Design

room2 Chiswick - lobby

Maximising the social & economic impact of the hotel sector

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Reminding the industry how the hotel sector can maximise its social and economic impact, Andy Jansons, Managing Director of Jansons Properties, writes about the direct, indirect and social affects of good hospitality and hotel design…

Guide to Hotel Design

Hotels provide far more than just a bed to sleep in when you are away from home. They are hubs of activity that bring people from all walks of life together, offering restaurants, bars, leisure facilities, event rooms, and providing a meeting space for those staying. However, the multi-faceted nature of a hotel is often undervalued along with the economic and social benefits they bring. From the inception of a hotel development right up to the day-to-day running of a fully operational service, hotels produce enormous economic and social benefit to their surrounding areas- both directly and indirectly.

Direct Benefits

Though it may seem obvious, the most direct benefit of hotel development is that it enables an encourages people to visit an area that they may not have otherwise visited. The nature of the hotel will determine which type of traveller will visit, however, the existence of a hotel in an otherwise unremarkable area can make it a destination for those planning a holiday or business trip. Hotels located in a city centre will cater to both tourist travel and business travel whereas employment orientated hotels may be located near business estates or motorways for practicality. Business tourism is a huge industry with millions of people travelling to and within the UK each year for conferences and short stay work trips. Hotels are often central to corporate travel, catering to all the needs of the group including providing meeting rooms or events spaces for larger groups.

Hotel developments are therefore also excellent for employment and not just for those employed as hotel staff at the end of the process. Before any building has begun and planning permission has been granted, consultants must be brought in to prepare structural plans and put in planning applications for the project. This initial stage involves a huge number of professionals, including contractors, architects, planning consultants, quantitative surveyors, and even conservation experts, all of which contribute to the planned proposal of the hotel. Typically, hotel developers will employ local experts, bringing employment opportunities directly to the area. Once planning consent is granted, the next stage is to begin construction which involves the employment of regional contractors and a work force of anywhere between 50-100 people on site, though this is dependent on the size of the project. Construction can last anywhere between a few months to two years during which time local construction workers have stable employment and income. Finally, once the hotel is opened for business, local jobs are generated and local people are employed at varying different levels, from reception to the kitchens.

Staircase

Image Caption: Birch, which opened in 2020, transformed the hospitality landscape in Hertfordshire. | Image credit: Birch/Red Deer/Adam Firman

Another direct benefit that hotels generate is stimulating economic growth for the region, as hotels often source produce from local vendors. Locally sourcing food goods to supply their restaurants generates great business for local food supplier companies and provides them with a steady revenue. While hotel restaurants are typically solely reserved for hotel guests, some commission independent restaurants and take external bookings. These partnerships give great publicity to local food suppliers and result in strong community engagement between the hotel and local businesses.

Bath in suite inside suite inside Soho Farmhouse

Image caption: Soho Farmhouse was the first ‘house’ in the portfolio to open in the UK outside of a major city. | Image credit: Soho House

Furthermore, local business directly benefits from hotels as strong advocates of innovation and front runners of the ESG agenda. As many hotels are now diversifying their offering by inviting businesses to use their facilities as hybrid workspaces, this further increases traffic and exposure to those local businesses surrounding the hotel. The growth of companies such as WeWork, is changing how we approach work with many companies no longer seeing the benefit of renting out large offices. New hotel developments provide space for these hybrid environments which in turn benefits businesses looking for new and innovative space. Indirectly, this type of innovative development elevates the ESG status of those businesses who collaborate with the development, meaning that all bodies involved are functioning in a more socially and environmentally efficient way.

arts and crafts inspired bedroom design at room2 Chiswick

Image credit: room2 Chiswick opened this year as the first truly net-zero hotel, and set a new standard in ESG for the hospitality industry.

Indirect Benefits

In addition to the direct benefits hotels bring to their area, there are subsequent indirect benefits which bring growth and improvement to the region. One particular benefit is the promotion of local business that happens indirectly as a result of hotel visitors. Travellers looking for activities to entertain themselves during their stay might ask for recommendations or pick up local leaflets from the lobby advertising local events and offerings. These can often include cinema, theatre, restaurants, festivals, art exhibitions and local commerce offerings which then benefit from the patronage of outside visitors. This promotion of the local vicinity can have an impact not only in the short term but also in the long term, as visitors participate positively in local life, they are more likely to return if future trips are necessary. An increase in local engagement will lead to economic growth and social diversification for the region as a whole.

Another notable benefit of a new hotel is the regeneration focus it brings to the local area. The development of a hotel is often a steppingstone to gentrification as it shifts the socio-economic dynamic of an area and encourages investment from other groups. Furthermore, a hotel development can often include more than just the construction of a hotel, with developments growing to encompass business centres and retail space. The SoCo development in Edinburgh is an excellent example of regeneration in practice. The scheme involved the re-development of a UNESCO World Heritage Site which had been destroyed by a fire in 2002. The final product left the area not only with an Ibis Hotel, but a Sainsbury Local Store, Costa Coffee and the reinstatement of an old nightclub. The regeneration of this area resulted in the further creation of new public realm spaces.

