Design Insider Trend Report: HIX 2024

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Written by Alys Bryan, Editorial Director designinsiderlive.com

HIX 2024

TAKE A TOUR WITH DESIGN INSIDER’S EDITORIAL DIRECTOR, ALYS BRYAN.

Couldn’t make it to HIX 2024? Worry not—this trend report is your guide to everything the event had to offer.

You’ll discover a selection of the latest products launched specifically for the commercial interiors sector, each showcasing technical innovation, sustainability, and thoughtful design tailored to the evolving needs of hospitality spaces.

We’ll share key takeaways from the talks programme, always a highlight of HIX. This year’s sessions featured a lineup of inspiring and thought-provoking discussions.

Keynote speakers and panellists explored topics shaping the future of hospitality, with each conversation reflecting the event’s ‘A Sense of Place’ theme and providing ideas to carry forward into 2025.

We’ll evaluate the success of the event’s creative installations, designed to bring ‘A Sense of Place’ to life and spark fresh, industry-wide conversations about design and hospitality.

Finally, we’ll celebrate the event’s achievements and consider the challenges facing our sector, offering our perspective on potential solutions to ensure continued progress and growth.

Cover image: The Aggie by 3Stories, rug by EGE

This page, clockwise from top left: CIUK Co-Founding Partner, Alys Bryan, Franklite, CNC Creations, Camira, Concept Contract

OBSERVATIONS

HIX 2024 KICKED OFF AT AN INCREDIBLE PACE, WITH THE FIRST DAY NOTICEABLY BUSIER THAN IN 2023. PERHAPS THE SHIFT FROM THURSDAY AND FRIDAY TO WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY PLAYED A ROLE. TRADITIONALLY, THE SECOND DAY OF HIX HAS BEEN QUIETER, AND IT SEEMED THE CHANGE IN DAYS AIMED TO ADDRESS THIS. HOWEVER, THAT HOPEDFOR SURGE IN ATTENDANCE DIDN’T MATERIALIZE. IT’S WORTH CONSIDERING IF EXTERNAL EVENTS LIKE THE FX AWARDS, MIXOLOGY NORTH AWARDS, AND AHEAD AWARDS, DREW AWAY SOME OF THE CROWD.

The Business Design Centre in Islington remains a familiar and reliable platform for commercial interiors suppliers to connect with their audience and drive business. While the venue offers a strong foundation, its space and layout limitations mean that both organisers and exhibitors must maximise their impact through thoughtful stand design and pre-event engagement.

This year marked a first for HIX: the inclusion of the gallery space. This addition opened up new opportunities for exhibitors, provided a home for a second talks stage, and showcased the event’s installations. While these elements added depth to the event, the gallery space itself lacked energy, even with live music performances. It’ll be exciting to see how organisers tackle this challenge and inject vibrancy into the space for HIX 2025.

One of the most exciting developments at this year’s event was the shift in how some brands approached their stands. Rather than focusing solely on products, several exhibitors created engaging spaces that highlighted their services and capabilities—an approach that felt fresh and promising.

The theme for HIX 2024, ‘A Sense of Place’, was evident across the event. While some exhibitors fully embraced it, others held firm to their brand identity. The theme shone brightest in the talks programme and installations, which wove it through meaningful discussions and creative expressions.

On the following pages, we’ll dive into the new product launches showcased at HIX 2024. Interestingly, there seemed to be fewer product launches this year, with many suppliers opting to reveal their innovations earlier in the year at Milan, CDW, or other events. It raises an important question: is HIX still about unveiling new products, or is its audience looking for something else?

For us, this year’s event highlighted the trouble makers, the disruptors, the brands not happy to run with the norm, preferring instead to push the boundaries. If our sector is to thrive, embracing disruption could be a necessity! Let’s continue to champion those who are making waves and inspiring progress!

1. Roca

2. Drinks reception

3. Mullan Lighting

4. Customs Bureau & Purcell

A SENSE OF PLACE

THIS YEAR, THE ORGANISERS SET OUT TO EXPLORE THE PROFOUND IMPACT OF TURNING SPACES INTO PLACES, STATING, “SPACES CAN EXCITE AND INTRIGUE GUESTS, BUT PLACES STAY WITH US LONG AFTER WE LEAVE.”

