ELEMENTS OF HOTEL DESIGN

ELEMENTS OF HOTEL DESIGN

All visual designs are reduced to elements or dimensions.  The elements of art are the basic structure and comprise of line, form, colour, texture, pattern, light and space, which apply to the furnishings and room planning. The effect of these elements is reflected by our instinct and intellect.  They make a visual impact and evoke emotional response.

Following are the different elements of art and design:

LINE:

Directions of line such as vertical, horizontal, diagonal or curved express various ideas and themes. Straight vertical lines convey strength and force, while the horizontal lines suggest response, secrecy and relaxation.  Curved lines introduce a softening effect while spiral lines show activity and interest.  Lines can be used to introduce variety and design.

FORM:

Form and line are closely related wherein the combination of curve, straight or diagonal lines help to produce the three dimensions and create form and shade.  Form represents solid and tangible substances. Horizontal and vertical lines combine to create a rectangular or square form.  Curved lines create circular form. Form can be created within enclosed space by arranging substances.

COLOUR:

The main characteristics of colours are hue, value and intensity. is the name of the specific colour; value which represents lightness or darkness; intensity the brightness or darkness of the colour.

TEXTURE:

The roughness or smoothness of a surface is referred to as texture.  Texture is found in wall finishes, carpets, furniture, paintings etc. The texture quality of any surface is controlled by touch.  It also makes a difference to the depth of colour, which results in brightness or darkness of a colour.  The coarser the texture, the lesser is the amount of light reflected and therefore the duller the colour.

PATTERN:

Colour is used frequently in connection with pattern.  This adds interest and variety to a decorated scheme.  Careful consideration is necessary before introducing pattern.  Too much of pattern disturbs the eye and creates restlessness in a room.  Pattern is introduced through floors, floor coverings, through walls, wall coverings, furniture, furnishings and fittings.

LIGHTS:

This is an art element which is both functional and decorative. It has a dispute, proportional and emotional effect.  Colour depends upon the light in which an object is viewed.  The quality of light is important for colour.  The utility of the room should be considered while planning lighting.  Natural and artificial lighting should be selected appropriately.  This may cause variation in the appearance of colours.

SPACE:

The importance of space as on art element is widely recognised.  Space organisation is a basic element in architecture and interior design.  Space creates beauty and is necessary for areas to be used effectively. Fluidity or flow in the room is important and the eye is encouraged to travel small spaces can be enlarged by using large glass windows.

PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN:

The elements of art are line, form, colour and texture.  This must be handled within conformity with certain principles and laws that govern their use if beauty is to result.  Every art field has certain guidelines that are to be followed and the same is applicable in planning of interiors.

1.    SCALE AND PROPORTION:

By habit, the human eye becomes accustomed to definite dimensions in daily life.  Some of these dimensions are fixed for convenience.  Proportion is the law of relationship, which demands that all space divisions should be pleasingly related to each other and to the whole. The Greeks developed a great deal of calculations about space distribution and a scale of space relationships. These skills are used even today.  The normal ratios are 2:3, 3:5 and 5:8.  These forms are equal divisions.  A square room is more difficult to arrange and uninteresting to live in.  Rooms should be preferably furnished with smaller furniture types and consistent patterns.  The furniture should be in proportion to the size and height of the room and its architectural features.

2.    BALANCE:

It is the principle of design, which produces a feeling of restfulness and contentment.  Balance deals with quantity or number in the arrangement, colour and distribution of pattern or plain surfaces.  Balance is the result of equalisation of attraction on either side of a central point.  Balance can be attributed to colours, texture, pattern and light.

There are two types of balance:

Formal Balance and Informal Balance

  Formal Balance:

Formal or symmetrical balance occurs when objects of equal size and weight are placed on each side and at equal distance from the centre.  When they are identical, the balance is symmetrical.

  Informal Balance:

Informal or asymmetrical balance results when objects are arranged in such a way that a large one nears the centre, smaller ones away from the centre.  Both types of balances are attractive.  Formal represents intellect while informal represents feelings.  This also has emotional significances.