Rates are an additional indirect economic benefit, bringing more money into the local authority through taxation. This added source of income can be funnelled back into the local area for regeneration and refurbishment. A refurbished town hall, shopping centre, better roads, larger car parks and more green spaces. This has a particular impact on hight street regeneration and will be recognised by the local population; as vacant buildings are used and repurposed, hotels encourage money to be spent which results in better quality commerce and retail offerings.

Finally, the impact of a hotel development on the civic pride of a region should not be underestimated. A new hotel is a major brand renewal for an area and gives locals the opportunity to showcase their town and cultural offerings. New buildings will give the whole area a facelift and will show that money is being spent on investment in the future of the region. While becoming a destination clearly benefits the economic growth of an area, the social impact is equally significant in boosting local moral and how people feel about the area they live in.

Main image credit: room2 Chiswick

Modern bedroom with cork walls

Making walls a design feature in cork

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Making walls a design feature in cork

With the sustainable and acoustic qualities of cork far outweighing many other surface materials, we explored how a new collection from Granorte can allow designers and architects to make artistic wall displays using cork…

Modern bedroom with cork walls

With the beautiful natural texture of cork, WALLTrend  from Granorte comes in 16 designs ready to transform interiors. From the classic look of Grain to the vibrant Twist, rustic Country and organic Primus, the collection is full of unique looks that will lift interiors out of the ordinary and bring the magic touch of cork to walls.

No matter what the design, every WALLTrend panel also brings cork’s unique qualities. Tactile and warm to the touch, the panels also absorb sound to make rooms quieter and more comfortable. Added to a natural construction that’s easy to look after, recyclable, PVC-free and which retains air quality; WALLTrend not only looks and performs beautifully but also rises to the demand for more sustainable finishes in the home.

“The time for cork is now and as a new generation begins to appreciate the material for its sustainable characteristics, we’re delighted to able to introduce WALLTrend to the market,” says Paulo Rocha, Granorte. The collection gives consumers a new way to explore the natural and renewable material and experience its unmistakable look. Combined with floors from our TRENDCollection, there’s now a chance to bring the unique qualities of cork from floor to ceiling.”

Each WALLTrend panel is constructed from an agglomerated cork backing to which a decorative cork veneer is added and then finished with Granorte’s unique PARAWAX matt finish for easy maintenance. The finished panel is exceptionally lightweight and can be glued directly onto walls using a suitable adhesive. Measuring 600 x 300mm, the panels are ready for residential and commercial use, meeting all relevant standards.

> Since you’re here, why not read about Granorte’s 50-year-young story? 

Granorte is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.

Main image credit: Granorte

Two sunbeds overlooking mountains

The value of local in hospitality & design

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The value of local in hospitality & design

Even before the pandemic and Brexit, hotels were looking at new and innovative ways to source local food, hospitality amenities and design materials. In 2022, the demand for local has amplified, as Andrea Brown, Design Director, Mucca, explains…

Two sunbeds overlooking mountains

Luxury hospitality brands have weathered the storm since March 2020, and those fortunate enough to stay above water could use the past few years as a catalyst to rethink their approach. With new consumer patterns and desires emerging during the pandemic, the rules of hospitality have evolved to place more weight on authentic experiences that treat customers like individuals. Options like home-sharing platforms, vacation rentals and glamping all offer an experience that feels unique, private and more memorable than a kitted-out room and valet service.

A small group of ‘superfans’ is more important to a brand’s success than a crowd of fickle followers, and one way to gain those fans is to become a local destination – an authority on one thing that can’t be found anywhere else. To connect with an elusive audience, luxury hospitality needs to look beyond the physical space to create experiences that feel personal and speak to their setting. This could involve collaborating with the cultural community – the artists, artisans and performers who make their city hum – or engaging a new niche audience with ultra-specific offerings.

A boho interior design scheme, with orange armchair, textured rugs and plants

Image credit: Unsplash

Curate cool

Not everyone has time to research and plan before a trip, so help guests out by making them feel like an insider in a world they’ve just discovered. With a captive audience, hotels have a unique opportunity to celebrate the rising stars of their city, while elevating the neighbourhood along with the guest experience.

For example, Daxton Hotel in Michigan has an artsy, edgy vibe that involves its community at every turn. In-room libraries are curated by nearby Cranbrook Art Museum, Michigan-based fitness gurus lead a running club for guests, and the hotel’s restaurant Madame serves up beers exclusively from nearby brewery Griffin Claw. Meanwhile, Viceroy Hotel’s “A Canvas for Discovery” series offers site-specific works created by innovative local artists—from painters to musicians and photographers–that simultaneously support local artists and give the chain some indie credibility.

Sign of Daxton Hotel

Image credit: Daxton Hotel

Make local memorable

We’ve all stayed in a hotel room that we couldn’t describe after we left, and not because of all the champagne from the minibar. Building a hotel brand around its locality can differentiate it from “bland-lux” and create emotional connections that resonate beyond check-out. That’s the approach of The Chicago Athletic Club hotel, which leverages its former life as an elite men’s club while turning its history on its head with a tongue-in-cheek attitude. References to its sporting past are found everywhere from bathrobes to keycards, while the hotel maintains a modern relevance with local-friendly events like roller skating nights and high-fashion clothing swaps.

