Hotel Designs
Hotel Designs
Surface trends for 2021 & beyond Strict pre-pandemic industry standards mean that hospitality design is “well-placed to weather the storm” without a major supply-side rethink. Meghann Day, partner, HBA San Francisco, walks Oriana Lerner through what’s ahead for surface design trends in 2021 and beyond… Travel won’t look the same for months, at least. With a tentative return to ‘normal’ still…
read moreIndustry insight: The thrill of designing a new hotel in an old shell With a little help from our friends at ADP Architecture, we explore how a hospitality brand’s personality can burst with creativity inside a heritage hotel. Amrit Naru, Director of ADP architecture, writes… It’s no secret that finding a suitable spot to build a new hotel is incredibly…
read moreWhat’s in the spotlight this February on Hotel Designs? Hotel Designs’ February editorial features have landed, which will explore Technology and Surfaces, two ever-changing areas in the hotel design arena… Throughout February, Hotel Designs will be putting both technology and surfaces under its editorial spotlight in order to continue to define the point on international hotel design. Technology From clean tech…
read moreNew event: Workspace Show launches in London in November Brand new design event, Workspace Show, is expected to launch in London this November with a mission that Hotel Designs is fully behind, which is ‘to bring together the commercial interiors community’… Workspace Show, which Hotel Designs is a proud media partner of, is an exciting addition to the global design…
read moreProduct watch: Leaflike has a green wall message of positivity With the demand for sustainable surfaces being at an all-time high, it’s an exciting time for Leaflike, which has been successful in providing planting solutions to hospitality venues for more than 20 years… Working with the likes of Savoy, Hilton Park Lane, London EDITION, Shangri-La Hotel and The View from…
read more#4 Wellness dining – from indulgence to purpose For article four in the Hotel Designs LAB series, Hotel Designs and Arigami explore wellbeing through the lens of F&B. Helping us reimagine the wellness dining experience are gastrophysicist and award-winning neuroscientist Prof. Charles Spence (Oxford University), nutrition coach Carola Becker and multi-sensory chef Jozef Youssef (Kitchen Theory). Ari Peralta writes… Our…
read moreBathroom design: Gessi spotted in beautiful projects around the world From stunning hotels to chic private residences, Gessi is able to offer a style in wellness areas that is unlike anything we have seen before. Here, we celebrate the brand’s couture-like take on bathroom design… Chic hotels and spas, dream residences, and yachts exhibit a style of living and travelling…
read moreADRENALINA launches new eco furniture collection ADRENALINA presents LEO ‘The Green Warrior’, a beautifully designed eco furniture collection in collaboration with Russian designer Daria Zinovatnaya… Daria Zinovatnaya’s design signature is the stark and bare relationships between colour and geometry. This is brought beautifully into the world of soft furnishing with the refined finishes and the impeccable workmanship that is the…
read moreADP has been designing exceptional buildings since 1965, and our architectural and interior design teams are working on an ever-growing portfolio of exciting hotel and leisure projects. We work with international brands, and are currently delivering high quality buildings and interiors for clients across the globe. Image credit: ADP Architecture The places we eat, sleep and relax away from work…
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 moreHygiene, there’s a RIBA approved CPD module for that! GROHE has launched its third RIBA approved CPD module, Hygiene Optimisation for Sanitary Facilities, which will be hosted by editor Hamish Kilburn and presented by GROHE’s Karl Lennon, on February 9, 2021… In response to the increasing demand for hygiene-optimised solutions since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, GROHE has launched…
read more5 reasons to attend Hotel Designs LIVE in February Hotel Designs LIVE returns on February 23 to keep the industry connected and to serve our readers with relevant and engaging conversations that are unlike any other. With just over a month before the virtual event, editor Hamish Kilburn is here to explain to you why you should attend… Back by…
read moreHotel concept: designing a sustainable floating resort With the aim to design a hotel resort that offers guests an unparalleled at-one-with-nature experience, AMA Design has developed a hospitality concept called GAIA, a floating eco hotel that pushes boundaries to re-connect people with nature. Editor Hamish Kilburn explores… Focusing on the positive possibilities of the future, boutique design studio AMA has…
