heavy
use, but can still contribute to the ambiance of the
interior. Be absolutely certain that you do not lessen
their value by needless and inappropriate repairs,
refinishings, or reupholstering. Furniture that has its
original varnished or painted finish is always more valued
and valuable than a piece that has been refinished. It is
important to remember that antiques are not new, therefore
their surfaces need not be blemish free; those nicks and
scratches can often add to their beauty.
Certainly, never try to simplify or remodel an ornate piece
of furniture. This will reduce its value. If something less
decorative is desired, sell the piece and use the money to
buy another.
It has been observed in all but the newest resorts that the
existing furniture sometimes does not go well together.
Over time furniture may have been shifted from one location
to another without consideration of its design or
compatibility with other furnishings. All of the furniture
does not have to be in the same style, however it should be
compatible. Look at the scale and visual weight of the
furniture, as well as its style. A mix of styles can be
interesting. However, with a little reorganization of
furniture from room to room or cabin to cabin, the most
pleasing combinations will often result.
In one Minnesota resort recently visited, there were some
stunning pieces of 1930s furniture scattered throughout the
cabins. Collecting them in one cabin and adding a few
simple decorative 1930s details, would have created a
unique and interesting ambiance. There were also many
pieces of "twig" or "Adirondack" furniture (made from
natural branches and sticks) that were used
indiscriminately throughout the resort. Much of the
furniture was just sitting on porches. If it had been used
judiciously in log cabins or lounges, the impact of this
increasingly popular and valuable furniture would have been
greater.
Ideally, dishes and pots and pans should be of one brand
and design. This makes the inevitable replacement or
shifting from one cabin to another much easier. However, if
this is not possible without discarding all and buying new,
try to select new pieces that are compatible. Current
trends are to use mixed dishes. However, they must be
coordinated by colors quality, or general style. The same
criteria goes for flatware.
Where Do You Obtain Furniture and Furnishings?
Purchasing your needed furnishings from local merchants is
good public relations, but it can also be limiting,
especially if selection is restricted to what is in stock.
Remember, virtually any local merchant can order furniture
and other necessary furnishings for your resort. Planning
ahead will allow you to investigate other options and
lessen the need to have to buy what's immediately
available.
Is Your Resort Furniture Contract Grade?
Contract grade furniture is furniture made expressly for
commercial and heavy use. It often looks identical to
residential grade, only slightly heavier and better
constructed and braced. The finishes and/or upholstery is
of a sturdier quality too. Virtually any style is available
in contract grade. It does not have to be clumsy or crude
to be contract furniture. Contract grade furniture may be
slightly more expensive and not as readily available
locally, but it is well worth the extra cost and wait
because it will last considerably longer and withstand the
wear better. In the end you will undoubtedly save money by
not having to replace or refurbish furniture as often. Ask
your local furniture dealers about contract furniture-they
can get it for you.
Have You Paid Enough Attention to Your Beds Lately?
Beds should be of the highest quality! Resort owners report
that guests spend more time on beds than any other type of
furniture (at least one-third of each day is spent
sleeping). Mattresses and bedding should especially smell
fresh. Since the fabric used is absorbent, it is especially
prone to acquire odors and needs to be aired frequently.
Do You Have an Overall Plan for the Upgrading,
Redecorating, and General Improvement of Your Guest
Facilities?
No matter how "successful" the resort, seldom does the
owner or manager have unlimited resources to redo or
replace things as the resort grows or changes in some way.
Nor should a successful resort ever be considered
completed. Consequently, it is prudent to develop an
overall design plan one that you can work toward and one
with realistic time and cost schedules. How do you
eventually want your resort to look and function? With a
design plan, changes and additions will conform to this
ultimate goal and unnecessary duplication of construction
or decoration to determine their wants and needs. However,
do not be influenced by fads. Aim toward a more "dateless"
and classic look, one that will not go out of style
rapidly.
Even the most modern/contemporary designs should last
longer than just a season. Of course. you may actually want
a "period" or "old-fashioned" look. If you do, research the
authentic, historic appearance and begin there. Don't rely
on popular and trade journal information. Accurate,
complete restoration may not be appropriate or economically
feasible for your resort. It is not a museum. However,
being aware of the true historic interiors and furnishings
of the chosen period, will help you approximate the look
more effectively.
Additional Factors to Consider When Planning to Improve or
Update the Interiors of Your Resort
Color Choice. In addition to planning your redo carefully
and completely before you begin, selecting contract grade
furnishings, and carefully examining and evaluating
existing furniture, you may also be thinking of changing
your color scheme or schemes. Nothing appears more dated
than an interior that is dominated by yesterday's "fashion"
colors. Therefore, never use fashion colors in the more
permanent furnishings of your resort's interiors.