Back of bath robe for Chicago Athletic Association Hotel

Image credit: Chicago Athletic Association Hotel

And when luxury means escaping too many air-breathing people to wander a remote island, the experience can still be one of local connection. The exclusive Thanda Island resort rejuvenates not only guests but its sea-dwelling community, offering a chance to participate in marine conservation efforts and support endangered whale sharks.

Engage personal passions

Establishing a tribe of true fans means speaking to them in their language. The rise of niche hotels shows that the experience is king (or queen), and travelers will go out of their way to pursue a passion. Those guests will become virtual brand ambassadors, doing the work for you by spreading the word to their like-minded friends.

A great example of this is W Hotels, which are targeting musicians and music lovers by offering professional-level music studios for guests looking to eat, sleep and make sweet music. Other hotels might wince at the thought of rock bands rolling up, but W has embraced the idea of becoming a music industry haunt that caters to a dedicated fanbase.

No one wants to make predictions these days, and staycations may be here to stay,  but luxury hospitality brands can retool their approach and adapt their identities to the new needs of travellers. Whether the guest experience is one of discovering a local gem or finding new like-minded mates, the focus should be on creating a lasting connection. Who knows, maybe sometime in the distant future, a hotel stay will make us feel like visitors to a galaxy far, far away.

Main image credit: Unsplash

A interior swing with rustic wall

7 interior design rules to break

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Think of this element of the Guide to Hotel Design as the troublesome classmate – you know the one – who finds pleasure in going against the lecturer’s every word. In this smug and creative feature, Charlie Svensson explores the loopholes that allow designers and architects to break the rules…

Guide to Hotel Design

Interior design, just like any art, is part intuitive and part rational. This means that half of the work of an interior designer is studying the geometry of the space. The designer keeps some conventional rules that help achieve an aesthetic room in mind. So, measuring the space and choosing furniture that’s proportional to it is a first step, along with choosing a colour palette. But the interior expert also avoids certain textures, methods, and furniture based on those underlying rules.

Nevertheless, some designs don’t look right even if they tick all the interior design laws. The eye and our taste aren’t always perfectly in line with geometry’s strict policies. Therefore, the other half of the designer’s work should be breaking some rules in favour of an ‘unexplainable’ visual pleasure. The transgression of these rules can offer character to a room and make it feel more ‘at home’.

Here are seven interior design rules that you can strategically break to elevate your space.

1) Symmetry

One of the essentials of interior design is symmetry. While most of the time symmetry can make a space seem clearly structured and organised, it can also make it dull, flat, and generic. Experts will often suggest two identical bedside tables, two identical picture frames centered above the bed, and so on. But the last thing anyone wants is something that seems like a furniture showroom.

Moreover, symmetry isn’t always a wise choice for rooms with asymmetry. Maybe the room isn’t a square, and it has a protruding wall or some other peculiar feature. In these cases, symmetry doesn’t suit the geometry well. So, when you choose your furniture or decor, think twice before choosing plain symmetry. Try to play with different elements and see how it looks. Remember that a healthy dose of asymmetry can break the monotony of the room, making it tridimensional and dynamic.

2) Matching decor

Along with symmetry, many designers keep it safe and pick matching decor: if the wall is beige, all the decor is beige. The result is a two-dimensional space that feels sterile and monotonous. Hence, you should try and mix patterns, textures, and colours, not just shades of the same grey.

the water is part of the design at the Sumei Skyline Coast Boutique Hotel

Image credit: GS Design

For instance, you can choose an eclectic style that mixes modern furniture with bold and detailed antiques. Sure, it’s challenging to find an equilibrium between radically different styles. Nonetheless, the result can be stunningly chic.

The key to success is choosing the decor pieces that have a different style but tie in with the colour palette you chose. Otherwise, you can select a similar style in a different texture. The elements should relate to each other somehow while bringing some visual interest to the table.

The perfect example is mixing old with new: the sofa, the walls, and modern decor. Meanwhile, the artwork, the drawer, the lamp can interest and a sense of industrial vintage. Lastly, everything can be tied together by a selection of warm colours.

3) Matching metals

When it comes to bathrooms and kitchens, matching metals is common. But this obsession with making everything identical turns spaces into cold-feeling rooms. If your bathroom has a spa aesthetic, you might add golden accents to spice up the space with bamboo furniture and a wooden floor. Play with options and find what looks appropriate.

art deco bathroom inspiration

Image credit: Gessi

4) Small furniture for small rooms

A common misconception in interior design is that furniture needs to be perfectly proportional to the room. This way of thinking often leads to having a room that looks heavy, cluttered or both. The key is to remember the importance of the room’s ‘weight’, not the size. So, pick three main items that take up volume.