THIS YEAR’S GUIDING THEME, ‘A SENSE OF PLACE’, EXAMINED HOW HOTELS CAN REFLECT THE UNIQUE CHARACTER OF THEIR BUILDINGS AND COMMUNITIES. IT INVITED DEVELOPERS, DESIGNERS, AND OPERATORS TO FOCUS ON AUTHENTICITY, RESPONSIBILITY, AND SUSTAINABILITY TO MEET THE GROWING DEMAND FOR MEANINGFUL GUEST EXPERIENCES. EVERY ELEMENT OF THE SHOW—TALKS, INSTALLATIONS, AND EVEN THE SOCIAL EVENTS— WERE INFLUENCED BY THIS ETHOS, CREATING A COHESIVE NARRATIVE.

A few exhibitors fully embraced the theme, with Concept Contract leading the charge. Concept Contract is one of London’s premier suppliers and installers of curtains and soft furnishings. Their Bermondsey-based team is known for offering bespoke solutions tailored to projects of any scale, from single-room designs to full building refurbishments or new builds. For HIX 2024, they transformed their stand into an Alpine ski chalet, complete with a roaring fire, a cable car for Instagram-worthy moments, and signage celebrating their hospitality projects. Champagne flowed as the stand became a buzzing hub for connection and conversation. Warren Stimson, CEO of Concept Contract, explained, “For me, HIX is about building relationships and making new contacts.” Prioritising human connections over showcasing products or services, their stand epitomised the theme’s spirit.

Furniture Fusion adopted a similar approach, crafting a space designed for engagement rather than product display. Their ‘Our Place’ installation, created in collaboration with design studio Jones AD, was inspired by the concept of Japanese kissa listening bars. These intimate spaces, steeped in musical culture, served as the perfect backdrop for Furniture Fusion’s

celebration of music, design, and hospitality. We’ll explore this innovative concept in more detail later in the report.

The talks programme wove ‘A Sense of Place’ consistently into its sessions, ensuring the theme resonated across all discussions. While this provided a cohesive framework, it arguably limited the breadth of topics that could be covered, with some overlap between conversations.

Creative installations aimed to bring ‘A Sense of Place’ to life on a grand scale. HOTEL BDC, described as HIX’s largest and most ambitious installation project to date, tasked four leading design studios with reimagining the Business Design Centre as a hotel. Drawing inspiration from a detailed historical report by heritage consultants Historic Productions and guided by the show’s theme, the installations set out to explore how locality, heritage, and community can inform hotel design. Presented as part of an immersive multimedia gallery created by set-builders Cloud & Horse, the concepts sought to capture the area’s past and present. Later in this report, we’ll examine two standout installations and reflect on how effectively they delivered on this bold vision.

NEW PRODUCT LAUNCH

WHILE THIS YEAR’S EVENT SAW A SLIGHT REDUCTION IN THE NUMBER OF NEW PRODUCT LAUNCHES COMPARED TO PREVIOUS YEARS, MANY BRANDS CONTINUED TO USE THE EVENT AS A PLATFORM TO INTRODUCE NEW DESIGNS TO THE MARKET.

From furniture and textiles to lighting and bathroom solutions, these launches spanned a variety of product categories. On the following pages, we spotlight the standout new products that caught our attention.

GEOM LIGHTING

Barnard Collection with EcoPerform+

ObscuraCollection

UK Specification Hub with GROHE Rapido Shower Frame

CREATIVITY AND CONCEPT WERE ON FULL DISPLAY, WITH EXCITING PRODUCT LAUNCHES THAT HIGHLIGHTED TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS AND UNIQUE DESIGN COLLABORATIONS.

