INTERIOR DESIGN TRENDS TO WATCH IN 2023

The past two years have significantly altered many of the emotional needs and expectations of the modern-day traveler. Award-winning designer Oliver Corrin, global head of interiors at Latitude, reveals the design trends that are set to define 2023.

The days of developing lifeless, cookiecutter hotel properties are behind us. Many brands and hotel owners used to be able to rely on offering their guests wellness rooms, a lobby restaurant/bar, contemporary artwork, trendy furniture, hipster music and Instagrammable F&B venues to guarantee success. However, we are seeing the rise of a new type of hotel specially created for the next generation of hotel guest; think branded lifestyle hotels that provide a new level of personalization, authentic experiences and aesthetically appealing spaces. The focus is on caring for the emotional, physical and psychological well-being of guests, far beyond the latest spa treatments.

As we look ahead and at the design trends that are likely to shape 2023, we are starting to see a shift from traditional, high-end hotel brands toward more affordable, sustainable and accessible ones. The idea of “thoughtful” design will start to overtake “luxury” design, and there is an emphasis on technology and how it is integrated and utilized by both operators and guests.

Let's take a look at some of the key trends shaping the future of hotel design in 2023 and beyond.

Adaptive hospitality

When it comes to programming within hotels, a more adaptive approach is being adopted. This entails offering guests experiences depending on their physical location within the property and their length of stay.

With new-age travelers' ever-increasing expectations, hotels must provide programs that allow guests to do more and be more in control of what they do. This can range from selecting bespoke experiences to booking a room. Hotels will now look to offer a more diverse range of experiences and activities that can be fully tailored to different demographic groups. The goal is to allow each guest to feel like they are getting what they want without always having to ask for it.

Do as the locals do

“Hyper-local” is a term we are hearing more of within the hospitality sector, whereby hotels focus on creating authentic and memorable local experiences. By doing so, they can create a sense of place by leveraging the local community and culture to create a unique identity.

These days, travelers want to eat and drink locally sourced products and interact with local people in communities or visit destinations they have emotional connections with. In addition, they seek to connect with people who live in these cities and do things that make them feel like locals.

Luxury within nature

Properties are being developed with a focus on the outdoors and related activities, such as biking, kayaking and hiking, to name a few.

The trend initially started with a small collection of boutique hotels choosing to concentrate on the adventure and outdoor travel sectors. However, due to its success, we are now seeing more prominent hospitality brands developing hotels to appeal to wider audiences.

Hotels are providing more green, quiet spaces to complement these outdoor and adventure experiences, such as foraging trail walks and cultural hikes. These consist of courtyards, rooftop terraces and secluded gardens, allowing guests to connect with nature.

The convergence of indoor and outdoor amenities will continue to be a trend in hotel design as guests demand more immersive experiences that connect them with nature.

A focus on family

More than ever, we are seeing families exploring the world. This trend is expected to grow. As such, hotel designs must accommodate the needs of multigenerational families, including the provision of flexible furnishings, childfriendly spaces and loft beds. These features allow families to stay together and share more memorable experiences. Hoteliers should also review their F&B concepts and find ways to make them more child friendly, whether it's by offering more age-appropriate menu items or dedicated areas that are safe and inspiring for children.

There are also pets to consider, since more families are looking to stay at hotels where their furry companions are welcome and catered to.

Unplug and reconnect

Most of us can't last a day without our electronic devices, so it comes as no surprise that hotels are offering guests the option to unplug from the digital world and reconnect with themselves.

By providing quiet spaces, such as meditation rooms, reflection pods, private libraries and sound therapy rooms, hotels can encourage guests to escape the technological world.

Cultural hub

Everyone is familiar with the concept of a food hall. It hasn't taken long for us all to realize that people love to come together in a gourmet environment to share memorable dining experiences.

These days, we are seeing larger cultural halls: venues that go beyond food and drink to offer film screenings, comedy shows, live music and more. This presents an incredible opportunity for hotel brands, especially when it comes to corporate events and social gatherings.

Food halls in the hospitality space give travelers and locals more exposure to dining, cultural and entertainment experiences in one central location. It also allows hoteliers to partner with established vendors and create additional revenue streams.

looking to continue into 2023 as operators look for an edge over their competitors.

Hotels that emphasize the importance of ethical design within their properties and outlets are likely to appeal to and attract more customers who share the same values. As a result, we are seeing travelers becoming increasingly conscious about the environments they spend time in the same way that they care about where the food they consume is sourced and how it's produced.

Going green is only seen as a step worthy of consideration for hotels by travelers but as a necessity. Hospitality designers are now responsible for sourcing and specifying more locally sourced suppliers and materials.

Ethical design and sustainably sourced materials

Ongoing global political, social and economic issues have had a massive impact on sourcing and shipping costs, and their availability. Against this backdrop, hotels are opting for more ethical and local materials to incorporate into their spaces. They want to show their guests that they care about sustainable sourcing, the environment and supporting local producers. We've seen some owners go as far as using disused shipping containers and infrastructure materials. This trend is

Hotels around the world are swapping glossy marble and plastic finishes with ethically sourced wood, stone and natural vegetation. In addition, the trend of bringing the outside in has resulted in a growing demand for more greenery within indoor spaces.

Sustainable materials, such as bamboo, are becoming more common in interior design, with designers considering that it is both aesthetically beautiful, durable and eco-friendly. Other materials rising in popularity include activated charcoal, digitally printed concrete tiles and activated cork. Once these materials were seen to be cheap, but they're now appearing in the most unexpected places and presented in the most beautiful ways imaginable.