Up and Coming Trends in Hospitality’s Interior Design

How 2024’s ID hotlist is moving towards 2025

It’s that time of year again when holiday hotspots all over the world are buzzing with pleasure seekers. While some of us are still looking for that splinter of sunshine on Skegness beach, an extremely readworthy article and some insightful research by McKinsey & Company has revealed what’s going on in the heads of all those sought-after holidaymakers.

This need-to-know info is influencing the mood boards of all the top international interior designers to the hospitality industry, and dictating the trends popping up in hotel spaces and experiences all over the globe.

One thing’s for sure, things have moved on from sombreros and sangria, and nowadays we’re seeking authentic experiences. Whether that’s immersing into the local culture (a super-biggie for younger travellers), making it a 100% “me-time” experience, or saving the planet whilst laying flat on our backs by the pool, the changes in trends and increasing awareness of climate change are major influences in where we choose to spend our holiday bucks.

So, how are these big trends showing up in hospitality’s interior design?

Well, coming in at number one are more environmentally-conscious, getaways. With domestic travel predicted to represent 70% of consumer spending by 2030, we’re seeing those holidaymakers who are shunning the airport, now extending their carbon-concern to their chosen pleasure dome.

This means that sustainable design is a priority, and smaller boutique brands such as 1 Hotel Mayfair and room2 are paving the way. Sustainability is part of the brand story kick-starting with B Corp certification. This sought-after mark of approval dictates interior design in ever more interesting ways, which, in turn, is influencing what else we’re seeing.

Sustainability is making its voice heard in where ID professionals are sourcing their goods. And here, of course, like the clientele, we’re ‘going native’. This means we’re seeking furnishings and decoration from the local area, prioritising independent artisans. There’s also a welcome awareness of what’s in the products we’re purchasing, such as zero palm-oil candles, as well as ensuring that fabrics aren’t mass-produced in prison-like sweatshops.

The priority of sustainability is, rather unsurprisingly, dictating the next trend, and they really go hand in hand. We’re talking, of course, about…

…The Authentic Experience…

This used to be the realm of the bespoke safari, ‘wine tasting in Bordeaux’ and the Orient Express, but it’s now flourishing in the home and international market like never before. Travellers are wanting a slice of authentic local history with their brand, which we’ve recently seen in the opulent interiors of one of the oldest perfumeries in Madrid courtesy of JW Marriott. By renovating this wonderful old building, Marriott’s design team has been able to take advantage of the ready-provided historical details – now that’s sustainability, history and local flavour in working in tandem.

This successful combo has also been unveiled in London courtesy of Raffles at the OWO. Raffles were given a rather magnificent head start in their renovation of Britain’s Old War Office. The existing extravagant interiors include a breathtaking grand staircase of marble, and original wood-panelled rooms. All of these only needed a gentle nudge and nod to the past using classic leather sofas and crimson flocked wallpapers. Yep, in the OWO you can be Winston Churchill for a few hours.

And finally, ID pros are giving you some space

Last, but not least on the list is the growing wellness trend. The demand has influenced the hospitality industry to set aside the spa, yoga and quiet spaces that clients are seeking out. This in turn sees the continued presence of natural colour palettes and planet Earth plantlife, but also the incorporation of circadian lighting into bedrooms as sleep quality is the hot topic of the moment.

From all this, the great news is clear – what travellers are wanting to see is an ethos in design which respects authenticity, culture, locality and ultimately the planet. So, if we can keep these elements firmly in focus, then the scope for colour palettes and furnishings is an endless opportunity for originality and eye-wowing interior design.

Has this given you big ID ideas?

If so, then we need YOU! The team at mustard ID have the best interior designers and job opportunities in the industry on our books, so call us now. The number to dial is 0117 929 6060.