Top Takeaways & Design Trends from BDNY 2017
Once again, the annual Boutique Design New York (BDNY) fair did not disappoint — this year’s industry event featured over 600 companies showcasing their selection of statement-making interior design products for hotels, restaurants, spas, and casinos. And Parterre was there for it all — both to showcase the latest in our luxury vinyl flooring products and to review the latest trends in hospitality design.
From luxury flooring and furnishings to stylish textiles and lighting, BNDY 2017 featured both traditional and non-traditional trends taking over the hospitality industry. The following highlights the top BDNY trends of 2017:
Start with a Good Canvas
Designers today are using hospitality spaces as a canvas for inspiration — and it starts with selecting the right flooring and design aesthetic.
Luxury vinyl, for example, is becoming a popular flooring choice in the design industry. A highly stylish and durable flooring option, luxury vinyl is replacing the more commonplace carpet product found in hospitality spaces — most particularly in hotel guest rooms and other common areas.
Using luxury vinyl designs as either the focal point or a canvas for additional design elements to thrive, this approach is creating opportunities not only in resting quarters, but also in the lobbies, restaurants and lounge area spaces. But it isn’t just because of the versatile design attributes. Luxury vinyl flooring is also becoming an emerging design trend because it’s easier to clean and maintain than other flooring options.
Previewed at BDNY, Tela is our newest luxury vinyl tile design set to launch in 2018. With its woven-like design and authentic texture in an 18″ x 36″ x 3mm format, Tela luxury vinyl tile offers a neutral canvas for inspiring design freedom within interior spaces. Ranging from a palette of gray tones to expressive hue variations, Tela’s nine colors are versatile, ultimately enhancing the design of any commercial space. For the latest updates on Tela, follow Parterre on Instagram: @parterreflooring
Experimenting with Colors
If there was anything that stood out at BDNY 2017, it was the use of color. All throughout the event it was evident that the use of accent colors is becoming a playful way to bring energy to a hospitality space — much more than in years past.
While the always soothing hues and jewel tones are still in fashion and high demand, creating energetic environments by balancing playful pops of color with a neutral palette is becoming especially popular in the hotel sector — most notable in brands with a focus on a millennial consumer base.
BermanFalk, a manufacturer of custom hospitality furniture, displayed a monochromatic palette with hints of vibrant yellow in its furniture selection to showcase a lively room concept.
Whether it was furnishings, textiles or accessories, the use of color accents in the design approach will become a growing trend to watch within the hospitality industry.
Mixing Textures is a Must
Layering different textures and mixing design elements help to create a mood and experience within a space. Whether it’s various fabrics combined in a seating area or finishes including a mix of stone, marble, woods, and metallic – don’t be afraid to play.
Brentano, an internationally-known textile house, displayed an eclectic mix of textiles from a quilted-like blue velvet pattern to soft-hued and neutral linens.
Gabby, a leader in the home furnishings industry specializing in transitional furniture and lighting, displayed a chic and whimsical common space setting combing different textural elements from linen and velvet covered seating in various hues of green, paired with an art deco coffee table in an ember-like wood finish and gold embellishments.
“Gabby designers put a hint of the unexpected in each of our pieces,” said Don Smith, Vice President of the Gabby’s Contract division. “We like to mix materials in unique ways to create a sophisticated, transitional look which was displayed throughout our BDNY showroom.”
The mix and match design approach, done the right way, helps create a more natural and almost lived-in space. This hospitality trend is also finding itself in flooring design and layouts — as more and more hotels are embracing luxury vinyl tile for its all natural-looking qualities and various design options from wood plank looks to stone and metallic finishes. Combining the look of different elements as well as with other materials, like a decorative area rug, creates depth and intrigue within a room whether the design is intended to be sleek and contemporary or a more traditional setting.
Non-Traditional Design Trends are Trending
The look of luxury and mid-century modern has always been a mainstay. However, more non-traditional styles — think Scandinavian— are beginning to take over the hotel design space. This design approach, which was most notable in the furniture on display, invites a collaboration of clean lines and soothing, yet fun colors
MexaDesign, a design studio in Guadalajara, Mexico, showcased an impressive collection of colorfully-designed chairs in using a woven construction unique to most traditional furniture pieces.
Sandler Seating displayed several stunning chair designs, particularly this Scandinavian style curved armchair with upholstered seat on wood frame.
Make Wood Finishes a Focal Point
Wood is, and has always been, a highly desirable material to incorporate into a hospitality design approach. A soft wood finish or focal points within a space are inviting, and offer a home-like ambiance that lends to a comforting atmosphere for guests to relax in.
Whether it was the wood-look of InGrained: Traditional Walnut luxury vinyl flooring adorning the walls of our booth at BDNY (seen below), or the smooth finishes of furniture featured by various exhibitors, the look of wood was all around.
Gloster, a fine furniture maker based in Virginia, displayed sleek and contemporary wood finishes, creating a space that is soothing in style.
Vermont Farm Table, a maker of solid-wood farm tables handcrafted in Vermont, displayed this contemporary take on a rustic wood table/chair combination perfect for a boutique hotel or a ski resort.
“Vermont Farm Table made so many connections at BDNY this year,” said Francesca Parnham, Marketing & Creative. “Our booth didn’t stop buzzing with excitement. We are helping to pioneer innovation through wood finishes. Quality is our first priority and the finish you choose, says a lot about the longevity of your final product.”
The Power of Lighting
Lighting, an obvious addition to any design space, was in the BDNY spotlight this year — because after all, what’s the point of a beautifully-designed space if it the wrong lighting is used? Carefully selecting lighting features from uplighting to chandeliers are key to creating the ideal mood of a room or space.
West Elm showcased an eclectic selection of lighting features from mid-century mod styles to industrial-inspired designs. A common thread of gold was among the popular finishes of most pieces on display.
Always on the lookout for new interior design trends, particularly in flooring, we thoroughly enjoyed the incredible amount of inspiration we found at BDNY this year. We love discovering the right flooring designs to fit with your creative vision. Contact us today to get the conversation going on how our luxury vinyl tile and plank flooring can complement the artistic vision of your next project.