Local Flair: Incorporating Regional Art into Hotel Design

Mai House Saigon Artwork

In the ever-evolving landscape of hotel design, the importance of creating a unique and authentic guest experience cannot be overstated. One compelling way hotels are achieving this is by incorporating regional art into their design, transforming spaces into immersive environments that tell the story of the local culture. In this exploration of hotel art design, we delve into the significance of infusing local flair and the role of art consultants, with a special focus on the distinctive touch offered by Hay Hay Design.

The Essence of Local Flair:

The art that graces the walls of a hotel can be a powerful storyteller, providing guests with a sense of place and a connection to the destination. Incorporating regional art is a nod to the rich cultural tapestry that defines a location, allowing guests to experience the uniqueness of the region right within the walls of their temporary abode.

Epices Restaurant Pullman Danang

The Role of Art Consultants:

Art consultants play a pivotal role in guiding hotels through the process of selecting and incorporating regional art into their design. Their expertise helps establishments strike a balance between aesthetics, cultural relevance, and the overall atmosphere they wish to create. By understanding the essence of the local culture, art consultants can curate collections that resonate with guests, enriching their stay with a genuine sense of place.

Local Art as a Design Element:

Incorporating regional art into hotel design goes beyond merely decorating the walls; it becomes a key design element that defines the overall ambiance. From locally crafted sculptures and paintings that capture the essence of the landscape to installations inspired by indigenous motifs, these artistic touches contribute to an immersive experience that goes beyond the visual.

Fostering Community Engagement:

Hotels that embrace local art not only contribute to the vibrancy of the destination but also foster community engagement. Collaborating with local artists and artisans not only supports the arts but also creates a symbiotic relationship where the hotel becomes a patron of the local creative community.

Creating Lasting Impressions:

The incorporation of regional art into hotel design creates a lasting impression on guests. It transforms a stay from a mere visit into an immersive journey, where every corner tells a story and every piece of art contributes to the overall narrative. Guests are no longer passive observers; they become participants in the cultural experience woven into the fabric of the hotel's design.

Hilton Danang Meeting Room Artwork by Hay Hay Design

How Art Transforms Hotels, Hospitals, and Healing Spaces

Art is far more than decoration—it has the power to transform the way people feel, connect, and experience a space. In hospitality and healing environments, such as hotels, hospitals, and wellness centers, carefully curated artwork plays a vital role in shaping atmosphere and improving wellbeing.

In hotels, art sets the tone for the guest experience. A striking lobby piece creates a sense of place and identity, while room artwork offers guests a feeling of comfort and escape. Art can also tell a brand’s story, reflecting local culture and creating meaningful connections that go beyond the visual.

In healing spaces, art serves an even deeper purpose. Research shows that exposure to artwork—especially nature scenes, calming palettes, and uplifting imagery—can reduce stress, lower anxiety, support faster recovery, and improve patient satisfaction. Hospitals are increasingly investing in healthcare art consultancy to design environments that feel warmer and more human. For patients, art provides a window of hope; for families, it offers comfort; and for staff, it creates a calmer, more supportive workplace.

At Hay Hay Design, we specialize in designing bespoke artwork collections for hotels, hospitals, and wellness facilities. From large-scale feature installations to thoughtfully curated room pieces, our aim is to create environments that not only look beautiful, but also nurture wellbeing and leave lasting impressions.

When chosen with intention, art becomes more than decoration—it becomes an essential part of the healing and hospitality experience.

8 Trends in Hotel Art: What's Hot in 2025 (#6 is an incredible example of vision and scale)

In the dynamic world of hospitality, staying on top of the latest trends is essential for creating memorable and immersive guest experiences. As we leap into 2025, the world of hotel art is evolving, presenting exciting opportunities for establishments to showcase their uniqueness and keep guests engaged. Here are some of the hottest trends in hotel art that are set to make a statement in 2025

1. Sustainable Art Installations:

As environmental consciousness continues to grow, hotels are embracing sustainable art installations. Guests are increasingly drawn to eco-friendly practices, and hotels are responding by incorporating art created from recycled materials, sustainable sourcing, and even installations that emphasize environmental messages.

2. Digital and Interactive Art:

The integration of technology into art is gaining momentum. Hotels are incorporating digital displays, interactive installations, and even augmented reality experiences. This trend not only captivates guests but also allows for dynamic, ever-changing artwork that can be tailored to different events and seasons.

3. Local Artisan Collaborations:

Authenticity is key, and hotels are turning to local artisans and artists to infuse a sense of place into their spaces. Collaborations with regional artists bring a unique flavor to hotel art, offering guests a genuine connection to the destination they are visiting.