One Hundred Shoreditch suite, with red chair and calming interior design

Image credit: Lore Group/One Hundred Shoreditch

The furniture should be moderate: a queen-size bed for a small room, a four-person sofa for a medium-size living room. Or you could make one of these main items more dominant. For instance, a small living room can become a sofa room with two big sofas that take up a lot of space. To balance it out, designers may want to try to reduce the number of other elements in the room.

5) Bold colours only the accents

One of the most famous interior design fact is ‘light colours widen the space’. So, many people are often scared of bold and/or non-conforming colour schemes, even in large rooms. Sure, painting the walls in navy blue might not be the best for a living room, but it can add layers (and personality) in the bathroom.

A colourful residential project designed by Bill Bensley

Image credit: Bill Bensley

The winning card is picking your style. Maybe you’re trying to achieve formal, or industrial, or urban jungle. Establish the furniture and decor that works. Then, figure out if a wall could bring out those elements. For instance, if you’re going for Parisian chic decor, you might use a lot of white furniture. In this case, a dark grey wall can bring out the decor and tie everything beautifully without making the room feel small, heavy and cluttered.

6) Avoid faux plants

Green elements, such as plants and flowers can elevate any space. They can add a bit of colour and make the room lively. But real plants can become a burden when it comes to upkeep (especially in hotels) to take care of plants – and there are some great faux plants that are also sustainable.

Planters and contemporary starcase in lobby of Pan Pacific

Image credit: Pan Pacific London

Sure, they’re not the real deal, but they can come in handy when you travel a lot, for example. Also, you can use them in combination with real ones. This way, you get the same effect without more work.

They’re also great for outdoors because they can stay green all year round. Just make sure that you pick the ones that look real and preferably made from recycled materials.

7) Walls should never match the floor or ceiling

Previously, we mentioned that symmetry and matching everything isn’t always the best choice. This time, matching the floor or ceiling to the walls can give off a luxurious look to any room. Again, this needs to be planned carefully beforehand, but your room will seem tailored if you decide to go with it.

A contemporary building made from Boost Stone from Atlas Concorde

Image credit: Atlas Concorde S.p.A

Generally, eclectic rooms with many decor and textures benefit from matching walls and ceilings because they add a sense of continuity within the room. Nonetheless, keep your style in mind before making a decision.

> Since you’re here, why not read about creating a cohesive design language between bedroom and bathroom?

Main image Unsplash

Maximising the value of tiles for hotel lighting

 730 565 Hamish Kilburn
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Leading tile supplier CTD Architectural Tiles’ sales director – architectural, Andrew Sadler, discusses the three key considerations for choosing the right tile to complement hotel lighting…

Guide to Hotel Design

The use of tiles in interior design for hotels has long been a popular choice for floors and walls alike. As well as providing a relatively easy-to-clean surface, design possibilities are almost endless thanks to the huge variety of tiles now available – with a variety of choice for any style, requirement and budget.

But one thing that can be easily overlooked when it comes to choosing the right tile for a hotel interior project is the impact of lighting beyond its potential to alter the perceived colour of tiles. Lighting can vary not only from hotel to hotel but also from room to room within a hotel, so it’s important to approach each project from a bespoke perspective, and to utilise your tile supplier’s knowledge of each product range.

As a starting point, we recommend considering shapes and textures, materials and even inclusivity alongside colour when it comes to choosing tiles that will perfectly complement the existing lighting.

Considering shape and texture

Not only will different lighting conditions affect the perceived colour of tiling, but it can also impact the perceived texture. This particularly applies to timber-effect and stone-effect tiles, where softer lighting is more likely to make the tiles appear flat while harsher lighting can highlight the texture of these tiles – so it’s important to choose the right tile texture for different areas of the hotel, depending on the lighting.

While the appearance of a tile’s texture can be impacted by lighting, tile texture and shapes can also be used with lighting to create an attractive design through the use of shadows.

Some tile designs work perfectly with lights to create a striking effect which is unique to the combination of the two. Collections such as the Three-D range we supply at CTD Architectural Tiles have been designed with various decorative shapes, with each creating shadow effects for a striking finish. Inspired by three-dimensional art and geometry, this type of tile interacts with lighting to create shadows, altering perspective and creating unique wall patterns.

The Three-D tile range has been designed to create shadow effects for a striking finish

Image credit: CTD Architectural Tiles

Considering materials

A common consideration when it comes to choosing tiles is gloss versus matt – with each offering its own unique benefits to a project. Matt tiles not only have a reputation for being non-slip and requiring minimal cleaning, but they are also a popular choice for creating a rustic effect.

But while matt tiles are ideally suited to some projects, the right gloss tiles will interact well with lighting to alter the perception of the space. Light reflecting on the surface of gloss tiles can make the space appear wider, and therefore make the room feel larger than it is, making it the ideal choice for smaller areas of the hotel such as bathrooms. The interaction between gloss tiles and light can also make a room appear brighter – another benefit for areas of the hotel which receive little or no natural light.

Considering inclusivity

Not only is careful consideration of materials useful in creating a stunning design, but it’s also vital for creating inclusive spaces within hotels, particularly hotel bathrooms which, under the Equality Act 2010, must be accessible to those with complex needs.

