With the service sector experiencing new business growth for the 28th month running*, now is the right time for hoteliers to invest in their business in order to take advantage of buoyant market conditions and gain greater market share.
There are a number of trends entering hotel spaces this year and the minimalistic and neutral designs common in the early noughties are now being replaced with more decadent, classic and luxurious décor. Such design revolutions are not limited to the hotel lobby and dining areas, but throughout the living space and washroom as well, and when staying in a hotel, the bathroom is a key indicator of the type of image the hotel is trying to portray.
The return of classic design in the bathroom is filtering down from popular consumer trends influenced by royal baby mania and shows such as Downton Abbey and the Great Gatsby. Such trends demonstrate a time warp in taste that should be considered throughout hotel design in order to satisfy the vintage-style demands of customers.
For hoteliers, there is no reason why updating the style of any room should be as arduous as first thought and being able to do so can be easily replicated from room to room. However, a key consideration when updating a series of washrooms within a hotel is to make better use of the available space, while giving a stylish edge in the process. No matter the size of the space available, it is important for hotel groups to remember that the design and style of a washroom can be easily changed, without necessarily carrying out expensive structural modification.
No matter whether the build is structurally modern, by updating certain elements of the bathroom, a truly classic and vintage design can be achieved in a few simple steps. Adam Chard, bathroom specialist at victoriaplumb.com explains how:
Flooring
Stained-effect boards or rustic tiles can give the impression of grandeur. When directly contrasted with the polished chrome bath feet and chrome accessories, such as toilet roll holders and towel rails, they can create a striking opulent effect.
Roll top baths
A bath in a hotel suite exudes luxury and by opting for a roll top bath with chrome-finished feet gives an edge over competitors as an extra feature. Elevating the bath slightly and exposing more of the floor area also gives the impression of more space and removes the angular and sometimes invasive feel of some cramped hotel bathroom.
Over-hanging shower heads
Updating the shower head to a wall or ceiling-mounted fixture helps to differentiate the design. By matching the chrome finish of the shower head, taps and feet on the bath helps to keep the luxurious design consistent throughout, leaving the bathroom with a polished overall look.
Marble counter tops
Marble or marble-effect (budget depending) counter tops, often with in-built basins, can add the final finish to a classically elegant bathroom. Opting for a pale coloured marble to contrast with rustic tones will add an element of warmth – an essential ingredient of classic interior design.
High level toilets
In order to really make a statement, introduce a high-level toilet which helps to combine traditional functionality with style and elegance. Nothing speaks heritage like a toilet with a traditional pull chain.
While it is not necessary for hoteliers to update their interior design and furnishings each time a new trend crops up, luxury interior spaces are in high demand.
Making small scale investments can yield fruitful results at a time when hoteliers have everything to play for.
