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.
Hospitality Design Trends for 2025
HBG Design Thinking: From Sustainable Innovations to Immersive Guest Experiences
As the hospitality industry gears up for 2025, the landscape continues to shift in response to economic, cultural, and technological forces. Insights from recent conferences such as The Lodging Conference, BDNY, and HD Expo provide a roadmap for what’s next in hospitality design. From sustainable innovations to immersive guest experiences, the trends shaping the future align closely with HBG Design’s mission to craft inspired and transformative spaces. HBG leaders Nathan Peak, Emily Marshall, Alexandra Milkovich and Landon Shockey weigh in on the trends.
Here’s what to expect in 2025 and how these trends will impact hospitality projects.
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Sustainability as a Core Value
HD Expo 2024 Show Floor
Sustainability is no longer optional—it’s integral to the guest experience and the development process. Hotels are weaving sustainable practices into their brand narratives, using them as a competitive advantage.
Key Takeaways:
- Material Choices: Expect an emphasis on eco-friendly materials, such as rattan, rich wood tones, and recycled metals.
- Operational Practices: Digital keys, water refill stations, and large-format amenities reduce waste and align with consumer expectations.
- Circular Design: Designers are scrutinizing supply chains to reduce carbon footprints, inspired by innovations like Styrofoam-free casegoods and eco-conscious packaging.
"HBG Design’s approach prioritizes solutions that enhance both operational efficiency and environmental stewardship – focusing on product longevity and sustainably made products, creating spaces that resonate with eco-conscious travelers," says Nathan Peak, AIA, LEED GA, HBG Principal and Practice Leader.
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Wellness and Well-Being Take Center Stage
The wellness economy continues to flourish, influencing everything from luxury spa design to guestroom amenities.
"Wellness isn’t just a trend—it’s a fundamental expectation for guests," says HBG Sr. Interior Designer, Landon Shockey, ASID, NCIDQ.
Key Takeaways:
- Holistic Offerings: Wellness extends beyond spas. Guests seek spaces that nourish mind and body, from sound baths to in-room wellness features like sleep-enhancing technologies.
- Luxury Wellness: Hotels like Six Senses are redefining luxury by integrating sleep science, spiritual well-being, and sustainable design into the guest journey.
- Flexible Programming: Spaces designed for multi-use programming—yoga classes by day and stargazing at night—offer unique experiences while maximizing ROI.
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Technology: Enhancing, Not Replacing, the Human Touch
Guest rooms and suites at Oaklawn Resort, Hot Springs, feature in-room tablets as digital concierges, offering seamless access to dining, promotions, events, and more.
"As artificial intelligence and automation advance, successful hospitality design will balance technology with human-centered experiences" explains Emily Marshall, IIDA, NCIDQ, HBG Principal / Interior Design Leader.
Key Takeaways:
- AI-Powered Guest Experiences: From personalized room preferences to virtual concierge services, AI adds convenience while preserving the essence of hospitality.
- Connected Spaces: Smart room technology enhances intuitive design, providing guests with seamless control over lighting, climate, and entertainment.
- Community Connection: Digital platforms are enabling guests to engage with one another, enhancing the sense of belonging and discovery.
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Elevated Design: Nostalgia Meets Modern Luxury
Design trends are leaning into warm palettes, nostalgic textures, and tactile materials, creating spaces that feel both luxurious and welcoming.
Key Takeaways:
- Color Trends: Deep plums, cranberry reds, olive greens, and butterscotch tones evoke a cozy, grounded atmosphere.
- Biophilia and Texture: Rich biophilic elements and layered textures add visual and sensory depth.
- Experiential Elements: Thoughtful design moments—like curated art installations or locally inspired storytelling—leave lasting impressions on guests.
"HBG Design excels at blending these elements into cohesive narratives that connect deeply with guests and reflect the property’s location and brand identity," offers Alexandra Milkovich, IIDA, NCIDQ, HBG Sr. Associate / Sr. Interior Designer.
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The Rise of Lifestyle and Extended-Stay Models
The Hadsten Solvang, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, blends a “vineyard vibe” with vintage Danish charm, the design reflects the rich heritage of Solvang and the allure of its wine-country surroundings.
"Increased demand for lifestyle boutique hotels and extended-stay options is reshaping the market, driven by the need for flexible, experience-rich accommodations," adds Marshall.
Key Takeaways:
- Lifestyle Hotels: Brands like Moxy and Virgin focus on curated experiences, from local art displays to intimate dining.
- Extended Stay: Accommodations catering to 30-, 60-, or 90-day stays provide opportunities for innovative design that bridges home and hospitality.
- Personalization: These models emphasize creating environments that feel unique and personal, offering a sense of discovery with every stay.
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Storytelling: Creating Emotional Connections
Milkovich adds: "The art of storytelling is redefining hospitality. Guests crave narratives that shape every aspect of their journey, from booking to departure."
Key Takeaways:
- Unique Branding: Fictional personas or cultural references—create memorable, cohesive brand stories.
- Local Integration: Leveraging neighborhood influences, such as street art or regional culinary themes, creates authentic connections.
- Consistent Messaging: Every touchpoint, from architecture to amenities, must reinforce the story and immerse guests in the experience.
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Looking Ahead: Opportunities for 2025
"The year ahead promises growth, innovation, and creativity in hospitality design," says Peak. "HBG Design remains committed to staying at the forefront of these trends, helping clients achieve their vision while crafting spaces that inspire and endure."
By combining sustainable practices, cutting-edge technology, and emotionally resonant storytelling, HBG is creating destinations that not only meet guest expectations but exceed them—ensuring properties thrive in an ever-evolving market.
Let’s start the conversation about how these trends can elevate your next project. Reach out to our team at HBG Design to explore the possibilities.