What’s Hot in Hotels 2025 – No. 10

In an era of minimalism and modern lines, there’s a quiet but powerful movement making its return — the reintroduction of historical and period-inspired details into contemporary interiors. From the refined grace of Regency design to the bold glamour of Art Deco, these enduring styles bring a depth of character and storytelling that transforms spaces from mere stays into memorable journeys.

A Dialogue Between Past and Present

Incorporating elements from history isn’t about nostalgia — it’s about creating emotional resonance. A Regency-inspired drawing room with delicate plasterwork, fluted columns and elegant symmetry speaks of sophistication and proportion. In contrast, an Art Deco suite, with its lacquered finishes, geometric inlays and rich metallic accents, captures the spirit of confidence and luxury that defined the early 20th century.

When carefully reinterpreted, these styles don’t feel dated — they feel anchored. They lend interiors a sense of permanence and gravitas, offering guests an experience that’s both visually rich and deeply comforting.

Crafting Stories Through Design

The most memorable interiors are those that tell stories. By weaving in historical references — a Regency fanlight reimagined in glass and brass, or an Art Deco-inspired headboard that echoes the glamour of 1930s ocean liners — we create layers of meaning. Every curve, pattern and texture becomes part of a larger narrative about place, history and craftsmanship.

For boutique hotels and bespoke residences alike, this storytelling transforms design into experience. Guests don’t just inhabit a room — they inhabit a moment in time, thoughtfully curated and beautifully made.

Why It Matters Today

In a world saturated with transient trends, historical influence provides authenticity and timelessness. It connects us to artistry and architectural integrity often missing from contemporary builds. For designers, it’s an opportunity to balance innovation with heritage — blending cutting-edge comfort and sustainability with the charm of handcrafted details.

A corniced ceiling or a Deco chandelier isn’t simply decorative; it’s an invitation to slow down, to appreciate the craftsmanship and human touch behind the design. That sense of connection is what makes a stay not just luxurious, but memorable.

The Business of Beauty: A Tangible Return

For boutique hotel owners, these design choices aren’t just aesthetic — they’re strategic. Evidence from the Boutique Hotel Barometer and reports by STR Global and CBRE Hotels shows that hotels with distinctive, character-driven interiors consistently achieve rack rates 10–20% higher than comparably located properties with generic or minimalist design schemes.

Occupancy rates tell a similar story: uniquely styled, period-influenced hotels report an average of 8–12% higher occupancy, driven by repeat bookings and organic social media visibility. Guests are drawn to spaces that feel original, that photograph beautifully, and that offer a sense of identity — all of which historical detailing naturally provides.

Put simply, authentic design equals commercial advantage. Investing in timeless architectural language creates an emotional bond with guests that translates directly into financial performance.

Transforming Stays into Journeys

Ultimately, period-inspired interiors do more than look beautiful — they evoke emotion. They bridge eras, tell stories, and turn hospitality into something immersive and personal. Whether subtly referenced or boldly expressed, historical details remind us that great design transcends time.

At MMA, we believe in crafting spaces that respect the past while embracing the future — where every stay becomes a journey through design history, reimagined for the modern guest and rewarded by measurable returns.

Let’s Create the Next Chapter

If you’re looking to reimagine your boutique hotel or residence with timeless architectural character and a strong return on design investment, talk to Mark here. We specialise in blending heritage inspiration with contemporary craftsmanship — creating spaces that are not only admired, but remembered.