Roca’s Avant redefined bathroom design with a sleek all-in-one solution that integrates the cistern directly into the toilet bowl. By eliminating visible operating plates and incorporating a sealfree design, Avant achieves a clean, modern aesthetic while prioritising practicality. The innovative flushing system, powered by the Venturi effect, is a groundbreaking collaboration between Roca and SIAMP. This patented technology offers greater water control and simplifies maintenance, making it a game-changer for bathroom spaces.

Heritage carpet specialists Brintons unveiled their first collaboration with the V&A Museum, the Design Discoveries collection. This range of six striking designs draws inspiration from the vibrant pochoir works of French artist Émile-Allain Séguy, housed in the V&A’s archives. Available for the commercial market, the collection blends timeless artistry with Brintons’ renowned craftsmanship, making it an elegant choice for any hospitality interior.

PS Interiors also showcased their design prowess, debuting several new pieces at their impressive stand. Highlights included the Aggy dining and lounge chairs, the sleek Westely dining chair, and the Tomas and Mirador coffee and side tables. These new additions reflected PS Interiors’ commitment to delivering versatile, stylish furniture that meets the demands of contemporary hospitality spaces.

Roca’s Avant integrates cistern and bowl, showcasing seamless flushing technology.

seamless design and revolutionary Venturi

PS INTERIORS

PS Interiors debuts Aggy chairs and Tomas tables, blending style and functionality for hospitality spaces.

BRINTONS Brintons’ V&A collection celebrates Émile-Allain Séguy’s artistry with six striking heritage-inspired designs.

AS EXPECTED, SUSTAINABILITY AND TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION WERE CENTRAL TO MANY OF THE PRODUCT LAUNCHES AT HIX 2024.

Brands showcased creative solutions designed to meet the growing demand for eco-conscious materials, ethical production practices, and smarter technology integration. From energyefficient lighting to sustainable textiles and advanced furniture concepts, these innovations demonstrate how our industry is adapting to deliver both environmental responsibility and exceptional guest experiences.

Latest collections

SEKERS

Ashleycollaboration

Sustainable indoor/ outdoor performance collection AEGEAN

Latest collections

luxury vinyl tiles

Latest Collections

Takai- award winning table lamp

Laufen introduced Colour Archaeology, an exceptional project combining historical research and modern design. This meticulously crafted colour palette, developed by Roberto Sironi and the Laufen innovations team, draws inspiration from over 10,000 ancient artifacts. Featuring tones such as Babylonian Sand and Egyptian Cerulean, the palette anchors hotel bathroom designs in rich cultural heritage. The collection was beautifully showcased at the Laufen stand, with room settings highlighting these harmonious hues and demonstrating their timeless appeal.

Panaz unveiled the latest iteration of their Stingray faux leather collection, featuring a burnished, scale-like texture that radiates sophistication. The updated range includes nine new metallic hues, such as the opulent Gold and Champagne and the understated elegance of Rust and Zinc. The Stingray collection combines luxury with durability, making it a standout choice for interiors seeking both style and performance. The Panaz stand exemplified creativity, with their printing capabilities showcased through a bespoke textile backdrop that brought their bar display to life.

LAUFEN

Laufen’s Colour Archaeology features historic tones like Babylonian inspired by ancient artifacts spanning eight civilizations, creating bathrooms.

Sand and Egyptian Cerulean, timeless designs for contemporary

PANAZ

Panaz’s Stingray faux leather showcases new metallic hues, including Gold and Zinc, alongside a unique textile backdrop featuring their custom printing capabilities, blending innovation with luxury.

The benefits of natural sleep and its impact on health and wellbeing have become more apparent to guests and hoteliers alike. Reflecting this year’s theme, A Sense of Place, Hypnos collaborated with renowned British brands to present an immersive guestroom encapsulating a holistic approach to well-being.

Hypnos reconfirmed their commitment to sustainability with the launch of their first contract-specification mattress, created in collaboration with The Eden Project, their partner since 2019. Crafted from a blend of natural and sustainable materials, including fibres derived from orange, pineapple, banana, cotton, and responsibly sourced wool, the mattress exemplifies Hypnos’ dedication to benefiting both people and the planet.

