Design studio, Cocoon & Bauer, returned as a design partner to the Independent Hotel Show 2023.
This year, the hospitality interior design experts created the show’s Members Suite, a space for hoteliers to network, relax and do business. In this exclusive interview, Managing Director, Peter Turner, talks about this year’s design.
You were a design partner of the prestigious Independent Hotel Show, please tell us what this meant?
We were honoured to be offered this! Following on from the fantastic design we provided last year for the Inclusive Hotel Room, Independent Hotel Show Event Manager, Glenn Wallace, approached us to look at the Members Suite so that it had the same dramatic impact the bedroom did last year. I think it gave us even more scope to showcase our talents in interior design and make it the place for hotel experts to visit.
What was the inspiration behind this year’s design?
I wanted the Members Suite to be anything you wanted it to be and to resemble nothing. This seems a strange aesthetic to aim for, but I wanted to create it to be all things; a lobby, a bar, a lounge, a rooftop terrace – anything. It shows visitors the ability for any space to become what you need from it by using correct furniture in a clever layout with the right finishing touches and accessories.
Did the design come out as you had expected it to, and what reaction did you receive from IHS visitors?
The actual design looked even better than the visuals we’d produced. The atmosphere and feeling in the suite was fantastic, it was really busy throughout the show and the furniture we used, provided to us by our wonderful partners: Ocee Design, Vepa, Bisley and Frovi, allowed the space to be fluid and agile accommodating each group’s needs. The reaction from the Independent Hotel Show’s visitors has been brilliant and I think the fact it was so busy proved to us it was a hit!
Do you enjoy working at the Independent Hotel Show, and will you be returning next year?
We love working with the team at the Independent Hotel Show, they couldn’t be more helpful and generous with their time. You’ll have to watch this space – maybe!
