Hotel Designs
Hotel Designs
Roundtable: designing emotive guest experiences Taking place during this year’s installation of the WOW!house at the Design Centre Chelsea Harbour, Hotel Designs pulled up a seat with Phillip Bershad – CEO of Phillip Jeffries, the wallcovering company his parents founded fifty years ago. He was joined by an influential group of designers to explore what it truly means to design…
read moreRoundtable: the art of bespoke and the future of hotel design In collaboration with award-winning lighting manufacturer Franklite, Hotel Designs Digital Editor, Pauline Brettell, hosted an intimate roundtable discussion exploring the meaning of bespoke and customisation in hospitality – and what it takes to deliver it with integrity across every budget and brief… Held during Clerkenwell Design Week, a group…
read moreRoundtable: Human-Centred Design – Biophilia’s Role in Guest Wellbeing Earlier this year, Hotel Designs pulled up a seat with Indigenus Founders, Peter and Jacqui van der Post to talk with an inspiring group of designers and architects to explore how biophilic principles can transform the guest experience… As travellers increasingly seek spaces that restore calm and connection, hospitality design is…
read moreRoundtable: The art and design of quiet luxury Take a seat at the Mandarin Oriental Mayfair alongside eleven hospitality and design leaders, gathered to explore the notion of ‘quiet luxury’… Quiet luxury has become a particularly debated concept within contemporary hospitality design. Often associated with restraint, understatement and craft, it is less a visual language than a mindset: rooted in…
read moreRoundtable: Intuitive Design with Wellness in Mind In a world where design and wellbeing are increasingly intertwined, Hotel Designs, in partnership with GROHE, brought together a panel of designers and brand experts to explore what it truly means to create intuitive design with wellness in mind… Hosted at GROHE’s sleek showroom inside the Business Design Centre, the discussion flowed from…
read moreRoundtable: Middle East Meets West: The logistics of global design Hotel Designs gathered leading designers and suppliers at Dedar’s London showroom for a candid conversation on navigating the booming Middle Eastern hospitality market… Prior to the roundtable discussion, the group was welcomed to the Dedar showroom at the Design Centre Chelsea Harbour, over the noise and commotion of the construction…
read moreRoundtable: Emerging trends in hospitality design In the quirky setting of The Zetter Clerkenwell, Hotel Designs gathered leading designers for an intimate roundtable discussion, in association with award-winning lighting experts at Franklite Ltd, to explore the future of hospitality design… Held during Clerkenwell Design Week, the group gathered underground in one of the old cells at the House of Detention…
read moreBoConcept Roundtable: crafting a bespoke environment for a unique experience What is a bespoke environment, and how do you create a unique guest experience? Sit down with Hotel Designs and BoConcept as we asked 10 design industry specialists just that, with answers ranging from installing a kinetic ceiling to designing a sea view-less beach resort (yes, really!)… In an ever-evolving…
read moreRoundtable: capturing local authenticity on global projects — not painting but weaving During a recent conversation, hosted by Hotel Designs Editor Sophie Harper, in partnership with Atlas Concorde, global design and supply experts discussed their practices for capturing local authenticity on international projects. Here’s what we discovered… The experts, from left: Jennifer de Vere-Hopkins, Associate Director Jestico + Whiles, Kay…
read moreRoundtable: the rise and design of branded residences In collaboration with innovative lighting control and shading systems brand Lutron, Hotel Designs Editor Sophie Harper hosted a perceptive discussion alongside Lutron’s Xavier Boudin, Commercial Sales Manager, and Nicolla Farry, Specification Sales Account Manager, on the rising trend of serviced residences within hospitality… Once home to influential political and military leaders, and built on…
read moreRoundtable: Exploring Global Influences in Hotel Design In collaboration with Italian contemporary fabric editor, Dedar, Hotel Designs hosted a roundtable discussion at the Dedar showroom at Design Centre Chelsea Harbour that saw prominent industry designers share their thoughts on the impact of cultural reference in global hospitality projects… During the first throws of slightly soggy autumnal weather, a group of…
read moreRoundtable: Is there a place for premium and luxury retail brands in hospitality? In collaboration with Danish furniture brand BoConcept, Hotel Designs Editor Sophie Harper co-hosted a discerning conversation alongside Michael Effenberger, Head of Business Development at BoConcept on the successful transition of high-end retail brands into the hospitality arena… At the beginning of July, our roundtable attendees gathered at…
read moreRoundtable: Mood Enhancing Design: Enlighten Me In collaboration with award-winning lighting manufacturer Franklite Ltd, Hotel Designs Editor Sophie Harper hosted a lively discussion alongside Mark Lissauer, Export Director at Franklite Ltd on the impact of design on mood and perception with a group of esteemed interior designers… Taking place during Clerkenwell Design Week, there was much to be inspired by…
read moreRoundtable: Can technology aid sustainable improvements in design? In collaboration with Spanish KNX company Zennio, Hotel Designs Editor, Sophie Harper, hosted a vibrant discussion alongside Zennio Director, Vidar Thomassen and Head of Commercial, Lee Nunn on the usefulness of technology in aiding sustainable goals with a group of renowned design and architecture experts. Taking place at Melia White House, Regent’s…
