Design Elements for a Memorable Guest Experience

Have you ever walked into a space and something about it just felt right? That’s not a coincidence. That's the power of interior design. 

You can create that same feeling in your hotel. 

Guests pay attention to a hotel’s design more than you may think. From the lighting on the ceiling to the art on the wall, they notice the details. And it’s these details that set the stage for their stay. 

A generic design won't work anymore. Travelers today expect to be wowed by their hospitality experiences. Surprise and engage them. Satisfy their curiosity to see something new. Give them something exciting to see and something exciting to feel. 

How does interior design impact a hotel? 

A memorable hospitality experience begins with memorable interior design. It's what creates the first and last impression a guest will have of your hotel. 

The more satisfied guests are with their stay, the more likely they are to recommend your hotel to their family and friends, leading to repeat bookings and building a positive reputation for your hotel. Ultimately, interior design can make the difference between a one-time customer and a returning one. 

With so much competition in the hospitality industry, you need to make your hotel stand out. Differentiate yourself from competitors with custom hospitality interior design, created just for you. 

Many guests consider the look and feel of a place when deciding where to stay, and they're more likely to choose a hotel that's in line with their lifestyle and aesthetic tastes. With an interior design that corresponds to your target audience, you can better attract and retain them.

All this being said, interior decorating is not the only element to consider. Space planning lies at the heart of interior design, serving as the architectural blueprint upon which all other design elements are built. It's the meticulous process of allocating, arranging, and organizing the available space within a room or building to create harmonious and functional environments. This artful choreography of space goes beyond selecting colors, furniture, and decor; it defines the very essence of how people interact with and experience a space.

A well-executed space plan considers not only the physical dimensions of a space but also the specific needs of the hotel and its programming. It takes into account the flow of traffic, the placement of furniture and fixtures, and the integration of functional elements like storage, lighting, and technology. It seeks to strike a delicate balance between form and function, ensuring that the design not only looks appealing but also works seamlessly to enhance the quality of life for its occupants.

3 Design Elements To Create A Memorable Guest Experience 

Interior design can evoke many emotions. 

Natural elements can soothe, and colors can inspire. Artwork can create a sense of place, and carefully chosen architectural finishes, such as tiles, wallcoverings, flooring, and paint, can set the tone for a space. Furniture, in synergy with these finish selections, can create a sense of comfort. A combination of intentionally selected pieces and thoughtfully curated architectural finishes can give your guests an experience that they will want to come back to - over and over again. In the world of interior design, it's not just about decorative furnishings; it's about crafting spaces that harmonize through both finish selections and furnishings, creating memorable and inviting environments.

These are a few design elements you can use to make your guests' experience more memorable. A little goes a long way. You can combine bits of each element or focus on one but remember to keep it balanced so that your message doesn’t get miscommunicated. 

Engage the senses 

Travel gives you the chance to be more conscious and curious about the world around you. Immerse your guests in a multi-sensory environment that lets them play with their senses and explore that curiosity. 

Stimulate the senses with textures and bright colors. Textures can provide an engaging tactile experience, while bright colors can bring a space to life and create a playful, vibrant atmosphere. With different lighting, you can set different moods, from cozy and intimate to warm and welcoming. Consider adding touch-friendly furniture, such as plush pillows or pieces with smooth surfaces. 

Give a peek into local life 

Gone are the days when hotels were only a getaway from everyday life. These days, many travelers don’t just want to disconnect; they want to connect with the place they're visiting. Getting to know their destination's culture and location is an important part of their travel experience. 

Give your guests a sense of place with design elements that reflect the beauty of the area and its community. A few ways to bring local culture into your hotel are using designs that are inspired by the surrounding environment, choosing locally-made furniture, or decorating with traditional handicrafts. Display artwork and photography of the area throughout your hotel so that guests can get a sense of the area and its character. 

Create a wellness sanctuary

For many travelers, wellness is top of mind. Even on vacation, it remains a priority for them, and they're eager to try new, innovative ways to improve their physical and mental health. 

Integrate features that promote well-being into your hotel's décor. Some examples are circadian lighting, ergonomic seating, blackout shades, and pieces that help muffle sound and lower noise pollution, like drapes and rugs. You can elevate your hotel's sense of calm with touches of nature like plants and fountains. Adding spa-style design elements, such as a soothing color palette, marble countertops, and earthy materials, also contributes to a peaceful space. 

In the realm of interior design, having a clear and compelling design narrative is akin to writing a captivating story. It's about infusing spaces with a sense of purpose, personality, and history. A well-crafted narrative guides every design decision, ensuring that every element in a room serves a purpose in telling the story of the space and its inhabitants.

One key aspect of a timeless design narrative is striking a delicate balance between relevance and the avoidance of passing trends. While trends can bring a momentary sense of excitement and freshness, they often fade as quickly as they emerge. A design narrative that transcends trends focuses on enduring principles of aesthetics, functionality, and individuality. It seeks to create spaces that feel relevant to the present while retaining a timeless quality that remains appealing year after year. In essence, it's about crafting interiors that tell a story that is relevant not just for a season but for a lifetime.

Find Out How We Can Help You With Interior Design & FF&E 

At Lang & Schwander, we’ve been furnishing hotel interiors in the US, Caribbean, and Latin America for over 15 years. For both branded hotels and independent hotels, we offer a full-service interior design studio, production and shipping services, and an inhouse installation crew. Contact us to schedule a call and discuss your project!