2019 interior trends in the leisure industry

It matters now more than ever; no longer is great design considered a ‘nice to have’ – it’s at the very heart of what consumers are looking for.

In the current climate, business is fierce – hotels are under threat from the likes of Airbnb, restaurants are losing out to the popularity of delivery apps, and sports facilities can be bypassed in favour of virtual fitness classes. So, the question is, how to tempt consumers through the door. And there’s a simple answer; offer an environment that people actively want to spend time in. What’s that, I hear you cry? What types of interiors do customers really want? Read on to learn more about the 3 most popular design trends in the leisure industry for 2019.

Eco-friendliness

Society’s becoming more aware of our negative effects on the planet. Therefore, consumers are placing far greater importance on environmental impact. The eco-awareness and greenness of the places where they choose to spend their time and money matters.

Designs can be environmentally-friendly – as well as communicating these ideals to customers. Materials chosen can be sustainable, non-toxic, recycled and/or recyclable. Natural materials such as responsibly sourced timber and cork are becoming even more popular, as are materials created by recycling waste products – such as on-trend terrazzo-look plastic sheet. Existing buildings can be adapted and re-used and furniture can be upcycled from other items.

There’s also a focus on the processes, transportation and packaging involved in the creation of interiors, and keeping these as carbon neutral as possible.

Wellness

In general, there’s an increased awareness of mental health and well-being in today’s society – and far greater importance is placed on it than ever before. There’s also far better understanding of how interior design can influence the emotion and wellbeing of occupants.

The benefits of the natural environment on people’s mental health is becoming more widely appreciated too – and has been scientifically proven. The popularity of biophilic design – bringing the natural world indoors – has soared. The use of natural materials, indoor planting, daylight and the replication of natural textures goes far beyond simple design decisions and can really change the way that people feel.

Even seemingly simple considerations, such as wall colour, affect mood. This means that calming, softer colours can be chosen for spas or hotel bedrooms, and more invigorating colours for spaces such as bars or gyms.

Instagrammability

However you personally feel about Instagram – there’s no denying the influence it has – both on the design world and customer expectations. It has an incredible 1 billion users every month – and a great deal of these even use it to choose where they’ll next visit. Not only that, they’ll generally then post a photo of the location that they decide on. Designing to be ‘Instagram friendly’ is a savvy decision, and a lucrative one too. After all, the right ‘look’ can result in endless free marketing.

The key is to consider the space as a series of photo opportunities – with the composition, colours, pattern and furniture all carefully chosen to look visually-striking in photograph form, unique enough to be a novelty and desirable enough to be shared. Think eye-catching colours, one-of-a-kind wall mural backdrops, breath-taking views and bespoke features that appeal directly to Insta-hungry consumers.

These trends are about so much more than a simple ‘look’. They’re underlying principles and values – the design simply communicates these. Sustainability and wellness are important to people in 2019, and will only become more so as the full impacts of neglecting our world and our mental health become clearer. Adopting such principles can benefit not only your business, but your customers – and community. And if they’re also the perfect spot for a selfie, then even better.

If you’re planning an update or a full design overhaul of your business and are interested in including a unique feature wall, then speak to Wall Nuts – specialists in bespoke murals.

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