read moreRoundtable: merging spaces & the future of bathroom design For Hotel Designs’ final roundtable in 2023, Editor Hamish Kilburn led a discussion, sponsored by Kohler, with leading interior designers that explored a new direction in bathroom design… Some of the most innovative creative solutions in the hotel design arena emerge when the interior designer is restricted by budget and regulations.…
read moreRoundtable: the emotion of lighting Lighting has always been an essential tool in a designers’ skillset and now, more than ever, it is being used to not only elevate a design but to amplify a brand. With this in mind, Editor Hamish Kilburn sat down with leading designers in the Franklite showroom in London, to explore the role lighting can…
read moreRoundtable: exploring the hybrid model in hotel design With so much emphasis on the the need for flexible design solutions and the blurring of boundaries in the process of creating a hybrid hospitality, Editor Hamish Kilburn sat down with leading designers at the Tarkett showroom in Clerkenwell, London, to dig a little deeper and uncover the content behind the concept……
read moreRoundtable: embracing residential style in hospitality design Ahead of Focus 2023, Hamish Kilburn, Editor of Hotel Designs, in close collaboration with Dedar, invited a handful of interior designers for a roundtable to the Dedar Milano showroom at Design Centre Chelsea Harbour to discuss the blurring boundaries between residential and commercial styles… If we learned anything from London Design Festival 2023,…
read moreRoundtable: stimulating wellness through design ‘Stimulating wellness through design’ is a topic that is unquestionably under scrutiny. To cut through the sensory noise, Editor Hamish Kilburn, along with six leading designers, delved into the challenges and opportunities being faced as the experience and expectations of wellness in hospitality evolves… At a time when hotels and the hospitality sector are taking…
read moreRoundtable: why bathrooms are becoming the hero in hotel design The aim for Hotel Design’s latest roundtable, in association with GRAFF, was to explore bathroom design’s role within the overall hospitality experience. During Clerkenwell Design Week 2023, Editor Hamish Kilburn sat around the table at The Zetter Townhouse with seven leading designers to get the full picture on why and…
read moreRoundtable: translating trends in hotel design Editor Hamish Kilburn gathered a cluster of designers inside the Sanipex showroom during Clerkenwell Design Week to moderate his most sensitive roundtable to date, translating trends in hotel design… Love ’em or hate ’em, trends have been shaping and reshaping the hotel design and wider hospitality industry for decades. Whether you choose to be…
read moreRoundtable: the language of biophilia in surface design Exploring biophilic design on all sensory levels, a journey that inevitably merges with questions of nature and sustainability, was the question on the table inside the Atlas Concorde showroom during Clerkenwell Design Week 2023. Surrounded by materials clearly referencing natural surfaces both in colour and texture, Editor Hamish Kilburn sat down with…
read moreRoundtable: what materials matter in hotel design Digging deeper into materiality and discovering the relationship between luxury, creativity and sustainability in hotel design, Editor Hamish Kilburn sat down with seven leading designers to get a grip on what materials matter in hotel design. Pauline Brettell writes… Surrounded by the innovative use of materials running through the design of the Squire…
read moreRoundtable: defining the next wellness trends Wellness has been high on the design agenda for some time with hotels and the hospitality arena more broadly, having identified it as both a key concern and an important differentiator. Editor Hamish Kilburn sat down with six designers in the Dornbracht Design Studio at C.P. Hart Waterloo to uncover the path wellness is…
read moreRoundtable: reimagining luxury hotel design in 2023 With the aim to rediscover meaning in hotel design and hospitality, Editor Hamish Kilburn welcomed six leading interior designers to Gabriel Scott’s London showroom in Mayfair, to peel back the design layers that surround luxury hotels in 2023 and beyond… What is luxury, and how do we measure it? These questions have challenged…
read moreRoundtable: utilising circadian lighting in hotel design In Hotel Designs’ latest roundtable, Editor Hamish Kilburn, in association with Franklite, invites leading interior and lighting designers to explore the reality of circadian lighting in hotels… With wellness continuing to be high on the hospitality design agenda – and with hotels continually looking for innovative and meaningful ways to differentiate themselves –…
read moreRoundtable: the value of variety in hotel bathroom design In Hotel Designs’ latest roundtable, Editor Hamish Kilburn, in association with Roca and Laufen, invites leading designers to explore the value of variety in hotel bathroom design… In this year’s series of roundtables, bathroom have been, well, a common theme. From enhancing guest experience, adding personality in heritage bathrooms, technology’s role…
read moreRoundtable: nature vs nurture in surface design The latest Hotel Designs roundtable took place in the midst of the creative energy that was London Design Festival. In association with Atlas Concorde, Editor Hamish Kilburn welcomed a group of leading designers to the table, appropriately surrounded by the Atlas Concorde range of stone, porcelain and marble, and more than a few…
