Firm Interior Design and the Use of Colour in Hotels and Hospitality

Colour is not just a visual tool in interior design; it plays a crucial role in shaping experiences, perceptions, and emotions. In hotels and hospitality interiors, the strategic use of colour by a firm in interior design can significantly enhance the guest experience, creating environments that feel welcoming, comfortable, and tailored to specific needs. Whether it’s in the warmth of a hotel entrance, the calming hues of a guest room, or the professional yet inviting atmosphere of an event space, colour plays a part in making a memorable first impression and ensuring guests feel at home.

Here, we’ll explore how colour influences hotel interiors, focusing on key areas where colour choices make a real impact.

The Impact of Colour on Perceived Space in Hotel Rooms
The psychology of colour is well-known in the world of interior design, and in hotel rooms, it can be especially influential. The colour scheme of a room directly affects how a guest perceives its size and atmosphere. Lighter tones such as whites, creams, and pastels can make a small space feel more expansive, while darker colours like deep blues, greys, and rich browns create a sense of intimacy, making larger spaces feel cozier and more inviting.

By incorporating the right colour palette, a firm doing interior design can manipulate the perception of space in hotels, making a room feel more comfortable and aligned with the desired experience. For example, smaller boutique hotels with limited room sizes can utilise light shades and mirrors to create an illusion of space, enhancing the guest’s comfort without overwhelming them with a cramped environment.

At the same time, larger suites can benefit from the use of deeper tones to enhance warmth and reduce the feeling of emptiness. The goal is to use colour as a tool to match the space’s function, whether that’s creating a tranquil retreat or a lively, energising environment.

The Role of Colour in Creating a Welcoming Atmosphere at Hotel Entrances
The first impression is vital in the hospitality industry, and the entrance area is where it all begins. Colour plays a significant role in creating that initial welcoming atmosphere. The lobby or entrance sets the tone for the entire guest experience, with colour being a key element in how guests perceive the space.

Warm colours such as oranges, reds, and yellows can create a welcoming and energising environment, making guests feel at home as soon as they step inside. These hues are known to evoke warmth, excitement, and positivity, which is particularly useful in spaces where you want guests to feel instantly relaxed and comfortable.

On the other hand, cooler tones like blues and greens are often associated with luxury, calmness, and sophistication. Many high-end hotels opt for these tones at the entrance to create a serene and elegant atmosphere that invites guests into a peaceful environment. In some cases, a combination of both warm and cool tones can be used by a interior design firm to strike the perfect balance between welcome and luxury, ensuring that the guest experience begins on the right note.

Colour Strategies for Eco-Friendly Hotels
Sustainability is a key concern in today’s world, and many eco-conscious hotels are incorporating natural elements in their design to reflect their commitment to sustainability. Colour plays a pivotal role in this process, with green, earthy tones such as soft greens, browns, and warm neutrals commonly used to promote a natural and eco-friendly atmosphere.

An interior design firm is aware that these colours help to create a calming environment that aligns with sustainability values, promoting relaxation while also reinforcing the hotel’s eco-conscious brand identity. Earthy hues evoke the natural world, creating a connection to nature and enhancing the guest experience by promoting relaxation and well-being.

Moreover, green and neutral tones have been shown to reduce stress and improve mental health, which can have a direct impact on the guest’s overall satisfaction with their stay. As sustainability continues to be a growing priority, colour choices that reflect eco-friendly design principles will remain crucial in shaping a guest’s experience in green hotels.

Colour in Hotel Conference and Event Spaces
Conference and event spaces within hotels serve a dual purpose: to provide a professional environment while also offering comfort for guests who may be attending long meetings or events. The right use of colour in these spaces is essential to balance both aspects effectively.

Neutral tones such as greys, blacks, and whites are often used in conference rooms to maintain a professional atmosphere. However, adding accent colours, like warm oranges or blues, can soften the environment, making it more comfortable for guests. These colour choices help create an inviting yet functional space that encourages focus, creativity, and collaboration without sacrificing comfort.

The key for an interior design firm is finding the right balance—colours that encourage productivity without making the space feel cold or sterile. For example, a muted colour scheme with pops of vibrant colour can offer a refreshing contrast that energises guests, while still maintaining the space’s professional appearance. The strategic use of colour ensures that these spaces feel as welcoming as the rest of the hotel, providing an optimal environment for both business and leisure guests.

Conclusion
Colour is much more than a design element in hospitality interiors—it’s a tool that shapes the guest experience. By using colour strategically in different areas of a hotel, designers can enhance perceived space, create welcoming environments, and evoke the right emotions in guests. Whether through the calming tones in hotel rooms, the welcoming hues at the entrance, or the eco-friendly colours of sustainable hotels, every shade has a purpose.

At Turnkey Interiors, we specialise in creating hospitality interiors that balance aesthetic appeal with functional design. If you’re looking to transform your hotel’s atmosphere, get in touch today and we’d be happy to help bring your vision to life.