Set in the cultural capital of New York City, Boutique Design New York (BDNY) brings together the hospitality industry’s leading voices, brands, and creators. It’s a vibrant convergence of design innovation—where boutique hotel concepts, emerging materials, and experiential environments take center stage. For designers looking to push boundaries, grow their expertise, and tap into what’s next, BDNY continues to be one of the most influential events of the year.
As part of HBG Design’s longstanding tradition of attending BDNY each year, we sent two talented interior designers—Megan Peel from our Memphis office and Kristina Hoang from our San Diego office—to experience the show firsthand. Their insights reveal the trends, materials, and moments shaping the future of hospitality design, and how those discoveries directly elevate HBG’s work for our clients.
Spotlighting Emerging Trends: A Recap from Megan Peel, Interior Designer (Memphis)
Natural stone as sculptural furniture was an early standout for Megan, who noticed designers applying stone in unexpected ways—wrapping sofa backs, accenting dining chairs, and adding mass and luxury to typically lighter pieces. These approaches signal a shift toward furnishings that feel more permanent, architectural, and artful.
She also saw deep color saturation and color-drenched environments continuing to gain momentum. Many exhibitors reinterpreted vintage or elaborate stylistic elements through rich hues and layered finishes—showcasing how the past can be thoughtfully transformed into the present.
A notable aesthetic direction was the resurgence of East-Asian design influences, appearing in carpet patterns, screens, and subtle architectural accents. Complementing these quieter palettes were natural textures inspired by water, reflected in rippled metals and glass incorporated into ceiling panels, headboards, partitions, and tables.
For Megan, BDNY served as more than a trend-spotting opportunity—it was a relationship-building experience with real project impact. Designers were able to walk the show with a potential HBG client, gaining early insight into their aesthetic preferences and material expectations while meeting vendors who could support future project needs. The show also reinforced the power of storytelling and how physical materials can center the guest experience in unexpected ways.
Design Evolution & Elevated Detailing: A Recap from Kristina Hoang, Interior Designer (San Diego)
Kristina observed that the curved forms trending in recent years have evolved into a more refined, contemporary language. Exhibitors showcased cleaner detailing, more intentional craftsmanship, and unique ways of expressing organic shapes—making these silhouettes feel sophisticated and fresh.
Across material palettes, she noted a noticeable pivot toward richer, more vibrant earth tones. Instead of the muted desert colors popular in past years, designers embraced mossy greens, deep plums, caramels, woven textiles, and exaggerated pattern scales. The overall direction was tactile, bold, and layered.
While exploring furniture, lighting, and art curation, Kristina found multiple moments of inspiration that will help infuse that same energy into HBG’s hotel and resort projects.
How BDNY Strengthens HBG’s Design Leadership
As both Megan and Kristina shared, BDNY offers powerful advantages for our project teams and our clients:
- Early access to the products, materials, and ideas shaping the next era of hospitality
- Direct connection with manufacturers and vendors, strengthening the sourcing and specification process
- Unique opportunities to walk the show with clients, gaining real-time insights into their preferences
- Inspiration that fuels fresh, guest-centered design solutions
BDNY continues to push the industry forward—and HBG’s designers return each year with renewed energy, deeper knowledge, and a stronger network of partners to support exceptional hospitality environments.