As 2024 came to a close, Hotel Management contacted several design experts to learn what hoteliers should expect in the coming year. Stacy Garcia, CEO and chief inspiration officer, Stacy Garcia Design Studio and Dan Mazzarini, principal and creative director of BHDM Design, weighed in on wellness, color trends and the design of public spaces in hotels.
Stacy Garcia
What are a few major trends you expect to see in hotel design next year?
As wellness and biophilic design gain traction, greens—from soft sage to vibrant emerald—have become essential for creating serene, rejuvenating environments. These shades emphasize tranquility and a connection to nature, which are essential for cultivating a relaxing getaway in luxury hotels and spas.
What trends do you see fading away?
I think it’s time to say goodbye to cool gray. While it’s been a staple for more than a decade, we’re seeing a warming of the palette, with rich browns and earthy tones stepping in as the new neutrals. These warmer hues—caramels, taupes, deep browns—add a sense of groundedness and create spaces that feel more connected to nature. In that same vein, statement lighting with harsh angles or overly ornate details is also something I think we’re ready to outgrow. Hoteliers are gravitating more towards lighting that feels natural and soothing.
What do you think are the main factors that are driving these changes?
Nature-inspired designs continue to dominate, with lush botanicals, hand-drawn landscapes, and finishes mimicking raw materials like linen or plaster. These accents help connect interiors with the outdoors, fostering a sense of calm and balance while bringing modern spaces to life with natural elegance. People crave calmness and grounding, and working with these palettes has been the preference for hospitality designers looking to achieve that kind of atmosphere.
What should hoteliers and designers do now to be ready for the new trends that are on the horizon?
These trends of biophilia and warm, grounding neutrals are what are on the horizon. Looking ahead to the coming year and what guests are expecting will help hoteliers not limit themselves to the now, but rather open their vision to what will continue to appeal to visitors for the coming years. I predict that the desire to be close to nature and feel welcomed into a warm and inviting hospitality environment will persist, and hotel designers should focus any renovation opportunities on that aesthetic.
Dan Mazzarini
What are a few major trends you expect to see in hotel design next year?
Floor-by-floor communal spaces, not just one main gathering area in the lobby. Self-guided food and beverage and other amenities will also continue to rise in popularity, such as digital ordering or automated grab-and-go options. These allow operates to reduce the headcount of their staff but still provide a high level of deliverables and efficient service.
What trends do you see fading away?
Business centers. People work differently now so these spaces are becoming more of a work lounge. And we no longer want to put that space off to the side -the lobby is the work lounge.”
What do you think are the main factors that are driving these changes?
We are still experiencing the effects of the post-pandemic return to travel and the office. Technology also plays a significant role in these changes, since the possibilities for new modes of service continue to evolve and expand.
What should hoteliers and designers do now to be ready for the new trends that are on the horizon?
You want to be thoughtful about renovations. Don't overspend and avoid incorporating an excess of built-in hard furniture. Understanding that technology is evolving rapidly and will continue to affect hotel public spaces in different ways over the coming years is essential. Hoteliers need to be ready to react quickly and without having to extend their budget each time the trends shift.