While the stand featured playful elements, the message was clear: sustainability isn’t just a trend but a core principle. Through partnerships with Ulster Carpets, Newmor Wallcoverings, Sanderson Design Group, Chelsom, and Indigo Art, Hypnos demonstrated how responsible design can enhance both the environment and guest experiences.

Silent Gliss brought innovation with their Smart Hotel Room installation, a mock-up showcasing seamless integration of design and technology. Collaborating with Bodhi, the space featured Silent Gliss shading systems connected to Bodhi’s SaaS room management platform. Complemented by Rako lighting controls, the room highlighted how automation can elevate guest experiences. Hypnos added luxury bed, completing this vision of hospitality’s future.

Silent Gliss also celebrated heritage, hosting an event at their BDC studio to unveil Historic Productions’ research tracing the Business Design Centre’s evolution from the Royal Agricultural Hall to today’s cultural hub. As the last original tenant of the BDC, Silent Gliss underscored how understanding history inspires modern design. This perspective informed HIX 2024’s installations, where five design studios reimagined the BDC as a conceptual hotel, bridging past and present to create innovative hospitality experiences.

HYPNOS

Hypnos’ immersive guestroom concept showcased sustainability brands and natural materials.

SILENT GLISS: SHAPING THE FUTURE OF SMART HOSPITALITY

through collaborations with British

Silent Gliss’ Smart Hotel Room demonstrated seamless integration of shading systems, technology, and historical inspiration.

PRODUCT PREVIEWS & SERVICES

INDUSTRY EVENTS PROVIDE THE PERFECT PLATFORM FOR BRANDS TO PREVIEW EXCITING NEW PRODUCT COLLECTIONS, WITH A PARTICULAR FOCUS ON VERSATILITY AND SUSTAINABILITY.

Among the standouts were Dales by Agua, the brands first wool collection. Sunbury also impressed with their Dunbar, Lullaby, Voyage, and Kielder collections, offering a variety of textures and patterns designed to enhance hospitality spaces. Having a wide audience of visitors willing to provide their feedback and opinions on these previews offered brands a valuable opportunity to fine-tune their designs before final launch.

In addition to new products, many brands used the event to promote their bespoke services, demonstrating how tailored solutions can transform hospitality spaces. Robena and John Lewis showcased their expertise in curtain and blind manufacturing, emphasizing their ability to deliver projects of all scales with precision.

Roman highlighted their bespoke manufacturing capabilities, offering tailored bathroom solutions that combine craftsmanship with design innovation. Together, these brands underscored the importance of customisation and collaboration in creating exceptional hospitality environments.

Dales, Agua’s new fabric crafted from the finest natural wool

Robena delivers bespoke curtains and soft furnishings globally, offering design consultancy, manufacturing, and installation for luxury hotels, boutique properties, and healthcare environments for over 30 years.

JOHN LEWIS

Herbert Parkinson, John Lewis’s Lancashire factory, blends modern tech with traditional skills, crafting bespoke soft furnishings and Made to Measure curtains.

Roman crafts versatile, British-made solutions, combining quality and precision for bathrooms across residential, hospitality, and specialist markets worldwide.

Dunbar

COMMERCIAL INTERIORS UK INSPIRE AND SUPPORT THE GROWTH AND THE COMMERCIAL FURNISHING SECTOR. COMMERCIAL INTERIORS UK EXHIBITING AT HIX 2024.

EMBRACING THE DISRUPTORS: FURNITURE FUSION

AT HIX 2024, WE SAW BRANDS HARNESS DISRUPTION IN INSPIRING WAYS, MOVING AWAY FROM TRADITIONAL EXHIBITION MODELS TO CREATE MEANINGFUL, MEMORABLE SPACES. THESE TRAILBLAZERS CHALLENGED THE NORM, PUTTING RELATIONSHIPS AND EXPERIENCES BEFORE PRODUCTS.

If Design Insider had an award for stand design, it would undoubtedly have gone to Furniture Fusion for their bold and innovative concept, Our Place. This installation was a masterclass in how disruption can spark connections and redefine how we interact within design spaces.

