Hospitality Design Trend Forecast 2009

I spent this week at the ALIS conference in San Diego - enjoying the sun as well as some not-so-sunny industry forecasts. While waiting at O’Hare airport, I found inspiration at the magazine stand and decided to ask two of my esteemed colleagues to do some 2009 trend forecasting.
 
I have asked Julius van Heek and Meg Prendergast, two seasoned hospitality design professionals who are on the forefront of balancing design trends with clients’ needs, to share what they see on the design horizon this year.

1. What colors, fabrics and treatments do you expect to see a lot of in 2009, and what is standing out?

Prendergast: I still see the minimal use of patterns in interior design. Rich, lustrous fabrics are always a preferred direction since they add such depth to a room or space.

Technology is helping develop really cool treatments to standard products. I am particularly excited about micro-lasered leather for a new look.

van Heek: I expect a resurgence and spin on the muted tones that we experienced in the mid to late 80’s. Informally, I call these “Colorado colors” from the boom days of big ski residences. Look for muted tones of mushrooms, beiges, warmer/softer tones based on the browns, peaches to soft rusts/bronzes.

The evolution of “green/sustainability” will compound this color trend. The extrapolation and abstractions of pattern based upon nature’s influence will continue. Think sky (clouds), sand (color and texture) and flowers (gradation of one basic color).

I also expect that within this overall muted color/pattern palette, we will see a pop of vibrant color and/or pattern. Think of a beautiful, natural field with the pop of wildflowers coming through; or the calming effect of being underwater while being surprised by colorful tropical fish swimming by. Consider accents of Aubergine, deep purples, intense blues, hot reds.
 
2. What is catching your eye as a trend?

Prendergast: At every design meeting, I hear that modern and sleek is still top-of-mind, but with a softer edge.

3. Do you have a particular favorite trend of 2009?

Prendergast: Clients and, in turn, their guests, want spaces that work. Comfortable spaces that provide a lot of user-friendly flexibility seem to be key.

My personal favorite, however, is an art program that really adds character to a project. This is an investment that brings quality and value to any project and really sets the tone from a design standpoint. Moreover, beautiful art transforms mere spaces into places where we want to spend time. For the hotelier who wants to ensure that guests spend time in the lobby, an art program is the best way to go.

van Heek: I would say it is the gradation of color concept discussed previously. It is a good example of maintaining subtlety while still attracting attention to a wall, furniture piece or flooring material.

From a technological standpoint, I love what companies are able to do with laser cutting and/or etching. I’ve seen it in porcelain tiles, marbles/granites, leathers and glass and it seems to be an effective technique to add “subtle glam” to tried and true/basic material. Click here to see some examples of how etching can transform the basic to the extraordinary.

4. What are your clients asking for from a design standpoint?

Prendergast: It’s no surprise – ROI, ROI, ROI! Large or small, luxury or economy, this economic environment mandates solutions that will help provide long-term returns on investment for ownership.

5. What design trends do you predict will be dictated by the economy?

van Heek: If it is a high ticket concept/item, it better last and/or get better over time (think leather or beautiful wood flooring aging and getting more beautiful over time.) These pieces, however, provide amazing value and are worth the investment.

A good design team also always has their eye on ease of maintenance, which makes design cost-effective in the long term.

Finally, the line between work and play has been obliterated (not just blurred) in this economy and needs to be reflected in design. This trend started with the cell phone, migrated further by the Blackberry and has now been destroyed with the world economic situation. Business hotel and resort hotel design has meshed forever as a result of the times.

6. What design trick is your favorite "bang-for-the-buck" application?

Prendergast: Layers of gypsum board for a good way to add detail without the cost of millwork. There is also a lot of mileage to be gotten out of grout patterns without the hassle or expense of too many different stone materials.

van Heek: I always employ what I call “experience designing,” which entails thinking of the person who may be using the space, how they might use the space (flexibility) and then accommodating as many varied needs with the physical parameters of the space. When a designer approaches a project with this philosophy, the opportunities for value-engineering are more easily exposed.