read moreRoundtable: enhancing guest experience in hotel bathroom design For our latest roundtable, Editor Hamish Kilburn, in association with Geberit, sat down with a group of designers working in the hospitality industry, from boutique through to the brands, to discuss the changing demands being made on bathrooms in the hotel context and, importantly, how to harness both design and technology to…
read moreRoundtable: wellness & sensory experience in hospitality design For Hotel Designs’ latest roundtable, in association with GROHE, Editor Hamish Kilburn welcomed renowned designers onto the rooftop of Ham Yard Hotel to explore wellness hospitality in 2022 and beyond… Interior designers, architects and hoteliers have, for years, aimed to call out ‘well-washing’ in hotel design and hospitality. With the demand for…
read moreRoundtable: balancing design, style and tech in hotel design High above central London, on a summer-ready rooftop at Hamilton Litestat’s showroom, Hotel Designs’ latest roundtable took place, which dangled technology back into the spotlight. Leading designers gathered to explore how modern hospitality is a balance between design, style and technology… Not a new topic for Hotel Designs to position under…
read moreLive roundtable: enhancing luxury through digital innovations Amidst the design laden schedule of Clerkenwell Design Week, Editor Hamish Kilburn, in association with Kohler, found time to sit down at a table with a group of leading designers to discuss the path that technology is – or should be – heading in the realm of wellness and intuitive bathroom design… Thoughts…
read moreLive roundtable: decorative lighting solutions & schemes With the aim to put decorative lighting under the spotlight, Editor Hamish Kilburn, in association with Vaughan, invited a handful of interior designers to understand trends, materials and more… Lighting has long been considered one of the most integral elements in hotel design. In today’s arena, designers have noticed a shift as design…
read moreLive roundtable: a personal approach to surface design In Hotel Designs’ second roundtable in association with Arte, Editor Hamish Kilburn gathers a handful of leading interior designers to discuss surface design beyond today’s trends… A lot has changed since Hotel Designs was last in the Arte showroom at Design Centre Chelsea Harbour. Putting shifting trends, lifestyle evolutions and pandemics aside,…
read moreLive roundtable: Intuitive and conscious hotel development Taking the conversation around sustainability and conscious development to the top, Editor Hamish Kilburn, in association with HDR, delivers a roundtable discussion inside The Beaumont Hotel London, to honestly air the challenges and opportunities when it comes to design and architecture’s role in hotel development… It’s sad that overused ‘buzzword’ terms such as…
read moreLive roundtable: discussing the new era of luxury in hotel design In an exclusive roundtable with Hotel Designs, in association with Gabriel Scott, leading interior designers and architects gathered to discuss materials, lighting and sustainability when exploring luxury hotel design in 2022 and beyond (scroll down for video)… Like all things in hotel design and hospitality, luxury and what is…
read moreVirtual roundtable: bathroom design within heritage buildings With an increased emphasis being put on bathroom design to differentiate and add personality to a project, Hotel Designs in association with Schlüter-Systems, invited a panel of designers and architects to explore innovation in the realm of bathroom design when working within the constraints of heritage buildings… Bathroom design is fast becoming the…
read moreVirtual roundtable: Innovation in hotel lighting design With the aim to identify how hotel lighting is evolving in the international hotel design arena, Hotel Designs, in association with Franklite, invites leading interior designers and lighting experts to partake in its next virtual roundtable. From savvy product design to advanced technology – and even the idea of vitamin D lighting solutions –…
read moreWeekly digest: Global hotel growth, a Nobu debut & a live roundtable Huddle in everyone… Editor Hamish Kilburn here to serve up your weekly dose of hotel design and hotel development news and features. This week on the editorial desk we unveiled our latest live roundtable, explored the art of lighting; shared hotel development news from several hotel groups and,…
read moreLive roundtable: The art of lighting In Hotel Designs’ first live roundtable since the beginning of the pandemic, in association with Dernier & Hamlyn, editor Hamish Kilburn gathered leading interior designers to discuss the art of lighting in 2021 and beyond – from downlights to pendants and pitfalls in-between. Scroll down to meet the panellists and to catch the conversation……
read moreVirtual roundtable: Concept vs reality in bathroom specification With new demands from modern travellers asking for heightened wellness and wellbeing experiences sheltered inside hotels, designing a timeless bathroom has become even more of a challenge in recent years. Hotel Designs’ latest roundtable, in association with Utopia Projects, welcomes leading interior designers to help us separate concept over reality when it…
read moreVirtual roundtable: Ethical lighting solutions With the aim to put ethical lighting – and not just sustainability – under the spotlight, Hotel Designs’ latest virtual roundtable welcomes Chris Stimson, Founder of lighting brand Well-Lit, and a handful of leading designers and lighting experts to explore ethical product design. Editor Hamish Kilburn writes… For years now, the buzzword that is ‘sustainability’…