read moreHottest hotel openings arriving in 2021 (Q3 & Q4) Dubbed ‘The Hot List’ by our readers, we start every year as mean to go on; with a positive mindset to get ahead of the curve to reveal what we believe will be the hottest hotel openings of 2021. Following on from part one, which was published last week, here are…
read moreHypnos issues a message of reassurance for hospitality Bed manufacturer Hypnos puts planning and communication front and centre with its hospitality partners… Hospitality businesses are currently operating in a new landscape, as they adapt to overcome the unique set of challenges that the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns have thrown at them, coupled with more cautious guests. However, one thing that…
read moreCase study: designing the bathrooms in the UK’s ‘most sustainable hotel’ Award-winning sustainable hotel, The Bull Inn, Totnes, which Hotel Designs reviewed recently, specified Bette shower trays and baths… The Times and The Sunday Times’ Eco Hotel of the Year 2020, The Bull Inn, Totnes, selected Bette to provide shower trays and baths that fit with its focus on sustainability.…
read moreProduct watch: Geberit launches two newly-named collections – Select and Aspire To continue our Year in Review, which is a December tradition here at Hotel Designs where we look back to the most eye-catching product launches from the past 11 months, we throwback to Geberit’s announcement to celebrate a new chapter for the bathroom brand… Geberit extended its offering in…
read moreMeet The Brit List Architects of 2020 Each year, Hotel Designs unveils The Brit List, a publication that lists the top 25 designers, top 25 architects and top 25 hoteliers who are operating in Britain. Following the official unveiling of The List at this year’s virtual award ceremony, please meet The Brit List Architects of 2020… For more than four years now, The…
read moreEmbracing nature – a 2021 trends forecast we can relate to With the aim to inspire a deeper connection with nature, this 2021 trends forecast by Modieus consists of four key themes, which are grounded, green utopia, textured layers and crafted… Developed post lockdown, each this trends forecast reflects our freedom from isolation; it embraces nature, craves the simplicity and…
read moreIn Conversation With: the filmmakers who designed Great Plains Having spent more than 40 years exploring Africa as photographers and filmmakers, Dereck and Beverly Joubert, the founders of Great Plains, have new standards in sustainability, hospitality and humanity. Editor Hamish Kilburn catches up with the dynamic duo to understand authentic luxury hotel design through a wider lens, capturing a broader…
read moreIn the factory with sustainable bed & mattress manufacturer Naturalmat With its fascinating storyline stretching from luxury superyachts to international hotels, bed and mattress brand Naturalmat’s stamp of approval can be traced right back to the source, as editor Hamish Kilburn learns when he pays a visit to the brand’s HQ in Topsham, Devon… The story behind the success of…
read moreMeliá Hotels International to open fourth hotel in Milan The 70-key five-star hotel, which will be sheltered inside one of the most recognisable buildings in Piazza Cordusio, will become Meliá Hotels International’s fourth property in Milan when it opens in 2023… Following the reopening of ME Dubai this week, Meliá Hotels International and Generali Real Estate have announced that they…
read moreHypnos launches carbon neutral eco-packaging solution Sustainable bed manufacturer Hypnos has pioneered a ground-breaking carbon neutral packaging that could help with carbon reduction efforts across the bed and furniture industry… After 18 months of intensive research and development, Hypnos has successfully developed another industry first by creating a new recyclable, eco-friendly packaging solution which will be used for their beds…
read moreSpeakers announced for first Hotel Designs LIVE event in 2021 Following two successful events, Hotel Designs LIVE will return on February 23, 2021, with a global line-up of speakers who will appear in a series of four engaging panel discussions. Editor Hamish Kilburn, who will host the event, reveals all… It all started in June 2020. The temperatures in the…
read moreKEUCO, a family run company founded in 1953, was originally renowned for designing and manufacturing premium bathroom accessories but has evolved over the years and now provides a full range of high-quality bathroom furnishings. KEUCO currently has a catalogue of more than 6,000 products; encompassing taps & showers, accessories, light mirrors, mirror cabinets, washbasins, bathroom furniture and now hygiene products. …