One of the key ways to do this is to consider the Light Reflectance Values (LRVs) of the tiles in the design of a project – ultimately this is the amount of light reflected from objects, in this case tiles. LRVs measure the visual contrast between different elements of the space such as between the floors and walls, and it’s therefore vital to consider the LRVs of tiles when designing a hotel’s interior.

CTD Architectural Tiles is one of the brands that has taken advantage of our Black Friday package. To keep up to date with supplier news, click here. 

Main image credit: CTD Architectural Tiles

Creating a cohesive design language between bedroom & bathroom

 730 565 Hamish Kilburn
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With wellness and wellbeing creeping up on the agenda in modern hotels, more emphasis is being put on bathroom design to ensure these areas, within the context of the overall hotel experience, become more than practical spaces. When designing the bathroom, designers should consider creating a cohesive design narrative that compliments other areas of the hotel, especially the bedroom. Nick Brown, Leader, Hospitality UK, LIXIL EMENA, who is responsible for overseeing hospitality projects for the GROHE brand in the UK, writes…

Guide to Hotel Design

In recent years, the bathroom has shifted from a purely functional space designed for hygiene and cleanliness to one that now also embodies wellness and relaxation. Much like the bedroom provides a sanctuary for sleep, rest and recuperation, the bathroom now also has a similar role to play in providing the space for us to take care of not only our personal needs on a physical level but on an emotional level too.

Therefore, as the purpose of the bathroom has shifted towards more of a living space, there has been an increasing synergy between bedroom and bathroom design. The harsh boundaries that once separated individual spaces have now been broken down and we are seeing the merging of bedroom and bathroom coming into one shared space more and more.

Other factors such as urbanisation have played into this shift also. The increasing demand for more housing and living spaces in busy urban areas has created the need for micro-living environments that use clever innovations and solutions to optimise on available space. This trend is not only being seen in the residential market but in hotels too, particularly those in busy city centres where space is also at a premium.

Similarly, space is often at a premium for hotels in urban areas and particularly those in busy city centres. Designers and suppliers are recognising this need for a more cohesive language between bedroom and bathroom and not only adapting the layout of these spaces but also reconsidering product designs, shapes and colour finishes too. Meanwhile, designers also face the challenge of creating a layer of privacy and the option for the guest to shut off and create a divide if they wish to and typically look to more streamlined, discreet or integrated solutions to provide the best of both worlds.

As designers begin to open up these spaces and physically bring the bathtub or basin into the bedroom, manufacturers are also re-imagining product forms and providing design options that align with the softer aesthetics of a bedroom.

For example, ceramics in soft curves and organic forms are usually far more suited to a cohesive bedroom/bathroom space than harsh geometric shapes or patterns. The sight lines in a bedroom should be soft on the eye, favouring more minimalist design in order to instil a sense of quiet and calmness that can help guests unwind and drift off.

GROHE bathroom lifestyle shot featuring Grandera shower, tap and bath filler

Image credit: GROHE

Bathroom design has shifted away from being merely functional, sterile and clinical to embrace colour and personalisation, allowing for a greater sense of character and an enhanced home-from-home appeal. With the need for design language between bedroom and bathroom to be more in sync than ever before, the psychology of colour will play an increasing important role in how designers bring hotel spaces to life. Rich metallic finishes bring warmth into a space and create cohesion across bedroom and bathroom touchpoints, from light switches and furniture to brassware and accessories. Alternatively, muted metal finishes like nickel can offer a more understated look that creates harmony within the two zones whilst still being sophisticated and minimalist.

Designers can also play with contrasting or complementing textures to create both similarity and difference within the space simultaneously.

> Since you’re here, why not read our roundtable on stylish sustainability in wellness?

GROHE is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our recommended suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.

Main image credit: GROHE

Guestroom inside Burgh Island Hotel

Refurbishing hotels with authenticity

 730 565 Hamish Kilburn
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In the next article within the editorial series, Editor Hamish Kilburn and Giles Fuchs, Owner of Burgh Island Hotel, explain how designers and hoteliers can revamp their look and feel while also being sensitive to their building’s history and heritage…

For many hotels, their individuality and charm is rooted in deep historical connections. In the wake of the pandemic, the vintage ambience and sense of escapism this creates has perhaps never been more important for guests’ experience.

Guide to Hotel Design

As a result, there is a risk that, when these classic and unique hotels need to undergo refurbishment, it creates a clash between the desire to preserve history and need to cater for 21st century guests. However, the two are not mutually exclusive. The recent revamp of bedrooms in Devon’s iconic Burgh Island Hotel, following the renovation of the hotel’s public areas, perfectly demonstrates how refurbishments don’t have to mean compromising their unique character or impressive history. In fact, the co-existence of old and new might just be the perfect combination for today’s guests.

Burgh Island Hotel

Image credit: Burgh Island Hotel

Consult the experts

Maintaining a rich history throughout a revamp can be challenging- there is a fine line between something appearing simply ‘old’ instead of ‘historic’. To tread this line carefully and ensure that history is not lost, consulting and engaging with experts is essential.