A Space to Connect

Designed in collaboration with Jones AD, the installation drew inspiration from Japanese kissa bars, intimate spaces created to celebrate music and foster community. These elements were reimagined into a listening bar filled with curated details that invited visitors to relax, connect, and immerse themselves.

Sam Samuels, Managing Director of Furniture Fusion, reflected on the design process:

“We spent time considering the design for ‘Our Place’ at HIX, from the colour palette and materials used to the layout and function of the space. More than just an exhibition stand, it was designed to allow visitors to take a seat, relax, have a drink and a chat, listen to music and catch up with colleagues, friends and industry contacts.”

A Multi-Sensory Experience

The design featured OSB engineered wood for its structure, blending sustainability with raw, textured aesthetics. One wall was plastered with gig flyers, while another housed a turntable and bar, complete with a stylized version of the company’s logo. This ‘F’, composed of 24 album covers chosen for their music and artistic appeal, tied into the installation’s tagline, ‘Your Face / Our Place’.

Furniture Fusion’s collaboration with Jones AD resulted in bespoke furniture pieces tailored to the installation. Highlights included a stylish bench, pebble stools, and eco-friendly table tops made from sustainable Foresso materials. The space also showcased seating from BlackCork and upholstery fabrics from Panaz, ILIV, and Sunbury. The colour palette of dark green, terracotta, and cream created a warm, inviting atmosphere, while the curated playlist of vinyl records enhanced the ambiance.

The Polaroid Wall: Capturing Memories

One of the stand’s most thoughtful touches was the Polaroid wall, which captured snapshots of visitors as they engaged with the space. These photos, pinned to the wall throughout the event, created a dynamic and personal visual representation of the connections forged at Our Place.

As a final act of hospitality, each Polaroid was popped into the post and returned to its subject after the event—a delightful gesture that reinforced the stand’s emphasis on meaningful interactions. Ours is now proudly displayed in the Design Insider office, a treasured keepsake from HIX 2024.

Hospitality at Its Core

While the inspiration was music, the project remained deeply rooted in Furniture Fusion’s core expertise: furniture and hospitality design. Drawing on two decades of experience with hotel, bar, and restaurant operators, the team crafted a space that emphasized both aesthetic appeal and functionality.

Sam Samuels commented on the importance of fostering collaboration:

“This has been a really special experience for us. It’s no secret that we’re big music fans, so combining it with design for hotels has been an engaging and creatively rewarding time for our team. The concept reflects the creativity and connection that music brings to our lives—we loved welcoming guests to join us, share a drink, and share some sounds.”

Celebrating the Disruptors

Throughout 2025, Design Insider will celebrate the disruptors—those who are challenging conventions and instigating change within our industry. Whether through people, projects, concepts, or tools, these disruptors play a pivotal role in shaping the future of commercial interiors.

As Sam eloquently put it, “While we’re embracing the technology and advances that are transforming the way we all work, it’s reassuring to see how much is gained by spending time together.”

If the sector is to thrive, embracing disruption could be a necessity! Let’s continue to champion those who push boundaries and inspire progress, ensuring our industry remains vibrant, innovative, and future-focused.

CELEBRATING LUXURY BATHROOM DESIGN: THE

AXOR COMPETITION

ON THEIR STAND, AXOR PROUDLY UNVEILED THE WINNERS OF ITS INAUGURAL COMPACT LUXURY BATHROOM COMPETITION, A PLATFORM CREATED TO CELEBRATE AND SUPPORT THE NEXT GENERATION OF INTERIOR DESIGNERS ACROSS THE UK AND IRELAND.

A Vision for the Future of Design

This exciting competition invited current students and recent graduates to reimagine the concept of luxury within compact bathroom spaces, using AXOR’s signature products. Each entry showcased incredible creativity, with designers submitting mood boards, 2D plans, and detailed visualizations to bring their ideas to life.

AXOR’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent aligns seamlessly with the brand’s ethos of innovation and design excellence. The judging panel for the competition comprised George McPherson, FFE Designer at Martin Brudnizki Design Studio; Anke Sohn, Head of Global Brand Marketing for AXOR; and Alys Bryan, Editorial Director of Design Insider.

