Interior inspiration is never far away - DESIGNLSM -

With an abundance of stylish hotels, vibrant restaurants and buzzing bars throughout the world, there is no doubt that the modern-day consumer is exposed to the best of the best through the powerful presence of hospitality brands online.

DesignLSM, an award-winning strategy, branding and interior design agency, are tasked with delivering stand-out spaces for hospitality businesses around the world.

When it comes to delivering a project, they strongly believe that first and foremost, it’s about having a thorough understanding of the brand DNA and desires of guests, as well as the commercial and operational objectives, which will influence the design of a space, defining the intent and ambience for the environment.

Approaching projects with a strategic-focus each design they work on is set out to holistically resonate with guests across all senses, creating a seamless and memorable experience that is intelligently creative.

The 37-year established studio pride themselves on not having a ‘house-style’, providing designers with the freedom of creativity and flexibility to work with different brands, allowing the spaces they design to be true to the client’s intent.

“Design and creativity is fluid. It’s important that we encourage this by having time away from desks – whether it’s visiting the latest art exhibitions, observing retail brands, admiring architecture and fashion. Looking at things with fresh perspectives will provide you with the platform to create inspirational environments that enhance the lives of those that visit”, Holly Hallam, DesignLSM.

Travel will always provide a fundamental source of inspiration, absorbing other cultures and landscapes, watching how people behave and react to environments. This was applied when developing the design DNA for well-respected restaurant group, Gaucho, who’s concept derives from the Argentinian provenance of the steak they serve. Creating engaging moments throughout the multiple sites that the studio has designed, the layering of details is imperative in curating an authentic urban Argentinian dining experience. These include layered clay walls that represent the striking Andes mountains, patterned upholstered chairs to resemble horse blankets, and bespoke designed lights that emulate the powerful whip of a Gaucho’s lasso.

The natural world also provides a fantastic source of inspiration, observing how fauna and flora evolves and grows in unexpected places and shapes, looking at the colours, tones and textures. This was a key inspiration to the design of the ‘Botanica Tea Room’ at 100 Queens Gate Hotel, Kensington, which has an abundant array of luscious greenery and planting. Evocative of a classic Victorian orangery, the space offers vast amounts of stunning natural daylight, creating a refreshing and relaxing space to enjoy afternoon tea with friends.

In hospitality design, whatever you are inspired by, it’s important to consider how to create that emotional connection that speaks to guests, integrating ways to become more interactive, playing on the senses through the use of tactile materials, emotion-inducing colour palettes, scents or sounds. Our objective is not to just deliver the background that people sit within, but instead create a memorable environment that becomes part of the overall experience, enhancing both the physical and mental wellbeing of those that visit. www.designlsm.com