And who doesn’t dream of the first getaways now that spring is slowly arriving? Not that one has to wait for spring to go on a trip, we used to hit the road just fine even in winter…

When planning a trip, the first step is to choose the destination and then the accommodation. And while the destination is what really matters, in recent years, more and more people are looking to find hotels with good amenities, as well as offering a beautiful environment.

The interior design of hotels is not just an aesthetic choice but a crucial element that can transform the guest experience. Hotels that invest in well-thought-out professional design not only attract more customers but also create an atmosphere that meets their expectations for comfort, luxury, and unique experiences.

The Importance of Interior Design

The decoration in hospitality spaces, such as hotels, plays a decisive role in the customer’s experience. The first impression someone gets when entering a hotel largely determines their overall perception of the environment. For several years now, owners and managers have been investing significant resources in creating attractive and comfortable spaces, knowing that aesthetics can attract or repel customers. Thus, they turn to professional architects and designers to create a unique environment for their guests.

Keys to Successful Decoration

So what do hospitality owners need to know in order to guide architects or designers on what they want to achieve through decoration?

• Aesthetic and brand identity: The design should reflect the brand’s aesthetic, whether it’s minimal lines or luxurious and traditional spaces. The identity of the hotel should be evident in every detail, from the entrance to the rooms and common areas. The desired aesthetic, whether to reflect your brand’s style or adapt to the surrounding architecture and environment of the location, should be communicated clearly and as specifically as possible.

• Luxury feeling combined with ergonomics: Even the most natural and minimal environment, when it comes to a hotel, is expected to offer a sense of luxury to its guests. Whatever decoration is chosen complemented with luxury elements, it must also be ergonomic, meaning it serves the hospitality functions, as well as the activities of the staff and guests.

• Colour and light: Colours and lighting are crucial for the environment you will create. Different colours can affect mood, offering either a sense of relaxation or energy, while lighting, whether natural or artificial, helps transition smoothly from day to night. The right lighting study can also create the desired atmosphere. For example, neutral colours like sand tones are preferred in hotel rooms as they are easy to combine, elegant, and bring tranquility to the space, while dark colours, especially shades of blue or green, are warmer and bring calm.

• Texture and patterns: The texture and patterns used will add depth and contribute to the overall style of the space. Their proper use can completely transform a room, adding warmth and authenticity.

• Natural materials and plants: The use of natural materials and indoor plants can create a warm and relaxing atmosphere that attracts guests. Plants also break up the monotony of monochrome or minimal spaces, making them feel more approachable.

• Attention to detail and consistency: Consistency in details ensures that the design reflects the hotel’s identity and provides a uniform experience throughout the hotel. Design details and accessories can complement the style of the space and elevate the result.

The Most Popular Hotel Design Trends

• Neutral colours: This is a classic and timeless solution for such spaces. The use of neutral colours like white, grey, and beige is very common, as it offers an elegant and timeless aesthetic, as we discussed earlier. These colours can be combined with darker or warmer shades to add depth and warmth to the space.

• Natural materials: Wood is one of the most popular materials due to its natural beauty and the warmth it provides. It is often used in floors, walls, and furniture. Other popular materials include rope, stone, straw, bamboo, and many more.

• Rustic and earthy style: Rustic decoration, using raw materials like wood and stone, is a popular choice to create a warm and natural atmosphere and usually complements and highlights the tradition of the place.

• Geometric and graphic patterns: Geometric patterns and bold designs can add a touch of contemporary style and make a space stand out. These patterns can be incorporated into wallpapers and decorations like pillows. However, a little caution is needed as too much can overwhelm the guests. That said, the 70’s and eclectic style are trends that could be supported in hotels wanting to make a design statement.

• Lighting and artwork: Proper lighting and the use of artwork or photography can complement the decoration and make every space feel more personal. As we’ve discussed in previous articles, lighting is essential to the atmosphere created in a space, and combining different lighting sources, such as ceiling lights, bedside reading lights, and wall sconces, can highlight the area.

• Color balance: The balance between bold and calming colours helps create a harmonious atmosphere. Using neutral colours combined with 3 or 4 other bolder matching colours will create this balance needed in hospitality spaces.

• Give character to the space: Having a theme, immediately gives character to a hotel and will make it stand out. And sometimes, the more unique it is, the more it attracts people to explore it.

Smart Solutions that Can Elevate the Decoration

What else, beyond the above, could be touches that would enhance a successful design?

• Customised decor: The ability to create unique, customised decorative elements, like an impressive construction that works as focal point, can make a hotel stand out and offer an unforgettable aesthetic experience.

• Combination of local and modern elements: Combining local elements with modern luxury can create a relaxing and high-aesthetic atmosphere, especially in island hotels. So, a mix-and-match of elements that reference the traditions and history of each place, harmonising with the natural surroundings, alongside infrastructure and furniture that give a sense of luxury.

• Invest in customer comfort: Everyone will appreciate a good-quality mattress and pillow for a truly restful sleep. Also, a room with adequate soundproofing is considered a must-have, and therefore owners need to plan this from the beginning of the project or renovation.

• Symmetry in the space: Symmetry in room decoration creates a sense of balance and adds prestige to the space.

• Luxurious curtains: The higher the fabric quality and the better the blackout, the better!

• Don’t forget practicality for the sake of design: How many times have I found myself in otherwise beautiful hotels that haven’t thought of basic practical issues? For instance, being in a summer resort and not having anywhere to dry your swimsuit or towel, or not having enough outlets in the room, and those that are there being in less accessible spots. These spaces need, beyond aesthetics and ergonomics, to meet the practical needs of their guests. All of these can be anticipated with proper design planning, and smart solutions can hide less visible infrastructure to preserve the space’s high aesthetic.

What’s the conclusion?

The interior design of hotels is crucial, as it can transform the guest experience and sometimes overshadow the location. With careful design, hotels can attract guests, by creating a unique atmosphere, and meeting their expectations for comfort and luxury. Consistency in details and the use of unique decorative elements are critical to ensuring that the design reflects the hotel’s identity and offers an unforgettable hospitality experience. There is a large percentage of people who now choose hotels not based on their location, but so they can visit an impressive or very unique place and enjoy the privileges of luxury hospitality. And none of this would be possible if the design of these hotels wasn’t supported by talented architects and designers.

A stylish place invites you to enjoy it and its amenities, and it’s more likely you’ll return if you’re satisfied with the environment you encounter!

Stay tuned because in upcoming articles, we will look at hotels both in Greece and abroad that offer stylish stays!

Until next time!!!
Design geek in Athens