Announcing the Winners

On 28th November, the winners were revealed on the AXOR stand at HIX by Steffen Erath, Head of Innovation & Sustainability at Hansgrohe Group:

Winner: Martin Nealon

Second Place: Alice Molinari

Third Place: Hayley Allsop

George McPherson, FFE Designer at Martin Brudnizki Design Studio and a member of the judging panel, shared his thoughts on the competition:

“The quality of the entries was exceptional, showcasing immense talent, effort, and dedication. It was clear that every designer invested significant time and creativity into their submissions. This competition has been an inspiring showcase of the future of luxury bathroom design, and we’re excited to see how these designers continue to shape the industry.”

A Partnership for Innovation

Design Insider is thrilled to have been part of this competition, with Editorial Director Alys Bryan joining the esteemed judging panel. We are proud to support initiatives that encourage innovation and creativity within the design community.

As the AXOR competition prepares to return in 2025, it promises to once again provide a platform for the next generation of designers to shine. With the bar set so high, we eagerly anticipate the bold ideas and inspired solutions that will emerge.

THE GLASSHOUSE

DRAWING ON THE RICH HISTORY OF THE BUSINESS DESIGN CENTRE AS AN AGRICULTURAL HALL, PURCELL AND CUSTOMS BUREAU UNVEILED THE GLASSHOUSE URBAN RETREAT, AN AMBITIOUS REIMAGINING OF THE VENUE. THIS CONCEPT CELEBRATED THE FUSION OF SUSTAINABILITY, INNOVATION, AND COMMUNITY, CREATING A SPACE THAT BOTH HONOURS THE PAST AND ADDRESSES MODERN ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES.

Inspired by the historic roots of food production and display at the BDC, the design reinterpreted these traditions for a plantbased future. It introduced innovative urban farming techniques and creative approaches to waste management, turning materials back into useful resources such as packaging, skincare, and clothing. Oliver Beddard, Senior Architect at Purcell, explained:

“It’s a luxury experience, but also a kind of factory for reinventing the way that we live; a test bed of how we can improve a sector that has become quite a damaging industry in a lot of ways.”

Central to the concept was the creation of a communal civic hub, designed to foster connections between locals and visitors alike. The design proposed an open plaza to encourage interaction, reclaiming the site as a public space. By removing barriers to entry, the installation invited the community to engage with the BDC in new ways, embodying the idea of a social, shared experience.

The Glasshouse Urban Retreat also responded to contemporary issues, including the fragility of food supply chains exposed during the pandemic. The design encouraged local food production and sustainable practices while offering a sensory journey that immersed visitors in the textures, smells, and sights of innovative plant-based hospitality.

Images: Customs Bureau

THE AGGIE

INSPIRED BY THE BUSINESS DESIGN CENTRE’S STORIED HISTORY AS AN ENTERTAINMENT VENUE, 3STORIES PRESENTED PLEASURE GARDEN AT THE AGGIE, A CONCEPT THAT REIMAGINES THE SITE AS A DYNAMIC HOSPITALITY SPACE CELEBRATING COMMUNITY, CULTURE, AND CREATIVITY. ROOTED IN ISLINGTON’S VIBRANT SOCIAL LIFE, BOTH PAST AND PRESENT, THE INSTALLATION CHANNELED THE VICTORIAN-ERA TRADITION OF PLEASURE GARDENS—PUBLIC SPACES DESIGNED FOR CONNECTION AND DISCOVERY.

At the heart of the concept is a bold transformation of the BDC’s central area into an amphitheatre, surrounded by mezzaninelevel bedrooms. This space evolves continuously, hosting events, performances, and gatherings that bring together locals and visitors alike. Ben Webb, Managing Director of 3Stories, explained:

“It’s about designing spaces where guests feel integrated into the atmosphere, not just as visitors but as part of the hotel’s community.”