For example, at the Burgh Hotel, experts including Art Historians, Art Deco experts and experienced interior designed have been crucial to ensuring the authenticity of the hotel is preserved during renovation works – whether that’s restoring the iconic domed Crittal skylight in the Palm Court Bar or refreshing the design of the bedrooms. For instance, bold geometrics influenced by Cubism adorn some of the bedrooms, whilst the vibrant colours and lavish materials transport the guests right back to the roaring 20s.

Palm Court at Burgh Island

Image caption/credit: Palm Court at Burgh Island Hotel

Beyond the aesthetic, the names of rooms also pay homage to the hotel’s history, putting its famous past front and centre. Whether it’s Agatha’s Beach House, where Agatha Christie wrote the infamous ‘And Then There Were None’, or The Jessie Matthews Room, named after the designer of the hotel’s corridors in the early 20th century, the hotel’s Art Deco style is unmistakeable.

Understanding your audience

While drawing on expertise is crucial to maintaining authenticity, equally key to a successful refurbishment is understanding your target audience.

For example, keeping the guests’ values in mind throughout any renovation can be key to future-proofing your offering, with latest research by booking.com revealing that more than 50 per cent of global travellers develop feelings of annoyance if their accommodation is not engaging in sustainable practices, something they prioritise in their stay.

Moreover, a staggering 80 per cent believe sustainable travel is vital. So, for historic buildings, refurbishment offers a clear opportunity to adopt more sustainable and environmentally friendly practices, whilst simultaneously appealing to the growing environmental consciousness of modern guests. At Burgh Island, for instance, solar panels have been installed over the hotel’s disused tennis court, repurposing existing space to enhance its renewable energy commitments without compromising on the traditional Art Deco style of the architecture.

Another hotel brand that is pathing the way for other brands to follow when it comes to meaningful sustainability is Inhabit Hotels, which is committed to focus on green initiatives and green policies by monitoring and reducing consumption levels, converting environmental efforts into cost-reduction and revenue generating opportunities whilst promoting the corporate and social responsibilities mandate contained below.

A 1920s design bedroom

Image credit: Burgh Island Hotel

Balancing expectations

Guests who seek to gain a sense of escapism or of ‘stepping back in time’ through their holiday accommodation should not have to compromise by giving up technology and detaching from society. The two can, and should, easily co-exist to create the perfect balance between authenticity and modern luxury. In fact, modern amenities such as contactless check-ins and motion-censored lighting can contribute to a far smoother guest journey and movement through the hotel, without detracting from a historical setting.

While lockdown restrictions have eased, hybrid working culture remains the ‘new normal’. According to FlexJobs’ latest remote working statistics, 97 per cent of workers still desire some form of remote working moving forward. This cultural shift has paved the way for a new form of vacation – the ‘workation’. In September this year holiday giant TUI even launched a range of specialised ‘workation’ packages, kitted out with reliable wi-fi, ample desk space and natural lighting.

Drawing on the history of its location should not preclude hotels from taking part in this trend. Indeed, on Burgh Island, Agatha’s Beach House is now a sophisticated, modern, and connected beach retreat, which would make the perfect location for a working holiday. First built in the 1930s as a writer’s retreat for Agatha Christie herself, the room still maintains a certain historic charm and connection to its history, despite offering the creature comforts of modern luxury.

Elsewhere, Grantley Hall has been in the headlines recently following its personality-packed revamp. Inside the building that dates back to 1680 is a modern hotel. The owners were determined the property would retain the sumptuous extravagance of its past during its conversion to a five-star luxury destination. One of its successful approaches to this brief was to inject character into the carpet design. Damasks were fused with herringbones with subtle, luxurious grounds and bold accent pops. Grand florals were used to bring the flora from the surrounding gardens into the property.

Outside image of Grantley Hall

Image credit: Grantley Hall

Authenticity meets luxury

So, classic, and traditional hotels need not shy away from refurbishment due to fears to losing their unique authenticity. In fact, it is quite the opposite. Through consultation with the right expert and understanding the expectations of your guests, refurbishment is a great opportunity to align with 21st Century standards of modernity and luxury, without compromising on that original charm.

> Since you’re here, why not read our guide on how hotels can meaningfully design for social distancing?

All references are available upon request.

Main image credit: Burgh Island Hotel

image of woman in hotel with virtual reality headset

How virtual reality can transform the hotel experience

 730 565 Hamish Kilburn
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GTHD

A GUIDE TO HOTEL DESIGN PT 54:
HOW VIRTUAL REALITY CAN TRANSFORM THE HOTEL EXPERIENCE

Agnieszka Wilk, Co-Founder & CEO of Decorilla Online Interior Design, reveals how virtual reality (VR) can transform hotel design and the hospitality industry…

Guide to Hotel Design

Even before we were stripped of many fundamental aspects of our regular lives due to the pandemic, virtual reality (VR) was rapidly evolving – the launch of Google Cardboard, Facebook’s Oculus Rift, and Samsung’s VR headsets triggered VR technologies’ inevitable move to expand beyond serving the gaming and entertainment industries.

