Five hospitality design trends to drive business in 2023

The past three years have been tough on the UK hospitality sector. First there was the Covid pandemic and staff shortages, and now rising inflation, spiralling energy prices, and the cost of living crisis.

As ever, the hospitality industry is rising to these challenges where it can. As we begin 2023, we thought it would be a good idea to take a look at some of the design trends that might help to drive business this year.

Creating an attractive space and ambience can help in keeping your customers satisfied. In this blog post we look at five key trends that we think may influence the look of venues such as pubs, cafes, clubs, restaurants and hotels in 2023.

1. Sustainability

The Steelcase Flex Perch, made from 100% recycled material. Photo credit: Steelcase.com

The need for a more sustainable approach within the hospitality industry is well recognised and much work has already been done.

The trade body UK Hospitality working with the Zero Carbon Forum and other stakeholders has laid out ambitious plans to achieve net zero carbon across all supply chains by 2040. A road map to help companies achieve this target is in progress.

When it comes to commercial furniture, manufacturers are striving to reduce the environmental impact of their processes and materials. And there’s a lot of interest in ‘carbon neutral’ or ‘carbon negative’ furniture. The focus on using sustainable, naturally renewable materials such as wood and bamboo, as well as steel, aluminium and recycled polypropylene.

We stock many tables, table tops and chairs made from sustainable wood, as well as steel and aluminium. And the tables in our Carter range of dining tables are made with a sturdy steel frame supporting a hard-wearing top made from 100% recycled plastic.

And with the Steelcase Flex Perch, American furniture manufacturer Steelcase has used BASF’s innovative ChemCycling™ process to create furniture from an innovative new process. The Flex Perch stool is the first furniture product made from waste derived from electronics production. This handy, stackable stool is made from 100% recycled material and won the German Ecodesign Award 2022.

2. Making the most of outdoor spaces

In our blog post Top Trends for 2020 That Will Influence Commercial Interior Design we suggested that outdoor spaces will become increasingly important to the hospitality industry. Little did we know just how accurate our crystal ball gazing would turn out to be!

The Covid pandemic and all the associated rules on social distancing led to hospitality venues being very creative in their use of available outdoor spaces. Tables and chairs sprang up on pavements, car parks and even closed off-roads.

We also saw the rise of igloos or ‘dining pods’ which allowed a group of diners to remain (literally) in their own bubble. Many venues have retained these as customers like the privacy and cosiness when dining outdoors. 

This trend is clearly going to last. So choosing good quality commercial outdoor furniture to complement these spaces will be important. We have a huge range of outdoor furniture from great value coffee shop chairs and tables to high end fine dining sets.

4. Food + Entertainment = Cultural halls

Escape From Freight Island, Manchester. Photo credit: depotmayfield.com

Shared dining in food halls is well established and always popular for both customers and traders alike. Customers like the variety of choice on offer and the relaxed, social atmosphere. And food vendors benefit from exposure to a larger footfall. Some restaurants have pop-up stalls in food halls.

The latest trend in this area is the rise of the cultural hall, where it’s not just food and drink that’s on offer. Forward thinking spaces such as Arcade in London or Escape From Freight Island in Manchester show what can be achieved if you add live music, DJs, and events to the mix. It gives the traditional food hall an extra dimension and is proving to be a popular way of attracting customers.

5. Colour, shape and texture

Photo credit: Pantone.com

Last but not least. We cannot overlook the impact of Pantone’s Colour of Year 2023. Viva Magenta is a strong, vibrant colour and it will be interesting to see how designers and furniture manufacturers respond to it.

It can be used as a statement wall colour and will make a great backdrop to showcase dining furniture in neutral tones such as grey and ivory. Magenta shades also work well as chair upholstery colours – adding a real pop of energy to a room.

Warner offers a great range of contract quality faux leather upholstery colours for customers who want bespoke commercial furniture to enhance their interior design. The plum colour of our range comes close to magenta – see our Armagh High Back Chairs to get an idea of its impact.

Easy on-line ordering and fast delivery

Warner Contracts Limited supplies a vast range of standard and bespoke commercial furniture for indoor and outdoor use. Browse our website for inspiration and then order the products, colours and quantity you need on-line, quickly and easily.

Most of our stock is sourced here in the UK, so our standard delivery time is just 3-5 working days. We can also arrange an express delivery in just 24 hours for an extra fee. Bespoke goods can take between 2 and 8 weeks to deliver.

Our expert and friendly staff are happy to help advise on the best products for different venues. Call us on 0161 408 2390 or email us for a quote at: [email protected].