The spirit behind hospitality’s new design trends, especially for lobbies and shared spaces, is rooted in the desire to meet the physical and psychological needs of guests, post-COVID. Above all, there is the need to physically minimize the risk and conceptually reassure the guest (think cleanliness, practicality, and calmness).
Pre-pandemic, hotel lobbies were like social clubs. There was the traditional front desk and the rest of the lobby was designed to be a place for social interaction. This “living room” model is likely going to change.
New interior design trends thoughtfully offer reassurance to the guest who wants to enjoy the travel and hotel experience but still has concerns.
The real priority for most guests is cleanliness. Most new trends reflect a design philosophy that allows for the practical application of hygiene measures and adds to the guest’s perception of an environment that is first of all clean and safe, and then calm, tranquil, and reassuring.
Since your hotel’s lobby will deliver the first impression, it needs to say, clean and fresh and at the same time, it needs to be impressive and welcoming. There is also the question of practicality and ease of movement. Your guest needs to be able to move around without needing to be uncomfortably close to other guests.
At the same time, your guests want to experience life again after those lockdown blues. Your guests want to enjoy what it feels like to have a major experience. For this reason, your hotel lobby still needs to pack a design punch and have that wow factor.
All these factors are behind the latest ideas in hospitality décor.
1. Design trends that are practical, Reassuring, and Stunning
New interior design trends for lobbies include practical features such as fewer decorative flourishes that can’t be easily cleaned and surfaces that lend themselves well to constant sanitizing.
Biophilic design principles remain integral to new trends. This design principle fits well with guests’ demand for cleanliness, pure, fresh air, and reduced stress.
Plants, large windows, roll-up glass doors that open to let the outdoors in, and anxiety-reducing mother earth colors that bring us closer to nature are the inspiring way forward.
Hilton, for example, has screens in the lobby depicting biophilia and art. On the practical social distancing side, they have incorporated dividers and creative seating designs into their lobby space. A large lobby space can be broken up into pod-style, socially distanced spaces by the clever use of dividers and positioning of furniture.
Eco-friendly style designs are still included in the new design trends for 2022. Natural materials that meet ecological standards for fixtures and fittings and natural upholstery, as well as real plants will be used to transform hotel interiors and create the perfect vibe.
At Lesley Wong Interiors, we can help you to incorporate these new trends in a practical way that works for you into your hotel lobby and shared spaces. Being decisive and proactive with your interior design strategy will help you to appeal to your guests and meet the goals of your hotel, book a call today.