read moreLook of the month from Kobe: worry less, live more This month’s fabric and soft furnishing inspiration comes from FIBREGUARD upholstery collections by Kobe, which offer luxury style and easy-to-clean design… This month’s look from fabric supplier Kobe is more of a feeling rather than a look: worry less, and live more, which taps into comfort, balance and creating the…
read moreIndustry insight: bathroom planning for the future of hotels As the pandemic continues to challenge existing hotel concepts in all sectors of hospitality, the conventional bathroom and wellness area is being confronted. Tony Taylor-Sherif, Area Specification Consultant at Schlüter Systems who delivered a PRODUCT WATCH pitch at Hotel Designs LIVE, explains… It is no secret that 2020 has been an…
read more(In video) Hotel Designs LIVE: The revival of smart tech post-pandemic In the final session of Hotel Designs LIVE, editor Hamish Kilburn was joined by global industry experts to discuss the revival of smart tech after he checked in to a completely contactless hotel experience… The final session that took place during Hotel Designs LIVE was entitled: The revival of…
read moreKaldewei provides bathroom solutions for Germany’s largest hotel Bathroom brand Kaldewei has been specified to provide high-end bathroom solutions for The Estrel, which is Germany’s largest hotel… With no less than 1,125 guestrooms and suites, The Estrel, located in Berlin, is Germany’s largest hotel – and it has just announced a major refurbishment. In addition to the mass of rooms,…
read moreArchitectural films: the eco-friendly materials that are transforming hotel interiors With eco-friendly materials fast becoming rising stars in the world of interiors, there are multiple benefits of using architectural films and how they can refurbish existing surfaces. Lindsay Appleton, from surface manufacturer Architextural, explains… Gone are the days when wrapping was exclusive to vehicles; architectural films have opened up a…
read moreHotel Designs LIVE: Reassuring the post-corona consumer In the third session of Hotel Designs LIVE, editor Hamish Kilburn was joined by hoteliers from around the world in St Lucia, France, Zimbabwe and the UK to ask how we will reassure tomorrow’s travellers in a post-pandemic world… In the second edition of Hotel Designs LIVE, sponsored by Technological Innovations Group in association with Crestron,…
read more#3 Biophilic design 2.0 – from living walls to living hotels For article three in the Hotel Designs LAB series, Hotel Designs and Arigami explore wellbeing through the lens of biophilic design. Founder of Arigami Ari Peralta and editor Hamish Kilburn compile the thoughts of biophilic design expert Oliver Heath and environmental psychology researcher Nigel Oseland to explore the science…
read moreFeature // Is Covid an opportunity for cleaner, greener hotels? Following an engaging discussion about sustainability with Bill Bensley at Hotel Designs LIVE, we asked session sponsor Silentnight Group how Covid-19 will impact the industry’s stance on hygiene and eco-friendly behaviour. Sales Director, David Lawenson writes… The past seven months has been challenging for the hospitality industry. The current global…
read moreHow an ‘Ohana Spirit’ navigated WATG through 75 years of business WATG’s roots were planted 75 years ago in Honolulu by our founders George “Pete” Wimberly and Howard Cook, who adopted the enduring cultural principles from Hawaii including ‘Ohana, meaning “family” or “extended kin”. Anthony Mallows, President and CEO of WATG, writes… The spirit of the islands taught us to…
read moreSNEAK PEEK // INNSIDE Newcastle to open in December Meliá Hotels International, Spain’s largest hotel group, has released new CGI renders of INNSiDE Newcastle, which is slated to open this December… The 161-key INNSIDE Newcastle, designed by Faulknerbrowns Architects, will be located in the heart of the city on the historical Quayside, offering breath-taking views across the River Tyne and an…
read moreHypnos achieves ISO Standard for quality management Royal warrant holder and award-winning British bedmaker Hypnos has announced that its Castle Donington site has achieved compliance with ISO 9001, the international standard that specifies requirements for an effective Quality Management System (QMS)… This ISO 9001 accreditation is further proof of the company’s commitment to top-class design and craftsmanship to build the most…
read moreSpeakers for Sleep & Eat 2020 announced Sleep & Eat returns virtually this November to serve up an impressive line-up of speakers, including Tony Chi, Adam D. Tihany, Lauren Rottet and more… Every year, Sleep & Eat delivers a conference that combines global insights from design polymaths, perspectives from hospitality industry leaders, inspiration, education and a unique theme to galvanise…
