DESIGN AND ARCHITECTURE

MAKING GREAT THINGS WITH GOOD PRACTICES

Layout, design and decorating in the age of “care”

In 2022, luxury equates with space, comfort, time, silence and nature. It’s a world where art and artisanship have their place, to express the beauty of craftsmanship, the subtlety of know-how, and the importance of passing on tradition, all while protecting the environment.

Design, decoration and interior architecture are at the heart of the EquipHotel show. As a source of ideas, new trends and innovations, they set the tone for creating, transforming or renovating a hotel or restaurant. The trendbook created for EquipHotel 2022 by Cédric Martineaud, Artistic Director of the 14 Septembre agency, highlights the desire for space, air, light, colours, nature and natural design. This is then embellished with items, objects and creations that embody a beautiful gesture, subtle know-how, relevant communication and respect for the environment.

A CLOSER LOOK

Interior architect and designer, Chloé Nègre, designs hotels, restaurants, shops and more. For each of her projects, she pays special attention to links with the outside and nature, and to ensuring smooth circulation across the different spaces.

When tackling a hotel or restaurant project, how do you consider the boundaries between indoors and outdoors?

Let me take the example of Hôtel Bienvenue in Paris, where the courtyard garden was intended to create a link with the outdoors. On the ground floor, I therefore wanted to modulate the space so that you could see this courtyard’s outdoor light from the hotel entrance.

As this courtyard was also a way of getting from the first building to the second, and most of the rooms overlook it, artist Julien Colombier created a work of art on the floor. That was five years ago. Since then, the vegetation has grown. Birds have made their nests. The link with the outdoors has evolved into a real relationship with nature, which is very important to me.

How do you achieve optimal circulation in an hotel’s common areas?

Optimal circulation is a priority in any project. We use plans and sketches and take into account how the light will react and the places people will want to be at different times of the day. In a hotel project we are currently working on in Abidjan, we created a floor pattern on the rooftop, extending from indoors to outdoors. This continuous floor sets a dynamic pace, with the impression of more space.

How do you consider natural light?

I play with it. This is true of Hôtel Saint-André des Arts in Paris. As the rooms in this hotel are bathed in sunlight at certain times of the day, we opted for openwork net curtains to play with light and shade.

Please note: Chloé Nègre will be speaking in a conference session at EquipHotel 2022, on the topic of “Construction and renovation: going green”, on 6 November at 10:30am.

DECODING DESIGN

Custom-made

For EquipHotel 2022, Madura, a materials specialist for 50 years, presents a selection of curtains, blinds, net curtains, cushions, bed linen and furniture, with a range designed for hotels, restaurants and venues open to the public. Custom-made in France, the Madura professional range is M1-certified and features the brand’s flagship models and exclusive designs, on materials that comply with fire resistance standards. These creations will be presented in a 51 sqm space, designed as a place of connection and conversation.

Pavilion 7.2 - Stand M54

© Francis Amiand - The best of Madura: Carlina M1 curtains, Gabrièle cushions, Vivian coffee table, Julika footstool, round footstool, Archibald rug and Ilario throw.

All in one

A new feat of engineering by French loudspeaker manufacturer La Boite Concept. Its LX X range of loudspeakers features the best audio quality within a sideboard format. This all-in-one series combines the brand’s technological performance, including custom-made loudspeakers and patented Wide Sound® 3.0 extended stereo sound, with excellent craftsmanship and woodworking.

Pavilion 7.2 - Stand J98

© La Boite Concept - LX X high-fidelity loudspeaker in sideboard format, with an anthracite oak or champagne walnut finish.

Travel inspiration

Created by the interior designer and architect Tristan Auer for Lelièvre, the Najd collection is the ultimate in escapism. It is inspired by the traditional architecture of the Najd region in Saudi Arabia, combining natural colours and graphic effects. This series of fabrics is designed for seats and curtains, and is available in fireproof versions. Lelièvre also offers fabrics, net curtains, wall panels and wallpapers for the food service industry, with creations designed by Nicolas Thermed.

Pavilion 7.2 - Stand E90

© Lelièvre - Najd combines natural colours and graphic effects.

FROM THE EXPERTS

SUSTAINABLE AND REASONABLE

“We are increasingly aware of the local market, material sourcing and eco-friendliness”, observes Laurent Maugoust. As an interior architect and designer, he is helping to create a bedroom space at EquipHotel 2022 (Pavilion 7.2). He has designed this space as a manifesto or platform - “a scenographic experience” - to question the place and role of hospitality and environmentally-friendly design. “We no longer use faux leather or solvent-based panels. We ideally try to work in France or in Europe, preferably with artisans. We are looking for know-how and opt for lighter materials that cost less to transport.” There is a long list of “good resolutions”. And for EquipHotel, it goes as far as recycling all the materials and equipment used for the room design.

