Feel right at home in a hotel, or maybe even better. Nowadays, hotels offer comfort, unique sensory experiences and custom-designed rooms, because customers are not all the same. This notion was discussed at Sleep, the most important European event focused on the design and architecture of hotels, which was held from 22 to 23 November at the Business Design Centre in London.
This year’s theme was “The Science of Tribes”, the study that classifies people according to their different personalities, aesthetic preferences and lifestyles. Starting with this analysis, Sleep explored new ways to think about hotels in order to satisfy and amaze increasingly demanding customers.
A series of installations investigated the ways in which every individual enjoys experiencing hotels around the world. One of the projects that enthused the public was by WOW Architects, with the concept designed for an intellectual traveller. «We are facing a new paradigm – claims Chiu Man Wong of WOW Architects – in which designers and hoteliers have realized that it is important to motivate and inspire their customers».
Conferences, shows and a large exhibition space that brought together artisan businesses and emerging names as well as large companies. 160 exhibitors, one third of which made their first appearance at this event, which attracts visitors from every country. There were many product categories on display: coatings, curtains, rugs, lighting, indoor and outdoor furniture, pianos, safes, minibars, home automation, colors and materials. There was strong attendance from Spa, bathroom and wellness companies such as Dornbracht, Ghohe, Villeroy & Boch, Laufen, Hansgrohe, Victoria&Albert, Vitra and Kaldewei.
Among the Italian brands, Gervasoni captivated the public with original outdoor furniture designed by Paola Navone, characterized by solid wooden outdoor-proof structures and soft, fluffy cushions.
Serralunga, which recently supplied a large order for London’s Wembley Stadium of three-meter-high vases, presented its new metal finishes for decorating outdoor areas.
Contardi lighting, a Desio company with a brand in New York that attends all the international fairs, presented its refined, stylish products. Another outstanding lighting company exhibited in the stand next door: Zonca International, which displayed classics such as Violetta, the wall lamp available in three different colors: red, white and ivory. Finally, moving to another sector, there was Indel B, a company that specializes in minibars, wine coolers and accessories for hotels. The brand presented a remarkable new product: K Cellar Ecosmart, a minibar that is ultra-silent because it only works at pre-set times of day. Guaranteeing sweet dreams.