4. Immersive Art Experiences:

Hotels are increasingly transforming into art destinations in themselves. Immersive art experiences, such as art-filled lobbies, curated gallery spaces, and interactive art tours, are becoming integral to the guest experience. These spaces not only serve as visual delights but also encourage guests to engage with the artwork on a deeper level.

5. Art as a Storytelling Element:

Art is being leveraged to tell the story of the hotel, its history, and its connection to the local community. Narrative-driven art installations and curated collections that tell a cohesive story are becoming popular, allowing guests to connect with the hotel on a more emotional level.

6. Nature-Inspired Art:

Bringing the outdoors in continues to be a dominant trend. Biophilic design principles, which emphasize a connection to nature, are influencing hotel art choices. Expect to see more nature-inspired artwork, botanical prints, and installations that bring the calming elements of the natural world into hotel spaces.

7. Art for Wellness:

Wellness-focused art is gaining traction in 2025. Hotels are incorporating artwork that promotes relaxation, mindfulness, and a sense of tranquility. From soothing color palettes to installations designed to evoke serenity, the emphasis is on enhancing the overall well-being of guests through art.

8. Mixing Mediums and Styles:

The boundaries between traditional and contemporary art are blurring. Hotels are experimenting with mixing different mediums, combining classic paintings with modern sculptures or digital displays. This eclectic approach adds visual interest and keeps guests engaged with a diverse range of artistic expressions.

As hotels continue to explore innovative ways to enhance guest experiences, the art within their walls becomes a powerful tool for making a lasting impression. In 2025, the trends in hotel art reflect a commitment to sustainability, authenticity, and creating immersive spaces that resonate with guests on a personal level. Hotels that embrace these trends will not only stay ahead of the curve but also provide guests with a truly enriching and culturally relevant stay.

Incorporating Regional Art into Hotel Design

Why?

In the ever-evolving landscape of hotel design, the importance of creating a unique and authentic guest experience cannot be overstated. One compelling way hotels are achieving this is by incorporating regional art into their design, transforming spaces into immersive environments that tell the story of the local culture. In this exploration of hotel art design, we delve into the significance of infusing local flair and the role of art consultants, with a special focus on the distinctive touch offered by Hay Hay Design.

Local Story Telling With Art

The art that graces the walls of a hotel can be a powerful storyteller, providing guests with a sense of place and a connection to the destination. Art consultants play a pivotal role in guiding hotels through the process of selecting and incorporating regional art into their design. Their expertise helps strike a balance between aesthetics, cultural relevance, and the overall atmosphere they wish to create. By understanding the essence of the local culture, art consultants can curate collections that resonate with guests, enriching their stay with a genuine sense of place. Hotels that embrace local art not only contribute to the vibrancy of the destination but also foster community engagement. Collaborating with local artists and artisans not only supports the arts but also creates a symbiotic relationship where the hotel becomes a patron of the local creative community.

Check out The Hilton Danang Project

Hilton Danang

Working With Interior Designers

Hay Hay Design is renowned for their distinctive approach that seamlessly blends contemporary design with traditional craftsmanship. By collaborating with interior designers, architects and the owners of each project Hay Hay Design gets a sense of the overall themes and local history. Taking those themes, they then work with local artisans and trade people to infuse modern elements, their creations become a celebration of the local aesthetic. Incorporating regional art into hotel design goes beyond merely decorating the walls; it becomes a key design element that defines the overall ambiance. From locally crafted sculptures and paintings that capture the essence of the landscape to installations inspired by indigenous motifs, these artistic touches contribute to an immersive experience that goes beyond the visual.

Check out Hay hay Design’s collaboration with La Quninta Ellerslie

La Quinta Hotel Ellerslie

Art Should Not Be Just An After Thought

In the world of hotel art design, the incorporation of regional art is a trend that goes beyond aesthetics. It is a commitment to authenticity, a celebration of local culture, and a recognition of the profound impact art can have on the guest experience. With the guidance of art consultants and the innovative touch of design firms like Hay Hay Design, hotels can elevate their spaces to not just accommodate guests but to envelop them in a rich tapestry of local flair, creating memorable and meaningful stays.

Choosing the Right Artwork for Your Hotel: A Guide

Introduction:

In the competitive realm of the hospitality industry, every detail contributes to the overall guest experience. One of the most impactful and often underestimated elements is the artwork that adorns your hotel's walls. As specialists in hotel artwork, we understand the intricacies involved in making the right choices. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the art of selecting the perfect pieces for your hotel, with insights from industry leaders such as Hay Hay Design and our expert art consultants.