read moreVirtual roundtable: Colour & personality in the bathroom Our latest virtual roundtable, in association with Bathroom Brands Group, comes following Hotel Designs LIVE in May where we hosted the panel discussion entitled: ‘Bathrooms beyond practical spaces’. Extending what we learned at the event, Editor Hamish Kilburn invites a handful of designers to explore how to inject colour and personality into…
read moreVirtual roundtable: How F&B hospitality is evolving in 2021 & beyond For all brands working in hospitality, shutting up shop due to Covid-19 was a hard pill to swallow. But could F&B hospitality emerge from this crisis evolved and better shaped for the new demand of modern travellers and locals alike? Editor Hamish Kilburn, in association with LUQEL, gathers some…
read moreVirtual roundtable: Raising the floor in lifestyle As we enter what is no doubt going to be considered as ‘a new era of lifestyle’, Hotel Designs, in association with flooring brand Milliken, welcomes world-leading designers from around the globe to explore how the lane for lifestyle in hotel design and hospitality is widening. Editor Hamish Kilburn chairs the discussion… As…
read moreVirtual roundtable: Tomorrow’s perception of clean To cut through the noise and with the aim to identify meaningful solutions, Hotel Designs’ next virtual roundtable, in association with Geberit, tackles the hygiene debate to ultimately understand tomorrow’s perception of clean… On the panel: David Mason, Head of Hospitality, Scott Brownrigg Fiona Thompson, Principal, Richmond International Hannah Willock, Interior Designer, Conran +…
read moreVirtual roundtable: Bespoke possibilities in luxury design To specify or not to specify, that was the initial question that editor Hamish Kilburn put forward to our expert panel of designers and lighting masterminds for our latest roundtable, in association with bespoke lighting brand Dernier & Hamlyn, on bespoke possibilities in luxury design… There are a plethora of well-documented benefits linked…
read moreVirtual roundtable: Stylish sustainability in wellness For our next magic trick – AKA virtual roundtable – we’ve invited industry experts to take on the topic of stylish sustainability in wellness. Editor Hamish Kilburn leads the discussion that is sponsored by GROHE, a bathroom brand that has put sustainability at the core of each and every decision for more than 20…
read moreVirtual roundtable: ‘sustainable does not mean natural’ in surface design With ‘greenwashing’ still an all-too-common term in the global ‘sustainable’ hotel design and hospitality arena, we gather a cluster of designers and architects to attend a virtual roundtable, sponsored by Architextural, to discuss sustainability solutions in surface design. Editor Hamish Kilburn leads the discussion… With rapid population growth, urbanisation and…
read moreVirtual roundtable: lighting solutions for tomorrow’s hotel Following a number of recent roundtables where lighting was unintentionally put under the spotlight, Hotel Designs collaborates with innovative lighting expert Moritz Waldemeyer and a number of designers to understand lighting’s role in tomorrow’s hotel… There is arguably no one in the industry who is more dedicated, more aware and more creative in…
read moreVirtual Roundtable: health & wellbeing in hospitality and hotel design With a question mark on what the future of health and wellbeing will look like in tomorrow’s hotel, editor Hamish Kilburn, in collaboration with HDR | Hurley Palmer Flatt, asks industry’s experts to decipher what’s fact and what’s myth when predicting tomorrow’s wellness scene… One of the major challenges that…
read moreVIRTUAL ROUNDTABLE: The role of UV lighting in hotel design With the industry’s attention focused towards possible solutions following the Covid-19 crisis, Hotel Designs, in collaboration with the human-centric lighting brand humanlumen, has brought together a handful of industry experts to discuss UV lighting’s role in the post-pandemic world. Editor Hamish Kilburn moderates… On the panel: Andrew Boydell, Director of…
read moreVirtual roundtable’s response: “Personal and social hygiene awareness has increased exponentially” Following the expert opinions being amplified in Hotel Designs’ first ever virtual roundtable, exploring the long-term impact of COVID–19 to the hospitality and design industry, Room To Breathe shares its response from a hygiene perspective… The virtual roundtable discussion on the future of the hospitality industry after the COVID–19…
read moreVIRTUAL ROUNDTABLE: COVID–19’s impact on hospitality and hotel design To understand the long-term impact COVID–19 will have on the hospitality and hotel design industry, editor Hamish Kilburn asked a handful of leading designers, architects and hoteliers to remotely partake in Hotel Designs’ debut virtual roundtable… Meet the panel Hamish Kilburn, editor, Hotel Designs Fiona Thompson, Principal, Richmond International Michael Bonsor,…
read moreEXCLUSIVE ROUNDTABLE: Meaningfully differentiating luxury in hotel design To continue Hotel Designs’ series of articles to put sustainability under the spotlight, editor Hamish Kilburn chairs an exclusive editorial roundtable, in collaboration with Minotti London, to understand how today’s leading designers are sensitively working to create a more meaningful luxury hotel design landscape. Joining us on the Minotti sofa to discuss…
read moreEXCLUSIVE ROUNDTABLE: Adding personality in hotel public areas In partnership with Arte Wallcoverings, editor Hamish Kilburn invited some of the leading hotel designers and architects to Design Centre Chelsea Harbour for a live debate on how to add sustainable personality in the ever-evolving arena of public areas. In addition to being involved in the engaging conversation, the designers, directors and…
