Checking In at HIX: Where Hotel Design Comes Alive
Yesterday I spent the day at HIX, the commercial interiors show that is such an important show to attend for anyone working in hotel design. It’s one of those rare events where the entire hotel design supply chain gathers under one roof — a genuine one-stop shop for materials, furniture, lighting, fabrics, technology, and all the little details that make a guestroom feel effortless.
But beyond the product discovery, HIX is a brilliant excuse to step away from the desk, catch up with familiar faces, and meet new suppliers who are pushing boundaries in design and durability. It was an inspiring, energising day — the kind that reminds me why I love this industry so much.
Why I Love Designing Hotels
Working on hotel projects has always been a passion of mine. Over the years, I’ve built a very detailed understanding of how these spaces need to function — not just for guests, but for the teams who run them.
A great guestroom begins with blackout, a wonderfully comfortable bed, and beautiful, breathable bedding. Those are the essentials. But from there, every decision matters.
Durability is a major priority: rooms need to withstand constant use, turn around quickly for housekeeping, and still look spotless for each new arrival. And, of course, everything from the drapery to the headboards must meet fire regulations so that the fire officers sign the building off without a hitch. It’s a complicated puzzle — but one I genuinely enjoy solving.
Designing From the Ground Up
Across my career, I’ve worked on dozens of hotels, often from the earliest stages:
full interior design
bespoke fabrics and wallpaper
custom lighting
furniture and rugs made specifically for each property
Recent projects include The Salt Lodge and Papple Steading, both completed in collaboration with project architects and now featured on my website.
I’ve also designed bespoke fabrics and wallcoverings for brands such as Rocco Forte, Malmaison, Groucho, Apex, Hotel du Vin, Marriott, and Hilton — each one bringing its own personality and challenges.
Why Shows Like HIX Matter
Events like HIX are invaluable because they bring innovation to life. It’s one thing to see a new product in a PDF and another to run your hands across a new upholstery fabric, see lighting in real depth, or talk directly with the makers behind the ideas.
I left feeling inspired, full of new possibilities, and genuinely excited about the next wave of hotel projects. There’s so much good design being produced right now — thoughtful, beautiful, robust — and I can’t wait to bring more of it into the spaces guests get to enjoy.
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