Hospitality design is constantly changing. We’ve seen the use of bright colours, textured walls and natural materials fall in and out of popularity. So what does 2019 have in store for the world of hospitality design? Toby Ewert, director of Ewert Leaf takes a look at what to expect this year.

Following on from a huge year for the hospitality industry, with the re-emergence of some iconic venues, and the introduction of some innovative concepts, the standard and expectation is as high as it has ever been.

In 2019, the future of design in this space is going to be exciting – here are some of the things we think will become part of the thought process:

An increase in larger-scale hospitality activation venues
The standard of event venues is getting higher each year. Think Portsea Polo, Spring Carnival, festivals and corporate events. Big name restaurateurs are jumping on board, with bigger budgets in play as “temporary” concepts become a great way to test ideas and get greater reach to a new demographic, both locally and internationally.

Sebastian Beach Bar and Grill. Photo: Rhiannon Taylor

A steer away from Instagram-targeted design
I’m waiting on a venue to brief in a blackout “no reception” concept so people have to actually talk to each other rather than be on their phones.

Increased offline engagement
Creating a level of engagement and interactivity through design – with both the built form but also interaction with staff, which adds to the user experience.

More colour and more shapes
More venues are going to want to stand out. Soft muted colours and washed tones have become the norm and we’re going to see a movement away from them, with the increasing incorporation of bold forms and shapes within both small and large scale projects.

Asado Dining Room. Image by Fiona Storey

More iconic venues of old resurrected
Off the back of the Espy, I think there will be more courage shown in resurrecting larger venues. I would love to see some of the old South Melbourne sites that have been closed
for years re-emerge.

The Espy

Greater emphasis on inclusiveness
An increase in design to suit everyone. from mothers with prams to grandparents. The ageing population means community centres are going to become vital in integration,
and the hospitality offering to those needs to match expectations.

More / spaces
Adaptability and flexibility of spaces, the cafe/office will be on the increase.