How To Decorate Your Home Like The Rooms At The Trixie Motel

Renowned drag queen Trixie Mattel, also known as Brian Firkus, took on a seemingly impossible challenge in 2022: starring in an interior design show. The newly iconic "Trixie Motel" show on Discovery+ details Trixie and partner David Silver's journey of turning a vintage Palm Springs hotel into a boutique resort. The show goes into the design process of choosing themes and pieces for each of the seven rooms, working with designer Dani Dazey to make each space more unique and colorful than the rest, as per Dazey L.A. From California beach nostalgia and '60s new age space design to western chic full of fringe, the hotel is packed with furnishings that reflect Mattel's iconic looks, all while paying homage to its surrounding area.

Firkus knows Palm Springs well, he tells Out Traveler, as he and Silver have been vacationing in the queer-friendly resort town "since forever." The city itself is known for showcasing beautiful mid-century modern style both inside and out, balanced with a contemporary coastal atmosphere, according to Homes to Love. These stylings and themes used as guidelines for the hotel's look are eye-catching, retro, and fun. They're a perfect catalyst for those looking to bring similar elements into their own homes or pay respect to a fabulous entertainer.

The most popular eras from which Trixie pulls her drag style and persona are rooted deeply in the '50s and '60s, with the '60s Mod style being one of her most popular styles. Though Mod style, short for modernist, started in London and was meant to describe jazz music, the term now encompasses a shift in fashion, art, and culture during this time in history, according to FragranceX. At its final unveiling, the entire Trixie Motel is practically bursting at the seams with retro callouts, from complete room themes to small touches in the lobby and everything in between. With some creative thinking, it's easy to add these touches into one's own home.

The Mod movement affected many aspects of daily life, but some of its more noticeable changes were seen in fashion and design. It permeated everything from fabric preferences to patterns. These resulted in bolder choices that were also more personalized. This can be replicated by choosing a playful color palette for a room and focusing on funky texture. Back then, many homes utilized brightly colored wallpapers, and the floors boasted shag carpeting, according to Rhodium Floors & Decor. If shag carpets aren't your thing, try a textured rug instead. The '60s were all about showing off one's fun side, so have fun with your decor or art as well. A great way to do this is to mix up the shapes and lines in your home with uniquely shaped frames, furniture, and lamps, which can break up any monotony with a quirky, fun touch.

The use of mid-century modern design is key throughout the Trixie Motel, as it honors the collective style of Palm Springs. Also, since the guest rooms are so exuberantly styled, minimalist mid-century furniture helps balance the space. Minimalism is tied to the style's roots, as noted by Nook & Find, mainly since the furniture is meant to be multifunctional and conserve space.

There are many ways one can interpret mid-century modern stylings in the home, whether the goal is to update furniture, floor plans, or individual pieces. A great way to use it in a Trixie Mattel-approved way is by showcasing different materials in one space, as this design style usually combines natural and industrial materials, according to Seattle Staged to Sell. Add some wooden chairs or accent pieces to a room with a glass top table, or incorporate metallic decor into a space with lots of stone. To add a Trixie spin, make these multi-colored and vintage or vintage-inspired. 

Mid-century modern is meant to stand the test of time, which is important to remember, no matter the overall look of the room or home. When collecting decor pieces, make sure to utilize items that transition easily from one era to another without looking dated.

If it wasn't obvious already, Trixie Mattel's style does not shy away from color. The Motel's use of bright, bold colors incorporates the entire color wheel, though there is undoubtedly a strong preference for pink. These color choices range in hues and tones to help create different moods throughout. For example, pink is used in various tones, from soft pastel pink in the Flamingo room to an electric bright pink in the Flower Power room. Pastel colors overall have a sweet, almost romantic effect when shown, which was popular in the 1950s (via Exposed Magazine). However, brighter colors like neon were popular in the 1980s to be attention-grabbing and youthful, according to About the '80s.

The primary takeaway from how the Trixie Motel utilizes color is to be open to unique combinations and variations when designing. However, it's also key to understand what these colors might say when displayed and how that affects the mood of the space. Warmer tones, including yellows, oranges, and pinks, can express a friendlier, more nurturing mood. It reflects an environment or host that "love[s] having others over," Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, tells Real Simple. On the other hand, if you love more dramatic jewel tones, this can showcase a desire to " feel inspired by their environments; they thrive on the stimulation," author Eve Ashcraft says. No matter your color or hue preference, keeping an open mind and showcasing colors that bring you joy is important.

The Trixie Motel goes a long way to ensure guests won't want to leave their resort, from fabulously designed rooms to a luxurious outdoor pool. Another great way to keep interest is to incorporate lots of decor items and furniture that have texture. Tiffany Leigh of Tiffany Leigh Design explains to Homes & Gardens that, "Texture in interior design is all about creating tactile moments that invite touch ... It refers to the feel, appearance or consistency of a surface or material." It also helps a space feel more three-dimensional. When utilizing this, your first instinct might be to focus on what you can feel, but texture is not limited to only one of the five senses. This is a benefit for those looking to revamp their space like the Trixie Motel.

Adding texture can be as easy as adding pieces that consist of different fabrics, from leather furniture and linen curtains to satin or hand-embroidered pillows. What's especially key, however, is the styling of these items to also give visual texture, showcasing a space that has layers. This can be done with different colored pillows and drapes, as colors help give layers and depth (via LuxDeco). Other textured objects include rugs, plants/greenery, accessories, and even lighting setups.