read moreHotel Designs LIVE: Adding personality in public areas In the second session of Hotel Designs LIVE, editor Hamish Kilburn was joined by Constantina Tsoutsikou, founder of Studio LOST; Eric Jafari, CDO of Locke and Erik Nissen Johansen, Founder of Stylt to discuss adding personality in public areas… In the second edition of Hotel Designs LIVE, sponsored by Technological Innovations Group…
read moreBanyan Tree unveils first luxury resort to open in Krabi in 11 years Elevating the destination on the southern Thailand’s west coast, the 72-key Banyan Tree Krabi has opened… Nestled on a verdant hillside with spectacular vistas of limestone cliffs rising from the sea, Banyan Tree Krabi has opened. Owned by Asset World Corporation (AWC), the new luxury resort backs…
read moreEXCLUSIVE: Space Copenhagen appointed to design revolutionary wellness hotel Danish designers Peter Bundgaard and Signe Bindslev Henriken of Space Copenhagen will mastermind the complete interiors for new wellness and eco hotel in Norway, Svart… Svart, which will become the world’s first energy positive hotel, has appointed award-winning Danish design firm Space Copenhagen to lead the property’s interior design. Image credit:…
read moreWeekly briefing: arriving in Miami, a cave retreat and going LIVE with Bensley Only got a minute? Our editorial team have compiled the top design stories that they have published this week, including a live chat with Bill Bensley, an exclusive review of Kent’s most luxurious hotel and news of a new boutique gem arriving in Miami… We appreciate you…
read more5 Minutes With: Karl Lennon, Director of Architecture & Design Accounts at GROHE Ahead of Hotel Designs LIVE – where GROHE are sponsoring the session “The revival of smart tech post-pandemic” – Hotel Designs catches up with Karl Lennon, Director of Architecture & Design Accounts at GROHE… Tomorrow, in an engaging panel discussion, Hotel Designs LIVE will explore the revival…
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 moreLess than 1 week until Hotel Designs LIVE Calling all designers, architects, hoteliers and developers: Hotel Designs LIVE is a free one-day conference that takes place on October 13… On October 13, designers, architects, hoteliers and developers will virtually gather to attend Hotel Designs LIVE, sponsored by Technological Innovations Group in association with Crestron. Whether you are in need of…
read moreDesigned and manufactured in the heart of Yorkshire, Harrison Spinks’ Hospitality collection of luxury pocket sprung beds use the very finest natural and sustainable fillings plus award-winning, pocket spring systems to create a sleeping experience for your guests which cannot be equalled. World leaders in sustainable comfort innovation, here at Harrison Spinks we are always striving to find more sustainable…
read moreChecking in to Villa Copenhagen, a new brand of conscious luxury A much-anticipated addition to the Danish capital city, Copenhagen, transforms an iconic architectural landmark into a modern oasis of cool. Writer Collette Swindells explores… It is not often that a space of more than 25,600 square metres becomes available in the centre of a European capital – least of…
read moreHotel Indigo debuts in the historic city of Bath IHG Hotels & Resorts has further expanded its boutique footprint with the opening of the highly anticipated Hotel Indigo Bath… Set in a honey coloured Georgian terrace built in the 18th century, the 166-key Grade I listed building, which now shelters Hotel Indigo Bath, has hosted famous figures from history including…
read moreWeekly briefing: A sensational shortlist & the secret to a good night’s sleep Only got a minute? Our editorial team have compiled the top design stories that they have published this week, including the shortlist of The Brit List Awards 2020 and an exclusive interview with designer Lisa Haude about tomorrow’s design challenges… With the industry re-strategising following further constrictions…
read moreIndustry insight: a special sleep experience during Covid Chris Ward, Group Marketing Director at Hypnos Contract Beds, looks at how in addition to having Covid-compliant practices, hotels can offer a more discernible experience to guests by providing premium experiences that have sustainability at their heart… As most people in the UK and around the world are remaining at, or closer…
read more1 in 3 Brits want to replace shower with modern system, survey reveals A survey carried out by GROHE has revealed British showering behaviours and consumer attitudes towards their bathroom… As indicated in the debut broadcast of Hotel Designs LIVE, bathroom and wellness demands have shifted as we look ahead towards a post-pandemic world. The demands on bathroom design have…