1. Setting the Tone: Understanding Your Hotel's Identity:

Begin your art journey by delving into the unique identity and personality of your hotel. Explore how the right artwork can align with your brand, values, and the overall ambiance you wish to create for your guests. Often a hotel’s interior reflects the attractions where the hotel is situated. Ask yourself, what are the main attractions, features and cultural elements that surround your hotel. These are great starting points to create artwork themes.

2. The Impact of Art on Guest Experience:

Delve into the psychology of guest experience and how artwork influences emotions, perceptions, and overall satisfaction. Uncover how art can become a memorable aspect of a guest's stay, contributing to positive reviews and returning clientele. What kind of experience is your hotel offering. Is it a hub for business people or a playground for tourists? You will know your brand and the clientele you serve best. So what kind of artwork speaks to these individuals, what style of artwork fits with your guest and brand?

3. Collaborating with Art Consultants:

The pivotal role of art consultants are to guide your hotel through the art selection process. Discover how professionals in the field, like our team at Hay Hay Design, can provide expertise, source unique pieces, design and create bespoke artworks and ensure a cohesive and visually stunning result. Learn about establishing fruitful partnerships with reliable suppliers to keep your hotel's art collection fresh and inspiring.

6. Balancing Aesthetics and Budget:

Navigate the challenge of balancing budget constraints with the desire for artistic excellence. We provide practical tips and strategies to make informed choices that enhance your hotel's aesthetic without compromising financial prudence. A combination of originally created artwork, gallery purchased and print work can create an eclectic but harmonsiing collection while sticking to a budget.

7. Beyond the Lobby: Extending Art into Guest Rooms and Common Spaces:

Understand the importance of extending your art selection beyond the lobby. Explore ideas for incorporating artwork into guest rooms, hallways, and common areas to create a holistic and immersive experience for your guests. Every project we have worked on, digital canvas prints have been used in both guestroom and hallways. Sometimes applications are used over the top of prints to make them look more original but the high quality and price points of canvas art prints make them attractive when dealing in volume.

Conclusion:

Choosing the right artwork for your hotel is an art form in itself, and the decisions you make can define the ambiance and character of your establishment. By considering the unique identity of your hotel, collaborating with art consultants, exploring reputable suppliers, and incorporating designs from visionaries like Hay Hay Design, you can craft an art collection that truly sets your hotel apart. Elevate your guest experience through the power of thoughtfully chosen artwork.

Artwork in Hotels After COVID

By Hay Hay Design
11/09/2023

www.HayHayDesign.com

The COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly reshaped countless aspects of our lives, leaving an indelible mark on every industry, including hospitality. As hotels cautiously navigate the post-pandemic era, it is becoming increasingly clear that artwork plays a pivotal role in the way guests experience and connect with their surroundings.
Acknowledging the evolving needs and sensibilities of travelers, hotels are now reimagining their art collections to reflect the transformative nature of the times. The artwork in hotels after COVID is not merely decorative; it begins to tell the profound story of our resilience, unity, and hope in the face of adversity.

One of the most notable shifts is the increased emphasis on local and community-driven artwork. Hotels are actively seeking to collaborate with regional artists, showcasing their unique perspectives and capturing the essence of the immediate surroundings. This shift not only supports local creatives but also fosters a sense of place and authenticity, immersing guests in the cultural tapestry of the destination.
Another noteworthy trend is the integration of healing and wellness themes into hotel art collections. COVID-19 has magnified the importance of self-care and mental well-being, prompting hotels to curate artwork that provides solace, tranquility, and inspiration. Paintings depicting serene landscapes, soothing abstracts, and nature-inspired photography are now thoughtfully displayed to create a calming environment for guests seeking much-needed respite.

In addition to the conscious selection of artwork, hotels are reimagining the way guests engage with art through technology. Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) interfaces are being utilized to deliver immersive and interactive experiences. By using their smartphones or hotel-provided devices, guests can embark on virtual art tours, gain insight into the artists' creative processes, and even purchase artwork to take a piece of their stay home with them.

As we venture further into the post-COVID era, the artwork within hotels will continue to evolve. It will embody and reflect our collective journey through a time of crisis and renewal, serving as a testament to the strength of the human spirit. By embracing local talent, promoting healing and wellness, integrating technology, prioritizing sustainability, and using installations to incite dialogue, hotels are creating artistic landscapes that connect, inspire, and leave a lasting impression on guests for years to come.

Hay Hay Design is committed to providing exceptional art solutions to hotels worldwide. Please contact us for all your hotel art needs.