Since then, VR has created a bespoke, immersive interior design experience for the hotel industry’s players and designers. After 2020, the value and relevance of VR to a variety of professional settings has solidified even more. Many more interior designers are also realising the power of visualisation and its functions for remote collaboration on projects.

Over the last few years, we have witnessed the technology being incorporated into the guest experience at hotels. Plus, with travel greatly diminished, the ability to simulate an environment using a headset, will become a big part of travel and tourism in the future too. However, less is known and discussed about how VR can benefit hotel designers. How does it work? Will it increase profit margins? How can we leverage it? Let’s dive in. 

Hotel owners should invest now to save later

Virtual reality is a computer technology that combines hardware and software to generate realistic images, sounds and sensations in order to immerse a user in a simulated three-dimensional environment. Using a headset that projects an image through goggles, users are able to see the projected image from a full 360-degrees. 

Integrate this technology into the interior design industry and it’s possible to create beautifully designed spaces that are affordable. Hotel owners and designers can instantly see the visual and financial implications for changes to their plans, saving hours of time and money.

Picture this; a boutique hotel owner wants to make design changes, has tight deadlines but can be indecisive. These upgrades will decide how their hotel will look for the next 10-20 years. With the help of VR and 3D rendering, top designers, regardless of location, can develop a clear idea of what they need to create this specific ‘contemporary chic’ interior. The hotel owner chooses from various photos of interior design spaces to decide on their preferred styles and favourite brands, as well as having direct input in the design process to move walls, change fabrics, and upgrade the carpets. Plus, the price bracket is dependent on the amount of design concepts required and the experience of the designers. 

This all prevents costly mistakes as the spaces can be viewed before they exist, which also allows hoteliers to build trust with the partners they are working with. They can make this investment early on to avoid misunderstandings and save more money later… and it’s all accessible through a mobile phone or goggles.  

A new Dimension for the client-designer relationship

Building trusting relationships is one of the major success factors in the work between designers and their clients. With transparent insight, they can overcome imagination limits and boost a client’s experience. 

Designers aspire to sell their vision and show their clients the high-end products that are trending. However, hotel owners may struggle to visualise proposed designs with basic 2D renderings of their 3D projects, and therefore may not get on board with the idea. With VR, designers are able to share their thoughts clearly so the clients feel informed and comfortable, without ever needing to go on site. 

Everyone who has refurbished or designed a hotel from scratch has reached that point where they could no longer imagine how all the textiles, pieces of furniture, or material would fit together. With VR, clients are guaranteed to be captivated; they can almost feel the materials, see how the light falls, check how the room works and figure out if a desk really fits in a particular corner.

Additionally, if designers create avant-garde hotel designs and pitch to their clientele using VR, the individual hotel owners can use the 3D renderings as marketing collateral. This could increase room sales and boost hotel revenue through enticing guests – they’ll know what to expect as the rendering of the rooms and communal areas would be identical to their potential holiday lodgings. 

Of course, it is worth remembering that this is a contentious subject with interior design studios in 2021 spending more than ever during pitch phases – a line will need to be drawn at some point to establish how much tech should go into the client pitch in order to not only make it a fair but also to keep the window open for the designer to introduce new ideas/fabrics/furniture once the pitch has been won. There are arguments out there to suggest that VR and too much tech will eliminate this luxury. 

Image of woman walking with VR headset on

Image credit: Unsplash/Stella Jacob

In regards to the consumer-facing experience, the “try before you buy” VR experience for potential hotel guests is already a tried-and-tested model. Hotels such as The Marriott IndyPlace provide virtual tours which allow guests to explore the rooms so they know what they are buying into and this has dramatically boosted conversion rates. The same could work for designers and their clients. 

VR offers a memorable and immersive experience where designers can brainstorm with hotel owners in a 3D environment – they can see their furniture and items to scale, spot mistakes before they happen, zoom, rotate and save time regarding quotes for contractors and suppliers. Not to mention the sustainability factor; VR minimises waste and surplus material. 

How can interior designers embrace VR further in 2021?

Let’s take one of the latest trends in the hospitality business: Home furnishing brands moving into the hotel business as design sources, partners or property owners. In other words, using a specific brand to set a design aesthetic in hotels. Many interior designers have already crossed into the hospitality industry like Kelly Wearstler with San Francisco Proper, or Roman and Williams with Guild Freehand Hotel.

The theory behind the trend is that customers will stay in the properties, have a unique hospitality experience, love the furnishings and want to mimic the look in their own homes. A handful of these hotels even supply a catalogue in the rooms to allow for fast and easy product discovery which some believe “connotes a sense of quality and luxury”. Normally, if we go to a hotel and like the decoration, furniture and accessories, we never dare ask where they are from, and we never find out. 

If these selected hotels had a VR section on their website for virtual tours, there could be an added feature allowing customers to click on any item they loved in their room; the shabby-chic chairs, fringed lamp shades, and those ridiculously comfortable king size beds, and find out exactly where they are from. 