Fashion colors? Fashion colors are colors that are promoted
in the merchandizing world as "the latest." "The very
popular," "the height of fashion," or "what everyone is
wearing these days." Try to stick to neutrals and
standards, such as the grays, whites, blacks, and
tan/beiges, for carpeting, walls, and larger pieces of
furniture. Then introduce brighter, more timely colors in
less permanent furnishings, such as draperies paintings,
and pillows. Then, when the color preferences shift, a few
minor changes will update your interiors. Even if your
supplier wants to give you a discount on that mauve or
olive green sofa or carpet, its already dated color may
suggest to your guests that it is older than it actually
is, and that your resort is not up-to-date.
If you are trying to get an historic appearance, check what
colors were really used during the historical period. You
might be surprised at the brightness and the combinations
of the colors used. There are many carefully documented
reference books available today that will assist you in
selecting historic colors.
Texture and Surface Quality. In addition to the color, the
texture and surface quality of interior furnishings can
affect the appearance and need for continued maintenance.
For example, several sofas and chairs seen on one resort
tour were upholstered with inappropriate fabrics. Several
sofas had loosely woven, textured fabrics that could be
easily snagged. The fabrics had a rubberized backing that
held the yarns together, rather than being held together by
the tightness of the weave. Some chairs were upholstered in
a thin, shiny vinyl. Perhaps these chairs were chosen
because vinyl upholstery can be wiped clean. However,
because this vinyl was very thin, had no supporting
backing, and was the type that did not "breathe," it would
likely be slit or ripped before the season was over. Guests
would undoubtedly perspire and stick to it, and body oils
would collect dirt.
Fabrics should be tightly woven, have a slight texture
and/or pattern to hide possible signs of wear, soil and
stains, and be treated with stain-resistant materials at
the factory. Locally treated fabrics seldom resist stain
and soil effectively. Non-compatible soil-resisting
treatments can attract more dirt and are harder to clean.
Floor Coverings.
Floor coverings are always a problem. Tile or sheet vinyls
are often chosen for floor coverings in cabins and are
often wise choices. Where sand or dirt is easily tracked
into the cabin, vinyl or ceramic tile are about the only
choices. However, both can also become very slick when wet
and contribute to accidents. Slightly textured floor
surfaces are better than the very smooth ones. Always
install contract grade floor coverings for longer wear.
Wood, unless well finished with a high grade varnish and
consistently kept waxed, will often show signs of wear
quickly in areas of heavy usage. Carpet can disintegrate
fairly rapidly if sand is allowed to remain among the
yarns. A good daily vacuuming is the minimum required.
Visually, too many slick, shiny, and smooth surfaces can
detract from the requisite casual, warm, and comfortable
ambiance desired in Minnesota resort cabins and guest
rooms. Easily cleaned area rugs are often the answer. Their
soft texture and bright colors can enhance the interior.
However, area rugs should be of sufficient weight, size,
and stiffness to prevent them from wrinkling and sliding
around. (In very warm climates more hard and smooth
surfaces could be desirable .)
Surface Materials.
When selecting surface materials, try to adhere to the
concept of "Form Follows Function." Be truthful to the
inherent function and visual characteristics of the
material. That is, don't select a material that looks like
another material, such as vinyl floor coverings that look
like ceramic tiles, plastic laminate that masquerades as
wood, styrofoam rustic beams or wallcoverings that are
printed with a brick or wood-grain pattern. Each of these
basic materials are excellent, but select only "truthful"
examples. Don't "fake it."
Lighting. Careful selection of lighting fixtures and lamps
is required. They should be heavier and more sturdy than
those used in the normal residence. Easily breakable glass,
plaster, or pottery should be avoided if possible. Fixtures
attached to walls and ceilings are less vulnerable than
table and floor lamps, but one or two table and/or floor
lamps are usually needed as well to establish a comfortable
and adaptable atmosphere. The bases of table and floor
lamps must be heavily weighted for stability. Lampshades
should be of heavier quality and not easily damaged by heat
or being knocked over. Periodically check the wiring of
lamps to prevent possible fires. Lamp cords must never run
under carpets or rugs.
Incandescent lighting is usually preferred in cabins and
guest rooms because it can be directed and dimmed. However,
incandescent lighting is not as efficient as fluorescent
lighting and radiates much more heat. Consequently, more
electricity will be required and greater care must be taken
to prevent heat buildup and possible fire. The color of
incandescent lighting tends toward yellow and orange and
creates a warm ambiance in any interior. And, if a dimmer
is used, this lighting will become even more yellow,
approximating the color of candlelight.
