Hospitality Trends for Twenty Two
2022 has begun and we couldn’t be more excited! It is BLOK’s first full year as a design company and a whole lotta great things are coming! We are so grateful that we get to live such creative lives. Our passion for design fuels us each day to imagine and create beautiful experiences for our clients. We are starting off the new year with some exciting trends to watch out for, sharing some favorites in hospitality design that have remained strong and others that are leading the way this new year.
2022 has a lot to offer, lets take a look…
Brown & Terracotta Tones
Maison Francois - Designed by John Whelan
This year’s color palette must include brown and terracotta tones. We love to see a design filled with such warmth. It immediately feels comfortable. These gorgeous earthy hues keep the design & atmosphere grounded, and give you a warm design hug. No wonder these colors are so popular this year!
Curvy Furniture
By ArtPartner Architects
Give us alllll the curves! As we move away from straight lines and minimalist furniture, interiors are beginning to feel more organic. New furniture pieces are being designed to be softer and cozier. Rounded edges and bold sculptural pieces show off what we can expect for furniture design this year. Mix this style with some linear accents in millwork or flooring patterns and it makes for a very dynamic, yet balanced design.
Biophilic Design
SUSHISAMBA - London
Biophilic Design is the practice of connecting people and nature within our built environments and communities. Bringing the outside in has been popular for quite some time, and this year is no exception. The benefits of incorporating plant life into a space goes far beyond the aesthetics. There are many positive psychological and environmental effects that are directly linked to the exposure to plants and nature. We believe Biophilic Design is here to stay, and we can’t wait to show you some of our Biophilic design elements coming later this year!
Stunning Shades of Leather
Cortina Leathers - Allora, A Virginia Langley Collection
Leather in all it’s glory! And all of the beautiful shades it comes in. This will be a top material choice for 2022. We loved the velvet trend, and we are still not over it, but leather is looking good offering stunning hand crafted designs. We love seeing a worn aged leather in contemporary restaurants… or really any style restaurant. Keep an eye out for some of our custom booth designs this year. A ton of leather coming your way!
Consumer Nostalgia
Empire Diner - Designed by Nemaworkshop
We are suckers for some nostalgia and this year is all about those touch points. Designing a space that feels modern, yet familiar, and has details that your guests will always remember will truly set your establishment apart from the rest. Old fashioned menus, mod-style seating, or vintage napkin holders all add those touch point moments. Good design is more than just the materials and finishes, it is the entire customer experience!
Open Concept Kitchens
KOJO Sarasota, FL - BLOK Design Group
Open concept kitchens are one aspect of restaurants that have been gaining popularity over the years. It is all about the customer experience and what a better way to enhance that experience than an open kitchen concept. The art of food preparation and all the senses it ignites makes your guests feel like they are part of the action! As designers, we make sure we focus on the proper kitchen materials and finishes just as much as any other area of a restaurant.
The Total Brand Experience
Image from KOJO Restaurant - Sarasota, FL
In today’s hospitality industry, offering your guests the total brand experience is imperative. From the moment you are greeted, holding the menu in your hands, unique cocktails, unexpectedly playful restrooms, and beyond, there must be brand touch points for an experience to remember. Many restauranteurs are stepping up their game by elevating the art of food and beverages. This makes for great “instagramable” moments that are invaluable for your marketing edge! Designing an environment that holds true to the brand experience is what we do and we don’t think this “trend” will be leaving us…EVER! Designers and restauranteurs teaming up on the brand experience makes for hospitality magic!