read moreConca Mirrors by Ideal Standard – illuminating luxury in modern hotel bathrooms Ideal Standard’s Conca Mirror has been designed combining elegant aesthetics, with integrated ambient LED lighting to deliver a sophisticated focal point for contemporary hotel bathrooms… There is no question that lighting plays a defining role in how guests experience a hotel bathroom. Beyond functionality, it helps create atmosphere,…
read moreLobbying for attention: the language of hotel lobby design The hotel lobby has evolved far beyond a space to check in and pass through. Today, it is a stage for first impressions, the meeting point between hospitality and design – we caught up with a few of the creative minds redefining the lobby, asking what makes a great arrival experience…
read moreDesigning a sense of arrival – Sheraton Heathrow’s transformed lobby lounge At one of the world’s busiest travel gateways, Sheraton Heathrow’s redesigned lobby lounge now provides a welcoming environment where guests can pause, connect and relax between journeys… As part of the refurbishment of the hotel’s public areas, interior designers Bell & Swift reimagined the arrival experience, creating a contemporary…
read moreSanipex: smart control brought to the bathroom Sanipex Group is partnering with Ekinex to launch Home Automation, a new category designed for homes and hospitality spaces where lighting, climate, sound and access come together through intelligent, design-led control… Bringing together advanced technology and refined interior design, this category introduces solutions that enhance comfort, convenience and efficiency while integrating seamlessly into…
read moreThe Dali EDITION – reflecting the region’s cultural richness through a contemporary lens Defined by the dramatic interplay of Cangshan Mountain’s peaks and the stillness of Erhai Lake, Dali unfolds as a place shaped by nature, heritage, and a long-standing spirit of artistic and cultural exchange… Set along the slopes of Cangshan Mountain at an elevation of 2,090 meters, The…
read moreCraft, Conscience and Clerkenwell: CDW 2026 in review As the calendar turns over to May, there is always a particular energy around Clerkenwell – designers and makers open their doors, and we all move with purpose between showrooms and installations, on a mission to discover the shape and design of things to come… This year – unbelievably its 15th edition…
read moreIn conversation at MEET UP North – Embracing Design Tech in Hospitality As technology continues to evolve at pace, its influence on hospitality design is becoming both inevitable and increasingly complex. At the recent MEET UP North panel discussion, industry leaders came together to explore how designers can embrace digital innovation while preserving the human-centred experiences that define great hospitality……
read moreHotel review: Le Narcisse Blanc Hôtel & Spa, Paris Behind Paris’s grand monuments blooms a quieter seduction: Le Narcisse Blanc Hôtel & Spa, where Belle Époque romance, petals and perfume unfurl like a delicate flower… Tucked neatly into Paris’s 7th arrondissement, Le Narcisse Blanc Hôtel & Spa – part of the Lignée Hotels group – offers a delectable balance of…
read moreThe strategic role of sample rooms in hotel design (pt.2) The second in a five-part series for Hotel Designs, this article sees Northern Lights explore the influence of ‘the ultimate risk-management tool’ within the hotel design process – the sample room… In luxury hotel design, the bedroom is where intention meets experience. A well-drawn plan suggests comfort and elegance, but…
read moreCHAPI Design on anti-trends and the rise of sensory intelligence Written for Hotel Designs by Tatiana Sheveleva, Founder of CHAPI Design, this piece explores the shift from formulaic hotel interiors to sensory-led, anti-trend luxury. Discover how emotion, material innovation, and subtle design interventions are redefining the way guests experience hospitality… There was a time – not so long ago –…
read moreJPA Design on the travel trends defining 2026 With a design portfolio that spans both land and sky, and projects for some of the world’s most luxury brands, JPA Design has identified five key trends set to shape the future of travel… With 2026 now arrived, award-winning studio JPA Design has identified key trends that will shape the future of…
read moreProduct watch: the Rapido Heat Recovery Shower from GROHE With the new Rapido Heat Recovery system, GROHE is addressing the concern of energy usage in the process of heating water, and expanding its comprehensive shower portfolio with an innovative, sustainable solution… Among the various sources of energy usage within a property, heating water accounts for a significant share1, particularly in…
read moreTextile designer talks the fabric trends set to shape 2026 As Sekers Fabrics turns its focus to the year ahead, textile designer Mhairi MacMillan reflects on the tactile, quietly luxurious mood set to shape 2026 design directions… As we enter 2026, Sekers Fabrics continues to explore the power of texture, colour and thoughtful layering with fabrics for interiors. Our contract collections are crafted to…
read moreExclusive: the (modest) future of luxury hospitality, through an architect’s eyes In an age where technology seemingly saturates every moment, HKS Architect Kay Curtis foresees a much simpler future for luxury hospitality. Writing exclusively for Hotel Designs, the Brit List Awards’ 2024 Rising Star shares her design; where technology slips seamlessly into the background and the human touch returns to…
read moreCase study: the historic House of Laura renewed with contemporary Corian Balancing past and present, Corian Solid Surface was recently selected as a primary material in the renovation of a 1930s Prosecco-region villa; La Casa di Laura, now Corian-clad… In the heart of the Prosecco hills, just minutes from the centre of Valdobbiadene, La Casa di Laura (The House of…
