The extensive world of surface finishes helps hoteliers embrace a richer ambience at lower cost and easier application
The hospitality industry is a competitive market where hotels need to leave a great first impression. Being updated and designed for a comfortable, yet effective environment, the key to success is having well designed spaces that appeals to guests. The beauty of this environment must be blended perfectly with its utility in order to fully capitalise on the space.
Interior design largely depends on the type of surface finishes used. From lounges and reception areas to suites and dining rooms, each room has a different purpose and hence, a different material requirement. Decorative surfaces offer limitless options for design. They are used in a variety of applications including cabinets, mouldings, countertops, furniture, doors, walls, ceilings and more. Though it is important to begin with a design theme, quality and sustainability are equally important considerations. Versatility, ease of maintenance and cost effectiveness must be closely studied for each material before enveloping it to any surface.
Aditya Kejriwal, director at Garnet Ply, rightly said, “People love to opt for more functional interiors with a lavish appeal. The global choice is influenced by international taste and application. The nominations for state-of-art options include powerful surface finishings and elegant furniture design which reflect a brand presence and eco-consciousness at the same time.”
Both vertical and horizontal surfaces are vulnerable to man and machine traffic in the hospitality segment. Laminates are excellent picks for such environments; they are often selected for their high impact and scratch resistance. Wood veneers work beautifully well in giving a posh look to the interior walls and cabinets. As they cannot fight stains and scratches, it is best located away from areas of potential traffic. A composite hardboard can be used both as a functional and decorative product in high-use public spaces. Thermally sound and moisture resistant grade of board makes for a great choice for areas like bathrooms, kitchen and utility rooms. Each of the plywood boards, hardboards, veneers, etc., can be applied with liquid or powdered sealants and coated with the required finish and texture that support the design strategy.
While wood gives natural-looking indoors with a sophisticated tinge, metallic surfaces continue to leave an endearing impact in the hotel interiors. From solid black industrial looks on walls, ceiling panels and furniture to hues of rusted steel to create a reclaimed and weathered look, it goes a long way in creating inspiring interior scenarios.
Plaster-related surfaces are picking pace yet again. 3D patterns, faux finishes, zany paints, etc., make for a memorable decor statement, one that hoteliers crave for. Fabric and leather are popular choice among hotel owners as they bestow an instant royal appeal. Faux leather made of vinyl, velvet wrapped boards, shimmering textiles, weaved materials etc are making way in designing of plush interior walls and panels of high end hotels.
Globally, the two most important aspects for owners in the hospitality space while developing a property are constructing spaces that offer world class luxury and comfort to the guest and the use of modern construction technology that can save construction time without compromising on performance and aesthetics. Drywalls have become a significant aspect of modern construction in hotels, especially when it comes to wet area surfaces. The mold-resistant paperless gypsum board used in drywalls for wet areas makes way for healthy and hygienic setups in addition to significant quality, cost efficient and eco-friendly hospitality spaces such as bathrooms and spas. Saint-Gobain Gyproc has recently become the first manufacturer in India to receive the ISI mark for its Wada plant by the Bureau of Indian Standards for its robust quality, safety and assurance standards for its Gypsum plasterboards.
Kajaria Ceramics exhibited its latest collection ‘Impressions and Designer’ under its wall tile category. Impressions’ wall tiles are a versatile and have decorative design element that helps you flaunt the designer’s imagination and envisage the style statement on the walls. A collection of this series is available in Reactive and Sugar Hone finish. The Designer Tiles Collection reinterprets beauty in the form of unique and alluring designs. Striking surfaces characterised by engulfing shades ranging from minimalist to over-the-top, Designer wall tile collection is both electric and stunning. Crafted with unique Spanish applications with distinct surfaces that also have an intrinsic metallic finish, these stylish and high quality tiles cater to all tastes and design aesthetics.
Manufacturing brands are pushing the limits when it comes to experimenting with materials to create unique textures and effects for the interiors market. These structured surfaces offers limitless possibilities of pattern, colour and texture, designed to compliment any decor style suitable to the hotels.
