Unveiling the Palette: A Guide to the Color Trends of 2024

December 06, 2023 | More from

For hotels, where every detail contributes to a unique and memorable guest experience, staying attuned to design trends is paramount. One of the most influential aspects of hotel design is the color palette. As we step into 2024, let’s explore the vibrant world of color trends that promise to shape the aesthetic landscape for boutique hotel owners and designers.

Color Trends of 2024: A Canvas of Possibilities

The art of color extends beyond mere aesthetics; it sets the mood, conveys emotions, and leaves a lasting impression. In the ever-evolving tapestry of design, color trends act as the brushstrokes that define each era. Reflecting on years past, the dominance of greys in 2020 gave way to a warmth movement in 2022. Designers, in their perpetual quest for innovation, continually navigate cycles of change, pushing boundaries and exploring new directions.

The Color of the Year: A Kaleidoscope of Inspirations

Diversity reigns in 2024 as there is no singular “Color of the Year.” Leading paint brands like Sherwin-Williams, Behr, Benjamin Moore, and Pantone contribute to a rich palette, offering boutique hotel owners a plethora of choices to elevate their spaces. Common themes this year revolve around timeless, comforting, and versatile hues that evoke a sense of tranquility and sophistication.

Let’s delve into the unique qualities of some of the standout colors for 2024:

  1. Sherwin-Williams: Upward
    A breezy and blissful blue evoking a sense of peace.
  2. Behr: Cracked Pepper
    A neutral, timeless, and modern shade exuding confidence.
  3. PPG & Glidden: Limitless
    A honey beige color offering infinite design possibilities.
  4. Valspar: Renew Blue
    Balanced blue with a touch of grayed sea green focusing on wellness and comfort.
  5. Dulux: Sweet Embrace
    A soft pastel pink shade inspired by soft feathers and evening clouds, creating a calm and welcoming space.
  6. Graham & Brown: Viridis
    A subdued shade of green curated to create warm and inviting spaces.
  7. HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams: Persimmon
    Uplifting and refreshing, with hints of tangerine in an earthy terracotta base.

Embracing Warmth in Hospitality Furniture

The Color of the Year profoundly influences room design and furniture choices in boutique hotels. Arauco, an industry leader in wood product manufacturing, shares insights into the current shift towards warmer wood tones. Blonde tones, reminiscent of oak but infused with more warmth and yellowness, are gaining prominence. Additionally, there’s a growing interest in reddish-brown tones, adding depth and richness to spaces. The goal is clear – to create a comforting and wonderfully warm environment that resonates with guests.

Other Innovative Design Trends to Watch: Crafting Timeless Spaces

Successful hotels must find a balance between form and function. That goes beyond just looking at the color utilized within spaces and looks to other innovative design trends that offer guests an experience that lingers in their memories. Here’s a look at some other trends of 2024: 

Choosing the Right Color Palette

The importance of selecting the right color scheme cannot be overstated. Warm, inviting tones are in vogue, providing boutique hotels with an opportunity to create spaces that resonate with guests on a profound level. Relaxing neutrals and textures take center stage, creating spaces that invite guests to slow down and unwind. The emphasis is on cocoon-like environments that promote relaxation and comfort.

Creating Space for Gathering

Highlighting the importance of carving out spaces for guests to gather, the trend is towards communal areas that encourage social interaction, contributing to a sense of community within the hotel.

Embracing Softness and Comfort

Comfort is a non-negotiable aspect of hotel design. Soft, welcoming colors and textures play a pivotal role in creating an ambiance that resonates with guests, providing a home away from home.

Playing with Personality

Boutique hotels are urged to embrace their brand’s personality through color choices. Each hue should tell a story, creating a unique and memorable experience for guests that aligns with the hotel’s identity.

Infusing Joy into Workspaces

Colors aren’t just for guests; they impact staff as well. Designing workspaces with joyful, uplifting colors can boost productivity and create a positive working environment.

Consider Wooden Work/Casegoods

Wooden furniture, especially in the form of TFL (Thermally Fused Laminate) materials, is a key player in design trends. Offering a realistic and high-end experience, wooden casegoods align with the warmth and beauty sought after by guests, all while being mindful of budget constraints.

Taking a Holistic Approach to Interiors

Sustainability takes center stage in 2024. The emphasis is on natural and recycled materials, energy-efficient solutions, and biophilic design. Boutique hotels can contribute to a greener future by incorporating these eco-friendly elements into their interiors.

How to Execute in Hotels: Bringing Colors to Life

Now that you know what some of the mainstay trends of 2024 will look like, the question now is how will you bring those colors to life in your hotel? Here are four helpful tips to consider:

Ensuring Colors Add to the Overall Design
Colors should enhance the overall design, contributing to the ambiance and telling a cohesive story. Whether it’s the lobby, guest rooms, or communal spaces, each area should be carefully curated to evoke the desired emotions.

Integration of Hotel Casegoods with Design

Hotel casegoods play a crucial role in converging with color trends. Wooden textures and warm tones can set the tone for a space, creating an inviting atmosphere that aligns with the overall design aesthetic.

The Importance of Following Trends

Staying up-to-date with trends is a strategic move. Conducting design surveys, as exemplified by Arauco, allows boutique hotels to gather valuable insights and adapt their offerings to meet evolving guest expectations. Failing to adapt to these trends could result in missed opportunities and a less-than-optimal guest experience.

Potential Consequences for Hotels That Fail to Adapt

In a competitive landscape, failure to adapt to evolving design trends can have significant consequences. Boutique hotels risk becoming outdated and failing to deliver the unique and memorable experiences guests seek. Staying relevant is not just a design choice but a business imperative.

Painting the Future of Hospitality

As we conclude our journey through the color trends of 2024, let’s recap the key takeaways. The palette for this year is diverse, emphasizing warmth, comfort, and sustainability. Boutique hotel owners and designers have a vast array of colors and design elements to choose from, each offering an opportunity to create spaces that captivate and resonate with guests.

The ever-changing landscape of design beckons boutique hotel owners to stay informed and embrace the opportunities presented by the latest trends. Staying ahead not only elevates the guest experience but also ensures the continued success and relevance of boutique establishments.

For the hospitality industry, where every detail matters, color trends are a powerful tool. Motivating hotel owners to immerse themselves in the world of design trends is not just about aesthetics – it’s about ensuring business success. As the colors of 2024 unfurl their potential, let boutique hotels paint a future that is both inviting and enduring.