If there's one thing we've seen in our 5+ decades in the casegoods business it's this: hotel design trends – including those for casegoods and furniture – are always changing.
This should come as no surprise. The aesthetics you're considering for your hotel and its furnishings likely look nothing like what they would have if it was 1920 (unless you're going for a Gatsby motif for your guest rooms).But what we find even more interesting is just how quickly things can change even within a few months. What's hot at the beginning of a year might not be six months later.
So where are hospitality furniture trends now as 2024 becomes middle-aged?
Let's look at what we're seeing.
While we're approaching the halfway point of the year, several trends for hotel casegood design are poised to remain prominent through the rest of 2024 & beyond:
Overall hotel casegoods & furniture design
Materials & design
Sustainability
Colors & patterns
Metal finishes
There's no two ways about it: a hotel's casegoods are more than just pieces of furniture. Rather, they're what helps define a facility, deliver a greater guest experience, and serve more than one purpose.
At a macro level, hotel casegoods and furniture design in 2024 are characterized by:
The trend towards custom, bespoke hospitality furniture dominates the hotel industry. Gone are the days of impulse buys and one-size-fits-all solutions. This move towards distinctive design also allows hotels to differentiate themselves from competitors. Instead, hotel designers are investing in tailored furniture that maximizes space and enhances the guest experience.
We're also seeing furniture design choices often pay homage to past eras through modern reinterpretations or feature intricate designs that tell a unique brand story, thereby reinforcing the hotel's identity.
The appearance of many casegoods we're seeing this year is shifting to more organic shapes. Curved lines are being embraced for their elegance and sophistication, moving away from the stark, and minimalist angular forms that have dominated the past decade. We're seeing it in everything from sofas to decorative pieces to create an overall ambiance of luxury and comfort.
With space at a premium – particularly in urban areas and tiny hotels – multifunctional furniture is a staple in hotel room design. Pieces such as sofa beds, modular seating, and nesting tables offer practical solutions without sacrificing style. These versatile pieces not only save space but also cater to the dynamic needs of modern travelers, reflecting the school of thought for design of "consider what you need your furniture to do."
Speaking of which ...
Integrating technology into furniture design is no longer a futuristic concept but a present reality. To take it a step further, it's an expectation. Smart features in furniture, such as built-in charging ports, touch controls, and customizable settings, are what separate a 5-star review from a 1-star one.
When it comes to seating, comfort is king. Chairs and sofas of all sorts are seeing plush, oversized designs. In a sense, designers are saying bigger is indeed better.
"Buying local" is seeing a growing appreciation for authenticity and local craftsmanship in furniture design. Hotels are increasingly sourcing pieces from local artisans, which not only supports the local economy but also gives guests a genuine sense of place. This trend towards localism helps create a unique, culturally rich environment that resonates with travelers seeking authentic experiences.
On the materials front, design trends are leaning towards less structure and embracing a mix of influences and materials rather than adhering to a single design school. Here are some of the key materials and design elements that are shaping the industry this year:
One of the most interesting trends we're seeing is the increased incorporation of biophilic designs. This design approach with materials connects indoor spaces with the natural world, promoting a sense of well-being and environmental connection for guests. Popular materials used in this design include:
Wood
Stone
Leather
Wool
These materials are not only chosen for their aesthetic appeal but also for their ability to evoke a sense of place and tranquility.
While we just mentioned both wood and stone, they do deserve their own section here because of their frequency of use.
Wood in hotel casegoods remains a cornerstone of design, particularly lighter woods with darker finishes and darker woods like walnut known for their rich grains and textures. These choices reflect a preference for natural, simple, and durable materials that convey a sense of timeless quality.
Additionally, statement stones like marble, granite, travertine, and onyx are making a strong impact in kitchens, bathrooms, coffee tables, and decorative accessories.
As the demand for durability and ease of maintenance grows (essentially getting the most from your investment), performance fabrics such as linens and velvets are becoming increasingly popular in hotel settings. These materials are engineered to withstand heavy use while maintaining their texture and color, making them ideal for high-traffic areas such as lobbies and guest rooms.
