Getting visitors to select your hotel over another in your local area is all about offering a unique experience. But getting heard in a crowded landscape can be tough. You want your hotel to have a USP but not at the cost of your brand identity and the functionality of the space.

One trend that is taking the hotel industry by storm are residential aesthetics.

What are residential aesthetics and how does it influence hotel design?

Residential aesthetics are a nebulous concept that mean different things to different people. The concept, however, broadly defines an aesthetic that takes elements commonly found in the home environment.

From a visual perspective this includes the types of materials used, colours, furniture, lighting, and spatial arrangements that fuse together to create a warm and welcoming environment.

Key characteristics of residential aesthetics include:

Comfort and warmth – interior designers will focus on adding elements to a hotel that create an inviting atmosphere.
Personalisation – the addition of personal touches that speak to the guest’s taste and preferences are all important with residential design as it can help the guest to feel at home.
Functionality – with many guests using the hotel as a hybrid space, it’s important for designers to prioritise practicality and ease of use. Things like modular furniture are perfect for these spaces.
Natural elements – by using natural materials like wood and stone, it helps to create an inviting feel, just like at home.

What impact do residential-style furnishings have on guest satisfaction?

By creating a home-like atmosphere, residential-style furnishings can improve guest satisfaction. This is because they enhance the element of comfort and relaxation. When hotels add things such as cosy sofas, textured bedding, and inviting lighting, guests feel more at home and welcomed.

This approach to furnishings can help to reduce the corporate and sterile feel that a hotel can have, making the guests feel more at home.

Residential-style furnishings usually come with more considered design and functionalities too and these cater to the needs of guests a lot more than typical hotel furniture. Things like ergonomically designed chairs, multi-functional furniture, and quirky décor contribute to a more pleasant experience.

How important is personal space design in shaping guest expectations?

A well-designed hotel room is important for a positive guest stay. It sets the tone for a stay and impacts the guest’s overall experience. A well-designed layout can make a huge difference to how a guest feels, improving comfort, convenience, and functionality all while ensuring guests feel at home.

Thoughtfully designed hotels that put privacy and comfort at the forefront make guests feel valued and respected. Features such as well-planned room layouts, multi-functional spaces, and ample storage solutions can help to create a sense of calm, reducing any feelings of overcrowding or anxiety and promoting ultimate relaxation.

Personal space design also impacts how guests interact with the hotel and its amenities. A well-designed hotel room with plenty of space, practical yet cosy furniture and good placement of amenities means that guests can easily navigate and use the space, and this can lead to a more positive stay.

Can residential design elements affect the perceived value of hotel accommodations?

Yes – when a hotel adds in home comforts such as cosy furniture, personalised décor, natural materials, and layered textures it can make a hotel feel more boutique. The idea of added comfort and attention to detail can lead guests to believe that the hotel is offering more value for money, and this can mean that higher room rates are justified.

Because residential design elements can make guests feel more at ease, this enhances the hotel’s value as customers are willing to travel back to your hotel for the experience time and time again.

What role does art play in enhancing residential feelings in hotels?

Most guests at your hotel are travelling for a break not too far from their home, but some of them will have travelled long distances for business or pleasure. Artwork can help your guests to feel comfortable away from home.

Adding art pieces such as paintings, sculptures, and photography can give a sense of belonging, similar to what guests may feel at home. Art can also help to add style and character to your hotel, making it feel more intimate and less corporate than many hotel chains.

By opting for artwork by local artists, or that represents the local area, it can help your guests to learn more about the culture of the area and this can be a great way to immerse them in your hotel experience.

How can hotels balance modernity with homely comforts to meet guest expectations?

Smart Home Technology – the use of smart home technology can assist with guests feeling more comfortable and at home as they can control their room to their preferences rather than it being set as a standard by the hotel.
Cosy Furnishings – by using modern furniture designs that include plush furnishings, it can help to make guests feel welcome and really give them that home away from home feeling.
Personalised Décor – the use of artwork and personalised touches in the hotel that reflect its personality can make the space feel unique and intimate which can enhance the guest experience.
Functional Spaces – rooms with multi-functional use that caters to hybrid lifestyles, such as desks with plug sockets and USB ports and cosy reading nooks, can also help to make a hotel feel like a home.
Kitchenette Amenities – by offering kitchen facilities such as coffee machines and kettles in the home, it can make guests feel more relaxed, allowing them to enjoy the convenience of prepping their drinks or food in their room adding a homely touch to their stay.

Conclusion

From the moment a guest steps foot into your hotel, they form an impression based on its aesthetic, design lines and overall atmosphere. Whether it’s a 5* hotel or a smaller boutique guest accommodation, residential design principles can help your hotel to stand out from the crowd by making your guests feel invited and welcome.

If you want to learn how SP3 London can assist with your high-end design project, including design management and other services, contact us today.

How residential aesthetics shape guest expectations?