Ms. Locke

Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment

The Growing Role of Accessories in Hotel FF&E

By Amy Locke, Director, Interior Design, Hatchett Hospitality

Our travel choices are shaped by today's lifestyles, fashions, and economy. At home, we're used to upscale amenities and technological conveniences - and we don't want to give them up when we're on the road.

That's why today, there's more to hotel design than just coordinating wall colors and furniture. The goal of every hotelier and interior designer is to create space which is practical yet appealing ... intimate yet dramatic ... elegant yet everyday.

Art and accessories have become increasingly important ways to combine a look that's "uptown" with a feel that's "down home." In the past, these items may have been overlooked or just an after thought - but now they are necessities used to add personality to a property and to enhance its appeal with travelers.

Just as the right belt or piece of jewelry can "make" a clothing outfit, the right accessories are the little touches that can finish space, "make" your hotel, and put you ahead of the competition. In short, accessories can enhance both a hotel's environment and its bottom line.

So exactly how does the FF&E process bring accessories to life?

First, a designer should learn a hotelier's tastes, timeline, and budget. Then those objectives are translated into comprehensive design sketches which are the foundation for an overall purchasing, delivery, and installation plan.

As soon as the hotel's basic theme or design direction is determined, the details of adding art and accessories can begin.

Every hotelier and every property is different, but the general approach of selecting accessories stays the same for me as an interior designer - strong initial design that's supported by disciplined business skills plus an ongoing conversation and collaboration with the hotel owners or managers.

There is no magic formula or cookie-cutter answer for picking the right accessories, but the golden rule certainly is to choose those that are sensible and tasteful, functional and forward-looking.

Accessories are most important in the lobby and reception area - these are focal points that should be used to impress and to make a strong "first impression." In a guest room, accessories can make the difference between flat and fabulous, while dining areas can be made calmer and cozier with accessories.

Let's look at some examples:

Lamps

Lamps come in all sizes, shapes, and styles. With today's emphasis on a residential atmosphere, the two most popular styles are (1) contemporary, such as brushed steel plus interesting curves and shapes, and (2) transitional, which can accent either a traditional or contemporary d'ecor.

There is also a growing need for "task lighting" as hotel rooms become offices away from the office.

Keep shades white or off-white because too dark a color will significantly reduce brightness. Bulbs are increasingly fluorescent instead of incandescent because they use up to 75% less energy and can last five times longer.

As you make your lighting choices, remember that lamps don't just illuminate - they establish an ambiance.

Fabrics

Fabric is one of those accessories that is always there in plain sight - sometimes fabrics and patterns stand out to help create a "one of a kind" look, while sometimes they blend into the background to subtly complement the surroundings.

Today's fabrics not only coordinate draperies, upholstered furniture, carpet, and in guests rooms, bedspreads - they also add luxury. Today's fabrics should feel good.

Your designer can provide a wide selection of patterns and textures, both domestic and imported, for your selection.

Plants

Greenery brings the outdoors inside - it's a calming aesthetic for both public areas and guest rooms. Large, live plants can dramatically enhance a lobby while high-quality artificial plants should be used generously in hallways, meeting areas, and guest rooms. Today's artificial plants are very life-like, come in many different sizes and styles, and require little maintenance. They are also a relatively inexpensive way to fill an area with something attractive - and depending on your choice of plants, perhaps even something unusual.

Artwork

For many people, the word "artwork" means paintings, wall hangings, and sculptures. However, there are several other types of decorative elements that you can use to make a positive visual impact on guests, including:

Exactly how you combine these various "artwork" elements will depend on four factors - brand standards, interior design, owner preferences, and budget.

For example, some brands set stringent standards that they expect franchisees to follow to the letter, while other brands have more general guidelines that allow for personal preference and creativity.

In addition, the color, subject, and style of artwork should directly reflect whether the hotel is urban or suburban, formal or informal, a coastal resort or a business conference center.

Artwork can be custom-made or can come in "ready to hang" packages. For example, in high profile areas such as the lobby, you may wish to consider original artwork for added flare and interest.

Custom artwork can range from commissioned pieces by well-known artists, which can be expensive, to original art produced by studios which maintain a stable of in-house artists and can therefore charge lower prices, often comparable to mass-produced art.

Consider creating an area in your property where work by local artists can be displayed "on loan" or "on rotation." This will give both your guests and your community a special place to enjoy art - and it will give you a "distinctive difference" that can be merchandized in your marketing materials.

In addition, each time the artwork exhibit is changed, you can arrange a story in the local newspaper or on local TV plus you can hold an opening night reception with invitations to corporate customers and local VIP's.

On guestroom floors and in guest rooms, you can continue the accent on artwork that reflects your region, your neighborhood, or the overall theme of your property. While you can economize by using "ready to hang" pieces or less expensive prints, be sure to display the artwork properly.

For example, don't squeeze large pieces of artwork into a small space - and similarly, don't put a small picture in the middle of a large wall. Fill the space available in a way that's in proportion and that's pleasing to the eye.

Frames can further accentuate both the artwork and the overall room - in their style, color, and size. For example, if furnishings are in dark wood such as mahogany, gold frames might set off the artwork, while in a contemporary design, black or silver frames may be better.

Neutral frames are often best because they permit the art to shine and won't conflict with other colors. If the wall color or covering is dark, a dark or neutral frame might be more subtle, while if the wall color is light, a dark frame adds character and is a better choice.

It's fashionable today to use wide mats and moldings, especially as a way of enhancing smaller paintings or images. Other ways to showcase artwork include using mats with decorative cuts and placing the artwork in an unusual position, such as off center.

Using a variety of frame styles makes a room more interesting but if a frame is the same color as the furniture, be sure to hang it far enough away from the furniture so you create a visual "break" for the eye.

Yes, high-quality mats, frames, and glazing cost a little more - but they significantly enhance the appearance of artwork and will keep it looking great for a longer period.

More and more hoteliers are using art to add a "picture perfect" final touch to their public and guest room space. If you want artwork to enhance the visitor experience at your property, consider these four simple guidelines:

In summary, smart dressers know their accessories - and so do smart hoteliers! Be guided by that during your next renovation or new construction project.

Amy Locke is director of interior design at Hatchett Hospitality. She works with franchisers and franchisees on a wide variety of hotel brands, styles, and themes – from economy to luxury, from resort to business conference, and from traditional to modern. Previous to joining Hatchett, she held a position in interior design with Ethan Allen Interiors. Ms. Locke earned a bachelor of fine arts degree from the Art Institute of Atlanta. She is completing a degree in feng shuiand is an allied member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID). Ms. Locke can be contacted at 770-227-5232 or Amy@HatchettHospitality.com Extended Bio...

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