Reflecting on 2024 and Adapting for 2025 ~ Design Needs and Trends

In the wake of the severe storms of 2024 and increasingly erratic weather patterns, especially hurricanes, and flooding, the hospitality design sector faces new challenges that require innovative and resilient design strategies. From coastal resorts to urban hotels, the unpredictable nature of recent events is prompting designers and their colleagues to reimagine how buildings are constructed, finished & re-furbished to accommodate these fluctuating realities.

Adapting due to weather

For hotels located in coastal regions, waterfront resorts, or flood-prone areas, extreme weather can lead to significant infrastructure damage, operational shutdowns, and guest safety concerns. As a result, there’s been a marked shift toward designing spaces that are not only visually appealing and functional but also attempt to withstand the forces of nature. While the urgency to reopen properties quickly and efficiently is paramount, the key is to do so without sacrificing quality. It’s important to balance speed with thoughtful design decisions. Given the potential for supply chain delays and the need for swift recovery, selecting clean, contemporary designs will not only streamline sourcing and installation but also align with current design trends. Simple, versatile furnishings and finishes can be sourced more readily and offer long-term durability.

Be it a weather or an aging building situation, timeshare board members often face the daunting task of refurbishing damaged units quickly while balancing a multitude of other operational priorities. This is where qualified interior design firms can play a crucial role. With their industry knowledge and established relationships with manufacturers, designers can help streamline the refurbishment process, allowing board members to focus on more pressing matters. HRD recently reached out to leading contract seating manufacturers in America to ask what might be done to assist given current conditions in specific regions. Without hesitation, they offered to expedite their lead times for specific styles for qualified account holders. While typical production schedules range from 60 to 90 days, these companies are now rallying to support design teams by delivering high-quality seating in as little as 6 weeks.

Open communication from the beginning is key. It is important to remember that imported products allow for customization and durability, often at a lower price point, but require longer lead times. While domestic products, also durable, can usually be delivered more quickly but may have design limitations and could cost more.

Deciding the best approach for each property during recovery usually starts with a candid conversation. It’s important to establish realistic goals, discuss budgets and the availability of resources. Use the waiting period for insurance claim evaluation to collaborate with a design team and develop a replacement plan, even if you’re working with preliminary budget estimates.

Related: Disaster Preparedness: Weathering the Storm

Re-think the design

As you maximize your available assets, reach out to your design and procurement firm to help you make thoughtful choices that balance current looks with lasting appeal. Opt for contemporary, on-trend selections that feel relevant today and maintain their freshness until the next update cycle. Think about who will be staying in the units and what will make them comfortable and happy.

Which brings us to a few key design highlights as we enter 2025. Considering what many are facing with water intrusion, it may be wise for timeshare owners to choose porcelain tile over luxury vinyl tile (LVT) for first-floor units. While contract LVT is great for easy cleanup of sand and water—ideal for beachside properties—it presents challenges when sealing at walls, baseboards, and door thresholds. During significant water events, these seams can allow water to seep underneath, causing potential damage. Porcelain tile, on the other hand, offers superior water resistance for first floor spaces and is more reliable in areas prone to flooding.

And speaking of floors, what if we pull some of the furniture off of them? Wall mounted headboards with integrated reading lights, charging stations and nightstand cubbies are finding their way to timeshare and a more residential feel by creating more visually spacious environments and streamlining housekeeping tasks. These multifunctional units consolidate essential features, reducing clutter and freeing up floor space for a more open, airy feel. Crafted from thermally fused laminate (TFL), these pieces offer durability and low maintenance. Unlike thermofoil, TFL is resistant to scratches, dents, and stains, making it easy to clean and long-lasting. TFL’s warp-free, stable nature also makes it ideal for spaces exposed to heat or moisture. With reliable Midwest contract manufacturers, the ability to deliver these high-quality products is becoming increasingly more popular.

We have recommended for years that faux plants in their previous applications be removed. They are usually dust collectors and when scattered about, leave spaces feeling cluttered. But biophilic design or use of natural elements in interior spaces is desirable. To accomplish this the new approach is to use greenery vertically and integrate it with purpose and restraint. Even if artificial, it is refreshing. We recently completed a contemporary lobby design and used vertical millwork coupled with a green moss application to disguise but not completely conceal the elevator lobby. This screen creates an interesting back drop and helps to mitigate sound.

Embrace the Guest Experience

We are also seeing a movement towards increased guest interaction with site created amenities. From small pop-up event spaces equipped with vintage bar trucks to large aquatic venues, these locations cater to all types of travelers. Currently helping to develop a variety of new-builds and project managing renovations across the country, the demand for innovative memorable spaces and quality accommodations to support exciting destinations is paramount.

Whether it’s a sprawling water park or an intimate outdoor event space, lean on savvy designers to provide settings where guests can escape, unwind, and enjoy special moments together. With these developments, 2025 promises to be a year of unforgettable experiences for travelers across the nation.

Founded in 2007, HRD is an award-winning firm with a reputation for outstanding service and exceptional interior design solutions. Our talented and friendly team combines creativity and efficiency to complete projects of all sizes on time and within budget. For more information visit www.hrdorlando.com. To discuss the future of your resort, please contact cam@hrdorlando.com.