What will hospitality interiors look like in 2022?

As part of our series of design in 2022, Run for the Hills co-founder Anna Burles offers her view on what might happen in hospitality interiors over the next year.

By Molly Long

January 11, 2022
12:10 pm

January 11, 2022
12:10 pm

What do you think 2022 will hold for hospitality interiors?

We’ve been through such a topsy turvy couple of years, but what we’ve learned is that design creativity and trends don’t stop for anything, they just react to a crazily changing world. So here are my predictions:

Deck the walls: An explosion of wallpaper is going to be one of the key trends this year with as people wanting something more vibrant in their spaces. Wallpaper is one of the most transformative tools in an interior designers tool-kit and we love using it. We’ve started experimenting with multiple patterns within a space, in the same way that we comfortably layer multiple fabrics. The ‘clash’ doesn’t need to be boldly colourful, it could be softly monochromatic, utilising similar shades and tones, but in different patterns.

Limewash forever: We think 2022 will see the emerging limewash paint trend continue, adding layers of textural interest to walls. A limewash wall gives much greater ‘storytelling’ than simple crisp paint. We’re currently playing with two-tone lime shades and ombre effects in our projects. Crisp art and mirrors hung on top of limewash walls adds a sharp, tailored touch, foil to the vintage-ness of the wall paint.

Eco cool: I’m also excited to see what 2022 brings on the eco front, with an ever-stronger movement towards making design choices based on sustainability (not just from the materials we use but supporting kinder-to-the-planet furniture and homewares brands). Lots of high street retailers are adding eco-information to their product ranges and if we all make conscious choices to purchase the sustainable-option, made from bamboo, mango wood or other Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) approved wood, then more and more brands will do it, increasing choice and bringing down prices.

New rules have also come in which require light makers to make it easier to mend their products when they break, so we should reward companies championing this change. We also love using vintage in our design projects and that’s another great way to source speedy and good quality products locally. The supply chain has been tricky this year; with more products being delayed or arriving with faults, so we, like lots of other design studios have been looking towards purchasing more locally, here in the UK. So we think there will be more vintage in food and beverage (F&B) spaces going forward in 2022 for the same reason. Getting a lovely vintage chair re-upholstered in a recycled fabric is cooler and far more eco-friendly than risking something cheap being shipped from half-way across the world.

What is your favourite hospitality interior design project from 2021 and why?

We’re huge fans of Kelly Wearstler’s work so we were excited to see her new openings this year. She’s got a unique, quite avant-garde style which still feels comfortable and welcoming. We love her pattern clash use of textiles and materials in her work for the Proper Hotel in Downtown LA. Amazing, inspirational design, which proves that originality is still king.

There have also been so many wonderful examples of great F&B design this year. With the best hitting the mark not just for the aesthetics of the space, but the way the front of house team welcomes you, how knowledgable they are about the menu and provenance of the ingredients. A really key part of the ‘experience’ is seeing the chef’s team at work through open-kitchen windows and theatre grills flaming close to your table like Bondi Green’s 3m charcoal robata grill, creating flame filled drama throughout the dining room.

Whatever happens, next year is destined to be another monumental year of flux and that usually brings with it incredible displays of creativity and entrepreneurial ingenuity. So we’re sure to see a raft of amazing new products and interiors, which feel perfect for where the world is, right here, right now.