How a Boutique Hotel Transformed Their Guest Experience with Hand-Painted Paddles

When it comes to interior design, the best boutique hotels know how to create an unforgettable experience—not just a place to sleep. One such hotel, in the Southern United States, recently made waves by incorporating hand-painted wooden paddles into every guest room. The result? A warm, coastal-inspired aesthetic that instantly resonated with travelers and became a signature element of their stay.

Why Painted Paddles?

Painted paddles are more than just wall art. They tell a story—about the coast, about craftsmanship, and about thoughtful design. 

These weren’t just decorative pieces. They added character and place-based charm to every room, reinforcing the hotel’s identity and its connection to the local landscape.

The Hotel’s Vision

The hotel's owner was seeking a design element that would:

• Be memorable for guests

• Tie into the natural surroundings and local culture

• Support small-scale craftsmanship

• Provide flexibility for subtle room differentiation

They commissioned Domestic Objects to create a custom-painted paddles.

Function Meets Form

Rather than simply mounting the paddles on the wall as artwork, the hotel took things a step further. Each paddle was attached to a backing board and installed horizontally on the wall near the room entrance. On the blade end of each paddle, three sleek metal cleats were mounted—turning the paddle into a functional coat rack for guests.

The result? A beautiful, multi-purpose design feature that greeted guests with both style and utility. Jackets, beach bags, hats, or wet towels—all found their place on these cleverly repurposed paddles.

The Impact

Guests began asking where they could buy one for their own home. Some even posted photos of the paddles on social media with the hotel tagged—providing unexpected and authentic marketing for the property. It turned out that the simple addition of a handcrafted paddle not only beautified the space, but also added a sense of story and intentionality that guests remembered long after checkout.

Bring the Look Home

At Domestic Objects, we offer the same custom-painted paddles in a variety of sizes:

• Small (35.25")

• Medium (48")

• Large (54")

Each one is handmade, painted in our classic coastal palette, and available for customization—perfect for hotels, cabins, cottages, Airbnb hosts, or anyone looking to add a meaningful touch to their space.

Whether you want to commemorate your lake house, elevate your guest room, or give a memorable wedding or corporate gift, our paddles are designed to be timeless pieces of functional art.

Ready to order for your hotel or home?
Reach out with your vision—we love helping boutique brands and thoughtful homeowners bring their ideas to life.

Explore Painted Paddles →

This post is part of our “Stories Behind the Decor” series, showcasing how our handmade pieces are used in beautiful, functional spaces across North America.