Since 2020 is now behind us, some new ideas and fresh designs are definitely in order. Certainly business owners in the hospitality and commercial sector think so. With many of us avoiding public spaces lately, as well as the downturn for pretty much any business that doesn’t sell hand sanitizer, commercial spaces are seeking to liven up their trade by providing inviting spaces that encourage customers to come back.
What will encourage people to spend their possibly limited income in commercial spaces now? How can business owners turn their investments into big gains in client visits? We have identified 6 trends that seem to be attracting both attention and investment in commercial and hospitality spaces this year.
1. Biophilic Design
If you think you are seeing this word everywhere, it’s because you are. This hot new trend seeks to make indoor spaces feel like they are outside. Success in this area could make your favorite café feel like taking coffee in a friend’s garden, or make a hotel lobby more like the welcome to a backyard oasis. Key elements will be living plant walls, as well as use of rustic finishes and raw colors and textures.
2. Outdoor Space
New and existing hotels and commercial spaces are making use of any and all outdoor areas to ensure social distancing and other public health regulations can be observed without sacrificing increasing numbers of returning clients. Look for ingenious use of former designated smoking areas, as well as slim sidewalk facing seating.
3. Frameless Glass
This trend has been hot for several years now, but the sensation of space is even more appreciated now that distancing requirements have made everyone more aware of their surroundings.
4. Air Quality Upgrades
Technology has come a long way from the days of opening strategically places windows for air circulation. New HVAC systems are coming equipped with filters that can rid the air not only of contaminants, but even bacteria and some viruses can be eliminated.
5. Environmentally Friendly Design
Nothing says “new normal” like solar power and water-saving fixtures. Many people have had months to consider the role they play in this inter-connected world, and businesses that put their money into progressive tech that emphasizes environmental preservation will see a good return on the bottom line.
6. Teleconferencing Space
One of the main reasons people used to leave home was to work. With the advent of teleconferencing for people working from home, some have experienced conflict when the space at home cannot accommodate the number of people who need to teleconference at the same time.
Commercial hubs are now making meeting spaces more accessible to those who are not renting space.
Small “Zoom Rooms” equipped with extra plugs, tidy cabling and large televisions to enable casting of smaller screens have been a big hit. Use of these spaces could also help the recovery of catering and other service aspects of a commercial or hospitality space.
Hopefully, these trends will see 2021 be all about recovery and integration of a new awareness of the changing world we all inhabit.
Lesley Wong Interiors would love to help you with any update to your commercial or hospitality space. Contact us here to get in touch.
