Hospitality Interior Design: Creating Inviting Commercial Spaces

Published April 2nd, 2025

Ever walked into a hotel lobby, a buzzing café, or a stylish restaurant and instantly felt at ease? That’s not a coincidence, it’s the essence of great hospitality interior design at work. 

A well-designed space isn’t just about looking good; it shapes the way guests experience a business. The right design can set the mood, enhance customer experience, and even drive up sales.

If you’re designing a boutique hotel, a trendy bar, or a fine-dining restaurant, hospitality interior design plays a massive role in creating spaces that people love. 

Let’s break it down—what makes a hospitality space inviting, what trends are shaping the industry, and how Perth businesses are leading the way in creating memorable spaces through commercial interior design.

 

Why Interior Design Matters for Hospitality

 

First Impressions Count

Like it or not, people judge a space within seconds of stepping inside. A dark, cluttered, or poorly designed layout can make guests uncomfortable, while a warm, stylish, and well thought-out space can encourage them to relax and enjoy their time.

For businesses in the Perth hospitality industry, this is a game-changer. A great first impression leads to repeat customers, positive word-of-mouth, and higher revenues.

 

Balancing Functionality & Aesthetics

Sure, a beautifully designed café or hotel lobby is a treat for the eyes, but if the seating is uncomfortable or the layout feels awkward, people won’t want to stay for long. The best hospitality interior design blends aesthetics with functionality, creating spaces that look stunning but also work efficiently for staff and guests alike.

 

Design That Reflects Brand Identity

Every hospitality business has a unique personality, and the interior design should reflect that. Whether it’s a luxurious five-star hotel or a quirky café, the design should tell the story of the business. Elements like colour schemes, furniture, lighting, and even artwork should all work together to reinforce the brand’s identity.

 

How to Design an Inviting Hospitality Space

 

1. Atmosphere & Ambience

One of the biggest factors in hospitality interior design is how a space makes people feel. This comes down to elements like:

  • Lighting: Soft, warm lighting creates a cosy feel, while brighter lighting works well in lively bars or fast-paced cafés.

  • Colour schemes: Earthy tones give a calming effect, while bold, vibrant colours add energy and excitement.

  • Textures & Materials: A mix of wood, stone, metal, and fabrics can add depth and richness to a space.

 

2. Layout & Flow

A great space isn’t just about looks—it needs to function well, too. Hospitality businesses should think about:

  • Seating arrangements: Maximise the number of covers while maintaining atmosphere. Guests should feel comfortable without being cramped.

  • Traffic flow: Where do people need to go, and how do you want them to get there. Staff should be able to move efficiently between the back and front of house, and guests shouldn’t feel like they’re constantly bumping into each other.

  • Zoning: Creating different sections within the venue such as lounge areas, bar seating, and private dining spots, can help keep the vibe right for patrons and make service simple and efficient.

 

3. Acoustics

In combination with a space’s atmosphere and layout are acoustics. This essential ingredient in hospitality interior design is instrumental in enhancing guest experience while developing a venues personality.

  • Use sound absorbing materials: soft furnishings like upholstered chairs, rugs, and curtains can reduce noise reflection, while hard surfaces like glass, marble, and concrete reflect sound, amplifying noise levels.

  • Integrate acoustic design with aesthetics: controlling the acoustics doesn’t just mean throwing up a few panels and baffles and calling it a day. Match these design elements to your venues brand through material, size, colour, and shape.

  • Control background noise: Consider what level of noise is suitable for your venues environment, function, and location. A formal dining space focused on creating intimacy will need a different acoustic profile versus a bar where the sounds of people chatter and music is very much part of the atmosphere.

  • Consider acoustic testing: testing early in the briefing and design phases can identify any potential issues and ensure acoustic attenuation is aligned with the Brand Experience of the venue.

 

4. Comfort & Practicality

Comfort is key in hospitality interior design. Whether it’s a hotel room, a restaurant booth, or a café seat, guests should feel relaxed. At the same time, materials need to be durable and easy to clean, especially in high-traffic areas.

For commercial businesses, striking this balance is essential. Interior designers need to choose furniture and finishes that stand up to heavy use while still maintaining a stylish and inviting aesthetic.

 

5. Power of Biophilic Design

A growing trend in hospitality interior design is biophilic design, which brings nature into commercial spaces. While commonly seen in offices, this approach is also making waves in the interior design for hotels, restaurants, and cafés.

Elements of biophilic design that work well in hospitality include:

  • Indoor plants & green walls: These not only look great but also improve air quality and create a calming atmosphere.

  • Natural materials: Wood, stone, and organic textiles make spaces feel warm and inviting.

  • Maximising natural light: Large windows, skylights, and open spaces create a bright and airy feel.

Many businesses are integrating biophilic design into hospitality spaces, recognising the benefits it has on guest well-being and overall experience.

 

Trends Shaping Hospitality Interior Design

 

Sustainability & Eco-Friendly Design

Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword—it’s a necessity. Perth businesses are embracing eco-friendly designs by using:

  • Recycled & sustainable materials
  • Energy-efficient lighting & appliances
  • Low-VOC paints & eco-friendly finishes

Guests are increasingly looking for hospitality businesses that prioritise sustainability, and incorporating green design elements can enhance brand reputation.

Tech-Integrated Spaces

From digital check-ins in hotels to interactive menus in restaurants, technology is changing hospitality interior design. Smart lighting, contactless ordering, and even AI-powered guest experiences are shaping the way hospitality businesses operate.

Multi-Use & Flexible Spaces

Hospitality spaces are no longer just about dining or accommodation. Many cafés are doubling as co-working spaces, and hotels are integrating wellness areas, retail spaces, and social lounges. This kind of versatility is particularly popular in commercial interior design, where businesses are maximising their space to cater to multiple needs.

 

Challenges in Hospitality Interior Design (And How to Overcome Them)

 

1. Keeping Up with Trends Without Losing Identity

It’s tempting to jump on every new design trend, but hospitality businesses need to ensure that their interiors align with their brand identity. Great interior design incorporates modern touches while staying true to the core personality of the space.

2. Managing Budgets

Designing a beautiful space doesn’t have to break the bank. Smart planning—like prioritising key areas, repurposing existing materials, and choosing cost-effective but stylish furniture—can make a big impact without overspending.

3. Ensuring Longevity in Design

Trendy spaces can quickly feel outdated. A strong hospitality interior design strategy should focus on a mix of timeless elements and modern accents that can be easily updated over time.

 

Creating Spaces That Guests Love

 

Great hospitality interior design is more than aesthetics, it shapes experiences, sets moods, and leaves lasting impressions. From biophilic design to smart layouts, every detail matters in creating inviting spaces.

Since 1992, MKDC have been delivering high-quality, functional, and inspiring interior design projects across Perth’s hospitality, corporate, and lifestyle sectors. Our experience ensures seamless project execution, minimising stress while maximising results.

Whether it’s a café, hotel, or restaurant, MKDC brings your vision to life—on time, within budget, and with superior quality. 

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