SurfaceSet® 2020 Inspires Memorable Hospitality Designs 

Formica Group’s international design team spent months conducting extensive style and design research to craft this exciting new line of highly durable products in beautiful colors, patterns and woodgrains.

Creating Unforgettable Experiences for Visitors and Guests

Architects and designers in the hospitality industry seek to create fresh, inviting spaces that infuse functionality, comfort and beauty. Whether visitors to the property have been there many times or have just arrived to explore a new city, the role of design in hospitality is critical to the overall experience.

Adam Stover, IIDA, NCIDQ, is a Senior Interior Designer, Director of Product Development, and Principal at Populous in Kansas City, Mo. “Our focus has always been to design spaces that draw people together,” he said, noting that many Populous projects are in the arena design space for professional and collegiate sports teams. “There’s a definite directive to create intimate, one-on-one experiences like what people have at home, and our designs are an extension of that,” he said, adding that there continues to be a residential push and influence in public spaces, which the industry calls ‘resimercial’ design. He’s also drawing from industrial inspiration right now and sees design being informed by menswear details, such as clean tailoring and tight patterns with a linear quality.

 
Adèle Rankin, Principal at CHIL Interior Design in Vancouver, specializes in hospitality design for upper-end hotel properties, including the restaurants and associated spaces they encompass. “People look to hospitality for design inspiration in their own homes, and we need to be as future-forward as possible while fulfilling people’s needs while they’re traveling.” She also said that overall there’s a focus on lighter, airier design. “Hotels have gone from being a place you sleep while traveling to being so much more. Think of the lobby. It used to just be where you’d check in. Now, if it’s done well, it becomes a community hub where guests can take a break from a conference or lounge with a drink. This solves the problem of where to hang out while traveling and can embody the culture of the city,” she said.

“Experience and authenticity are the keys to hospitality design today,” Rankin said, elaborating that “Every part of the design needs to be authentic to the city, particularly as the market is becoming more competitive with options like Airbnb. Our clients have an appetite now to do things that are more ‘uncomfortable’ when it comes to design elements. There’s less focus on neutral colors and soft patterns because being bold and having a specific voice helps them define their brand. It’s okay to be unique and quirky because it becomes memorable to the guests,” she said.

Stover agrees; it’s the unexpected moments that leave a person excited about the next visit. When it comes to arenas, the facilities are often used daily, and patrons become familiar with them. “Creating a rich environment and story that will stand the test of time is important,” he said. “These venues need to be fun and entertaining. As designers, we always need to ask ourselves, ‘How can we allow the experience to evolve? What types of stories can our design and surfacing choices tell?’”

Balancing Functionality and Beauty with Formica^® Laminates

Hospitality designers look for durable, interesting surfaces that will last for years and provide functional, easily cleaned surfaces.

Pattern:
“Pattern is key when it comes to surfacing, and geometric shapes and neoclassical designs are at the forefront right now,” Stover said. He also suggests custom-designed surfaces for some of his clients. “With today’s technology you can create any pattern or image. The sky’s the limit to creating that story, and laminate allows you to tell it.”

Color:
Stover and Rankin both agree there’s a lot of variation in the colors being used, with Stover noting an overall trend toward jewel tones. “Color can have a strong influence on design preferences,” he said. “Our clients need to tie the space back to their team colors and weave them into their story.”

Easy to Clean, Antimicrobial and Chemical Resistant:

“We always have to review the surfaces we suggest with the hotel’s operators so they can be sure their housekeeping teams can get in and out of rooms quickly,” Rankin said. “They love laminates, particularly in the bathrooms.” Stover says that antimicrobial surfacing that resists scratches and can be repaired with thermal healing is a common request, particularly for sports training facilities. He also uses a lot of solid-core surfaces in retail areas for a high-end look where color goes all the way through. In addition, he said, “Chemical resistance is important. It’s hard to control what cleaners will be used over time.”

Durability:
Stover says that surfaces need to retain the original crispness of the look and last at least five to seven years. High pressure laminates accomplish this by resisting impact and holding up to everyday wear and tear.

Woodgrains:
“Laminate is now a very viable alternative to custom millwork due to its price point and overall aesthetic,” Rankin said. “It has the durability of nails but the look of something five star.” She said that particularly for woodgrain surfaces such as furniture, rings from glassware just aren’t a problem with laminate.

Inspiring the Guest Experience with Formica^® Brand Laminates in Hospitality

Formica^® Brand products can enhance the guest experience through a myriad of inspiring applications throughout the space. They are ideal for applications such as countertops, casework, millwork, wall panels, cabinets, furniture, privacy partitions, handrails, and much more. 

The SurfaceSet^® 2020 laminate collection offers ease of maintenance with over 30 new Formica^® Laminate colors, patterns, and woodgrain designs that will energize your next project. These complement our wide range of existing products, giving you and your customers a wide array of options.

Everform™ Solid Surface:
These durable, seamless surfaces can be shaped into a variety of design concepts. Their non-porous structure also makes them hygienic and water-resistant.

ColorCore^®2 laminates:
Create a striking effect with color that goes all the way through for crisp, clean surfaces that resist stains.

Formica^® Markerboard:
Enable guests and staff to communicate or show their fun sides with high-gloss dry-erase surfaces ready for doodles, reminders and messages.

Formica^® Chalkboard:
Inspire creativity in common areas or guest rooms with colorful chalk and a wall ready for artwork and memories.

Formica^® Compact Structural Laminate:
Bring in interesting design elements that add strength and functionality to restroom partitions and cabinetry in a variety of spaces.

DecoMetal^® Metal Laminates:
Add modern visual intrigue with alluring metals and sleek textures that can be used to create feature walls, fixtures, furniture and displays.