As the year draws to a close, Faber’s Founder & Creative Director Tony Matters gives a rundown of his top five forecasted hospitality trends.
Well, it’s that time of year again! And I don’t know about you but the 365 days always seem to fly by for me. By the end of December, my thoughts turn to what the future will bring. A time for reflection and inspiration, the post-Christmas hospitality lull is the perfect moment to start working out how to maximise the opportunities that the new year is predicted to present.
To make things a bit easier for you, I’ve put together a bite-sized breakdown of what I think are the most interesting forecasts for hospitality in 2023. So grab yourself a well-deserved drink, put your feet up, and read on!
1. Speakeasies
I've touched on this in a previous blog, and I particularly love that the ‘Roaring Twenties’ trend is making a comeback a century later. I’m fascinated by the secret nature of a speakeasy—a hidden bar that’s accessed through a bookcase, fridge door, or phone box for example—as it’s so interesting from a design perspective. Speakeasies also utilise seemingly dead spaces. And I like the flexibility of diversifying your venture alone or collaborating with a complementary business. With an understandably negative outlook for hospitality at the moment, this trend fills me with the hope that we’ll see people getting over turmoil by partying just as they did in the 1920s!
2. Bleisure
A post-lockdown trend that looks like it’s here to stay is remote working. Traditional business spaces are making way for shared office facilities and the increased use of hospitality venues. The opportunity to optimise your space for both business and leisure is not to be missed—so if you haven’t already, investing in high-speed wifi, charging points, and suitable seating is an easy way to meet this demand. Design is key to blending these two purposes in a way that won’t alienate either type of guest. And fortunately, this is achievable with the right planning, which brings me to…
3. Convivial seating
Another post-lockdown trend that I’m fascinated by is that furniture designers are honouring the (almost lost) art of in-person conversation. ‘Convivial’ seating celebrates getting together in the flesh, I love that it’s been designed so that you get the comfort of a sofa, but don’t have to turn your head to face your companion. I think it would work particularly well in the ‘bleisure’ context described above and predict that this type of seating will become more prevalent amongst forward-thinking hospitality providers.
4. Wellness and wellbeing
If the past few years have taught us anything, it’s that wellness and wellbeing are critical. People are more willing than ever to invest in optimising their physical and mental health and this is something that the hospitality sector is catering for. In addition to healthy menu choices at food and drink venues, and holistic therapy at hotels, design is key to tapping into this trend. Lighting, acoustics, and decor all play an important role in creating the right atmosphere for guests to escape in the moment and truly switch off from the chaos of modern life. We’ve even designed a venue for an independent chain named after the mindful Swedish ritual of ‘fika’, taking a moment to pause and connect with people around you over coffee and cake.
5. Getting personal
There’s no better way to ensure someone feels special than by making the effort to understand the way they like things. Whether that be a Maître d' who knows a diner’s favourite table, a service that allows hotel guests to choose their pillow, or a coffee house that rewards its regulars with a drink of their choice - this approach builds loyalty. Depending on your business culture and size, it may vary from the thoughtful human touch of getting to know your customers’ preferences to investing in technology that empowers them to record their own. And 2023 is predicted to be even more focused on personalisation and customisation as consumers become ever more discerning.
So long 2022!
Well, folks, that’s all from me this year! Hopefully I've got you thinking about some key predictions for the hospitality sector and how your business could exploit them. As always, if you'd like to discuss how Faber can help turn your ideas into reality, don't hesitate to get in touch by calling 0203 393 8403 or emailing info@faber.design.
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