What Rachel Ashwell Says About Hotel Trends

2013 Design Trends: What Rachel Ashwell Says About Hotel Trends

Conde Nast’s on-line publication, “The Daily Traveler” recently featured an article with Rachel Ashwell’s predictions on the design of hotels moving into 2013. Ashwell is the founder of the Shabby Chic brand, which the New York Times once described as “making unlikely stars out of a giant squashy sofa and a baggy white slipcover.” Ashwell describes her style as the “beauty of imperfection.”   In her predictions, Ashwell sees a move towards cozy and not so focused on design. The idea is to highlight comfort and functionality…furniture that draws you in and makes you feel at home, basically. She says, “The days when you walk into a hotel and there’s furniture you can perch on, as opposed to sit on, is drawing to a close. Look instead for comfort pieces, like a big couch layered with what I call ‘mush’: personality-filled cushions, rugs, and wall hangings.”   She also sees a comeback for bed and breakfasts – an even smaller type of hotel than the boutique versions that came on the scene in the late 1990s/early 2000s. “As people travel more and more, they’ll want a personal connection with a room and the staff,” according to Ashwell.   Mood lighting that gives you a feeling of mellowness will also be important. “Can you imagine how much better a Motel 6 room would look in subtler light?” she asks.   What do you think of Ashwell’s predictions for hotels moving forward? Do you see smaller, more personalized properties with a design that gives you the sense of hearth and home the trend in the future? We’d like to hear from you.   Risk Advisors of America caters to the Hospitality industry with insurance solutions. Give us a call at (877) 881-0743 to discuss your insurance program.