Making the most of outdoor space, through design

Increasingly, there’s a need for hotels to differentiate. To provide guests with distinctive experiences that delight on all levels. COVID lockdowns made us look to the outside more than ever; to enjoy socialising, dining and holding events in the open air. But even before this, hotels were on a trajectory to increase the use of outdoor spaces to promote guests’ health and wellbeing and provide the fresh feeling that only comes from being al fresco.

Hotels’ investment in their outdoor space is now high on the agenda. So, what can be done, through design, to make the most of outdoor areas? Surprisingly, quite a lot.

Use existing features

An existing terrace, or garden made the most of and can be a good place to start in designing an outdoor area.

Define the activity for guests. Perhaps a terrace lends itself to relaxation, is naturally sheltered and has a great view, or an existing garden could be made into an arboretum for afternoon teas and gatherings. Or a restaurant exterior could be extended to offer outdoor dining and socialising.

Existing shaded areas can be made cosy and inviting with stunning outdoor lighting. If natural sunshine is available, provide a mix of seating styles; benches, communal tables and intimate groups to allow guests to make the most of the British sunshine. On those rare sunny days, it will be a draw for passers-by too.

Create a cohesive experience inside and out

Ensure design elements and themes are cohesive between the inside and outdoor spaces. Any outdoor space available is an extension of the public space so should speak the same language. Continue the colour palette, style of FF&E and materials used in the interior. It creates a visible shopfront that passers-by can experience so use it as a sneak peek of what’s to come inside. Be bold and have fun with it, there is a wide range of interesting furniture pieces suitable for external use on the market.

Create unique features

The Instagrammable moment is increasingly looked for by guests. Depending on the theme and planned activity of your outdoor space, it could benefit from an unusual or standout feature.

Topiary, sculpture or art installations can add interest and uniqueness, making guests feel they are in an other-worldly, quirky environment.

Don’t forget the senses

Just by virtue of being outside, guests’ senses are enlivened, but that doesn’t mean leaving sounds, smells and sensory excitement to chance. Music and the sounds of nature can be striking and impactful, used subtly in outdoor areas. Water features can add interesting sounds and a sense of calm and relaxation.

The fragrances of the air should also be considered, perhaps with planting certain herbs, shrubs and flowers, and potentially safe, incense and oil burners.

Health and wellbeing

Just being outdoors is great for our health and wellbeing. Make the space available a relaxing retreat for guests to enjoy.

Bringing in the outdoors

If outdoor space is limited, look for ways to bring in elements of the outside. We’ve talked in previous blogs about ‘biophilic design’ to help guests feel connected to the natural world even when they’re inside.

Hotels can look for ways to create light-filled spaces, using indoor planting schemes that promote health benefits and produce oxygen, to alleviate stress. Our design of the public space at Hilton Glasgow utilises natural light and masses of greenery and natural colour schemes to create an outdoor feel that promotes wellbeing.

Think lush wall plantings, sliding glass doors to outside, indoor water features and natural materials and furnishings.

Making it all-season

It goes without saying the sun terrace, needs to function outside of the warm months too so hotels can maximise the appeal and use to guests. Use of awnings, heating and mobile shelters can create alternative activities outside of seasonally restricted uses.

Materials used for outside structures, seating and decoration should be durable, safe and resilient enough to stand all weather.

Guest comfort top of mind

Inviting outdoor hotel spaces are increasingly looked for and must, above all, provide the same, if not more, signature comfort and delight as inside areas.

With more unique, design-driven ways to achieve the exciting outdoor spaces guest look for, hotels have a wealth of ways to provide the stand-out memorability they need to drive business.   

If you’d like to discuss a potential refurbishment, please get in touch.