Vaughann Turnbull, National Sales Manager for GO IN (UK), advises on choosing furniture for the public spaces in hotels.
GO IN sofa system is ideal for a hotel lobby
The ambience of a lobby or reception area plays a vital role in welcoming your guests and helping to ensure that the all-important first impression is a favourable one. The area establishes the look and feel of your hotel and creates an expectation of things to come. If the design and layout is carried out well then anticipation will be heightened. Done badly, however, then the goodwill of your guests could already be partially lost on arrival.
Successful interior design is all about making a statement of intent for your hotel – creating a recognisable difference between you and your competitors so you stand out from the crowd. The continuity of design needs to be maintained throughout the whole hotel – ideally every room should reflect the chosen style. The lobby design introduces guests to your chosen style and gives a promise of what’s to come.
Furniture and its layout plays a key part in interior design, linking the physical space with its occupants. Furniture determines the ambience of an area and how it’s used. Seating can be visually welcoming through its colours and shapes. It can also be physically inviting through the feel of the upholstery and the comfort it offers when seating.
There are many aspects that need to be considered when choosing furniture for public spaces. It needs to play its part in the overall interior design concept; it needs to look good and be comfortable as seating; it needs to utilise the space efficiently; it needs to be durable and practical; and, finally, it needs to be cost-effective. Aesthetics, functionality, comfort and economy are not mutually exclusive objectives.
For hotel lobby use, one of the most practical and flexible solutions is to use a flexible sofa system. These are very cost-effective, they make good use of the available space and can be used in different configurations so the design can be kept refreshed from time to time. They are also very practical and durable – they always look good and require little maintenance. Colours can be mixed and matched to blend with the chosen ambience and upholstery can be selected according to budget. Fabrics, imitation leathers and real leather are all very practical for day to day use and suit a range of budgets.
Matching chairs and stools can be used in the layout to add variety to the seating arrangements. Tables should be appropriate to the use they will be put – low tables are ideal for ad hoc meetings, a quick coffee or a bar snack. Tables are also suitable for the placement of ornaments, lamps or flowers. These all-important decorations can be used to give a friendly, personal touch to these public spaces creating a warm, calm and welcoming ambience.
When planning the area it can be useful to have a 3D visualisation of the space. Design consultants will often be able to supply these visuals – but at a price. If the budget doesn’t stretch this far then some furniture companies also offer this 3D design service. Different combinations of colour, layout and style can be tried on paper before committing to the final design.
An experienced furniture supplier, with an extensive and varied range of products, will be able to help you create the interior you’re looking for. Pricing and discounts can be confusing when comparing furniture between different companies – it may be helpful to find a supplier that clearly displays net prices in its catalogue.