Welcome to the Aggie, Islington’s Pleasure Garden, invites visitors to indulge in the art, culture, and culinary treasures of London. The concept combines heritage with the excitement of modern entertainment, offering handcrafted Vapoura Spiced Rum cocktails—a perfect blend of tradition and innovation. Relaxing in this luxurious environment, guests are immersed in an experience that celebrates both local identity and contemporary hospitality.

The Pleasure Garden at The Aggie concept weaves hospitality into entertainment seamlessly, offering innovative approaches to meetings, events, and dining. It ties the theme of A Sense of Place to local industries by incorporating locally sourced ingredients into F&B offerings and reflecting Islington’s cultural identity through its entertainment programming.

Rug produced by EGE

ART: BRINGING SPACES TO LIFE

THE PRESENCE OF BESPOKE ART SERVICES REFLECTED A GROWING TREND IN THE DESIGN INDUSTRY: THE INTEGRATION OF ARTWORK AS A VITAL COMPONENT OF INTERIOR SPACES. DESIGN INSIDER HAS OBSERVED AN INCREASING DEMAND FOR LOCATION-SPECIFIC, COMMISSIONED ARTWORK ACROSS HOSPITALITY, WORKPLACE, EDUCATION, CARE, AND CRUISE SECTORS. THIS ALIGNS SEAMLESSLY WITH HIX’S THEME OF ‘A SENSE OF PLACE’ AND DESIGNERS’ AMBITIONS TO CREATE SPACES DEEPLY CONNECTED TO THEIR COMMUNITY AND CULTURE.

We spoke with three art specialists at HIX whose work is shaping how art is integrated into commercial interiors.

Studio Graphite

Studio Graphite, a London-based multidisciplinary consultancy and creative studio, delivers art solutions for projects of all sizes. Their offerings span from sourcing prints, paintings, and sculptures to creating original works, including abstract canvases and paper-based art. By collaborating with trusted printing and framing experts and skilled installation teams, Studio Graphite ensures a seamless journey from concept to completion. Whether for residential or hospitality projects, their approach provides tailored collections that enrich spaces with character and creativity.

Paper Collective

At Paper Collective, the emphasis is on creating a “playground for art.” This collaborative studio partners with artists worldwide to produce high-quality artwork and products that showcase creative expression. Their mission is to connect artists with a global network of interior architects and art lovers, facilitating the integration of art into interior projects. With a focus on playful yet meaningful designs, Paper Collective’s work brings vibrancy and individuality to spaces.

Quote & Curate

Led by artist and curator Angela Murray, Quote & Curate offers tailored consultancy and fine art advisory services. From a studio in Chelsea, Angela collaborates with the design community to commission and curate art pieces that elevate interior projects. Her experience in design-led interiors allows her to bridge the gap between creative expression and professional execution. Quote & Curate also provides guidance on curating private art collections, ensuring each piece resonates with the overall design narrative.

1. Studio Graphite

2. Studio Graphite

3. Quote & Curate

4. Paper Collective

HAVE YOUR SAY!

AT DESIGN INSIDER, WE PRIDE OURSELVES ON SPARKING MEANINGFUL CONVERSATIONS. DURING HIX 2024, WE SEIZED THE OPPORTUNITY TO ASK INDUSTRY LEADERS ABOUT THREE PIVOTAL TOPICS: HOW PRODUCTS ARE ADDRESSING CUSTOMER NEEDS, WHICH MARKET SEGMENTS ARE POISED FOR GROWTH, AND THE KEY DISRUPTORS SHAPING THE COMMERCIAL INTERIORS SECTOR. THEIR INSIGHTS PROVIDE A THOUGHT-PROVOKING GLIMPSE INTO THE FUTURE OF OUR INDUSTRY.

Answering Customer Needs Through Product Design

Meeting client needs remains a key driver of product innovation, with brands striving to enhance functionality and aesthetics simultaneously.

Matthew Hall, Country Manager for UK & Ireland at BALSAN, explained how their flooring solutions address contemporary demands: “Our HIX showcase featured sustainable, lowmaintenance flooring with seamless design flexibility. Acoustic performance addressed hospitality noise concerns, while anti-slip features enhanced safety. These innovations reflect client demands for materials that align with sustainability goals, improve user comfort, and maintain a polished aesthetic suitable for hospitality interiors.”

