I enjoyed the Americas Lodging Investment Summit in Los Angeles in January, and was struck by the tempered optimism from experts on the stage.
With almost 3,000 attendees, the JW Marriott was abuzz with energy, presentations, networking and of course, hospitality! I enjoyed absorbing the forecasts from different presenters, especially "Dynamic Forecasting Landscape," presented by BHN’s Brad Aldrich, focusing on the U.S.
New patterns indicate that booking windows are lengthening, length of stays are extending and cancellation rates are down. This forecast provides a great opportunity for hoteliers, brands and designers to incorporate more comfortable soft seating and bedding, knowing that guests are really “settling in” during their stays. By providing creature comforts that may have gone away during the pandemic, hotels should see guest review ratings climb. Travelers still want to feel a sense of safety and cleanliness but typically aren’t seeking the ambiance of a medical facility.
Recently one of Cornerstone Collective's associates, Stacy Garcia, shared her 2024 trends forecast with us, and we love what we’re seeing!
Among seven distinct trends, the first sees “the seventies, eighties and nineties collide."
"The best of three decades join to create a layered edge. This trend represents an eclectic mash-up of modern geometric and a throwback of interesting shapes and proportions.”
The second trend is Confidence: “Bold and unapologetic, we’re moving forward with confidence. We’re throwing caution to the wind. We are introspective and extroverted.” In both fashion and interiors, this trend highlights “in-your-face” pattern, expressive art, bright colors and bold accents.
The third trend, Depths delves “further into discovering the magnificence of the universe and depths we have yet to discover." Patterns are inspired by ocean treasures and the movement of water.
The fourth trend — Delicate Preservation — uses dried florals, textures, delicate patterns with soft whites, creams, relaxing greens and blues.
Up next, “Artisan World ... finds appreciation in hand-crafted and old-world artistry. Treasured textures, natural materials and mixed finishes add interest. With an amalgamation of a modern and traditional aesthetic, this trend opens us up to a new world of design options.”
The "Luxe trend, Modern Noir, fills the room with the allure of smokey finishes, sexy shadows and opulent opacities. A palette of off-black and desaturated purples create a moody, cozy vibe."
And finally, in seventh position, is Archi-Texture. “This trend embodies strength, stability and structure. With a focus on materials, Architect-texture, explores modern architecture, unique curves and strong geometrics."
On the heels of my previous article, biophilia continues to heavily influence design, product and material trends in 2023 and beyond. After almost three years of social distancing, quarantining and remote work, humankind is ready to embrace a more natural and comforting sense of day-to-day reality. Biophilic design celebrates the innate human desire to connect with nature, and should always be part of the design conversation for hospitality.
Have you heard of the Hotel of Tomorrow project, led by their CIO, Ron Swidler? The project began with workshops held between 2004 and 2006, which led to inventive solutions in floor and wall coverings, green walls and Aloft’s famous robotic butler, Botler. More than a workshop, Hotel of Tomorrow was developed as a methodology — a fast-paced process of identifying design challenges, compiling research and inspiration, and collaboratively evaluating and elevating new ideas.
In 2020, they kicked off a reframed, virtual version of The Hotel of Tomorrow — updated with the latest technology to fit our new remote reality, and focused on the challenges that have arisen for hospitality in the era of COVID-19 — and hosted by Batterii’s CoCreation Studio. The project included 325 industry professionals from over 100 hospitality-focused companies, and a valued group of partners, including: Phillips & Co., Global Allies, TrendWatching, Cornell University, Hilton, Marriott International and Material ConneXion.
The overarching theme is Outside In, Inside Out. Reenvisioning public areas, this concept mimics and integrates the outdoors within interior spaces to create passive entertainment and encourage gathering, creativity and enhance productivity.
And at BDNY in November, DLR Group shared their creative Better-Verse with attendees: From the metaverse to augmented reality, growth in the digital landscape challenges the natural universe. Better-verse reclaims the physical realm and reconnects visitors with the sensory delights of changing seasons. Thoughtful digital interjections don’t aim to substitute reality, but instead expand visitors’ consciousness with playful exploration.
Here’s to a year of hospitable optimism, embraced and supported by the authentic beauty that Mother Nature continuously inspires us with!
Suzie Hall is the founder and president of Cornerstone Design.
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