The hotels would seem like a real-life catalogue and spaces to shop. Hotel design would immediately become more accessible for different types of interior designers too – they could pull items out of a hotel room and place that mid-century sofa, Pop Art painting, or geometric fabric into a design they are working on for a client on a VR application. It’s a powerful marketing tool for the hospitality designers, and ideal for residential designers too. 

High-end tech is not only changing the face of international hotel services for guests through virtual hotel tours, enhancing the relationship between hotel and visitor. It is also allowing designers to set themselves apart from their competitors and stay ahead of the curve. These innovations couldn’t be more topical as VR is on track to become an $80 billion industry by 2025. 

Main image credit: Unsplash/Vinicius Amnxamano

Spa design in the new era of wellness

 730 565 Hamish Kilburn
By:
1

GTHD

A GUIDE TO HOTEL DESIGN PT 52:
SPA DESIGN IN THE NEW ERA OF WELLNESS

In the next decade, spa design will seamlessly blend wellness, technology and touch to enhance the guest journey, future-proofing the business for years to come, as Sparcstudio explains…

Guide to Hotel Design

The future of spa and wellness design remains positive. Out of crisis comes innovation and we have witnessed this in 2020 in the way that many spas have pivoted their business in response to the changing rules and regulations set out of governments around the world. During the year we have considered the impact of the pandemic for spa and wellness design and believe that spas of the future will have to be mindful of personal space for each guest, designing the wellness space to maximise comfort while embracing nature – connecting the inside with the natural world outside.

Sparcstudio has identified a number of design trends for hotel investors and spa operators to be aware of when planning their next project.

Spa in nature

Post-Covid I believe there will be an even greater emphasis on outdoor spa-ing and a link to nature. Guests will want to escape hermetically sealed artificial environments and will  embrace the outside. Natural pools and Spa gardens will be even more key such as the ones we helped to create at South Lodge Spa.

A spa garden doesn’t have to include expensive hydro pools and heat cabins. Maximise the use of any outdoor space as part of your spa experience. Be it a garden, courtyard or roof terrace or just a view through an open window. Outdoor sensory experiences could include individual relax zones dotted around an aromatic herb garden, daybeds arranged around a firepit sprinkled with cedar chips, or playful swinging seats alongside a beautiful trickling water feature.

Personalised and Individual spaces

Personalised spaces within large spa communal relaxation spaces will give way to smaller more intimate couples spaces spread throughout the journey. Expect to see pod changing rooms and spaces where guests can enjoy shared treatment experiences for two people or a small private group.

A glass door into a spa

Image credit: Cottonmill Spa at Sopwell House

Free to roam areas such as pools and thermal suites and relaxation spaces will need to rely more on signage and other methods to inform about levels of usage. The new added transparency in thermal suite design is a great benefit in that guests can check via glass enclosures as to how busy a heat cabin is prior to entering. Where rooms are dark or enclosed it is possible to incorporate an electronic screen to the exterior of the room such as the one that was designed for the Meditation room at Sopwell Cottonmill Spa. The small screen communicates via sensors to indicate which of the beds are occupied. This has the added benefit of minimising disturbance of guests already in a room by opening the door to check to see if a bed is available.

A luxury pool and seating area

Image credit; Dormy House

Health is the new wealth

We think there will be a further blurring of the lines between wellness, spa and fitness offers and that there will be even more demand for these facilities post-Covid as we seek to be healthier in mind and body. We anticipate there being a move away from the concept of a ‘spa’ as a once in while treat, and that there could be an increase in the spa as a Private Members Club similar to the model that can be experienced at the Club at Cottonmill Sopwell House Hotel, where spa becomes as regular a  isit  as the traditional gym and incorporates yoga spin and fitness facilities.

Led by technology

Intelligent use of technology will be adapted to create safe spaces for guests – self-cleaning rooms, UV robots, anti-viral fogging, ‘Star Trek’ type sensor opening doors, and RFID Touch Technology for opening lockers and to pay for services for example. We don’t think this will translate into clinical sensory deprived environments – but tech should enable and facilitate in a discreet way. For example, Cottonmill Spa at Sopwell House has digital screens to indicate available space within the Relax Room.

The importance of clean air in spas will see the introduction of mechanical ventilation and air conditioning antivirus treatment systems. These will become commonplace as will the opportunity to naturally heat and ventilate spaces. Expect to see an explosion in the utilisation of outdoor space in spas where spa and wellness experiences in the fresh air will prove popular with guests.

Since you’re here, why not read our 5-minutes-with interview with Beverley Bayes, Director of Sparcstudio?

New build properties will rely on naturally antiseptic materials such as copper and include homogenous and large-scale floor and wall finishes which reduce grout and are easier to clean.

With all technological advances and design developments, spa designers must always consider how to integrate the human experience into a guest journey – perhaps drawing on the ‘barefoot luxury’ style we designed at the Spa at South Lodge design, this ideal must always maintain priority, so that it is elegant, beautiful, functional and people friendly.

Sparcstudio is one of the brands that has taken advantage of our Industry Support Package. To keep up to date with supplier news, click here.

Main image caption: Sparcstudio