read moreIn Conversation With: interior designer Lisa Haude Interior designer Lisa Haude, founder of PDG Studios, is known for her creative and unique approach to design. Editor Hamish Kilburn sits down with the storyteller to understand why she is considered one of the industry’s finest… A storyteller in her own right, designer Lisa Haude creates one-of-a-kind spaces that breathe a new…
read moreIn Conversation With: Mark Kelly, Partner at PLP Architecture Looking ahead, past the pandemic, editor Hamish Kilburn sits down with Mark Kelly, Partner at PLP Architecture, to understand how to build a meaningful hotel landscape… With the world the way it is at the moment, the conversation in the industry has steered sharply towards how architecture and design will be…
read moreUpcycling: “Revamp, don’t replace,” says surface brand Architextural The trend for upcycling shows no sign of abating; businesses are increasingly looking to upgrade their interiors on a budget and without the upheaval of ripping out and replacing furniture, explains surface brand Architextural… Upcycling taps into the trend for sustainability that continues to be big news; it is better for the…
read moreFeature: specifying the hotel bed – sleep on it To kickstart putting ‘beds’ under this month’s editorial spotlight, Rosie Littler from Design Equals takes her grandma’s advice when specifying the bed in hotel design… My Grandma always me some wise words that resonate: “Spend your money on your bed or your boots,” she said, “because if you are not in…
read moreQuintex announces financing support for affordable energy solutions Quintex is always looking for new ways to support its customers and to make it even easier to benefit from its range of quality solutions for commercial kitchens. The energy-saving experts explain… Quintex has announced QFinance, the company’s own financing support options to assist our customers when choosing Quintex solutions. Our aim…
read moreInsane hotel concepts for the post-pandemic world To celebrate Hotel Concepts being this month’s ‘Spotlight On’ feature, here are some insane hotel renderings that offer drastic solutions for hospitality and hotel design in the post-pandemic world… Let’s face it, it’s going to be a while before the industry reflects the same buzz and energy as it did before the Covid-19…
read moreFeature: a new era of luxury hospitality has begun To coincide with the opening of Birch, which has been described as a ‘next-generation escape’ hotel just outside London, editor Hamish Kilburn considers how Covid-19 has challenged the luxury hotel market by hearing from international architecture and interior design firm Red Deer on the luxury hotel’s design story… Even after lockdown, Covid-19…
read moreEditor checks in: calling for intelligent hospitality The measure of intelligent hospitality is the ability to adapt. In his latest column, editor Hamish Kilburn explores this statement while explaining the motives behind Hotel Designs’ upcoming events… Earlier this month, the long-awaited good news arrived that hospitality businesses were serving once more. While that was a monumental leap forward amidst the…
read moreINDUSTRY INSIGHT: specifying fabrics for contract markets There are a lot of things to take into account when specifying fabrics for contract environments and it can sometimes be a bit of a minefield, especially as different sectors often have different requirements and regulations. Edmund Bell explains… Below are some key considerations to bear in mind when specifying contract fabrics: Different…
read moreHotel Designs LIVE: ‘eco warrior’ Bill Bensley confirmed as headline speaker Back by popular demand, following last months debut event, Hotel Designs LIVE, which will take place on October 13, has announced the renowned ‘eco warrior’ Bill Bensley as its headline speaker… Last month, the industry gathered for Hotel Designs’ debut virtual conference, which broadcasted a series of debates and…
read moreSPOTLIGHT ON: anti-microbial fabrics – a question of balance To conclude our month putting fabrics and soft furnishings under the spotlight, we hear from The Lindhurst Group about anti-microbial fabrics in the post-pandemic climate… The ramifications of Covid 19 may well be with us for months if not years. There is a new way to meet, greet, socialise and travel…
read moreINDUSTRY INSIGHT: sustainable art in hotels Driving the industry to search for and specify sustainable art, Artelier explores sustainable artwork in luxury contexts… The drive for sustainability has grown tremendously in the last few years, with individuals and businesses alike becoming committed to sustainable values. Image credit: Artelier Image credit: Artelier The drive for sustainability has grown tremendously in the…
