Cultural fusion and diverse elements in hospitality design
Hospitality design brings together so many different cultural influences and design styles where innovation meets tradition to create experiences that are unforgettable. Just as the high-end hotels in London blend classic with modern luxury, hospitality spaces around the world are mixing cultures to stand out in a crowded market. These are more than just a place to relax, they are carefully crafted stories of cultural heritage.
From luxurious textures and bespoke furniture to the latest technology, each hospitality space has its own design that seduces and soothes. One of the ways hospitality businesses deliver such designs is by working with companies like SP3 London that offer hospitality design management services.
We’ll be exploring and showing you some of the trends being delivered across London’s high-end hotels so you can see the luxury in the detail.
Top hospitality businesses that deliver cultural fusion and diverse elements in their spaces
Have you ever walked into a hospitality space like a restaurant and felt like you were in another country? It’s not just the vibe of the place or the type of food that creates that atmosphere, it’s how design elements have been used.
Let’s look at some of the best hospitality companies that mix cultural fusion and diversity in their spaces.
Mandarin Oriental Mayfair
The Mandarin Oriental Mayfair is a luxury hotel that celebrates its Asian heritage through its modern and luxurious approach to interior design. Drawing inspiration from haute couture, this hotel features rich tones of jade, deep red and gold reflecting the colours of prosperity and balance while House of de Gournay hand-painted silk wallpaper is a nod back to the Hotel Group’s oriental heritage throughout the hotel rooms.
The hotel has plenty of bold, abstract works of art surrounding it and Young Hee Back’s art in the restaurant significantly enhances the hotel’s overall cultural and aesthetic experience.
The Mandarin Oriental integrates cultural elegance into its design, seamlessly combining artistic sophistication with functional luxury to create an immersive guest experience.
Nobu Hotel London Portman Square
The Nobu Hotel London Portman Square is a combination of a hotel and restaurant that beautifully fuses together Japanese minimalism with contemporary luxury, offering a serene yet modern experience. The hotel’s interior, designed by Make Architects, seamlessly integrates minimalist design inspired by traditional Japanese aesthetics. The interiors at the Nobu feature clean lines, natural materials like wood and stone, as well as a neutral colour palette to evoke a sense of calm and serenity.
Signature touches include shoji-inspired screens, artful lighting, and understated yet luxurious furniture that reflects the "wabi-sabi" philosophy of finding beauty in imperfection.
The guest experience is elevated through bespoke amenities such as yukata robes, traditional tea sets, and Japanese-inspired toiletries, blending functionality with cultural authenticity. The renowned Nobu Restaurant within the hotel complements this experience, offering Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine served in a sophisticated setting that reflects the brand’s commitment to culinary artistry.
The hotel highlights wellness with its state-of-the-art fitness facilities and spa treatments influenced by Japanese traditions, creating an environment that embodies holistic luxury. Together, these elements make the Nobu Hotel a prime example of how Japanese culture and luxury can coexist harmoniously in a hospitality setting.
Dishoom Restaurant
Indian food is the nation’s favourite cuisine in the UK, but most Indian restaurants tend to look and feel the same. Dishoom recreates the nostalgic charm of 1960s Bombay Irani cafes and features design elements such as Art Deco tiles, vintage photography, whirring ceiling fans as well as marble tabletops to evoke the charm of Bombay in the 60s.
The restaurant is renowned for its rich and diverse menu, which includes signature dishes like the slow-cooked House Black Daal, Chicken Ruby curry, and the famed breakfast bacon naan roll. Beyond its food, Dishoom celebrates inclusivity and cultural diversity, honouring Indian traditions through events like Eid, Diwali, and even Christmas, embodying the communal spirit of the original Irani cafés.
Dishoom evokes the spirit of 1960s Bombay Irani cafés through its nostalgic design and inclusive cultural celebrations, creating a space that seamlessly blends heritage with communal dining.
La Goccia at Petersham Nurseries
Nestled in the heart of Covent Garden, La Goccia is a vibrant, all-day restaurant that exudes rustic Italian charm. Known for its verdant and naturalistic interior, the restaurant features an open kitchen with a wood-fired oven and grill, adding a lively, interactive touch to the dining experience to evoke a sense of real Italian charm.
The restaurant also features outdoor seating in a charming courtyard which is adorned with festoon lighting, ideal for al-fresco dining in the summer months. The venue balances luxury with the casual charm of Italian trattorias, making it a popular venue for all.
La Goccia captures the essence of Italian trattorias with its naturalistic design, open kitchen, and al-fresco courtyard, blending rustic charm with interactive and casual dining.
Conclusion
As the UK’s hospitality sector continues to push the boundaries of interior design, cultural fusion and diverse elements in hospitality design can demonstrate how integration of global influences can create memorable experiences and inclusive spaces. From celebrating heritage through art and architecture to blending culinary traditions with modern aesthetics, these designs help to tell stories, evoke emotions and foster connections.
Hospitality venues that tap into their cultural heritage often become destinations in themselves, appealing to a variety of guests looking for new and authentic experiences.
At SP3 London, we specialise in hospitality design management services to help bring your stories and concepts to life. We work collaboratively with our clients to craft spaces and weave narratives that go beyond functionality to provide memorable and engaging experiences tailored to their brief.
If you’re inspired to create a space that can tell your cultural story and deliver an exceptional guest experience, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your hospitality design journey.
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