Interior Design

Two sunbeds overlooking mountains

The value of local in hospitality & design

 1024 640 Hamish Kilburn
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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

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

How design changed throughout Covid-19

 730 565 Hamish Kilburn
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GTHD

A GUIDE TO HOTEL DESIGN PT 55:
HOW DESIGN CHANGED THROUGHOUT COVID-19

“Let’s get real – it’s not about the plastic screens, it’s not about pulling tables apart,” says Yuna Megre, Founder of Megre Interiors, who explores how Covid-19 has changed the perception around hygiene and design…

Guide to Hotel Design

If we are to address the pandemic safety issue in the hospitality business, we are to dig in much deeper – into our design process and, I am sorry to say, into our pockets.

Concepts

The hospitality industry with designers and architects alike has been obsessed with the idea of community for the past few years. It has been the loudest, most dominating theme throughout the world. To combat the psychological effects of the new digital era, industry creatives went far and wide in exploring ways to entice togetherness, community, and closeness.

The pandemic brought this to a screeching halt, with everyone scratching their heads. And if this “pandemic-prone” world is a new reality, how do we solve the dilemma of the community? It remains an open question for all public space industries, and especially for hospitality. As we search for answers, one thing is clear, we can no longer create concepts that are centred on sharing and closeness. Such as those that utilise communal seating, tight space programming, and open-access food displays.

It is also now evident that current and future concepts that will strive ahead are not solely brick and mortar based. Robust online ordering is a must. And the public spaces we design must be adaptable to this extension. It is now evident that brand identity just became essential for survival. Therefore, a wholesome, full circle brand-consumer-space experience must be created calling for deep integration from the industry specialists – designers, visual artists, marketers, digital specialists.

Space programming

Space-wise, simply put, everything must get bigger. Providing extra space for entrance areas to avoid crowding, extra space between tables, extra space for passages, and egresses… In an industry reliant on the effective use of each square foot, the new reality will be economically overwhelming and unless substantial rent adjustments happen, in many cities, surviving won’t be an option.

Space programming paradigm will also change as we must pivot from free flow, communal, integrative, adaptive spacing back to prescriptive and rigid. Fixed seating, partitions, private rooms, space separators will once again enter the scene. This does not only affect the conceptual flow of the space but directly impacts the bottom line – both in fit-out costs and lack of operational adaptability. An increase of 20 per cent to FF&E cost and a decrease of 15 percent to revenue would not be surprising.

Design implications

Public space layout implications of this new reality are significant. As an industry, we are still “kind of hoping this will all go away”. And thus, it’s hard for both clients and architects/designers alike to make the decision of whether to go soft of full-on “post-pandemic”. Unfortunately, none of us know. And thus, the advice is – rather overdue, than be faced with having to redo, reinvest once things become clearer.

So what exactly does that mean? Here are some tips:

  • Allow extra space – yes it’s a budgetary implication, but if all goes well, you can always move to tighter seating arrangements at a later date. However, plan for it now. Have at least 3 layouts for good, medium, bad situation.
  • Be creative with your partitions – no one wants to socialise in a plastic screen box, avoid using them as much as possible. Invest in decorative dividers, book cabinets, partitions, drapes. Create a cozy nook. Not sterile cubicles.
  • Let people see each other – just because we cannot be close to each other at the moment, does not mean we don’t want to. People are social beings and places like restaurants or bars are social “watering holes”. Arrange to seat in such ways that each table or couch can see at least 2 other tables while being safely distant. Design partitions and separators with seating eye level in mind. Use mirrors to create a sense of visual movement.
  • Use low-level lighting (table-specific pendants, floor lamps, and wall sconces) – this will create islands of cozy warm lights, enticing a sense of warmth, protection, and seclusion.
  • Colour schemes – be mindful of your colour schemes, consider their subconscious psychological effects. You are designing for people in a heightened state of anxiety and stress. Make your public space a welcome sanctuary.
  • Go basic or go overboard – difficult times call for extreme measures. When faced with difficult times humans seek two diametrically things: First simplicity, so that they “do not have to think about this as there are other, more pressing things to think about”. Thus make yourself understandable, direct, and useful. Or, go the other way. Extravagance. Be the bright, overpowering emotion that yanks your guests out of their daily worries and transport them into a different reality.
  • Finishes – be gentle, be clean. Again, in such times, people are drawn to soft, tactile, cozy materials, natural textures, and simple forms. They seek nurturing environments. Materiality becomes paramount. But, make sure that finishes that are used can be easily cleaned and sanitised.
  • What about the bar? – build them, but don’t rely on them in your business model. Most likely, no one will be able to sit at them for another year in most countries. Think about creating a “lounge area” near the bar, where guests can enjoy a cocktail in a “not so restaurant” setting. Another creative way to approach cocktail hour – the return of the bar cart.
Image of floral designs on the floor, ceiling and furniture - Sleep & Eat set

Image credit: Megre Interiors

HVAC

One of the most overlooked aspects of the post-pandemic world is the ventilation system in hospitality. And yet, this is the one thing that we should focus on. Especially in countries that utilise closed-circuit systems. Restaurants and hotels must endure the cost of hospital-grade filtration systems and UV sterilisation units. Unfortunately, the hospitality industry is known for its “relaxed” approach to HVAC, with many establishments operating with subpar quality equipment even by pre-COVID standards. This simply must change. And it is best if it does on the legislative and regulatory level. This will ensure the creation of safe environments.

“Once the dust settles, once we recover from the shell shock that has been 2020, new exciting players will emerge” – Yuna Megre, Founder, Megre Interiors.

Hygiene

Frankly, this is the silver lining. It’s safe to say, we all enjoyed the improved cleanliness of establishments with increased cleaning protocols, sanitising, clean gloved hands, and sneeze preventing face shields. We now must design for these good habits to become the new norm. This means providing cleaning equipment stations, rethinking finishes, and creating better, comfortable protective gear for hospitality staff. Because we all miss the staff’s smiles. After all, we are in the hospitality industry.

Rejuvenation

Like many restaurants, no matter how big or small, how new or established, will not survive this pandemic, the competitive landscape is bound to change dramatically. Those who will transition to a partially digital model, those who will adapt to the new norm, those who will cherish their guest relationships – will stand. As morbid as it sounds, for everything that dies, something is born. And the future is bright. Once the dust settles, once we recover from the shell shock that has been 2020, new exciting players will emerge. New paradigms will be created. New ways of doing things. New ideas will take hold. This will be an exciting time for the hospitality industry. A time where creativity and collaboration will redefine the industry.

Main image credit: Megre Interiors

Spa design in the new era of wellness

 730 565 Hamish Kilburn
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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