read moreFEATURE: How commercial spaces can adapt to social distancing measures Now that the industry is reopening its doors, many wonder ‘how’, ‘when’ and ‘where’ to implement social distancing barriers in order to keep guests safe while also keeping the consumer journey smooth. KAI Interiors shares its views… KAI Interiors is an award-winning interior design studio that has been at the…
read more3D printing in bathroom brassware design: GROHE publishes first RIBA-approved CPD seminar GROHE published the seminars 3D Printing for Advanced Bathroom Fittings on July 2 and 8, sharing its expertise on 3D printing manufacturing innovations and its potential to transform the bathroom design landscape… GROHE, global supplier of complete bathroom solutions and first leading European sanitaryware brand to launch 3D-printed…
read moreHotel Designs LIVE – what you missed The debut Hotel Designs LIVE, which took place during lockdown on June 23, broadcasted four engaging virtual seminars. Editor Hamish Kilburn and publisher Katy Phillips share the highlights… On June 23, hundreds of leading designers, architects and hoteliers from around the world tuned in for the debut of Hotel Designs LIVE. The new…
read moreSPOTLIGHT ON: how Edmund bell grew as a textile brand To celebrate Soft Furnishings and Fabrics being placed under the editorial spotlight this month, Hotel Designs asks the team at Edmund Bell to explain its past, present and predict its future… Ever since Edmund Bell was founded in 1855, as a merchant converter in textiles, it has always been proud…
read moreTREND ALERT: Natural stone in hotel design lighting With designers and architects looking for new innovative ways in which to inject biophilic design, Voltra Lighting takes a look at beneficial properties of natural stone… Cappadocia, an ancient district in Turkey, never fails to capture the imagination of discerning travellers with its high-end rock-cut hotels that exude pure elegance and character. Everything…
read moreThe sleep brand that has provided quality solutions for decades Silentnight Group is the home of the most trusted sleep brands in the bed industry, including Silentnight, the UK’s leading sleep brand and Sealy, the largest bed brand in the world. Sales Director David Lawernson explains more… We, Silentnight Group, have been providing quality sleep solutions for the hospitality market…
read moreSleep & Eat launches three-day virtual event The new virtual event, Designscape, will take place August 11 – 13… From the creative minds behind Sleep & Eat, Designscape aims to bring together those at the forefront of residential, hospitality and retail at a time when physical networking and deal-making is unfeasible. The three-day programme will look into the future of…
read moreInspired by Japanese design: ION by Woven Image Inspired by the intricate beauty of Japanese design, Woven Image’s ION is the latest edition to a series of tactile wall panel that Hotel Designs has got its hands on… Woven Image continues to innovate with the introduction of ION a beautiful embossed wall panel which is part of the Exquiste Evolution…
read moreOPINION: “Now is the time for your interiors to ‘WOW’ For anyone or any business about to reopen to the world, here’s Interefurb’s Gary Crosbie ‘hints and tips’ checklist on how to make your interiors sparkle post-pandemic… There have been some interesting and engaging articles on Linkedin and teleconferencing discussions about ‘out with the old, and in with the new’.…
read morePRODUCT WATCH: A floor for tomorrow’s hotel Granorte’s Trendcollection makes the beauty, sustainability and performance of cork flooring accessible to today’s hotels. From traditional cork tiles right through to printed designs using the latest solid rigid core technology, it’s a formidable collection that brings cork right up to date… Nowhere is this better captured than in DESIGNTrend, a floor that…
read moreIn (Lockdown) Conversation With: Dean Winter, Managing Director, Swire Hotels Following his recent appointment as Managing Director of Swire Hotels, Dean Winter sits down (virtually) with editor Hamish Kilburn to explain the brand’s change of direction… Swire Hotels, which shelters luxury and lifestyle brands The House Collective and EAST, has recently announced a new Managing Director. Dean Winter, who first…
read moreGROHE achieves carbon-neutral production Achieving carbon-neutral production is an important milestone in GROHE’s 360-degree sustainability strategy, and is now working to ensure that all sales offices are climate-neutral by 2021… As one of the first leading manufacturers for full bathroom solutions and kitchen fittings, GROHE has now achieved carbon-neutral production, achieving its pledge the brand announced in November 2019, a…
