As of 2008, there were over 72,000 interior designers employed in the United States. As professionals responsible for both the appearance and functionality of their clients’ space, interior designers are experts at making rooms come to life. However, designing for the hospitality industry, whether creating a luxury hotel design or restaurant interior design, is surprisingly different from designing a residential space. Therefore, if you are looking for an interior design firm or interior designer to bring your hospitality design concepts to life, it is important to hire a firm or individual with experience in hospitality interior design.

In interior design, there are four basic design elements: texture and color, space, form and line. As with any space, a luxury hotel design or restaurant design must use these qualities harmoniously in order to create an atmosphere. However, unlike residential design, the way hospitality design concepts are utilized has a direct effect on the success of the establishment as a whole: for example, hotel guests are more likely to pay for a hotel that is comfortable and visually pleasing. Therefore, the best hospitality designs are ones that allow guests to feel comfortable and at home, as well as connected to the wider concept of the hotel or restaurant itself.

For this reason, one of the best examples of well-executed hospitality design concepts can be seen at Sokyo, a Japanese restaurant and lounge in Sydney, Australia. Utilizing clean lines, a mixture of dark and light woods of varying textures, and warm lighting to offset dark wooden floors, Sokyo’s design creates a sophisticated yet welcoming environment in which its food and cocktails can be enjoyed without unnecessary spectacle. All around the different eating areas, kitchen and bar, a rope design mimicking Tokyo’s mountainous terrain helps distract the eye from what is happening outside the restaurant while remaining subtly consistent with Sokyo’s overall concept.

Currently, many states require interior designers to be certified, licensed, or registered in order to practice their profession. And while certification and design portfolios are often helpful ways to identify a designer with cool interior design ideas, these factors are often insufficient when it comes to determining if a designer will be able to bring your hospitality design concepts to life. For this reason, it is recommended that you trust an interior designer or design firm that specializes in hospitality design to give your establishment and guests the experience they deserve.