ReadyMade: Instructions for everyday life

Paper a Book Wall

“This is a cross between wallpaper and a mural,” says Johnne Eschleman, of Portland, Oregon, who worked forabout 18 months as the resident artist for the Ace Hotel’s New York location.

by Keith Mulvihill

There’s a certain feeling you get when you walk into a really great hotel room—a mix of relaxation, serenity, inspiration, and comfort; it’s as if your brain suddenly exhales.

Wouldn’t it be great to produce that in just one room where you live? We think it can be done, especially if you take some cues from the New York outpost of the Ace Hotel (acehotel.com). Ace’s staff designers collaborated with Manhattan-based duo Robin Standefer and Stephen Alesch of Roman and Williams (romanand williams.com) to create an aesthetic that exudes just the right amount of style, charm, and soul.

“We wanted it to feel just like staying at a friend’s cool apartment in New York City, so very un-hotel like,” says Ace cofounder Alex Calderwood.

To that end, the team mixed mostly vintage items with custom-made furnishings and one-of-a-kind hand-crafted art, including murals, illustrations, furniture, and paintings, done by a slew of local artists and craftsmen.

“There are many inexpensive things you can do to make a room interesting,” says Calderwood. Here, our three favorites to re-create at home (or see in person with a stay at the hotel).