NATIONAL REPORT – Rich, bold, organic, as well as practical and
flexible were among the buzzword used by the design community when asked to
predict hotel design trends for 2025.
Reflecting the experiential movement seems to be driving
more bold visions, while others are thinking about ever-increasing costs and
how to design or renovate more practically.
Here are takes from 13 designers, architects and hoteliers
on what to look for in the year at hand.
Jessica Werner, chief creative officer, Sage Hospitality,
Denver
Focus on craft and heritage/legacy brands and production: In
a world of increased automation, AI and digitalization, authenticity, quality
and storytelling continue to resonate with people who value time-honored
techniques and the rich narratives behind products. By celebrating artisanal
craftsmanship and legacy brands, design becomes a bridge between tradition and
modern relevance, evoking a sense of nostalgia and connection.
In a world of increased automation, AI and digitalization, authenticity, quality and storytelling continue to resonate with people who value time-honored techniques and the rich narratives behind products.
Jessica Werner
Minimalism/maximalism: Both minimalism and maximalism have
been prevalent in design for years, but the interplay between the two is what I
find compelling, and we will see it grow in the next year. The tension between
clean, edited restraint and immersive, layered maximalism allows for dynamic
spaces that capture attention, tell rich stories with bursts of bold
expression, and allow for silence and simplicity for personal reflection,
resulting in a visually captivating and engaging experience.
Lisa Haude, senior vice president and director of
Interiors, LK Architeture (Interiors Division), Wichita, Kansas
Incorporate modern design that remains classic and timeless,
but simultaneously simple and functional. This includes embracing technology
that simplifies both the staff and guest experience.
Sustainable design that is comfortable, climate-resistant,
nature-inspired (i.e., natural wood finishes, stone materials), and biophilic
will be top of mind.
Utilizing more layered lighting will be crucial, allowing
spaces to be more multi-functional, and transform from practical to cozy,
imaginative, and moody.
Casey Scalf, director, The Society, Seattle
The biggest design trends we’re predicting for the coming
year are “eclectic maximalist” interiors. These are spaces that utilize
patterns on patterns, organic shapes, and rich, bold colors to transport guests
to what feels like a cinematic experience.
The biggest design trends we’re predicting for the coming year are 'eclectic maximalist' interiors. These are spaces that utilize patterns on patterns, organic shapes, and rich, bold colors to transport guests to what feels like a cinematic experience.
Casey Scalf
As a method of creating immersive spaces, color drenching
seems to be here to stay. We are also seeing a lot more curvilinear forms and
soft lines in everything from casework design to furniture.
Additionally, it seems like warm chocolate brown is making a
comeback.
JoyceLynn Lagula, associate principal, studio leader, JCJ
Architecture, Las Vegas
In the hospitality design space, some key trends have
emerged—focusing on personalization, adaptability, sustainability, and
innovative guest experiences.
Hyper-personalization has been steadily growing over recent
years as guests prefer spaces and services that can accommodate their specific
needs, whether for business or personal.
Meeting and public spaces are evolving into multifunctional,
social venues—including catering to the local community. Lobbies have embraced
the high-traffic nature of integrating coffee shops and co-working spaces into
the check-in/out guest experience.
Designs that lean more towards natural engagements by
integrating indoor and outdoor spaces more deliberately, whether through
biophilia or materiality, have been a main point our clients have been
emphasizing.
The standard concept of a hotel is beginning to morph into
blended experiences (glamping, bleisure, etc.) that cater to multiple guest
types which challenges the design of these spaces to be nimble and dynamic.
Sonya Haffey, CEO, and Enrique Vela, principal and director
of strategy, V Starr, West Palm Beach, Florida
With the cost of construction still high, and interest rates
and access to financing still tight, I believe decisions in the hospitality
industry will be financially based. Hotels that in the past have been more
open to unique materials at higher costs will now want more budget-friendly
options. The designer’s focus will now need to be on finding cost-effective and
design-focused materials to complete their projects. The aesthetic will need to
also align with the budget.- Sonya Haffey
The designer’s focus will now need to be on finding cost-effective and design-focused materials to complete their projects. The aesthetic will need to also align with the budget.
Sonya Haffey
Based on how brands are evolving, I think everyone is
becoming mindful of spatial usage and being wiser with the space allotted. The
goal is to maximize space but keep the same high-level touchpoints for
customers. The focus will not be to create bigger rooms but instead to use the
rooms in more efficient ways. We expect to see a growing conversation of
office-to-hotel conversions. For this type of adaptive reuse, people are going
to become more creative in terms of how you utilize these conversions wisely…
The political landscape will impact the hospitality industry
because of the supply chain. We’re going to have to think through how this
shifts business matters based on budgets for manufacturing and labor costs. -
Enrique Vela
Galen Vassar, senior interior designer, associate principal,
Lawrence Group, St. Louis, Missouri
Design for flexibility: Within renovation scopes on the
rise, being able to reconfigure spaces and truly thinking outside the box about
how spaces can support various uses will help evolve your property into
something memorable for a wider variety of guests.