3.    RHYTHM:

This is the principle of design that suggests connected movement in a pleasant manner.  It can be obtained through a repetition of light, forms, and colours or through a progression of rise or continuous line movement.  Rhythm is achieved through repetition, progression, transition, opposition and radiation.

4.    EMPHASIS:

It is the principle of design that centres interest on the most important thing in the arrangement in a room. Emphasis may be centred on a painting, fireplace, window treatment or furniture grouping.  All other parts must be subordinated to the interesting point.  It is better to understand emphasised rather than over emphasized.  Emphasis can be created at any point in the room.  Dramatic use of art components creates emphasis i.e. large and unusual forms, different surface patterns, more light elsewhere and unusual texture and contrasting colours.

5.    HARMONY AND UNITY:

It is an expression of an agreeable combination of all the parts that are produced. In other words, if all other elements of design have been combined as per the principles, it inevitably results in unity. Unity and harmony demand that size, shape, textures, colours and ideas are pleasingly related e.g. a copper lamp would look charming in an ethnic arrangement but not in a modern formal one.

Fastest Growing Trends in Hotel Interior Design

. Lobbies envisioned as dynamic multi-use spaces

On Freshome, we’ve seen many hotel projects focused on offering a striking first impression. The importance of entrance lobbies is growing, as social encounters become more and more dependent on this particular hotel area. With the new business traveling trend, hotel lobbies should provide a multi-use space for casual as well as formal talks, working on laptops, plugging in various devices. This means a simple sofa-coffee table arrangement won’t cut it. Creative space segmentation is necessary, providing both intimate and social zones, as well as furniture delivering comfort and functionality. More extravagant entrance features in today’s emerging hotel market include large green walls, indoor waterfalls, large chandeliers and multimedia stations.

Rethinking Guestroom Configurations

No longer is the classic bed-table-locker combo enough to make a hotel room feel inviting. In today’s world guests expect surprises and where else, but away from home. Probably why each interior in the modern hospitality industry is very different from the next. Creative offices for business travelers, interesting looking TV panels and an extra sofa next to the king-sized bed are just some of the key “ingredients” for a trendy hotel room. We’ve also seen color explosions and eclectic decor mixes, which can definitely appeal to guests wanting to experience unique accommodation

Spa-Like Bathroom Features

Bathrooms stopped being perceived as auxiliary rooms, spaces to be minimized, in order to expand living areas. The modern tourist expects more than he gets at home in his journeys. A resort bathroom with spa-like features is an open invite to relaxation and a sure-proof method of alluring guests through the promise of ephemeral luxury. Think en-suite bedrooms, waterfall showers, over-sized bathtubs, his&hers sinks, giant towels, beauty items and plenty of space.

Not Just a Restaurant, But a Destination in Itself

Few hotel restaurants still base their appeal strictly on “practicability”. Cooking is an art and so should be the “exhibition space”. We’ve seen more and more hotel restaurants turned into memorable spaces through design. Themes are highly recommended, pushing creativity to new heights and turning each venue into a destination in itself.

Blurring Indoor-Outdoor Boundaries

Sensory experiences go a long way. This “principle” was well integrated in the array of services offered by modern hotel owners, who struggle to keep the indoor outdoor transition as “ethereal” as possible. Not only are hotel rooms expanded through large decks and terraces, but nature is brought inside in every possible way. Wood paneling, stone decorations, lush greenery, indoor waterfalls- these are just some of the elements employed to release the tension of hotel guests

Green Features

Sustainability is a delicate issue for hotel owners, as they are doing their best to minimize short term costs. But being ahead of the game is important, which sometimes leads to innovative ideas. Over-sized windows for natural lighting, natural building materials, green walls and green roofs, recycling bins for guests, electronic water faucets, locally grown food for cooking and graywater recycling are just a few of the hotel trends for staying green.

