The Bed And Breakfast, ah, what a wonderful place to go and have a relaxing time.

Did you ever think how owners go about decorating a place like this? These establishments are known all over the world.

The B and B come in all sizes, shapes, colors, and even themes.

I wanted to share a few decorating tips creating different themes, as well as the area in which you are located.

Below are five basic thoughts I think about when looking at decorating a B and B.

To me, some major aspects to think about when planning the interior and even outside is color and themes.

1. Location, location, location! This is a key to owning your own B and B. Make it easily accessible for your guests.



2. Totally plan out the entire color scheme, decor, and possible themes. Blend and balance your colors throughout the entire living area. You can use pastels, bold colors, neutrals, but make each room flow together.


3. Blend in your inside decor and colors with your outside landscape.


4. Create this environment with your guests in mind, but consider where you are located and if you can bring in the theme of your surroundings inside.


5. Put your mind set on making the B and B an inviting, warm, and relaxing place.

Even though these two photos are a little dark for you to see, you can get the general feel of rustic, simplistic, and a true country feel.

I love the patch quilt in the first picture. Quilts are very popular in country and cabin decor.

Wood throughout both rooms is the focal point. The atmosphere is created by the colors which interact wonderfully with the overall theme.

Great idea is a simple rocking chair with a couple of dolls. This would work in almost any theme base room. The dolls create a great atmosphere for a rustic, old time, and even Victorian style.

Fresh fruit is another option to make your guest feel comfortable and right at home. A chocolate on each pillow is a traditional symbol of welcoming your guests. Fresh flowers also are inviting.



Tom and I have lived in many parts of the United States, and many years in the northeast. Here's a little background of my goals at one time to decorate a B and B. My plans were to give the B and B a north and south look.

Creating colors from the northern states as well as the colors used in the south here in the United States.

In the back of my mind before we moved, I had a thought about owning and decorating a B and B. When we moved down south we were looking for a house.

We had a fantastic realtor that knew the area, but at that time didn't know us at all. Like any good realtor he wanted to find a home that we wanted. I had mentioned to him my thoughts of owning and running a B and B.

We looked at a place about an hour south of Greenville. It was 100 plus year old house on main street of a small town. The rooms were wonderful and the owner had already started redoing the house in a variety of different themes.

The house had over 4700 square feet with a gorgeous landing at top of the stairs. My mind was racing as we walked through the house on different ideas, colors, and possible themes.

To make a long story short, Tom and I thought long and hard on the location and the distance to his work, as well as the area and schools for our daughters at that time.

Think in terms also of your location. If you live by the coast, plan your decor around the sea. A mountain B and B look can be achieved with many different accents and accessories of nature.

Coastal B and B colors can be created with the tones of the sand and sea. Mountain B and B's can be done in some bolder tones, yet rich and relaxing to your guests. Many people that stay in bed and breakfasts, are travelers or local people wanting to escape for a night or two.

Give them the environment of your own area as well as your own personality and creativeness. The sky is the limit when you plan your decorating for this type of establishment. Consider doing an entire B and B in one theme or individualize each room with a different theme and look. Here are some possible themes to think about.

1. Country
2. Victorian
3. Culture - a specific country and location
4. Religious
5. Tropics
6. Nature and environment
7. Safari
8. Era - 1950s, 60s, etc...
9. Holidays and seasons
10. Local Organizations - history of surroundings

These different themes are just a few ideas for you. Use a little imagination along with some creativity. I mentioned above about coordinating your inside with your outside. Feel free to browse through my other Web site, landscape solutions for you, to get outside ideas for your bed and breakfast decorating. and get some great ideas for the outside.



A B and B can be a wonderful investment to plan, run, decorate and enjoy, but it also can create an atmosphere that is inviting to your guests.

If you are thinking about owning a B and B, and need a little help decorating, contact me or even ask your questions on this page also. A B and B is a great place to visit.