From our numerous projects working with successful hoteliers and operators, we’ve had unique insight into the importance that interiors play in creating a lasting impression on guests. The ambiance, design, and layout should reflect the hotel’s identity and provide a comfortable, inviting experience for all visitors.
Today, we are sharing some of our essentials to consider, that help you master the art of creating a beautiful, inviting hotel interior so that you can transform your space into something that guests truly enjoy.
Understanding Guest Expectations
One of the first things that we look at whenever developing a design for a hotel is the target customer. Understanding the expectations of guests is the foundation of a successful hotel interior, focusing on their preferences and what makes them feel welcome and comfortable.
Depending on where your hotel is situated, your target demographic, and your existing branding, your hotel must match, if not exceed your customer’s expectation. We always carefully consider these aspects to ensure that guests feel at home in your hotel.
For example, a high-end London hotel may need rich colours, décor, and beautiful bespoke furniture in order to fulfil guest expectations. Alternatively, a quiet beach-side hotel requires a lighter, naturally-lit space to make guests feel at home in the summer weather. We will be going more in-depth on furniture later in the blog post.
Textures and Materials
Textures and materials play a vital role in creating a sensory experience for guests. In many of the hotels we have worked with across London and the Home Counties, incorporating a variety of textures such as plush fabrics, sleek metal, warm wood, or smooth glass has helped to add depth and interest to the interiors.
Our Creative Director, Abi, has a fantastic eye for selecting rich textures and materials that meet their purpose of providing guests with the comforting sensory experience that they are looking for, whether a sofa, floor surface, doorknob, or anything in between. It’s essential that each element plays its part.
The choice of materials also influences the durability and overall aesthetic of the space, helping you see a greater return on investment in the long term.
Colours
If you follow any of our social media pages, you will have seen the powerful impact that colours can have on the ambiance of a space. Selecting an appropriate colour palette that complements the brand’s image and creates a soothing or stimulating atmosphere is key.
Soft, neutral tones can evoke a sense of calmness and balance, while bold and vibrant colours can inject energy and excitement into your space. To help you create the right space, we look closely at the moods that will make your guests feel most welcome, curating perfect colour palettes to achieve them.
Lighting and Keeping Light Out
Lighting is an obvious factor to consider, but it’s important that every aspect of it is given sufficient attention. Proper lighting enhances the mood and functionality of different areas within a hotel. As you can see from the image below, the lobby of this hotel that we worked with has plenty of lighting to ensure that the space is bright, open, and welcoming.
Highly frequented, functional areas of your hotel should always be sufficiently lit in order create an inviting space that is both enjoyable and easy for guests to make use of.
We have also found it essential to understand how to control and limit natural light, especially in bedrooms where blocking excessive external light is essential for a good night’s sleep. This really helps to create a cosy, inviting stay for guests who know they won’t be woken by early morning light or vehicle lights outside.
Furniture and Layout
As we mentioned previously, furniture and its layout can greatly influence the feel, flow, and functionality of the hotel’s interior spaces. Furniture should not only be aesthetically pleasing but also comfortable as well as practical.
Using thoughtful style and layout planning, we are able to create a space that is utilised efficiently, allows for ease of movement, and provides maximum comfort for guests. Furniture and layout will again vary greatly depending on which area of your hotel, which guests you cater to, and the feel you would like to put across.
Accessories and Décor
Accessories including rugs, cushions, artworks, and decorative pieces add the finishing touch to a well-designed space. These accessories infuse personality and style into your interiors, making them more inviting and visually appealing.
Having worked with the hotel industry for many years, we know how important it is to find the right balance between functionality and aesthetics. Accessories and other décor can be an extremely valuable addition that helps you to strike this balance throughout your hotel and create a successful interior that both pleases your guests and drives revenue for your business.
See Some of the Hotels We’ve Worked With
To gain further insight into our expertise in designing inviting hotel interiors that deliver commercial objectives, we invite you to explore some of our case studies for the hotels we’ve had the privilege to work with. Each project showcases our commitment to creating captivating and welcoming spaces that resonate with guests.