Focus on Local Art

It is a real shame that modern architecture usually distances itself from local origins. Sometimes we look at a house on Freshome and its design tells us nothing of its location. Luckily, more and more hotel owners realize that adding local art in their design scheme will improve guests’ perception of the place and create a genuine experience. From small sculptures and photography to large-scale installations, integrating an art project into the image of the hotel could be an easy way to success

Technology Overload

Not everyone is looking for a hi-tech accommodation away from home. On the contrary, people tend to disconnect during holiday time. But more and more hotels focus on keeping guests “plugged in” at all costs. Certainly a good way to go when it comes to business tourism, a technology-friendly room encourages work-flow and in the long run, the guests’ fidelity. New hotels offer the possibility of adjusting lighting, air conditioning and even window blinds through smartphones, which often turns out to be a good business approach. Another trend is placing PC tablets at check-in for printing boarding passes, as well as for ensuring other self-helping processes requiring online connection

Less Pattern, More Color and Texture

When away, you usually have more time for exploring your senses. This is probably why hotel rooms are easily letting go of visually upsetting patterns and embracing texture instead. Giving guests something they can feel and even get lost in can result into a memorable experience, one they will probably want to repeat. Add a few bright colors to animate spaces and a soothing joyful atmosphere is created

Personalized Spaces

It is a fact that the memory of a hotel stays with guests a long, long time if the accommodation experience is unique. With this in mind, hotel owners personalize spaces as never before. Pop-up hotels, and modular hotels are new concepts slowly gaining interest in the industry. Themed guestrooms also have a strong impact, especially when visitors can only try one at a time.

A Home Away From Home

More than anything, hotel rooms should provide comfort, that feeling of a home away from home. No matter how luxurious, technology friendly and weird-themed the room, coziness is a major factor to consider. Wood additions, inspired decorating items, carpets, curtains, a fireplace, a TV set and the possibility to play your guest’s favorite music- all these adds up to a memorable stay.

What are the Key Elements some top Hotel Designers use?

A hotel is not just a place where people stop along the road to sleep until they are ready to head off again. If you run a hotel you are creating a place for people to settle in and establish a temporary home. Whether they are staying for just one night or becoming your guest for an extended period while they are on vacation or on a business trip, your guests want to feel welcomed and understood. They want to feel as though you are not just ushering them through a generic environment, but that you understand their needs and want them to enjoy their time spent with you. This illustrates the importance of hotel design.

Hotel design is about creating all of the areas and rooms within your hotel in a way that carefully develops cohesion and enjoyment without becoming cloying. A skilled Miami hotel designer will address the following areas as they apply to your specific hotel:

Guest Rooms

Of course, the main thing that a hotel guest will be considering is the guest room. This will be where he closes himself off from everything else, relaxes, and enjoys the amenities you have to offer. Hotel design in this area should focus on creating guest rooms that are conducive to rest and comfort. Depending on the style of hotel that you run these rooms can be quite simple or very elaborate. Regardless of the level of luxury within your rooms you should offer a pleasing color scheme, welcoming layout, and thoughtful design elements that will make your guests immediately feel at ease.

Luxury Suites

If your hotel offers special suites for things such as honeymooners or business guests the hotel design will want to speak to the special needs of these valued guests. Honeymooning couples will likely appreciate touches like softer bedding, a bigger bathtub, separate bedroom and living areas, and added amenities such as a space to enjoy special room service offerings or carefully chosen furniture that creates a cozy, romantic ambiance.

Common Areas

While some hotels seem to funnel guests from the front desk to their guest rooms, more distinct establishments offer areas in which guests can socialize and interact or just spend time outside of their guest room. The hotel design in these areas will be dedicated to creating a sense of warmth and welcome, encouraging socialization and unwinding. This also depends on the overall theme of your hotel. While some more modern hotels may lean toward white or bold colors and artwork meant to inspire conversation, cozier bed and breakfasts and old world hotels will likely feature darker colors, large furniture, and even a hospitality center featuring self-serve coffee or evening snacks.

Entertainment Spaces

Hotels are popular destinations for weddings, parties, conventions, and other events. If you want to take advantage of this market you should focus hotel design energy on the look and function of your entertainment spaces. Your designer will likely consider the color scheme, the flow of the rooms, and the features that can help to enhance the entertainment experiences for different clients so that each can enjoy your hotel within their own needs.