NEW YORK — The Boutique Design New York (BDNY) 2024 set the stage for trends in the hospitality design industry, gathering approximately 750 exhibitors and 13,000 designers and industry professionals from around the world at the Javits Center in New York City. This year’s event spotlighted the industry’s shifting focus toward sustainability, wellness, and inclusivity. From immersive Designed Spaces installations to conversation panels, attendees witnessed the innovative design materials and forward-thinking approaches driving hospitality design. 

Key themes included the integration of reclaimed and sustainably sourced materials, especially in wood furnishings, along with the use of biophilic elements to create relaxing, health-oriented environments. The show not only celebrated creative design solutions but fostered important conversations about how to shape more inclusive, sustainable hospitality spaces for future generations during forty conference panels across the two-day event. 

Wood-based furniture companies at the show saw an uptick in growing demand for eco-friendly materials that enhance guest well-being by emphasizing natural materials, nature elements, and spatial arrangements that tried to implement relaxation and a sense of calm. Designers gravitated towards using reclaimed wood for accent walls, trim, and furnishings for eco-conscious choice and engineered hardwood floors for a unique aesthetic that complements modern and rustic spaces for all hospitality types. 

Show highlights

Designed Spaces: BDNY’s four immersive Designed Spaces—created by leading designers and sponsoring manufacturers—hosted places for attendees to participate in panels on various topics.

Serendipitous Encounters by Blur Workshop 
Salone by Baskervill 

Sobremesa by Curioso  - Inspired by the idea of “Sobremesa” - the Spanish after-meal tradition of lazing around a table in good conversation with close friend - Curioso designed a space for meaningful connection.

Hidden Gem by Parker-Torres Design 

Dine & Design: A new space at BDNY, anchored by Café Hue, an active café space envisioned by Jessica Gidari - founder and creative director of hospitality design and branding consultancy J.GIDARI - showcased a wide array of curated products, including furniture, tableware, uniforms, branding items, lighting, and flooring. This vibrant and engaging spot offers attendees a space to connect and network over light fare, with coffee and wine service available throughout the day.

Designers emphasized the importance of creating a sense of community and connection with these Designed Spaces. Through nature-inspired elements, calming color palettes, and layouts designed to promote relaxation and interaction, BDNY underscored a shift toward interiors that prioritize comfort, mental health, and environmental consciousness. This year's show set a clear vision for the hospitality industry: to build experiences that are as mindful as they are memorable.

For more insights and highlights from BDNY 2024, visit the official BDNY website.