6 minute read
COVID furnishes an opportunity for change
By Grantlee Kieza, Industry Reporter
It might be a quiet time for Australian hotels during the COVID-19 crisis, but many are busier than ever with refurbishments.
Low occupancy rates mean it is a perfect time for new fi touts as there is very litt le disturbance to guests.
But Michael Johnson, the CEO of Tourism Accommodation Australia, warns hotel operators considering buying new furniture from overseas to visit the factories in person to see it being produced.
He says while every hotel is diff erent when it comes to furnishings, boutique luxury
hotels oft en employ a more “eclectic style” and source their products from within Australia.
“In many luxury hotels selected furniture pieces will be sourced and oft en chosen because they are as pleasing to the eye as they are comfortable,” he said.
“Oft en property managers at luxury hotels will be working along with furniture designers in Australia and the pieces will be of very high quality with a time-frame of many years. Luxury furniture is not usually updated as oft en as cheaper items because it lasts longer and looks good for longer.”
He said “in the mid-range properties” furniture was usually more minimalistic, more userfriendly and chosen for durability. its longevity is oft en shortlived and will oft en have to be replaced in two or three years.”
He said that in the four to fourand-a-half-star market most hotel furniture was being produced in China and he recommended those tasked with procuring fi tt ings for hotels to visit the factories where it was made.
“People buying furniture for hotels have to be mindful that it comes from diff erent factories and that the quality will be diff erent in each of those places,” Mr Johnson said.
“It’s quite critical when buying furniture that you actually go and see how that furniture is being produced and how it is coming off the line. You have to do the due diligence and speak to other hoteliers who have used the product.
“If you don’t do the due diligence and buy from someone in Australia who is selling it as an agent it could be falling apart within a couple of years.”
Luxury hotel guests expect the latest in furnishings and technology including eye-catching style whether the hotel is decorated like a Parisienne salon from the Belle Epoque, a jazz age cocktail bar or has the quirky, futuristic concept of a sci-fi movie.
Guests require a relaxing environment from the moment they enter the lobby to the moment their head hits the pillow. Furniture trends are constantly evolving. Zahava Elenberg, founding director of MOVE-IN advised: “The design of hotel interiors has come a long way in its evolution, with many hotels developing a more domestic, boutique and intimate aesthetic, a more grounded in a sense of place.
“The big ubiquitous brands with standardised furnishings and design have started to fade away. People like to know where they are, so if you’re in Melbourne it feels like Melbourne and if you’re in Paris you know you’re in Paris, or Hong Kong, or Istanbul... And with that comes an engagement and pride in a local design culture.”
About refurbishments she said: “Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater. Sometimes all
it takes is to re-see what is already there with a fresh pair of eyes. It’s amazing how a space can be transformed simply by re-arranging the furniture. It is also the small bits and pieces that give a space personality, and those things are easy and cost effective to update.
“For hotels on a refurbishment budget, I suggest a spring clean and replace the little things. Focus on the common spaces first, then make small updates to guest rooms, even if that is just updating sheets, towels and styling.
When asked about the impact of COVID on interiors she said: “Spaces will be configured to allow for smaller groups to gather - together but apart. There will be more localised travel and perhaps more focus on local supply and design. The world got very large and Covid has made it small again.
“In terms of practical things, I think everyone will be much more conscious of surfaces, and things that can’t be sanitized or washed easily.”
FF&E from A-Z
How furniture, fi xture, and equipment specialists Move-in are changing the game of FF&E.
Founded in 2002 by Zahava Elenberg, Move-in this year celebrates its 18th year of delivering FF&E for hotels, apartments, co-working and co-living environments.
The founding of Move-in was a natural evolution for entrepreneurial Zahava Elenberg, who was co-directing prestigious architectural fi rm, Elenberg Fraser, at the time of its conception. With FF&E specifi cations traditionally falling with the architect, Zahava recognised an opportunity to off er a one-stop-shop to developers, owners and operators.
What sets Move-in apart is the focused specialisation in turn-key design and delivery of furniture, fi xtures and equipment (FF&E) for the hotel, serviced apartment, student accommodation, co-living, public & commercial property sectors.
From concepts to cost analysis, logistics and signature styling, the skilled team handles the process from A-Z, achieving quality results at any budget, and any scale. Move-in guides their clients through the FF&E journey covering everything from procurement, to value management, developing and refi ning furniture specifi cations, drawings, samples and materials fi nishes right through to freight, shipping, delivery, assembly, installation and aft ersales care. It is a one-stop-shop. And while projects may range from 1 room to 1000, the philosophy remains the same: creatively inspired and commercially guided FF&E. Move-in transform spaces into places, that help people live bett er.
Fast forward 18 years and Move-in’s impressive portfolio is a tribute to the company’s dedicated team of interior designers, creative problem solvers and logistical experts.
There is no doubt Move-in know their craft and have honed their process. The team’s architectural and design discipline paired with a deep understanding of the commercial nature of development, has resulted in a symbiotic combination. Balancing the various stakeholders involved in the process with circus-like precision, Move-in ensures the FF&E is well considered, in-line with the design intent of the project and most importantly, commercially viable.
Move-in at a glance:
Who are they?
Move-in are FF&E specialists, creative problem solvers and logistics experts. They have been delivering FF&E Australia wide for over 18 years.
What do they do?
Move-in create complete FF&E solutions for all co-living spaces for the hospitality, residential and commercial sectors. If a space requires furniture and fi t-out, Movein can fi ll it.
How do they do it?
They guide their clients through the A-Z of FF&E – covering everything from procurement, to cost analysis, fi nal delivery and styling.
Who do they do it for?
Move-in work collaboratively with a broad range of clients‚ including architects, interior designers, developers, project managers, builders, brands and end-users.
