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Finding color inspiration for hotel rooms and restaurants

Add color and texture with the woven vinyl Metroweave Collection from room360° by FOH.
Add color and texture with the woven vinyl Metroweave Collection from room360° by FOH.

The following sponsored content was contributed by one of our advertising partners, and not the editorial staff of HOTELS. 

There are many factors that can play into color decisions when designing hotel and restaurant spaces. Designers typically work within the guidelines of a hotel brand, while striving to find a look that is fresh and exciting. At AJC Design, a boutique hospitality design firm in New York, a property’s location typically plays a key role. For example, when designing interiors for the Renaissance New York Harlem Hotel, the firm was inspired by the history and culture of the building which was once home to the luxurious Victoria Theater, built in 1917. 

“We looked at colors and patterns from the era the theater was built and designed the space to have a modern take on the Harlem Renaissance period,” said Alicia Cannon, founder and principal of AJC.  “We used teals, terra cotta and a royal blue color along with brass accents.”   

Cannon often uses neutral foundations and leaves the bold color for the accessories because it gives the design longevity. Hotel spaces are typically renovated every seven to 12 years. “By keeping the foundation neutral, you can update with accessories and décor that can be replaced at a lower price point,” she said.

Cannon also keeps her eye on the colors that hit the runway. “Whatever fashion did last spring is what interior design is doing right now,” she said.  Suppliers also need to keep on top of what’s next in color trends.

“We have a smart, trend-forward product development team that spends endless hours researching color trends,” said Simone Mayer, CEO of room360° by FOH, a supplier of hotel room accessories.   

Metroweave liners can add an unexpected pop of color to a room. (Metroweave Mesh in Marine is pictured.)
Metroweave liners can add an unexpected pop of color to a room. (Metroweave Mesh in Marine is pictured.)

The company’s Metroweave product line offers more than 60 color options for tray liners, amenity mats, coasters, placemats and table covers. “Color adds life to any dull room service tray, bar top, amenity tray, and bathroom or spa counter,” Mayer explained. 

Most Metroweave vinyl mats, liners and accessories are in-stock and ready to ship.
Most Metroweave vinyl mats, liners and accessories are in-stock and ready to ship.

So what do these color-focused professionals think of the latest color trends?

Metropolitan is Benjamin Moore’s color of the year. Beige + gray or “graige” paints combine the best characteristics of both colors. “Gray seems to be one of Sheraton’s favorite colors,” said Cannon. “It has a calming effect.” When working with neutrals, Mayer suggests Metroweave basketweave designs to add texture. “Texture appeals to our senses,” she said.

Pantone’s 2019 color of the year is Living Coral, described as “vibrant, yet mellow.” Use it to add warmth and energy to a hotel space. Mayer recommends Metroweave’s Nautical Coral or Apricot mats to provide a small dose of this energetic and naturally vivid color to your design.

Cannon believes Blueprint by Behr would work best in a water atmosphere or tropical environment. “Blue is a gender-neutral color that almost always looks good in any atmosphere,” she said. Metroweave offers a wide variety of blue mats and liners, including colors of Indigo, teal and marine blue.

For Cannon, Cavern Clay by Sherwin Williams evokes imagery of New Mexico. “I love this color,” she said. Metroweave’s basketweave in Canyon is similar in tone to Cavern Clay if you want a solid mat, while Metroweave Terra Cotta is a multicolored option that also incorporates shades of blue.

Nightwatch is a dark green color that PPG said emanates the feeling of “lush greenery and the healing power of nature.” “A jungle green is difficult to select because many shades can be too juvenile,” said Cannon.  In a recent project for Hyatt Regency in Greenwich, Conn., she chose a combination of a gray and two greens for a gazebo area adjacent a lush atrium.

Beautiful and functional

Keep it neutral with stain and fade-resistant Metroweave woven vinyl accessories from room360° by FOH. Available in gray (pictured) and copper.
Keep it neutral with stain and fade-resistant Metroweave woven vinyl accessories from room360° by FOH. Available in gray (pictured) and copper.

When choosing mats and liners for hospitality and foodservice, there are practical considerations that can’t be ignored. “Mats and liners need to be easy to clean,” said Cannon. According to the company, Metroweave products are dishwasher-safe as well as stain, fade and bacteria-resistant. Thermosealed edges provide enhanced durability as the mats and liners protect surfaces from spills and water damage. “Being able to withstand temperatures up to 300° F makes these placemats and runners ideal for foodservice applications,” added Mayer.

Metroweave vinyl liners are bacteria-resistant, easily wipe down to clean, and are also dishwasher safe.
Metroweave vinyl liners are bacteria-resistant, easily wipe down to clean, and are also dishwasher safe.

In addition to mats and liners, the Metroweave line includes a wide variety of baskets and a new pocket organizer in neutral colors. “Metroweave baskets are an attractive way to organize hygiene products, soaps, lotions, towels or food items,” said Mayer. The pocket product keeps items like the remote control, channel guide, and/or room service menus organized and protected from bacteria.

Select Metroweave vinyl liners can be customized to fit existing room trays and drawers.
Select Metroweave vinyl liners can be customized to fit existing room trays and drawers.

Designers have a lot to think about when selecting mats, liners and room accessories, but one thing they don’t have to worry about is having a lot of options. “Whatever your vision, there’s a Metroweave color or texture that can enhance it,” said Mayer.

For more information visit room360° by FOH.

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