read moreNorthern Lights illuminates £35m transformation of The Caledonian Edinburgh Following a £35 million transformation, The Caledonian Edinburgh has entered the Curio Collection by Hilton. Reimagined by Cunningham McLean, the hotel’s new identity is rooted in storytelling, with bespoke lighting from British lighting specialist Northern Lights playing a central role in the narrative… Once part of the original Caledonian Railway station,…
read moreInside astute ‘Earth Resort’ on protected European hillside Located in the Aljezur region of southwest Portugal, a collection of villas, suites and ‘casitas’ built using a centuries-old method has quietly opened within the Cota Vicentina Natural Park. Meet Vale Palheiro Earth Resort… Embracing an ethos where design, nature, culture and sustainability shape the experience, the Vale Palheiro Earth Resort collection…
read moreThe secret to elegant hotel furniture? It’s in BoConcept’s DNA Discover how BoConcept’s Danish craftsmanship and resilient design is quietly shaping some of the world’s most unforgettable hotel spaces… Walk into a hotel lobby in Copenhagen or Cape Town, and you might find a curious consistency in the air, not just in the crisp scent of freshly cut flowers or…
read moreExclusive: Inside the lighting and design of Raffles London at The OWO Once the epicentre of military strategy, discover how The OWO – now a beacon of luxury hospitality in London – is lit by Lutron… Since 1530, the Whitehall’s Old War Office building has served as the monarchy’s seat of power (then aptly called the Palace of Whitehall), the…
read moreStudio Shayne Brady – a new chapter Building on his reputation as one of London’s foremost hospitality designers, Shayne Brady has recently announced the launch of his eponymous design studio, Studio Shayne Brady… Shayne Brady is known for his sumptuously detailed interiors, and under his previous practice BradyWilliams, which he co-founded in 2013 with Emily Williams, he shaped some of…
read moreHotel Review: the Elounda Collection – a tale of three resorts With a design story that flows from hillside to sea, and a vision rooted in familial legacy and slow luxury, Deputy Editor Meg Taylor steps into the Elounda Collection on the north-eastern coast of Crete to discover a trio of architectural stories, all under one extraordinary name… Crete’s northern…
read moreMid-century fashion as 21st-century interior – the Richard Allan London way Kickstarting July’s ‘Decorative Details’ focus, we’re catching up with Richard Allan London Director, Cate Allan, to discover how iconic mid-century scarves are being reimagined as immersive elements in contemporary interior design… In the golden age of mid-century fashion, scarves were more than just accessories – they were miniature canvases…
read moreLondon hotels are hungry for change – and it starts in the restaurant A people person with a serious portfolio of luxury hospitality projects – and now with the UK’s first Hyde hotel under his belt too, Ed Murray, Associate at Studio Moren, is dishing up his take on why London’s hotel revolution starts at the table… The London hotel…
read moreNaturalmat’s guide to wellness design – it starts with sleep As wellness becomes central to hospitality design, Naturalmat founder Mark Tremlett shares insights into how natural materials, sleep routines, and seasonal bedding can transform guest experiences through improved rest… In the modern hospitality landscape, guest expectations are evolving rapidly – and at the heart of this shift is wellness. With…
read moreThe Shepherd Mayfair slated for late 2025 New boutique hotel, The Shepherd Mayfair, will open in London in late 2025, following a joint venture between Bain Capital and Orka Investments. The hotel will be delivered by CIT Group and managed by Hamilton Pyramid Europe… The Shepherd Mayfair, a boutique 82-key hotel set across 33,600 squar foot, will open its doors…
read moreMid-century modernism: StudioMorey at The OWO Take a look around an exclusive London residence as StudioMorey lifts the curtain on its British-crafted, mid-century modernist design of an iconic OWO Residence by Raffles (yours for a cool £18 million, if you’re on the lookout for a new pied-à-terre)… Beyond the exclusivity and bespoke lifestyle associated with Raffles London – private lounges…
read moreElevating interiors: Top 5 pieces for hotel design from BoConcept The modern hotel industry demands furniture that seamlessly blends luxury, functionality and durability – BoConcept takes us through five statement pieces that exemplify its commitment to flexibility, standout aesthetics and long-lasting quality for hotel interiors… BoConcept, a globally recognised brand with a strong manufacturing backbone and customisation capabilities, delivers design-led…
read moreABDA Design announces management buy-out ABDA Design has announced an exciting new chapter as long-serving directors, Claire Smith and Richard Steade, have taken over the hospitality design consultancy, ensuring its continued success and future growth… The transition marks a new era for ABDA Design ensuring continuity and fresh leadership from within. With their deep understanding of the company and its…
read moreBiophilia beyond the buzzword – OCCA on the subtle art of sensory design Rounding out March 2025’s editorial focus on ‘nature in design‘, Hotel Designs caught up with OCCA Founder and Principal Kate Mooney to discuss the contemporary nature of biophilic design… In Kate Mooney’s words, biophilic design is at risk of losing its edge. Much like ‘sustainability’ and ‘wellness’ before it,…
