The Evolution of Hospitality Design: Trends to Watch in 2025
Frank Boardman, AIA, NCIDQ
Senior Vice President of Sales
The Evolution of Hospitality Design: Trends to Watch in 2025
Frank Boardman, AIA, NCIDQ
Senior Vice President of Sales
Remember when minimalism reigned supreme and beige was the new beige? Those days are fading faster than last season’s color predictions. As luxury hotels compete for guests who crave more than a beautiful space, we’re witnessing a dramatic shift toward richly detailed, emotionally resonant design. The challenge? Creating spaces that don’t just look exceptional but feel exceptional, spaces that justify premium rates while standing the test of time (and the scrutiny of Instagram-savvy travelers).
As we partner with leading designers and hoteliers worldwide, we’re seeing three distinct trends that promise to solve the perpetual puzzle of balancing distinctive luxury with long-term value. Drawing from our 80-year legacy of crafting luxury hospitality furniture, we’ll show you how these trends can transform your spaces from merely photogenic to genuinely unforgettable.
The Rise of Maximalism and Tactile Experiences
Gone are the timid textures and safe neutrals that dominated the last decade. In 2025, luxury hospitality is embracing its maximalist moment. Think deep emerald velvets paired with richly veined marble, chocolate leather warmed by golden accents, and layered textural elements that beg to be touched. This shift is about creating spaces that photograph beautifully and perform flawlessly.
But here’s the plot twist that keeps designers up at night: how do you execute these bold material combinations without sacrificing durability? After all, that stunning velvet sofa needs to look just as luxurious after 1,000 guests as it did on opening day. This is where precision manufacturing becomes your secret weapon. At Mittman, we combine time-tested construction techniques with innovative material technologies to ensure dramatic design choices deliver dramatic durability.
Take, for instance, the rising trend of jewel-toned statement pieces. Designers boldly specify sapphire blues and rich garnets for high-traffic areas, choices that would have been deemed too risky just a few years ago. Through advanced textile engineering and meticulous construction methods, these showstopping pieces now offer the same longevity as their more subdued counterparts. It’s luxury that lasts, engineered down to the last stitch.
A Return to Crafted Luxury
If 2024 whispered about craftsmanship, 2025 is shouting it from the rooftops. We’re witnessing a renaissance of detailed design that makes minimalism feel like a distant memory. Today’s luxury hotel guests seek spaces that tell stories and are willing to pay a premium for authenticity that they can see and feel.
This return to crafted luxury goes beyond adding decorative elements. It’s about creating furniture that feels like it has a soul. Think hand-tufted headboards that create an intimate cocoon, dining chairs with meticulously mapped curves that embrace guests through long conversations, and lobby pieces that become talking points. It’s the difference between a room that says “Nice to meet you” and one that says “You’ve arrived.”
We’re seeing this trend manifest in fascinating ways. Designers request details that would have been value-engineered out of projects just a few years ago. For example, custom metal inlays, hand-carved elements, and complex joinery showcase the craftsman’s touch. But here’s the brilliant part: when these elements are executed with precision, they reduce long-term costs by creating pieces that become more distinguished with age rather than simply looking aged.
Emotional Waypoints Throughout the Guest Journey
When every high-end property has a gorgeous space, what makes yours memorable? In 2025, the answer lies in furniture that choreographs experiences. We’re talking about pieces that transform spaces from static to dynamic, creating what designers call “emotional waypoints” throughout the guest journey.
This approach creates tangible moments that justify premium rates and drive repeat visits. Picture a lobby where modular seating naturally guides guests from check-in to relaxation or restaurant banquettes that create intimate zones while maintaining operational flow. These are furniture pieces that silently orchestrate the guest experience.
At Mittman, innovative designers are pushing this concept further by requesting furniture that adapts to different times of day and varying guest needs. A seemingly simple bar-height table becomes a work of engineering precision, incorporating subtle lighting that transitions from day to night. That stunning curved sofa in your lobby? It’s carefully calibrated to support impromptu business meetings and leisurely cocktail hours, while its materials are engineered to maintain their allure through countless guest interactions.
Where Materials, Craft, and Experience Meet in Luxury Hospitality
As rich materials, crafted details, and experiential design converge, they’re creating spaces that don’t just welcome guests; they welcome them back. The most successful properties will express luxury through what guests see, feel, experience, and remember.
Ready to transform your design vision into reality? Whether renovating a five-star boutique hotel or developing a global luxury brand, Mittman’s team of hospitality furniture experts brings your vision to life. Connect with us today to explore how our precision manufacturing and eight decades of luxury hospitality expertise can elevate your next project.