As global travel reached new heights during 2019, an increase in hotel developments across the UK has also followed suit. While these developments are driven by the need for additional accommodation, historical and current trends will play a big part in the ultimate design of each hotel. Every year, we are inundated with countless trends that may, or may not, have the staying power to see out the year. The hotel industry is no different, with new architectural and interior design trends wowing us on an annual basis. This year, for example, we can look forward to hotel design trends influenced by a concern for the environment, a love for minimalism, and the eclectic design often seen on the fashion runways of the world.
An eco-friendly approach remains popular
The hospitality industry has begun to take its duty towards the planet very seriously. Some hotels are able to put in place large-scale eco-friendly designs that include aspects such as using eco-friendly building materials, limiting water waste, adding biodegradable linen, installing solar energy sources, and using paint that is carbon-neutral. Other establishments are making smaller changes that, collectively, can have a significant impact on the well-being of the environment.
These gestures include installing water-saving showerheads and faucets, eliminating the use of single-use plastics, and encouraging guests to partake in car-free activities. The Clayton Hotel Birmingham is a prime example of a local hotel that shows genuine concern for the environment. The hotel’s design features LED lighting with movement sensors to reduce electricity usage while there is also a ‘Towel Policy’ in place that aims to reduce the amount of harmful chemicals and energy being used during various cleaning processes.
Less can be more
As eco-friendly design continues to rise in popularity, so too does a minimalistic interior design filled with handcrafted, unpolished, and industrial nuances. Hotels are set to become increasingly relaxed this year as far as finishes are concerned which will result in materials having a more authentic appearance. Naked brick walls and brick tiles will be used to create a look that is both modern and rugged while the use of textiles will be a lot less uniform than before.
The Mercure Birmingham West Hotel sports a design that is inspired by the automotive and industrial heritage of the region. Amongst other things, the hotel features artwork depicting the automotive history as well as black powder-coated metal designs fixed to the walls with very exposed industrial fittings. In a bid to keep with an ethos of eco-friendly designs, design experts are also predicting an increase in the use of repurposed and recycled decorative elements.
Eclectic styling gains popularity
As much as there is a distinct shift towards more natural, simplistic designs, eclectic styling also promises to be a prominent trend again this year. Hotels across the globe are striving to be more than ‘just a place to sleep’ and are testing the artistic waters by experimenting with bold architectural designs, unique light fittings, groovy furniture, and striking artwork. The Radisson Blu Hotel in Birmingham is known for its floor-to-ceiling windows and contemporary, eclectic décor. Some of the most attention-grabbing eclectic trends we can expect to see more of include colour-coded libraries, mandala-inspired wall tiles, and brightly-coloured furniture against a contrasting accent wall.
Every year, we see a host of hotel design trends come and go. Only time will tell which tends of 2020 will make enough of an impact to keep inspiring beautiful accommodation designs well into the new year.