read moreFEATURE: The ever-growing importance of biophilic design While sustainability remains high-up on the agenda, and following editor Hamish Kilburn’s panel discussion at the Surface Design Show on biophilic materials in surface design, Nest explores the importance of bringing nature in… If there’s one thing we’ve noticed over the past few months, it’s been how much people have been connecting with…
read morePRODUCT WATCH: Energy-saving Cheetah by Quintex It has been described as “Europe’s leading on-demand energy saving control”, Cheetah is a high-impact smart technology for a busy hotel kitchen. Hotel Designs explores… The Cheetah system by Quintex has been saving energy and making a huge impact in hotels across Europe for more than 15 years – Claridges in London reported a…
read moreThe Backhausen Bespoke Service – the fabrics dreams are made of The Backhausen Bespoke Service allows designers to explore a world of fabric possibilities. Hotel Designs explores… Backhausen, as highlighted in previous articles, is renowned for its luxurious fabrics which are immersed in heritage, craftsmanship and quality. Its dedication to innovation, individuality and exclusivity is represented by its venture into…
read moreINDUSTRY INSIGHT: How to embrace the artisan revival With the modern consumer more aware than ever before when it comes to sustainability, and clients willing to broaden their imagination when it comes to signing off new materials and products that can stand the test of time, the era of artisan is having a moment. Felicity Randolph from Cheeky Chairs explains…
read moreJudges announced for Surface Design Awards 2021 Steve Webb of Webb Yates Engineers and Basha-Franklin’s Creative Director, Nicola Osborn, have been appointed as Co-Chairs of the Surface Design Awards for 2021… Steve Webb and Nicola Osborn have joined the judging panel of the Surface Design Awards 2021, and will be joined by a multi-disciplinary team of fellow judges selected from…
read moreCASE STUDY: Carpeting 1 Hotel South Beach Miami Hotel Designs goes behind the scenes to understand Barry Sternlicht and his team’s unique design ethos for 1 Hotel South Beach Miami, and why Ulster Carpets had the ultimate solution when it came to the commercial carpet design… As designers and manufacturers of wool rich bespoke carpets, we have always been in…
read moreBringing the outside in & reconnecting with nature To continue our time putting outdoor style under the editorial spotlight, Hotel Designs reconnects with Harris Jackson Design to learn more about how to bring nature in… In our last article we approached the issues facing hoteliers in the current climate of the COVID-10 pandemic. To follow on we would like to…
read moreINDUSTRY INSIGHT: An ode to sustainable refurbishments Designer and architect from Flair Studios Federico Schilling explains the challenges and solutions regarding sustainable refurbishments… Until the lockdown, we have seen a strong momentum for environmental causes culminating with the Extinction Rebellion movement and more industry-specific calls to action (including the RIBA Climate Challenge). Architects and interior designers are called to take…
read moreEditor Checks In: “And we’re going live in 3, 2, 1…” During the COVID–19 pandemic, the team at Hotel Designs have announced initiatives to help further create conversations like no other. It’s safe to say that the editorial team have been anything but taking it easy during lockdown, as editor Hamish Kilburn explains… I have come to the conclusion this…
read moreINDUSTRY INSIGHT: Air quality and your guests Over the past few months, the majority of us have been forced into our homes with the door locked. And while the planet is enjoying a quality break from pollution, is the inside air we are breathing safe? Hotel Designs asks air purifier manufacturer Blueair to explain… Did you know indoor air can…
read moreINDUSTRY INSIGHT: Striving for a more sustainable future in hotel design With Covid-19 taking up much of the industry’s attention at the moment, it’s important to keep sustainable design high on the agenda, as Senior Associate at HBA EMEA Erica Pritchard explains… It wasn’t all that long ago that hotels could be praised for putting in LED lights, or banishing…
read more“Hygiene is a top priority for bathroom designers”, says GROHE The bathroom manufacturer GROHE tells Hotel Designs that a new approach to the topic of hygiene will significantly change the work of architects in the future… Bathroom supplier GROHE has reported unprecedented demand for hygienic touchless taps in the wake of the coronavirus COVID–19 crisis. At a time when the…