Steffen Erath, Head of Innovation & Sustainability at Hansgrohe Group, emphasized resource conservation in design: “Our new ceramics and furniture for the premium brand hansgrohe present a complete bathroom concept. The new AXOR Citterio C collection from the design brand AXOR features a slim, vertical design and a distinctive subtle, surrounding bevel cut as a unifying element across the collection. These products offer high-quality materials, customizable finishes, combining seamless coordination with resource-saving technologies to enhance the user experience.”

For Jamie Sandilands, Specification Manager at Grant Westfield, practicality and efficiency were central to their HIX showcase. “The unique selling point of our products is that the guests will struggle to tell the difference between real tile and our tile wall panels. Our panels don’t compromise on style or quality to give the look and feel that the consumer is looking for, all while coming with a 30-year warranty, hydro-lock seal, and easy application that can be installed onto existing surfaces. The easy maintenance of our wall panels will also give time back to the hotelier as the panels are wipe clean and grout free, leading to potential increased revenue streams from early check-in fees and less downtime whilst rooms are readied.”

Market Segment Growth

Several areas within the commercial interiors 2025, driven by evolving consumer demands.

Matthew Hall pointed to wellness-driven “Wellness-driven environments will continue hotels, spas, and even fitness studios. A close demand will see more flexible hospitality

Steffen Erath highlighted sustainable building water-saving, and eco-friendly solutions is and comfort for users. Clients are looking solutions that prioritize resource conservation

Jamie Sandilands discussed the opportunities focus on the hotel market, we expect to see Of course, the tile and marble panels offer patterned, wallpaper-equivalent ranges rooms and the public areas. Our Naturepanel wood gives a tranquil feel that could be easily

Disruptors Shaping the Sector

Disruption continues to challenge traditional

Matthew Hall emphasized the generational ‘Generational Changing of the Guard’ as when Gen Z is following close behind and

interiors sector are poised for growth as we approach demands.

wellness-driven environments as a leading area of expansion: continue to lead the way. We will see more wellness-centric close second is the rise of hybrid working; this ongoing and office environments.”

building solutions: “The demand for energy-efficient, is rising, alongside a strong focus on ensuring wellness for high-quality, personalized, and cohesive bathroom conservation without sacrificing a luxurious feeling.”

opportunities within the hotel sector: “With our increased see a huge opportunity for growth in the overall sector. offer a design-led solution for the bathrooms, whilst our offer excellent designs for feature walls within the Naturepanel collection that replicates the look and feel of easily suited to a spa.”

traditional norms, fostering innovation across the industry.

generational shift reshaping workplaces: “2025 will see a Millennials become the workforce majority at a time joining them. Creating an irresistible force for change,

there will be no obligation to conform to normal rules—it’s about breaking from convention. Instead, we will revel in the joy of creativity, colour, pattern, texture, and form.”

For Steffen Erath, environmental constraints are a critical disruptor: “The limitation of planetary resources is one of the biggest disruptors in commercial interiors. Sustainability and resource conservation are now essential, driving innovation in design and materials to reduce water and energy use, while maintaining high performance and user satisfaction.”

Jamie Sandilands discussed the disruption of traditional tile use in hotels: “The biggest disruptor we’re facing is challenging the narrative of fitted tiles being the norm. We’re hoping that shows such as HIX underline that, due to new technologies, our panels now offer the design and luxurious elements required to keep hotels on trend for their guests, whilst still offering the practicality, cleanliness, and ease of install or replacement that ensure both reduced time on cleaning daily and downtime when refurbishment is required.”

Continuing the Conversation

The insights shared by Hall, Erath, and Sandilands at HIX 2024 reveal an industry navigating transformation, where sustainability, innovation, and client-centric design are redefining the landscape. As disruptors challenge norms, market segments evolve, and product designs continue to adapt, the commercial interiors sector remains at the forefront of meaningful change.

What are your thoughts on these insights? Join the conversation and let us know how you see these trends shaping the future of the industry.