The Art of 2023

An optimist of a post Covid world would tell you that once we were let out of our isolation bubbles that people would embrace life even more, run trough the streets with their credit cards igniting the economy with elated cash and jumping on airplanes to reconnect with the outside world. The pessimist would tell you that we should be wary of our freedom, the world is not ready for humans to get too close again. A recession is coming and we should save our dollars while inflation goes through the roof. Keep things local, keep things close and don’t get too crazy. So, which one are you and how do all these mixed messages relate to the world of hotel artwork. What it is doing is it is keeping a cloud of uncertainty looming over the hotel and travel sector. Flight prices in many routes are double what they used to be, current hotels are half empty. Large economies struggling with war and financial uncertainties are not traveling and a woeful foreign worker shortage in countries that rely on overseas seasonal workers to help run facilities. All this has had a massive impact on the building of new properties. Hay Hay Design currently have six projects that have either been put on hold or have slowed to a crawl. Companies are wary and are holding off growth, waiting to see what is going to happen. At Hay hay design we have continued to pursue local, public artwork projects. Projects that enhance communities and work with local people. The hotel industry will rebound, tourists will flock to the sunny shores of beachside resorts and townships and the hotel sector will keep growing and moving forward. Perhaps it was all to give us all a bit of a breather, slow down, reassess and recharge those creative juices.

The Art of Creating Local

Do you support local?

Perhaps, more than ever, now is the time to support local. Local foods, local suppliers and local artisans. Our carbon footprint is bigger than ever and we must create ways to minimise freight and travel time. According to a global survey by Nielson, four in five (81%) consumers surveyed feel strongly that companies should actively help to improve the environment. At the same time, reducing their carbon footprint can also help businesses cut their costs. But when it comes to creativity there are other reasons to go local not just environmental ones. When asked to design artwork submissions for hotel projects, we are usually sent interior mood boards to convey the overall look and feel that the project wants to create. 90% of the time the themes running through these boards are inspired by local customs, landscapes and attractions. Sometimes these themes can be broad, elaborating on the ‘ocean’ or forests but more than not they ask for more detailed imagery like specific flowers or attractions found in the immediate area. This helps build a narrative that runs through the whole hotel, from the menu, visual cues, marketing, interior finishes and bespoke artwork. It seems only natural to find a local artist that knows these local traits, experiments with local materials and can create something unique for that particular project.

When working on the new Hyatt Hotel in Queenstown, we were asked to source local NZ artists. We have tried our best to find artists that are in or around Queenstown which not only helps with freight costs and threading the narrative through the hotel but it also helps the local economy. It is not always possible to find the exact style of artist close to your project but where it is possible, all avenues should be exhausted to acquire a local artist for your project. This also helps spread the wealth through the arts community so that the same artists are not being used over and over again. Art consultants are a great way to find these local artists as they are not always easy to find through a quick google search. Good consultants are up to speed with up and coming new talent and often have databases of artists that are categorized in their field of expertise.

The end of the day, ultimately you want artwork that is both unique, contemporary and good quality. This should also be achievable by using local artists.

What Does An Art Consultant Do?

So what does an art consultant do? Some of you might think it is obvious but others, like most of my friends know that it has something to do with art…..and that is about it. It is a little bit like when you ask someone you meet for the first time , what they do and they answer, “Im a digital solutions analyst for a multi media company”, or “I handle environmental habitat data for Mongolian Paddle Duck nests” There are words in those titles that suggest what they do but really you have no idea what their day to day job looks like. This is a little bit like ‘art consultancy’. The quick job description for an Art Consultant would be:

Someone who deals primarily in contemporary art, commissioning artists to produce work for the private or public sector. Art consultants will likely be specialised in the following; public art, hotel art, cruise ships or residential projects.

But this is a rather broad description because art consulting can encompass so much more and at Hay Hay Design we not only curate and commission artists for projects, we also design, create and install artwork for our clients. In the case of the new Hyatt Centric Hotel being built in Remarkables Park Queenstown, we are doing all of the above. We are adapting a wallpaper design to fit the interior design team’s vision. Commissioning artwork from artists, muralists, sculptors and photographers, In house artwork design and creation, designing feature walls and redesigning finished artwork from licensed designs. These creative jobs have morphed and changed with the project and I think a good art consultant agency is one that can be flexible and create and change artworks in house which keeps the costs down as they fall mainly under the initial consultancy fee and there is no need to farm these jobs out to a third party.

Hotel artwork jobs are a continuous work in progress and if you can create a good creative process with owner, interior designer and art consultant then the process can be both smooth and rewarding culminating in artwork that enhances the property’s interiors and guest experience.