10/06/2026
Designing for the high seas? 🌊 When it comes to cruise ship design, it takes a lot more than just picking out beautiful furniture. Elevating cruise ship interiors requires a balance of high-end guest comfort with strict naval engineering. 🚢⚓
If you are specifying cruise ship furniture, here is what it takes to deliver a flawless experience at sea:
🔥 IMO Certification: Fire safety is non-negotiable in the open ocean. Successful marine furniture specification requires certified flame-retardant fabrics and specialised foam that meet rigorous maritime safety standards.
💪 Durability at Sea: From sun-drenched pool decks to high-traffic lounges, materials must be engineered to withstand constant salt air, humidity, and 24/7 guest use across changing global climates.
⚖️ Stability and Weight Engineering: Unlike land-based hospitality, every item onboard impacts the vessel's balance, fuel consumption, and safety. Furniture must be lightweight, durable, and occasionally anchored to handle wave motion and course changes.
📐 Intelligent Space Optimisation: Onboard square footage is premium real estate. Bespoke furniture is the ultimate solution to maximise tight floor plans and optimise guest flow without sacrificing luxury.
📦 Logistics and Installation: Tight dry-dock timelines mean logistics can make or break a project. Flawless labelling, strategic palletising, and highly coordinated installation schedules are critical to avoiding costly delays.
What’s your biggest challenge when designing for marine environments? Let’s talk in the comments! 👇
11/05/2026
Discover the benefits of concrete for hospitality interiors. Durable, stable, and quietly expressive, this material offers a reliable solution for contract environments while bringing a refined, architectural presence to a space.
1. Why choose concrete?
Concrete is a durable material made from cement, aggregates, and water, known for its strength and stability. It can be cast into a wide range of shapes and finishes, offering a clean, contemporary look with subtle texture and depth.
2. Practical advantages for contract spaces:
Concrete performs exceptionally well in high-traffic environments due to its strength and stability. It is resistant to wear, impact, and heat, making it suitable for demanding hospitality settings. When properly sealed, it also resists moisture and staining, maintaining a clean and consistent appearance over time.
3. Maintenance and surface care:
Concrete furniture should be sealed to protect against stains and liquid absorption. Regular cleaning with a soft cloth and a pH-neutral cleaner is sufficient for day-to-day care. Avoid harsh chemicals that may damage the seal. Over time, subtle tonal variations may develop, enhancing the natural character of the material.
06/05/2026
We’re hosting a panel discussion at with
Worlds Collide: Blurring the lines of hospitality and workspace
As the workplace evolves, it’s no longer competing with other offices, but with the comfort of home and the atmosphere of hospitality spaces. This shift is redefining how we design for focus, experience, and connection.
Join us as we explore how designers are moving beyond corporate sterility and embracing a more human, hospitality-driven approach.
📍 Commercial Design in the Park, Garden of St James’s
📅 Tuesday 19th May
⏰ 4:00 PM
14/04/2026
Discover the benefits of glass for hospitality interiors. Durable, hygienic, and visually light, glass tables and coffee tables provide a practical solution for contract environments while helping maintain a clean and open aesthetic.
1. Why choose glass?�
Glass is a non-porous material known for its transparency and ability to transmit light. It helps make spaces feel more open and visually lighter, which is especially useful in interior environments where maintaining a sense of space is important.
2. Practical advantages for contract spaces:�
Glass tables and coffee tables made from tempered (toughened) glass are significantly stronger than standard glass and designed to resist impact and thermal stress. The surface is non-absorbent, meaning it does not stain or retain liquids, making it suitable for hospitality settings where hygiene and easy cleaning are essential.
3. Maintenance and surface care:�
Glass surfaces are easy to maintain due to their non-porous nature. Regular cleaning with a soft cloth and standard glass cleaner removes fingerprints, dust, and marks effectively. Unlike some materials, glass does not degrade from moisture exposure, though it can show smudges more visibly and may require frequent cleaning in high-traffic areas.