This year’s FOCUS2024 event at the Design Centre Chelsea Harbour brought together a diverse array of thought leaders to discuss the evolving role of design in hospitality. The panel discussion, featuring industry luminaries such as James Kandutsch, CEO of Studio Indigo, alongside Russell Sage, Nicolo Castellini Baldiserra, and Katharine Pooley, explored how interior design is reshaping hospitality in a post-pandemic world. With new hotels on rise, the discussion honed in on one key theme: how design creates unforgettable guest experiences in an ever-competitive market.
The conversation delved into the idea that the most inviting destinations don’t just provide luxury; they offer a sense of place, a story that connects guests to the locale, culture, and ethos of the brand. As James Kandutsch eloquently shared, it’s the role of the designer to become a storyteller, crafting spaces that transcend functionality and tap into the emotions of the traveller, making each stay a unique experience. His insights were exemplified by Studio Indigo’s latest work for Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, London, a project that encapsulates the essence of modern British luxury while honouring its prestigious location in the heart of London’s high-end shopping district.
In today’s hospitality industry, differentiation is crucial. While maintaining a strong brand identity is important, travellers are increasingly seeking authentic connections to the locations they visit. James Kandutsch stressed that successful design in hospitality is about more than just reflecting a brand ethos; it’s about creating a narrative that connects the guest to the place and culture. Interior designers must become curators of experience, where every piece of furniture, colour palette, and spatial layout tells a story of the surrounding environment.
Situated in one of London’s most exclusive areas, the new Mandarin Oriental Mayfair is a landmark of contemporary design, seamlessly merging luxury with the urban pulse of the city. The brief for Studio Indigo was clear: create a sense of place that reflects the unique location, while presenting a fresh, contemporary interpretation of British style.
The surrounding Mayfair shopping district also informed much of the design, with haute-couture influences found in the choice of materials. From rich marbles and gold mesh glass panels to sumptuous burl wood timbers and Murano glass lighting, every element speaks to the world of high fashion and luxury craftsmanship that defines the neighbourhood. The design team conceptualised each room as its own jewellery box, using rich colour palettes, de Gournay wallpaper and luxurious finishes to create a sense of opulence.
With typical urban views inwards, Studio Indigo focused on transforming the interior spaces into works of art, making each room a retreat from the bustling city outside.
Wellness is taking centre stage in hospitality, with a rise in longevity hotels that offer guests more than just a place to stay. These hotels will feature in-house clinics, wellness facilities, personalized health plans, and digital detox programs. The focus is on creating an environment where guests can recharge both mentally and physically.
In terms of design, expect to see interiors that embrace biophilia, with a strong connection to nature with natural materials, greenery, and soothing colour palettes. Spaces will be designed to encourage relaxation, disconnection from technology, and reconnection with oneself and nature.
Another trend making waves is the entry of non-hotel brands—from fashion houses to car manufacturers—into the hospitality market. These brands are leveraging their iconic status to create immersive experiences that extend beyond their usual product lines. Notable examples include the launch of ELLE Residences Miami and Mercedes-Benz Branded Residences, where design becomes a vehicle for expressing the brand’s identity.
In this context, interior designers are tasked with creating spaces that embody the spirit of the brand, ensuring that every element of the interior reflects the brand’s DNA while providing guests with a fresh and exciting way to engage with it.
The future of hospitality design is rich with possibilities, and as travel continues to evolve, so too will the spaces that define our experiences—each one a carefully curated chapter in the story of modern luxury.
