Common Mistakes in Hospitality Interior Design

Hospitality interiors — including hotels, restaurants, bars and leisure venues — must balance atmosphere, functionality and longevity. Many challenges arise when design decisions are made without considering the operational reality of hospitality environments.

1. Prioritising Aesthetics Over Function

One of the most common mistakes is designing for visual impact alone. Hospitality spaces must support:

• Staff workflows

• Customer comfort

• Cleaning and maintenance

A space that photographs well but performs poorly will quickly cause operational issues.

2. Underestimating Wear and Tear

Hospitality environments experience heavy use. Finishes, furniture and fittings should be selected with durability in mind. Poor material choices often lead to:

• High maintenance costs

• Frequent replacements

• Disruption to operations

3. Poor Acoustic and Lighting Design

Noise levels and lighting significantly affect guest experience. Common issues include:

• Overly loud dining spaces

• Insufficient task lighting

• Lighting that doesn’t transition from day to evening

These elements should be considered early, not added as an afterthought.

4. Ignoring Operational Input

Designs that don’t involve operators early can overlook practical needs such as:

• Storage requirements

• Service routes

• Back-of-house efficiency

Successful hospitality interiors are often developed collaboratively with operators and management teams.

5. Lack of Commercial Perspective

Hospitality projects are businesses first. Design decisions should consider:

• Table density and revenue potential

• Flexibility for different uses

• Longevity and adaptability

Studios such as Harp Design, with experience across hospitality and commercial interiors, often approach projects with both guest experience and commercial performance in mind.

Final Thought

The most successful hospitality interiors are those that quietly work well behind the scenes, supporting staff, guests and business performance without drawing attention to their limitations.