7 Design Visionaries Shaping Luxury Hospitality in 2024

The hospitality industry thrives on creating unforgettable experiences for guests. Nowhere is this more evident than in the realm of luxury hotels, where every detail, from impeccable service to world-class amenities, is meticulously crafted to leave a lasting impression. But at the heart of this experience lies the design – the visual tapestry that sets the tone and imbues the space with a unique personality.

Today, we're taking a peek behind the curtain and introducing you to 7 of the most successful interior designers shaping the landscape of luxury hotels in 2024. These visionaries, a captivating blend of established names and rising stars, are pushing boundaries and redefining the concept of opulent hospitality design.

1. Jean-Louis Deniot (France): Timeless Opulence

A name synonymous with classic luxury, Jean-Louis Deniot is a master of creating opulent yet timeless interiors. His work at prestigious hotels like the Shangri-La Hotel Paris and the Cheval Blanc Courchevel 1850 exemplifies his signature style – a harmonious blend of rich textures, exquisite furniture, and a sophisticated color palette.

In an interview with Iván Meade, Jean-Louis is asked, “You have accomplished something very unique in the interior design world; creating a strong, extremely well recognized and beautiful signature style – In this same manner however, your style keeps evolving – How or where do you find your inspiration?”

Jean-Louis Deniot’s Response? “I find inspiration in my travels. I can get ideas looking at facades, a trash can, a billboard, etc. The weirdest of things can catch my eye and when they do, I snap them with my phone so I can remember them.  Sometimes the inspiration I find is so abstract that I have to write it down. I keep several lists in my phone for different projects and also a ‘general’ one which I am constantly adding to.  I write everything down so that when I discuss a project with the architects and decorators in my office, I already have a web of ideas which gives them a better understanding of my direction. I also have other inspiration lists for future opportunities, waiting to take life.

2. Kelly Wearstler (USA): Bold & Glamorous

From the vibrant energy of the Viceroy L'Ermitage Beverly Hills to the playful sophistication of The Proper Santa Monica, Kelly Wearstler's designs are instantly recognizable. This American design powerhouse isn't afraid to be bold and glamorous. Her interiors are a captivating mix of statement pieces, unexpected textures, and a touch of Hollywood magic.

In a recent interview with DeZeen, Wearstler says,

"The most luxurious spaces bring together unique objects that each have their own history, essence and character, and encourage an elegant conversation between them," she added.

"A technique I always like to use when pursuing a sense of luxury is mixing vintage and antique items with more contemporary pieces. The history and character that come with vintage furniture help to create a 'luxurious' experience."

Wearstler's penchant for juxtaposing unexpected elements is a hallmark of her residential and retail designs. This signature style, honed through a childhood immersed in antique shows and auctions alongside her mother, an antique dealer, manifests in her curated spaces, creating a harmonious tension between disparate objects.

3. Remembering Thierry Despont (France): Classic with a Modern Twist

Thierry Despont (rest in peace as of 2023) is a master of balancing classic elegance with contemporary details. His design philosophy, evident in iconic hotels like The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel in New York City and the Peninsula Paris, focuses on creating timeless spaces that exude a sense of understated luxury. Despont's work is a testament to the enduring power of well-edited design.

4. India Mahdavi (France): Playful Vibrancy

If you crave a touch of whimsy in your luxury experience, look no further than India Mahdavi's playful and colorful designs. This French designer injects vibrancy into hotels like The Monte Carlo Beach Hotel and The Ned Doha.

Her use of bold patterns, unexpected color combinations, and playful furniture creates a unique atmosphere that is both sophisticated and fun.

5. AvroKO (USA): Crafting Experiences, Not Just Rooms

AvroKO isn't just an interior design firm; they're storytellers. This award-winning group focuses on creating unique and memorable experiences for guests. Their projects, like the BKK Social Club in Thailand and The Hoxton in Chicago, go beyond aesthetics, fostering a sense of community and connection within the hotel space.

One of our personal favorite design projects of theirs is the BKK Social Club

BKK Social Club, a homage to the culinary traditions of Argentina and the Belle Époque era of Buenos Aires, offers a refined approach to hospitality, gastronomy, and ambiance, reminiscent of a convivial gathering in a stately colonial residence.

This design ethos echoes the timeless elegance of the old Spanish colonial architecture adorning the Chao Phraya River. In a harmonious fusion of past and present, BKK Social Club reimagines the classic social club experience, infusing it with the vibrant energy and cosmopolitan allure of 21st century Bangkok.

6. Studio Liaigre (France): Understated Luxury

For those who appreciate the beauty of natural materials and understated elegance, Studio Liaigre is a name to remember. This French design firm has created the interiors for prestigious hotels like The Woodward Geneva and The Aman Tokyo and The Mercer that made Liaigre famous. Their focus on clean lines, natural textures, and bespoke furniture fosters a sense of serenity and sophisticated luxury.

In a recent interview with Christophe Caillaud, leader of Liaigre Design group, he was asked,

“How do you like to ensure visitors have an exceptional at your hotels?”

“We use the experience acquired in private projects to give our hotel projects a refined, luxurious art of living in which customers can feel at home. We also choose materials and finishes that create warm and soothing atmospheres.

Finally, we try to systematically adapt to the geographical, climatic and cultural environment so that each hotel is unique and connected to the place in which it is located.”

7. Bijoy Jain (India): Sustainable Innovation

This rising Indian star is making waves with his innovative and sustainable approach to luxury design. Bijoy Jain's work at hotels like The St. Regis Mumbai and The Chedi Muscat showcases his ability to create opulent spaces that respect the environment. He utilizes natural materials, incorporates local artisanship, and embraces a minimalist aesthetic to create a truly unique design experience.

In an interview with PIN UP Magazine, Bijoy Jain was asked, “If you had to compare your practice from a decade ago to now, what is the biggest difference?

Bijoy Jain: “The core of the practice remains the same. Back then it was very architecture-centric and project-centric, now it’s more fluid, exploring thoughts, ideas and materials with no specific intention. In fact, Junya Ishigami came to my studio recently, and he was fascinated and curious to see explorations of works with no specific project or purpose in mind. For me, what I am doing right now allows me to be more centered. Architecture can have a way of drawing you in, and then things can start closing in on you. Architecture has its own set of conditions, limits, and boundaries. It can become quite tight, or at least it became quite tight for me. This studio practice allows me to step outside, it allows a space to think and discover. Things are more loose, if I might say. When asked, “Are you busy?” I say, “No, I am occupied.” 

Beyond the Still Image: Capturing the Essence of Luxury Design

At Ruby Riot Creatives, we understand that capturing the true essence of luxury hotel design requires more than a static image. That's why we specialize in crafting captivating photo and video content that brings these design masterpieces to life. Through stunning visuals, we showcase the intricate details, the seamless flow of space, and the emotions that these beautifully designed hotels evoke.

Ready to Showcase Your Hotel's Design Story?

If you're a luxury hotel owner or designer looking to share your unique design vision with the world, contact Ruby Riot Creatives today. Let's discuss how our photo and video production expertise can help you capture the essence of your hotel and attract discerning travelers seeking an unforgettable experience.