Nigel Crunden, business specialist at Office Depot discusses how businesses in the hospitality industry can update their premises to include the latest interior design trends without sacrificing practicality…
There are a number of trends entering hotel spaces in particular this year, with luxury being an important theme. Some interior designers are calling this trend the ‘Downton effect’ as demand for vintage furnishing has increased. You can extend luxury to every part of the hotel and this shouldn’t stop at the restroom.
Extending luxury to every room
Creating the feel of luxury throughout a hotel space is top of the agenda for 2015 and the restroom is no exception. To simply turn a restroom into a country-style space, choose a roll top bath and pair it with neutral accessories to recreate an entire Victorian bathroom suit. However, it’s not just the Victorian look that customers are favouring; luxury is in demand as a whole and allows hotels to create a warm, country environment, even in an urban area.
The hotel lobby
The design and layout of the lobby must be agile to meet all demands – it is increasingly diverse space within hotels and serves a number of business and social functions. In terms of layout design, hotel lobbies are multi-functional and design depends largely on the specific target market. The reception area can even be used for meetings or simply as a social hub – it is rare for the hotel lobby to be used for checking in alone.
The hotel reception area must be practical but must also create a striking impression as it is the first point of customer contact. The latest trends in hotel lobbies are space divisions so that customers can have their own personal areas, either for business meetings or social conversations.
Choosing modular furniture or a high back chair is a cost-efficient way of creating spatial divisions within the reception area rather than having to carry out any major structural changes. The modern hotel lobby is multifunctional but comforting and should allow customers to do anything from completing transactions, conducting business meetings and dining with friends to using technical facilities such as printing and internet services.
Personalisation
Another growing trend for hoteliers this year is the ability to personalise. In terms of interior design, this means hotel managers need to understand who their regular guests are and invest in dedicated suites that suit their tastes and needs. There is normally more flexibility for this type of personal touch in high-end hotels, but even for first-time customers, having a service in place whereby the hotel is able to add something extra to the room is a great way to impress guests and encourage them to visit again.
This could be in the form of a personalised bath robe which might be implemented as an add-on service or as part of the whole guest experience. Adding that little something extra to the customer experience can help drive repeat business or provide an edge over a competitor.
Office Depot, Inc. is a resource and a catalyst to help customers work better. The company is a single source for everything customers need to be more productive, including the latest technology, core office supplies, print and document services, business services, facilities products, furniture, and school essentials.h e company has combined annual sales of approximately $17 billion, employs about 66,000 associates, and serves consumers and businesses in 59 countries with more than 2,200 retail stores, award-winning e-commerce sites and a dedicated business-to-business sales organisation – all delivered through a global network of wholly owned operations, joint ventures, franchisees, licensees and alliance partners. The company’s portfolio of leading brands includes Office Depot, OfficeMax, OfficeMax Grand & Toy, Viking, Ativa, TUL, Foray, and DiVOGA.
