2024 Commercial Trend: Dark Hospitality

Dark Hospitality

Trend forecasters have predicted the rise of the nighttime economy. With climates rapidly shifting and hot zones becoming hotter, the practical solution is to adopt more nocturnally orientated lifestyles that see us reorganising our work and play to the cooler evenings.

This will have an obvious impact on hospitality, providing many opportunities to rethink the hospitality experience, and Dark Hospitality is one of the predicted trends.

This aesthetic trend of near-black, cocoon-like interiors emerges as a response to the desire for safety and escapism during these unsettling times. Dimly lit, moody environments with limited visual cues help to focus the mind and heighten the senses, creating unique and intimate atmospheres.

Technavio predicts the global pub, bar and club market to grow by +31bn between 2023-2027 and WGSN expects that with the rise of the nighttime economy, we will see hospitality concepts adapt to reflect the comfort of darkness. 

Colour and Styling Considerations

Authenticity

The monochromatic colour palettes of Dark Hospitability call for the introduction of tactile, textural materials.

Embrace the use of naturally dark materials such as black concrete, grey stucco, black marble and volcanic rock – finishes that elicit a sense of connection with the natural world and our ancient, ancestral roots.

Lighting

Lighting, or the lack thereof, is an essential element of Dark Hospitality. Different temperatures of lighting can elicit different emotional responses and designers have a unique opportunity to direct the experiences of hospitality patrons through careful consideration of their use of lighting.  

Sensory

The culmination of dark colour palettes, dim lighting and limited visual cues help to focus the mind and heighten the senses, challenging designers to think beyond just the visual perceptions of users and consider how they can design spaces for full spectrum sensory experiences.

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