read morePanel discussion: the (sustainable) future of surface design At the Surface Design Show 2025, Hotel Designs Editor Sophie Harper welcomed interior design and architecture greats onto the main stage to discuss the future of surfaces within hospitality spaces. Meghan Taylor writes… Before a pen and notepad wielding audience — poised for notetaking — a distinguished panel of industry experts gathered to…
read moreBalsan talks the trends changing the shape of hospitality Stepping into 2025, Balsan predicts that the hospitality industry is poised for significant change, with global challenges redefining approaches to interior design. Here, the creative flooring brand tells Hotel Designs of the design trends that will inspire… Driven by evolving consumer expectations and global challenges, interior design is no longer just about…
read moreNew 2025 fabrics from Dedar Milano — part of the Contemporary Archives family The new Dedar Milano fabrics collection creates a lively rhythm of variations when it comes to materials and techniques. It juxtaposes figurative and abstract elements, until the boundary between the two becomes seemingly non-existent… Reinterpreting classical practices in a new key, Dedar Milano’s latest collection of ‘experiments’…
read moreVIP arrivals: hottest hotel openings in February 2025 From a charming farmhouse on a remote Nordic island to a serene white-sand retreat in Cancun, these February hotel openings will make you think, why wait until summer to discover that dream hospitality design… As we step into February 2025, so lands Hotel Designs latest anthology of hotel openings that will definitely…
read moreRevolutionising hospitality with cutting-edge technology WorldVue discusses how cutting-edge technologies elevate hotel guest experiences and operational efficiency… Modern hospitality design increasingly integrates advanced technology to enhance guest experiences and operational efficiency. Today’s travellers expect more than comfort—they seek personalised, seamless interactions powered by the latest innovations. Hotels are leveraging AI-driven solutions for customised services, such as tailored room upgrades and…
read moreSneak peek: the Montcalm Mayfair recultivated Following two years of extensive renovation, ahead of the 26th March 2025 grand reopening, Meghan Taylor donned a hard hat and hi-vis and made for Marble Arch to preview the botanically-inspired metamorphosis of the Montcalm Mayfair… Stepping up to the Georgian doorway of the Montcalm Mayfair, this sneak peek tour of the ‘sensitive luxury’…
read moreFranklite unveils its newest products Franklite steps into 2025 with an unveiling of new products at Mason&Objet, followed by the launch of its 27th catalogue… The new collections and catalogue from Franklite showcase its curated selection of decorative lighting, featuring both beloved classics that have stood the test of time and new innovative lighting pieces. With emphasis on dedicated LED…
read moreAbout. Hotel Designs is the leading international website for the hotel design industry. Read by more than 58,000 designers, architects, hoteliers and industry suppliers monthly, the website content is curated and produced by the award-winning Hotel Designs team and is the go-to destination for all the latest news, features, opinions and reviews. A constant source of inspiration, Hotel Designs prides…
read moreUnpacking the design of branded residences with MUZA Lab With the rising trend of Branded Residences continuing to shape hotel design as we shift into 2025, we caught up with Inge Moore, Founder of MUZA Lab, to dig a little deeper into a few of these projects and discuss the designer details… The rise of branded residences in hotel design…
read more5 of the best branded residences outside of Dubai Here, Hotel Designs explores five of the best branded residences emerging outside of the hotspot areas of Dubai or Miami… The demand for branded residences continues to take the hospitality world by storm, with some hotels now opting for a greater proportion of private residences to guest bedrooms — even luxury fashion…
read moreNew 2025 openings announced for The Social Hub The Social Hub is preparing to open three new hubs in early 2025 as it continues its rapid growth across Europe taking it’s portfolio to 21 across 19 cities… Hybrid hospitality brand The Social Hub will make its first entry into the Portuguese market and double its footprint in Italy amid plans…
read moreMeet the recipients of the NEWH UK hospitality scholarships 2024 A driving force behind the industry’s next generation, NEWH UK has announced this year’s recipients of its four hospitality scholarships, following its Roundtable networking and education day — and Hotel Designs could not be prouder to have been in attendance as an industry partner… Held at the Sea Containers Hotel London…
read moreNEWH Round Table and Fundraiser taking place this autumn Continuing with its commitment to connect and support members of the hospitality industry, the NEWH UK Chapter is returning this October with its much-love Round Table, Annual Fundraiser, and Scholarship Presentation events… NEWH UK is a non-profit organisation dedicated to connecting professionals and promoting individual and sector-wide growth within the hospitality…
read moreZennio – unlocking the key to intelligent integration and control in hotels In the lead up to Independent Hotel Show 2024, Zennio looks at how automation systems have brought a revolution in the way we interact with spaces and services… By offering a centralised and integrated control system known as the Guest Room Management System (GRMS), Zennio transforms the way…
read moreFun fact: Katy has spent years perfecting all kinds of accents and loves a good impersonation!