Remember when we mentioned casegood design paying homage to eras gone by? It applies to material selection, too.
In a grand sense, this trend complements the shift towards eclecticism and individualism in hotel design, where the old is mixed with the new to create a curated, “collected” look. This approach allows hotels to craft unique environments that feel personal and engaging, reflecting a broader trend of creating distinctive experiences rather than cookie-cutter interiors.
With this one, we'll be repeating ourselves, but just in a different way.
If there's one color that guests love to see in hospitality, it's green. Now more than ever, travelers care about their environmental impact, and the same for the places they stay.
Piggybacking off of our last section, eco-friendly in hotel casegoods often comes down to material selection. And those materials we're seeing more casegoods and other pieces of hotel FF&E (fixtures, furniture & equipment) gravitate toward? They include:
Recycled wood
Bamboo
Rattan and other wicker
Cane
Reclaimed materials
There is a notable shift away from monochromatic schemes and the once-popular all-white kitchens and all-gray walls. Instead, designers are incorporating contrasts that add depth and complexity to the spaces. This approach allows for more expressive and individualized interior designs that challenge traditional aesthetics and encourage creativity.
When it comes to color selection, hotel casegoods are leaning hard into the interplay between subdued earth tones and vibrant maximalist designs. This dynamic juxtaposition not only enriches the aesthetic palette but also enhances the emotional and psychological experience of hotel spaces. That's a mouthful. Let's look at what this all looks like.
Earth tones remain a staple in hotel design, offering a palette that includes:
Greens
Blues
Browns
Creams
Why these colors as opposed to any other color found in nature?
Not only are they soothing but they also evoke a connection to the natural world, creating a tranquil and welcoming environment. Modern interpretations of these hues incorporate subtle hints of other natural colors, such as raspberry blush, chocolatey browns, and variations reminiscent of coffee, cappuccino, and lattes. These shades provide a rich, grounded base that complements the more vibrant tones used in maximalist designs.
Interestingly enough, this year we're seeing a resurgence in floral and botanical prints. In a sense, it continues the trend toward biophilic design. These botanical elements are increasingly visible in everything from wallpaper to upholstery, bringing an organic, lively touch to interior spaces.
Contrasting with the muted earth tones, maximalist design is making a bold statement in hotel interiors. This style embraces a rich, vibrant color palette that includes "happy" colors:
Sunny yellow
Soft peaches
Turquoise
Maximalist interiors are designed to be visually stimulating, with surroundings that significantly influence mood and wellness, creating spaces that are not only functional but also emotionally engaging.
This one we can talk about briefly.
If there's one thing we know about 2024 it's that it's not 1985. And thus, gold metal finishes are out.
Now, casegood hardware features pieces that are silver, chrome, or steel.
To an extent, keeping up with current trends is a fool's errand. As we said, trends change constantly.
So how do you get casegoods that don't fall out of fashion quickly but still reflect current design motifs?
Work with an experienced hospitality casegoods designer and manufacturer. With a partner that has a long history specializing in creating casegoods that stand the test of time, you'll benefit from:
Trend Insight and Timeless Design: They can identify which trends are likely to have lasting appeal and which are mere fads, helping you make informed design choices that maintain relevance.
Customization and Unique Identity: Experienced manufacturers can provide customized solutions that fit your specific needs and space, allowing you to differentiate your hotel from competitors.
Quality and Sustainability: Established designers and manufacturers often prioritize high-quality materials and sustainable practices. This not only enhances the durability and appeal of your furniture but also appeals to the growing number of eco-conscious travelers.
Cost Efficiency: While investing in quality design and manufacturing might seem costly upfront, it proves economical in the long run. High-quality, timeless pieces reduce the need for frequent replacements and can adapt to evolving interior trends with minor adjustments.
While no one has a crystal ball that can tell you where design trends are going and which ones will stick, the design choices we're seeing this year are ones that will likely be popular for some time.
Ultimately, what we're seeing is a focus on several timeless design elements: creating place, multifunctionality, and sustainability.
Contact us today!