Wellness: The wellness trend is losing its right to be
called a trend. I believe wellness is here to stay. And it will continue to be
defined by what we as designers and owners make accessible to guests. We are
progressing from a ‘fitness center’ to concepts like in-room spa treatments,
meditation spaces, and health and nutrition. Wellness will touch so many
aspects of a guest’s experience, physically and emotionally.
Experiential lodging: We will continue to see glamping,
treehouses, cabins, and other concepts that allow guests to connect with nature
and have a unique experience.
Andrea Dawson Sheehan, principal, Dawson Design
Associates, Seattle
There will always be demand for cool urban hotels in the big
cities, but in general, people tend to seek safe harbors in turbulent times. A
place to escape into a fully immersive experience that feels safe and
nurturing. I think specialized resorts and hotels that are narrative driven and
experiential and that have a strong sense of purpose and community, will
continue to do well.
I think specialized resorts and hotels that are narrative driven and experiential and that have a strong sense of purpose and community, will continue to do well.
Andrea Dawson Sheehan
Personalized smaller resorts that offer different types of
bespoke experiences designed to raise a person’s awareness of local traditions,
regional cultural norms and nature will continue to thrive.
I don’t think there is going to be a demand for a high level
of artificial stimulation and ‘club style edge’, when everyone feels a bit out
of balance.
Original and powerful art will continue to be used to start
conversations and express what is going on in the region. Great art has always
been used as a visual language and a story telling device to bring people
together.
Meghann Day, president, HBA Americas, San Francisco
Earthy neutrals: One of the biggest design trends we will
see in 2025 is the increased use and integration of earthy neutrals. Earth tones
such as terracotta, rust, ochre, and deep greens are colors that aim
to promote well-being and connection with nature. These hues create a grounded
environment.
Statement patterns: We saw maximalism return last year after a run with 50
shades of greige. In 2025, we will continue to embrace color, texture and
personality through design elements such as botanical wallcoverings, abstract
rug patterns, and mosaic tilework.
Fred Brandstrader, vice president, Construction and
Capital Expenditures, Hyatt Hotels Corp., Chicago
I would say for design trends, it would be all things ESG related
in terms of carbon footprint reducing, recyclability, re-purposing, energy
efficient, water-electric-gas usage reduction, biophilic as well as local and
equitable sourcing when it comes down to design material selection and design
solutions to create a purposeful guest experience while helping improve the
environment.
Joe Pettipas, principal, Arcadis, Toronto
The smartest brands, particularly in the new luxury space,
equip their staff with powerful digital tools, allowing them to personalize the
guest experience with a human touch.
Bold and playful aesthetics that liaison a story. Layered textures, rich hues, moving away from minimalism and replacing with designs that evoke energy and excitement.
Chantell Walsh
Guest-Centric Programming: The bar, the pool, and the gym
are nice, but they no longer set properties apart—they’re just table stakes.
The best new hotels we've seen recently all feature unique programs, often tied
to the specific location or a deep understanding of their clientele. Through
research and continuous guest feedback, they create something truly
extraordinary—a memorable experience.
Chantell Walsh, Strategic Hotels & Resorts,
Chicago
Integration of AI and smart technology has been widely
discussed recently. Enhancing personalized guest experiences.
Wellness is booming, designing environments that incorporate
well-being.
Immersive and experiential design, embracing local
storytelling and interactive art that create unique and memorable experiences
for guests.
Bold and playful aesthetics that liaison a story. Layered
textures, rich hues, moving away from minimalism and replacing with designs
that evoke energy and excitement.
Monica Cuervo, managing director, Americas, WATG, Los
Angeles
In North America, the Sunbelt region is experiencing
significant development as Gen X and Baby Boomers increasingly choose this area
for extended stays. Developers and architecture firms are establishing a strong
presence in these states to meet the growing demand. With branded residences on
the rise, many brands are integrating hospitality-driven experiences into
multifamily accommodations. This trend influenced our decision to open a Dallas
office, positioning us to address the increasing demand in this thriving
market.
Family-friendly amenities and themed entertainment are
becoming central to creating multigenerational travel experiences. Properties
integrating gaming as part of their offerings are reimagining luxury by pairing
high-end experiences with activities designed to engage all age groups. These
destinations balance immersive entertainment with family-oriented features,
aligning with the growing demand for spaces that cater to diverse guests while
maintaining a sense of elevated, thoughtful design.
Richard Luis, managing principal, Architecture, WATG,
Dallas
The convergence of residential and hospitality is shaping
the future of design. Branded residences within luxury hotel environments are
increasingly sought after, combining the comfort of home with five-star
amenities. Standalone branded residences are also on the rise, providing
exclusive luxury services without a hotel component.
Sustainability remains key, with net-zero initiatives,
material transparency, and biophilic design enhancing well-being. Advances in
technology, including AI personalization and contactless solutions, and
culturally authentic designs reflecting local heritage, are shaping unique
guest experiences.
The
growing emphasis on cultural authenticity reflects a desire for designs that
draw from local heritage and craftsmanship to create spaces that are both
distinctive and rooted in their context, which offers guests a meaningful
connection to their surroundings.