If fluorescent lighting is installed in any of your cabins
or guest rooms, use warm white tubes rather than cool
white. Warm white fluorescents give off more red and orange
rays, thus their light appears warmer. Cool white
fluorescents emit an abundance of blue and green rays and
negate the visual warmth of reds, oranges, browns, and
yellows, making them appear dull and dingy. Cool white
fluorescents also make skin tones pale and pallid, thus
sun-tanned skin will look less tanned.
What Makes Your Minnesota Resort Unique?
Perhaps the question should be rephrased to ready "What
makes your resort unique in Minnesota?" Or even in your
geographic area? Recently there has been a trend to make
all resorts look alike. In an effort to "modernize" guest
facilities, exteriors have been redone to look new.
Interiors have been stripped or all identifying detail, and
furniture replaced with furniture indistinguishable from
that found in apartments and houses across the nation.
Perhaps your resort still retains some of its uniqueness
and history. Support this uniqueness and play it up. When
advertising your resort, emphasize its unique, historical
interiors and furnishings.
- Carefully analyze the structures, the furnishings.
and the surroundings. Identify what you have!
- Can different cabins or guest rooms take on different
looks by simply reorganizing the existing furniture?
- Can you gather together enough furniture to turn
cabins into distinctive 1920s, 1930s, 1940s, or 1950s
cabins?
- Can you develop the "Minnesotaness,"
Northshoreness," "Gunflint-Trailness," "lake-countryness,"
or "canoe-countryness" at your resort with some inexpensive
additions or changes?
- Can you improve the ambiance of cabins or rooms by
the addition of simple, inexpensive accessories, such as
changing the exterior and/or interior lighting?
-Can you put up fresher pictures or posters on the
walls (don't throw away the old ones, perhaps a new mat or
frame will improve them and if they are older than ten
years. they could be valuable collector's items)? Remember,
"duck" pictures are not the only ones that can add
character to walls.
-Would new curtains, area rugs, a coat of fresh paint
(maybe just on the interior trim), or even a concentrated
cleaning program improve your resort?
Your resort is only as good, pleasant, enjoyable, and
memorable as you make it for your guests.
For More Information
There are several publications, videos and slide sets
available through the Minnesota Extension Service that
discuss various aspects of improving the interiors of
resorts and other home-based businesses. These resources
are available through your local county extension office.
A list of titles and item numbers follow.
Publications
Analyzing the Spaces in Your Home for a Home-Based Business
(HE-FO-3367)
Energy-Wise Interiors (Revised 1988. HE-FO-0418)
Establishing the Ambiance in a Bed and Breakfast or Farm
Vacation Home (HE-FO-3219)
Inexpensive and Creative Ideas: Chairs, Sofas, and Tables
(HE-FO-0894)
Inexpensive and Creative ideas: Furniture and interiors (HE
-FO-0893)
Inexpensive and Creative Ideas: Lighting, Accessories, and
Storage (HE-FO-0895)
Inexpensive and Creative Ideas: Walls, Windows, and Floors
(HE-FO-0896)
Low-Cost Improvements for Your Home Resort, and Business
Furnishings (HE-FO-3366)
Marketing Main Street (available in draft form from author
only)
Restaurants Up-Front (available in draft form from author
only)
Starting a Bed and Breakfast or Farm Vacation Business (CD
-FO-3225)
Audiovisual
Bed and Breakfast Operation: More Than Antiques Video (CD
-VH-3167)
Home-Based Business Video (HE-VH-3240)
Marketing Main Street Slide Set (HE-SS-3211)
Harold H. Alexander is professor and extension specialist
in interior design in the Department of Design, Housing,
and Apparel. University of Minnesota.
The information given in this publication is for
educational purposes only. Reference to commercial
products or trade names is made with the understanding that
no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by the
Minnesota Extension Service is implied.
Issued in furtherance of cooperative extension work in
agriculture and home economics, acts of May 8 and June 30,
1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of
Agriculture. Patrick J. Borich, Dean and Director of
Minnesota Extension Service, University of Minnesota, St.
Paul, Minnesota 55108. The University of Minnesota,
including the Minnesota Extension Service, is committed to
the policy that all person shall have equal access to its
programs facilities and employment without regard to race,
religion, color, sex, national origin, handicap, age,
veteran status, or sexual orientation.
This information is for educational purposes only. References
to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not
mentioned. This information becomes public property upon
publication and may be printed verbatim with credit to MSU
Extension. Reprinting cannot be used to endorse or advertise
a commercial product or company.
This file was generated from data base TD on 09/30/03.
Data base TD was last revised on 06/06/02.
For more information about this data base or its contents please contact
alexande@msue.msu.edu . Please read our
disclaimer for important
information about using our site.