Work highlights: Katy has been with Hotel Designs since the beginning, way back in 2015 when Forum Events & Media Group acquired the brand.
Fun fact: Sophie spends her spare time running marathons and roller skating (not at the same time)!
Work highlights: Sophie Harper is an established travel and design journalist and has worked on some of the UK’s most reputable publications and award-winning media campaigns in the last 15 years.
As both a writer and editor, Sophie has specialised in hospitality design over the last decade and has interviewed and hosted events internationally with some of the most influential personalities in the industry.
She joined the Forum Events team in February 2024 as Editor of Hotel Designs.
Fun fact: Pauline works remotely from her desk in Morocco
Work highlights: Pauline is an experienced design and lifestyle writer who started working on print publication in her hometown of Cape Town South Africa and since has written about design, interiors and travel for a wide range of publications both online and on the shelf.
Fun fact: People tell Sienna she gives off Bridget Jones vibes, and she loves to bake, always making sure there are shortbreads floating around the office
Work highlights: Sienna joined Forum Events & Media Group while studying Communications and Media, starting in the sales team where she managed and helped launch the first the PA Life Leading Venues of London SHOWCASE, where she built relationships with luxury venues across the capital. Drawn to the stories behind these spaces, she naturally transitioned into the editorial team, creating social media and editorial content. Upon graduating in June 2026, she is excited to be joining as Assistant Editor for Hotel Designs and SPACE.
Fun fact: Craig collects records, loves bike riding, karate, and football with his son.
Work highlights: Established background in Sponsorship, Exhibition Sales, Multi-Platform Media Sales working across Retail, Life Sciences, Energy, Mobile Gambling, Social Housing, Cyber Security.
Craig was recently employed to promote Hotel Designs and SPACE magazine in April 2026.
Fun fact: Carla speaks three languages and is learning her fourth.
Work highlights: Spanish-born graphic designer Carla studied in Barcelona before moving to London in 2018, finishing her degree at London Metropolitan University.
After working for various companies, she joined Forum Events & Media Group as a freelancer in 2021 on maternity cover. Once this temporary role ended, she was promoted to Creative Designer, a job she really enjoys.
Fun fact: I’m a keen cyclist and will happily bore people with copious amounts of cycling chat. My top cycling experience (so far) would have to be riding in the spectacular mountains of Crete.
Work highlights: Charles joined Forum Events in 2022. With a background in publishing, editorial media and events, Charles brings a wealth of experience to his role as Senior Production Manager. Having being involved with SPACE from the outset, he is excited to see the brand grow and develop.
Fun fact: Lauren embarked on a solo journey to Hong Kong for a two-month work placement at an events company. During her time there, she assisted with client meetings, event briefs, proposal creation, and social media posting, while also attending various events. Alongside her professional duties, she embraced the local culture, attempting to use chopsticks and learning basic phrases in the local language – though not always with complete success!
Work highlights: Lauren began her journey at Forum Events & Media Group as a Marketing Executive. Over the past five years, she has advanced to the role of Senior Marketing Manager, where she now oversees the entire marketing team. Lauren’s keen attention to detail and passion for crafting marketing campaigns have been instrumental in successfully promoting over 30 events, a challenge she thoroughly enjoys.
Work highlights: Lorraine has just celebrated 25 years with Forum Events & Media Group. Starting as a delegate co-ordinator in 1999 and working her way up to managing the whole delegate team.
She now enjoys a slightly less stressful part-time role as Administration Manager, supporting the sales team and Hotel Designs.
Fun fact: I’m usually the person friends rely on to organise trips, schedules, and group plans.
Workhighlights: Successfully coordinating events from planning through to delivery and seeing everything come together on the day.
Fun fact: Charlotte can sing and is a natural performer, having been in various shows in her school days.
Work highlights: Charlotte has been with the business for three years as a graphic designer, helping the marketing team with all aspects of the company’s events as well as rebranding The Brit List event guide.
After her maternity leave in 2023 Charlotte progressed to Digital Design Manager, which includes managing and designing all new Forum Events websites in addition to producing the PA Life magazine.
Fun fact: When not working, Jess can usually be found tending to her kitchen garden in the Sussex countryside or foraging for herbs in the nearby woods. A keen grower, she recently studied a RHS Level 2 Diploma in the Principles of Horticulture during her spare time.
Work highlights: Jess joined SPACE magazine in 2022 and has since progressed from Assistant Editor to Editor. During this time, she has worked across many aspects of the publication – from shaping editorial strategy and overseeing operations to contributing to art direction and representing the brand on stage at industry events including Surface Design Show and WOW!house.