Top Trends for 2020 That Will Influence Commercial Interior Design

As the end of the year approaches, we thought we’d indulge in a bit of crystal ball gazing. What will 2020 bring in terms of interior design trends? And how is this likely to influence the look of pubs, cafes, restaurants, hotels and other hospitality venues?

When it comes to hospitality design, creating a unique look is key to achieving business success. Increasing competition from home delivery companies such as Uber Eats and Deliveroo, means that cafes and restaurants need to offer more than just great food. Discerning consumers are looking for more of an ‘experience’ when they dine out.

And earlier this year at The Pub Show, a report was released that revealed what pub goers really want. Survey participants were asked to list the most important factors influencing their choice of pub. ‘Atmosphere’ was by far the most common answer, followed by a ‘decent outdoor space’, ‘interior design’ and ‘good background music’.

Hotels aren’t immune from the changing demands of customers either. Hotel lobbies are becoming less like waiting areas and more like modern living rooms and spaces to socialise in. These so-called ‘lifestyle lobbies’ focus on providing a personalised experience for travellers.

In this blog post we look at four key trends that we think will impact the interior design of commercial interiors over the coming year.

The Instagram Factor

There is no escaping the fact that venues need to consider their Instagram ‘worthiness’ as a key part of their design. Our previous blog post about Boosting Your Venue’s Instagram Appeal looked at this phenomenon.

Apparently young people (18-35 year-olds) now spend the equivalent of five days a year browsing food images on Instagram. And many will base their decision on which restaurant to book based on its Instagram presence.

So being Instagram ready is now a key requirement for bars, cafes restaurants and hotels.  This means paying careful attention to colours, lighting, furniture, and creating photogenic spaces.

Sustainable Materials

Concerns about sustainability and the environment will continue to have a huge impact on all areas of the hospitality sector. The industry has already taken important steps to reduce the use of plastics in food service. In 2020, we’re likely to see greater demand for recycled and sustainable commercial furniture.

Ten years ago the the British Furniture Manufacturers Association produced a report on a two-year study into Zero Emmissions From Office, Contract and Kitchen Funiture. Recommendations included procuring more sustainable materials, cleaner design, and greater recycling of materials into new furniture.

It’s not surprising then that one of the major factors influencing interior design trends for 2020 is ‘Zero waste’.  Expect to see a greater use of raw and unfinished materials as well as upcycled and recycled materials.

Examples of familiar materials that are already ‘eco-friendly’ include concrete, brick, cork and natural wood. We already see these materials used widely for flooring and structural elements.

Other materials that might become more prevalent for soft furnishings and upholstery include: raw/organic cotton, calico, bamboo, jute, hemp, ramie and linen.

Biodegradable Chip(s) Board made from potato peelings. Photo credit: Dezeen.com

We were intrigued to learn about an innovative new material made from potato peelings that can be used as a substitute for single use chip board and medium density fibreboard (MDF).

MDF is widely used in furniture manufacture and is the base for many laminate materials used in table tops, But it contains formaldehyde and other toxic resins and chemicals. And some 140,000 tonnes of MDF is disposed of or incinerated every year.

By contrast, the new wood substitute material – called Chip[s] Board – is fully biodegradable and non toxic. Innovations like this will have a huge impact on reducing the environmental impact of the hospitality industry.

Colour Palettes

The use of colour in interior design schemes is always evolving. Anyone remember the hideous orange and brown era of the 1970s? Colours come in and out of fashion and seem to reflect the general mood of society.

So, it’s interesting to know that one of the most on-trend colours of the moment is green. In September, paint manufacturer Dulux announced Tranquil Dawn (a pale green) as their colour of the year for 2020, saying:

“As 2020 is the start of a new decade, it’s a fresh start. A new dawn. In an increasingly hectic and digital world, there is a desire for meaning and kindness. So, inspired by the colours of the morning sky, our colour experts have created an inspiring new shade, Tranquil Dawn.”

The themes of well-being, comfort and sustainability are widespread in the world of interior design and do seem to be leading towards colour palettes and textures that connect people with nature.

For instance, 2020Spaces.com predicts that in the coming year, we’ll see a lot more of these colours: olive green, golden yellow, light pink, mango, champagne, navy blue, dark red and charcoal.

And earlier this year at the influential Milan Design Week a similar range of colours were shown for 2020. These included: champagne, lemon yellow, pumpkin red, fuschia, sky blue, terracotta, olive green, and pale purple.

Expect to see designers using contrasting colours and textures – for instance deep blue and terracotta, as seen in the Milan Design Show setting below.

Contrasting bold colours at Milan Design Week. Photo credit: ItalianBark.com

Use of Outdoor Space

One of the key trends for restaurants, cafes and bars is the use of any outdoor space to create attractive, comfortable spaces. Courtyards, garden terraces, and roof spaces have become increasingly popular in the UK and can be used year round – helped, no doubt, by the introduction of portable heaters.

Make the most of any outdoor space to keep customers happy. Photo credit: Pixabay.com

Careful choice of lighting and style of furniture is clearly important with outdoor spaces. Warner Contract Furniture is a specialist supplier of a wide range of contract quality outdoor commercial furniture.

We can supply complete tables and dining sets as well as a huge range of durable, weather resistant and stylish dining chairs, armchairs, bar stools, benches plus table bases and table tops.

Whatever way the design trends go, we can help you to keep your customers happy and comfortable. Our outdoor furniture range is manufactured from contract quality aluminium, teak, rattan and polypropylene in a wide range of colours and styles. Many items are stackable for easy storage.

So … goodbye 2019 – here’s to 2020!

How We Can Help

If you’re thinking about a new look for your bar, cafe, restaurant, hotel or activity centre then get in touch. Our friendly sales team has the know-how to help you find the best contract furnishing solution for your particular needs.

We are continually adding new products to our range but if you can’t find what you’re looking for let us know. Our commercial furniture contacts and in-house team relish a challenge and we are happy to provide bespoke solutions.

Standard delivery time is just 3-5 working days as we source the majority of our stock within the UK. We also offer an express service which delivers in just 24 hours.

Call us on 0161 408 2390 or email our sales department sales@warnercontracts.com to get a quote.

Posted by Warner Blogger in Tips & Advice