
Activate Hotel Lobbies through Design
The lobby is the beating heart of any hotel. It’s where guests check in and out, meet up with others in their group, and take a breather between activities. Naturally, you want to make sure this area is open and inviting.
There are plenty of hotel lobby design trends that can help you to create a front-facing area where guests want to linger. Here are a few you’ll want to work into any modern design plan.

Play into the Versatility of the Space
Guests can lounge in privacy in their rooms, but there’s ostensibly more space in the lobby and more opportunities to socialize. Emphasize both by creating zones and destinations, utilizing modular seating or groupings of sofas and chairs, a café corner or beverage station, and kiosks or pop-up shops where guests can get snacks, souvenirs, and more.
Cater to Groups of Varying Sizes
A hotel lobby is both a thoroughfare and a lounge, and this can present a challenge in laying out the space, as the two functions may seem to be at odds. However, they share a common thread: the potential for socialization. With this principle at the root of your design, you can create a layout optimized for social interaction.
Circulation paths that navigate to key destinations can offer opportunities for gathering along the way. Flexibility in product configuration and type provides a variety of space settings for people to utilize.
Consider lounge chairs in small groups of two to four for more intimate settings, as well as benches or banquettes that can serve larger crowds.
Adding a smattering of side and occasional tables that are easy to move allows some measure of customization for group seating and hotel lobby furniture that encourages visitors to use the area as a social gathering spot.
Create Instagrammable Spaces
Selfies aren’t just for the teenage crowd – everyone with social media (i.e., everyone) wants to post pics of their vacation, special events such as weddings or family reunions, or even team meetings for corporate events. Make the lobby a destination by setting up a selfie station.

Succulent walls are a popular backdrop, as they’re beautiful, lush, and easy to care for, while murals and curated wall art installations require even less maintenance and add creative flair.
However, you might want to think about what makes the space a unique destination and include supporting elements in your design. Hire a local artist to create a custom display or feature iconic images of local landmarks, for example.
If you’re worried about disturbing other guests, simply set up freestanding screens or partial room dividers to create a private space for guests snapping pics. You might even consider going all out with a ring light on a tripod, complete with a phone stand to capture group shots.
By observing this modern hotel lobby interior design trend, you can make your lobby a destination in and of itself.
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