A new decade is here, bringing with it the potential for a host of new design trends — especially in the hospitality industry. Things change and things stay the same, but something's always in flux. What are the top concerns in hospitality at the beginning of this new decade?

Environmental Mindfulness

Going green and reducing negative impacts on the environment is something that is quickly becoming a hot-button topic in nearly every industry. Hospitality is no exception, and industry experts are seeing new emerging trends that stay in line with that new mode of thinking.

This includes everything from reducing food waste in the kitchens to swapping out existing fixtures for low-flow alternatives that reduce the facility's water use. Environmentalism can reduce energy expenditure while improving guest experiences — an effort becoming increasingly important as younger generations become avid travelers.

Catering to Self-Care

Self-care may have started out as a trend in yoga studios, but in recent years it has expanded into something that nearly transcends industry. A growing number of hospitality industry professionals have started to make changes to capture a shred of that insanely popular trend.

The exact changes they're making will vary from business owner to business owner, but the idea of creating retreats and locales where guests can focus on the concepts of self-care and wellness is becoming increasingly popular in the new decade.

Energy Continuity and Power

Energy, especially in areas prone to blackouts, can be problematic. No one wants to visit a hotel only to have the power go out and all the amenities that they paid for shut off. Fortunately, more builders and developers are investing in technology that makes renewable energy more reliable, including integrated energy management solutions and energy storage for solar, wind or thermal energy systems.

Still, keeping a hotel running in an emergency is vital. Even for facilities that don't intend to keep the lights and TVs running with their backup generators, things like emergency lighting and phones need to continue to function for the safety of the guests. In most situations, backup generators are required for any facility that is taller than five stories, but even smaller companies are investing in sources of backup power to keep their guests comfortable.

Getting Back to Nature

In the hospitality industry, going green doesn't just mean creating an eco-friendly experience. In some cases, it means going green — literally. Hotels and other hospitality spaces are incorporating more green space than ever as an attempt to get back to nature and make their facilities feel a little more organic.

That also means color schemes are changing by switching from cool pastels that designers usually associate with public buildings to warmer earth-tones and designs. This makes it feel like guests are camping in the jungle with all the comforts of home at their fingertips.

Pinks and reds are also making a comeback, but not in the bright and sharp colors that were popular in the recent past. Instead, the colors will remind guests of a sunset over the ocean or the first blushes of color that touch the sky as the sun rises in the morning. Getting back to nature is the order of the day in many hospitality circles.

Keeping Things Safe and Secure

With current events shaking the globe and tensions running high, safety and security in the hospitality industry are more important than ever. New security trends have started to emerge within the hospitality sector that will help keep guests safe. Some may require designers and architects to retrofit existing buildings or design new ones with these features in mind.

Invisible security features are becoming a popular option. They allow business owners to protect their guests without being overt or obvious about security measures. Add in the growth of technology in the industry, and hotel owners can let guests use their smartphone to access everything from parking lots and elevators to their rooms and interior amenities — all without ever worrying about losing keys.

Changing Our Relationship With Technology

Traditionally, hotel guests start their stay by checking in at the reception desk. The average consumer's preference for technology has turned even this simple task into an insufferable chore. Upwards of 70% of hotel guests would prefer to have the option for self-service check-in, allowing them to skip the line and get right to their stay. This won't eliminate the need for hotel staff, but it will make the customer experience more positive for the guests.

This reliance on technology is quickly changing guests' relationship with it, especially in the context of the hospitality industry. Right now, having room service delivered by a robot is a gimmick or a novelty. In the not-too-distant future, however, it may become the norm — and hotel design will have to change to accommodate these new robotic crew members.

Hospitality Trends in the 2020s

The hospitality industry is only six months into the decade, and already things are changing fast. It's impossible to say how far the 2020s will take this sector, but one thing is for sure — customer experience will never be the same. That's a good thing. 

The easiest way to bring people back, again and again, is to give them something they've never experienced before or to do something familiar in an exceptionally appealing and intuitive way. The early 2020 trends are set to do just that.

Author Bio: This post was written by Holly Welles. She is a real estate writer and the editor behind The Estate Update. She’s passionate about the ways in which the industry is changing and loves to stay on top of millennial market trends. You can find more of Holly's thoughts on Twitter @HollyAWelles.

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