This way of thinking about design and decoration echoes the CSR charters promoted by an increasing number of hotels, like the Evok group, co-founded and directed by Emmanuel Sauvage. Last winter, Evok published its “ambitions for a better future”, with environmental commitments including everything from collecting bio-waste to eliminating single-use products and considering the life cycle of every new or restocked product. These choices are in line with customer expectations. According to a Greet-OpinionWay study in May 2022, “over 8 in 10 French people are ready for a circular hospitality industry”.  Their priorities include the fight against food waste (69%), local sourcing of hotel food products (64%), waste recycling (48%) and the choice of sustainable materials in building construction (36%). 

Please note: Laurent Maugoust will be speaking in a conference session at EquipHotel 2022, on the topic of “Hotels: art, air and light”, on 9 November at 2pm. Emmanuel Sauvage will be speaking about “career planning and social mobility” on 10 November at 11:30am.

INNOVATIONS

Innovation is a way of improving the performance of an establishment and is an important aspect of marketing, which is why it is central to the 2022 edition of EquipHotel. The highlight will be the Innovation Awards that rewards the best innovations (in products and services) from hospitality suppliers.

Wall of silence

This collection of stick-on acoustic wall panels is called SlimWall and is inspired by mouldings and facings. It is available in a dozen models and 15 colours. These unique PET compact felt panels are made of 50% recycled fibres from plastic bottles. A creation designed for the Texdecor group at EquipHotel.

Pavilion 7.3 - Stand H75

© Texdecor - Two in one: SlimWall decorates and improves acoustics.

Folding spaces

Culture In is taking us off the beaten track with its Lattis series, featuring acoustic partitions, profiled like claustra or folding Varian® light walls. This stylish effect is achieved by hot wire bending to create a calm and contemporary atmosphere. Find out more at EquipHotel.

Pavilion 7.3 - Stand G100

© Culture In - Lattis lighting effects.

Woven fabrics are back

Texdecor offers a new take on weaves. The idea is to combine the softness and comfort of the textile fibre with the raw texture of the vegetable fibre. The result is called Vinacoustic Melia, a coated micro-perforated vinyl on acoustic felt-lined backing. Ideal for customising a wall and creating a material effect. See it and touch it at EquipHotel.

Pavilion 7.3 - Stand H75

© Texdecor - The “lichen green” version of the Vinacoustic Melia wallcovering.

EXPERIENCE

ANNOUNCING COLOUR

Wall painting is in. Painting is a way of creating a colourful atmosphere and adding personality to a bedroom or living room, etc. It’s also a way of bringing the outdoors in, by using earthy tones, for example. Annabelle Vermont, Artistic Director of Ressource, explains that “an orange and pink palette brings warmth and comfort”.

Other popular shades include “acidic tones, such as mint, coral pink or yellows, through small accents, and, of course, timeless neutral colours like white, off-white, cream and plant tones”. The hospitality and food service industry is witnessing yet another trend - lime paint. “With a preference for natural and old rose,” says Annabelle Vermont. This chalk-effect paint creates a standout design from the outset. The Art Director goes on to explain that “it can be applied by brush for a matt effect”. An example of this is during the renovation of the Le Scribe hotel in Paris, orchestrated by interior designer Tristan Auer.

The same desire for strong materials is found in the Grands Boulevards hotel and the Bambini restaurant, both in Paris, with the stylistic choice of Roman stucco, also available from Ressource. Finally, in busy areas such as hotel lobbies and dining rooms, it is best to use durable paints. Ressource therefore offers a “washable” finish. The brand is also developing this option for M1-certified fireproof wallpaper.

© Geneviève Gleize

THE BEST IN THE INDUSTRY

A SIGNATURE SPACE FOR FABRIC AND FURNITURE MANUFACTURERS

EquipHotel hosts the best in textile, rug, wallcovering and furniture manufacturing, in a 1,200 sqm space. More than 30 French and international exhibitors will be present at this 2022 edition, including Rubelli, Arte France, Lelièvre, the Mercadier group, Fermob, Ligne Roset and Henryot & Cie. Another space is entrusted to “quilting and interior decoration” specialists, Ateliers Philippe Coudray.

Visit in Pavilion 7.2

© DR - Fabrics, furniture and designers - here Philippe Coudray - in the spotlight at the Signature Space.

They will exhibit on the Signature area in 2022: 

ANGELO RUGS, ARGILE, ARTE FRANCE, ATELIER, PINTON, BIOBJECT, BISSON BRUNEEL, C&C MILANO, CHARLES BURGER, DEDAR FRANCE, ELITIS, GROUPE MERCADIER, ISIDORE LEROY, LALIE DESIGN, LELIEVRE , LITTLE CABARI, NOBILIS, ODEC, OMEXCO, RUBELLI, SILENT GLISS, TEXDECOR - MISIA CASAMANCE, TOULEMONDE BOCHART

They will exhibit on the Furniture Signature area in 2022: 

ANDROUS&MEEUS, AGENCE FENG SHUI, ATELIER BM PRODUCTION, BIBELO, DASRAS, DB CERAMICS, D’ARGENTAT, HENRYOT & CIE, INSTABILE LAB, LA BOITE CONCEPT, L’ESCARPOLETTE, M NUANCE, MAISON SAMAN, NAKIDE , VIVETI