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 moreHypnos receives prestigious Queen’s Awards for Sustainable Development Ethical British bedmaker, Hypnos, is celebrating after receiving the prestigious Queen’s Awards for Enterprise in Sustainable Development for its pioneering commitment to sustainable and ethical manufacturing… Hypnos has been awarded The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise in Sustainable Development. This respected achievement is the second Queen’s Award for the company after it won one…
read morePRODUCT WATCH: Jackie by Granorte proves to be no wallflower Inspired by geometric forms, the pop art shapes of Jackie by Granorte bring sustainable chic to walls… 2020 sees four new designs from the STORYWALL collection of cork wall tiles from Granorte. STORYWALL is inspired by traditional designs from cultures across the globe which are then applied onto cork using…
read moreINDUSTRY INSIGHT: The meaning of hospitality in a hostile world? Designer Peter Mance, who the director of MAAPS Design and Architecture, takes a thorough look at why design in hospitality will change post-pandemic… Me: “Alexa, define ‘hospitality’.” Alexa: “The definition of hospitality is the friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests, visitors, or strangers.” A new viral guest is…
read moreThe fabrics of Backhausen’s ‘Made in Austria’ heritage With its DNA firmly rooted in Austrian heritage, Backhausen’s quality and style of fabrics is a result of the brand’s authentic craftsmanship. The company’s Maria Florencia Caruso shares its narrative… Austria, a place known as the home of music, culture, the waltz, ski resorts, palaces, outstanding museums and dramatic landscapes. However, the…
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 moreEver since its foundation in 1849, Backhausen has been renowned for the production of high-end woven textiles. Craftsmanship, heritage, individuality and sustainability form the foundation of the brand. All of Backhausen’s fabrics are manufactured in Hoheneich, located in the Waldviertel region of Austria, with a continuous focus on premium quality, aesthetics and natural fibres, together with innovative designs from its…
read moreBill Bensley has designed a ‘human zoo hotel’ concept Architect Bill Bensley responded to a hotel brief by designing a hotel where guests are caged while wild, exotic animals roam free… Known for his bohemian and brilliant ideas when it comes to sustainability, architect Bill Bensley has perhaps new creative heights by designing a concept to flip the idea of…
read moreThe MAAPS studio (founded in 2010) is steered deftly by industry stalwart Peter Mance. With more than 30 years in his design career, Peter’s experience spans most sectors from hospitality, residential and education through to retail, exhibition, marine and office environments. One of MAAPS key areas of expertise is the thoughtful reimagining and adaptation of existing space. As a much-respected…
read moreMINIVIEW: A story of sustainable design inside Heritance Aarah, Maldives The recently opened Heritance Aarah resort was the first property to be awarded gold for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. Hotel Designs takes a peak inside the sustainable masterpiece… Opened last year in the Raa Atoll of the Maldives, Heritance Aarah has not sacrificed style or design in its…
read moreHotels that are self-isolating in style (part 3) The editorial series continues with part three, as editor Hamish Kilburn mentally checks in to some of the best hotels that are self-isolating in style… The weeks are starting to feel like years. As the number of cases of COVID–19 increases day-by-day, so too do our social restrictions. From our new-found goldfish…
read moreNaturalmat launches 500 thread count, organic percale bed linen Made by hand in Devon, Naturalmat’s new luxury 500 thread count, organic cotton percale bed linen is the answer to a good sleep, which is what we all need right about now… Naturalmat, the award-winning brand in organic and ethically made mattresses and beds that has been supplying the industry for…
read moreMINIVIEW: Escape to nature at Anantara Iko Mauritius Resort The architecture and interior design narrative of Anantara Iko Mauritius Resort & Villas has been inspired by its natural surrounding beauty. As the world daydreams about travel, editor Hamish Kilburn writes… For luxury travellers already aware of the Anantara brand, they will recognise the brand’s DNA of connecting people to genuine…
read moreFun 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: 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: 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: 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.
Fun 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.