The design of a hotel or resort influences every facet of the guest experience. To get a sense of where hospitality is headed in the year ahead, we asked interior design leaders to share what they predict travelers will be seeing of more in 2025.
“We’re seeing a shift away from conventional, compartmentalized hotel layouts toward more fluid, purpose-driven spaces. Spaces that were once underutilized—oversized lobbies or redundant amenities—are being reimagined into dynamic, multifunctional areas. Lobbies are no longer just for check-ins; they’re places to eat, drink, work, meet, and socialize.” —Glenn Pushelberg, founder, Yabu Pushelberg
“Accessible luxury. Luxury hospitality is challenging itself to innovate in the personalization of experiences to suit the interests and lifestyle of the evolving guest. We’re noticing a shift toward diversified hotel spaces to simultaneously host and service families, couples, friend groups, and solo travelers. Making luxury available to everyone means a hotel visit will be more than time well spent—it’s an experience to connect with. As professional couples with young children continue to expect accessible luxury for more quality family experiences, we’re going to see this growing market flourish.” —Joanna Breda, design director, IA Interior Architects
“We’ll see a growing interest in more lush and evocative spaces, with a focus on wellbeing and mindful consumption. In-room wellness amenities will become more common, with an emphasis on space for yoga mats, mobile gyms, and circadian lighting. “ —Gray Davis, cofounder, Meyer Davis
“We’re seeing a tension between maximalism and minimalism. We’re layering large-scale patterns on walls with small deep jewel tones, plus highly textured leathers and deep veined colored marbles in guestrooms to give a high luxe layered look. With this over-the-top feeling, curation is key. Placement of ‘wow’ items becomes a focal point, so the space isn’t overwhelmed by sensory overload. Scale of furniture becomes a surprise. On the opposite side with minimalism, we’re seeing tone-on-tone.” —Lori Mukoyama, global hospitality leader + principal, Gensler
“There is a clear move towards authenticity in all aspects of hospitality, and smaller, more personalized service opportunities that feel more tailored or catered to the individual. We’re already witnessing the shift away from food halls and larger communal social experiences—reflecting a desire for more personable one-to-one interactions. We’ll see boutique hotels, for instance, explore individual cabins where operators can curate a specific experience.” —Andrew Lieberman, principal + design director, AvroKO
“Holistic wellness is at the forefront. Quality sleep, health-forward amenities, and well-balanced, healthy alternatives at F&B outlets are all key to today’s hotel industry. Providing elite fitness areas—complete with well-designed sauna and steam rooms, infrared recovery areas, cryotherapy, and ice-baths—are becoming more popular. The traditional spa with treatment rooms is being replaced with co-ed spa experiences, complete with larger communal cold-plunge areas and water experiences.” —Christian Schulz, design director + partner, Studio Collective
“There is a movement in the direction of quiet luxury. As a reaction to the maximalism that has dominated the design space for several seasons, a more refined, simplified design narrative is being embraced, with the idea of creating beautiful, comfortable spaces that are not overly designed but emphasize subtle details.” —Sara Duffy, principal, Stonehill Taylor
“Hotel design will continue to prioritize spaces that cater to a range of guest experiences. F&B spaces will focus on flexibility, with lighting, layout, and ambiance adjusted to transition between breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Hotel bars, in particular, will emphasize versatile seating arrangements and strategic placements to cater to both social gatherings and private moments. The placement of bars will also be key, whether offering a sense of location or creating an interactive focal point within the hotel itself.” —David Buffery, senior design director, Pierre-Yves Rochon
