Every spring, the Hospitality Design Expo in Las Vegas sets the stage for what’s next in the world of hospitality interiors. For HBG Design’s Interior Design team—recognized leaders in resort, casino, and entertainment design—HD Expo is more than just a tradeshow. It’s a dynamic opportunity to engage with emerging trends, discover innovative products, and strengthen connections that drive our work forward.

This year, Senior Interior Designer / Senior Associate Alexandra Milkovich, NCIDQ, IIDA, and Junior Interior Designer, Maddie Cognasso, walked the floor with an eye toward what will shape the next generation of unforgettable guest experiences. Here’s what stood out to them—and why it matters for our clients.

“HD reminds me how vital it is to stay current with trends,” says Maddie. “Our clients trust us to craft experiences that attract guests. Knowing what’s new and exciting helps us keep venues fresh, relevant, and tailored.”

Tactile, Textural, and Transportive: Top Design Trends

Across the show floor, trends pointed toward texture, tactility, and transportive aesthetics—key ingredients in storytelling design.

Fluted surfaces, 3D wallcoverings, and ribbed tiles emerged as dominant styles, offering dimension and drama.

Outdoor furniture—especially woven, corded, and rattan styles—was front and center, reflecting the growing demand for integrated indoor/outdoor experiences.

Warm, earthy materials like Saltillo tile, terracotta, and basket-woven finishes offered nods to tradition and craft.

Color palettes were bold and comforting: emerald green and blush pink maintained their presence, while navy and golden ochre brought richness and depth to FF&E and finishes.

“These finishes are more than just aesthetic—they’re cultural storytelling tools,” Alexandra notes. “Textiles and textures inspired by basket weaving or natural fibers can connect directly to the heritage and identity of many of our tribal clients.”

Products That Popped: Custom, Crafted, and Statement-Making

Both designers were drawn to custom furniture and textiles that add personality and polish to hospitality environments:

Loloey Carpets, with painterly patterning and color blends, stood out as a compelling flooring option—especially for clients who draw inspiration from natural environments or water symbolism.

Couristan’s subtle metallic fibers in carpet added depth and luxe detail, ideal for designated high-impact areas.

TileBar’s waterjet marble mosaics caught Maddie’s eye for their artistry and scale—perfect for venues that need “a piece of art” integrated into functional surfaces.

The Tuuci Ombre Blossom umbrella brought whimsy and wow factor to outdoor spaces—something Alexandra is eager to propose for the right client and setting.

Design with Purpose: Supporting Wellness, Engagement, and Revenue

From multi-generational travel reshaping hotel programming to “big impact on smaller budgets” guiding material selections, industry discussions continue to echo many of the design principles that HBG is already championing in our work.

Our team noted the buzz around:

  • AI in design—not to replace, but to enhance creative output
  • Continued emphasis on wellness-focused design
  • Movement toward emerging hospitality markets beyond major metros

These insights reinforce our approach: creating meaningful spaces that are responsive to guest behavior, driven by experience, and attuned to each client’s story and market goals.

Design that Resonates: Turning Trends into Experiences

Ultimately, the HD Expo affirmed something our team experiences daily: that great hospitality design is rooted in understanding both people and place.

From rattan lounge chairs and fluted tiles to culturally resonant color palettes and material finishes, today’s trends offer tools to help our clients connect with guests in more personal, lasting ways.

“Seeing applied materials and products to scale was huge,” says Maddie. “It reminds me how important it is to think not just about design concepts—but how they’ll actually be felt and experienced by the people who use them.”

Want to bring these insights into your next project?

Let’s talk. HBG Design is helping resort and hospitality clients elevate their guest experience with strategies rooted in trend awareness, cultural storytelling, and bold design thinking.