HD Expo 2026: Warmth, Texture & Experience-Driven Design
Chris Wood of HBG Design shares his perspective on the trends, products, and ideas shaping hospitality design after attending the 2026 HD Expo + Conference in Las Vegas.
Walking the floor at this year’s HD Expo, one thing became immediately clear: hospitality design is moving away from minimal, muted environments and embracing warmth, texture, personality, and experience in a much bigger way.
Compared to previous years, there was a noticeably stronger focus on layered materials, tactile surfaces, and expressive forms. Outdoor furniture had a major presence across the show floor, and many manufacturers seemed to be speaking the same visual language—curved silhouettes, woven rope detailing, caning, and softer organic forms appeared almost everywhere. The overall mood felt more relaxed, approachable, and experiential.
One of the biggest trends I noticed was the emphasis on tapestry-inspired textures and layered materials. That showed up across wallcoverings, fabrics, upholstery, and even flooring applications. Spaces and products felt richer and more dimensional this year. Hospitality design is clearly leaning into storytelling and sensory engagement rather than relying on flat, overly simplified palettes.
Color was another standout. We saw much more confidence in the use of vibrant tones—especially pink, which appeared throughout many booths in unexpected and sophisticated ways. More importantly, there was a broader shift away from the “greige” palette that dominated hospitality design for years. Warmth is back. Designers and manufacturers are embracing richer tones, layered textures, patterned fabrics, and finishes that feel human and inviting.
A few manufacturers really stood out. Kimball International presented one of the most thoughtfully curated booths at the show with innovative applications that felt especially relevant to hospitality and entertainment environments.
On the materials side, Koroseal Interior Products and Look Walls & Interiors showcased beautiful tapestry-inspired wallcoverings that immediately sparked ideas for future resort and casino projects.
There were also several smart product innovations that stood out from an operational standpoint. Schluter Systems introduced prefabricated shower niches with integrated lighting—something that could save both construction time and cost while elevating the guestroom experience. Their tile trim solutions were equally impressive. Another unexpected discovery was Inpro Corporation’s configurable elevator cab systems, which offer new flexibility for customization in hospitality projects.
The biggest takeaway for me is that hospitality design is becoming more experience-driven than ever. Guests—particularly younger demographics—are looking for memorable, immersive spaces that feel unique and emotionally engaging. Bold patterns, layered textures, vibrant colors, and highly curated moments all contribute to that experience. For casino and resort clients, these design choices aren’t just aesthetic decisions—they’re opportunities to create destinations people remember, share, and return to.
From Trends to Takeaways: HBG Interior Designers Reflect on HD Expo 2025
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.