Terrazzo, an ageless tile design, has a complicated journey in "Trixie Hotel," though it becomes a stunning addition to the rooms in the end. Created initially in the 15th century, this style of tile became very popular in the 1920s with the rise of Art Deco, according to Tile Club. Though it has long been seen throughout corporate offices, restaurants, and lobbies due to its high durability, terrazzo has made a strong resurgence (via Ohoh Deco). But we don't just see it in flooring — it's also included in backsplashes, countertops, wallpaper, and accent decor. These changes make it not only more accessible but also much easier to replicate.

Its unique patterns can make a space feel more customized and intentional. It can bring color into an otherwise simplified room or remain more muted with softer, more cohesive color combinations. If terrazzo tile is the approach you're interested in, there are many different colors and styles you can choose from to match your specific design vision. However, if a major renovation isn't in the cards and you'd prefer something that can be changed, try using a terrazzo printed lamp or wallpaper.

Because of its one-of-a-kind aesthetic, terrazzo is also very easy to DIY in all its forms. For example, painting a terrazzo-inspired wall is relatively easy since you just have to paint a base color and then speckle it with different colored dashes and strokes. You can even repeat this process on planters, wood furniture, and much more.

Trixie Mattel is no stranger to the country aesthetic; her first few music albums were country folk albums. So naturally, one of the guest rooms featured in Trixie Motel was a cowgirl theme. To bring this style into your own home with a nod to the Motel, one should throw a little western energy into the plan. However, it would help if you first considered whether you want to go more western or more country.

Though initially thought of as interchangeable, there is, in fact, a difference between western and country styles; sometimes this difference is clear cut, while other times it's based on more personal choices. Cowhide Outlet notes the difference between western and country rustic is the difference between being on a ranch versus participating in simplistic, country/farm-style living. Western style highlights animal-based elements (cowhide, leather, fur) and wood, while country style embraces a more casual, natural vibe with light, airy fabrics and colors. Depending on what you feel more comfortable in or the feeling you're going for, you can incorporate both sides in small ways, though you'll probably focus on one more than the other.

Whichever direction you lean towards, some easy elements to include are animal products or art. This shows a connection to nature inside the home (via Cowgirl Magazine). Fabrics like cowhide, leather, or fringe can very effortlessly create this aesthetic, but restrict them to a few small pieces or one large-size addition to not overwhelm the space. Natural materials, in general, are a great way to make things a little more country, particularly wood or iron, to give that rustic feel.

Derived from partner David Silver's initial idea, the Atomic Bombshell room at the Trixie Motel became an odd yet fun nod to the space age, also known as the Atomic Age. This nod to such an exciting era of history in a boutique hotel makes this a one-of-a-kind room. But with some clever styling, you can recreate it in your own home.

The 1960s were filled with exciting, futuristic ideas, from traveling to the moon to space travel to nuclear science, according to ArchDaily. This thrill for adventure sparked classic futuristic programs like "The Jetsons" and "Lost in Space," as well as a new era of architecture and design. You can bring this style home with specific furniture and colors. Luckily many space-age designs reflect similar aesthetic choices as mid-century modern, emphasizing simple yet classic furnishings, minimalist shapes and lines, and clean, sleek, reflective surfaces like glass and coated plastic (via Creative Market). 

Of course, Trixie Mattel is nothing if not a little kitschy, so another way to honor the atomic space age aesthetic is to incorporate space itself. Whether it's in the form of planets, galaxies, and stars, or the funkier side of UFOs, aliens, and rocketships, you can't go wrong.

The term "flower power" isn't just some fun rhyming phrase; floral prints have dominated art and fashion for centuries, just in different iterations. For example, the Flower Power-designed room at the Trixie Motel showcases a powerful print and a strong feeling of joy. It uses everything from bright colors and exciting shapes to a cohesive design.

Flowers existed throughout the hippie era of the 1970s, particularly in "bright, psychedelic colors ... often featuring vibrant pinks and yellows," designer Tori Hahn told Clever. These vibrant colors were meant to bring about joy and happiness, and as designer Joy Moyler noted, "when we need to feel uplifted, the prints get larger." Floral prints can come in any form, not just psychedelic shades like the Motel used. From monochromatic to seasonally diverse, you can use flowers to accent or focus attention, whatever feels right to you.

A great way to dip the proverbial toe into florals is through the use of wallpaper. According to Amy Leferink, owner and principal designer at Interior Impressions, temporary wallpaper has recently grown in the interior design sphere, particularly in bold floral prints (via Tiger Oak Media). Start in a smaller area, perhaps a half bathroom or an accent wall in your bedroom, to get a feel for the practice and print. Susannah Watts, owner and lead designer at Swatts & Co Design Studio, tells Yahoo! that even accent ceilings have become popular in recent years — a fun, unique space to try wallpapering or painting florals.

Beach and resorts often go hand in hand, and for the Trixie Motel, this was a perfect collaboration of ideas for the Malibu Barbara room. If you can't bring the beach home to you, a great way to get its essence is to create a resort-style getaway with coastal-inspired decor.

This room at the Trixie Motel has a special vintage beach aesthetic that spans decades. According to iCanvas, the 1970s were all about being laid-back and showing off geometric shapes, retro patterns, and warm color schemes. When coupled with the beach, these elements exude a relaxed, fun energy, perfect for a resort-inspired room. To achieve this, find your beach accents and work from there. Look for everything from natural elements like driftwood, shells, and sea glass to furniture made from materials like rattan, rope, and wicker (via Lynne Knowlton). Once you have that done, add retro touches such as a warmer color palette, a geometric patterned rug, or mid-century knick-knacks.

Make the room feel more resort and less beachy by focusing on luxury. Extra bedding and pillows not only make the room cozier, but it's also a subtle nod to staying at a getaway (via From House to Home). Amenity-style touches also go a long way in selling this fantasy, from an oversized mirror to check your going-out outfit to extra lamps by each bedside for personal lighting.