Clean Up Your Act!

Published by: Northland - October 28, 2019

We’ve all been there. Whether it is for business or leisure travel; we go to new places, stay in a new hotel room and then, when get back home, we get sick. This is not particularly earth shattering news but it is annoying because it is so, so common. Germs are everywhere and unless we want to wear latex gloves or compulsively wash our hands, we simply accept the inevitable result of our interaction with them. But, there are steps hotels can take to reduce the spread of germs and hopefully, keep their guests from getting ill.
Cleaning is obvious. Hotels very regularly wipe down horizontal surfaces. However, a study presented to the American Society of Microbiology in 2012 found that 81% of all surfaces sampled held some fecal bacteria on them. Not a pleasant thought when you’re putting laptops, water bottles and phones up on the desk or nightstand during your stay.
Northland Furniture understands the needs of not only the hotels but the guest as well. Guests want to have reasonable assurance that the rooms they stay in are clean and not festering incubators of the next superbug. At Northland, we first build hotel furniture to be durable. That means that despite constant cleaning using proper cleaning products, our furniture will maintain its finish and appeal throughout its lifetime.
Further, Northland uses material that reduces the spread of bacteria, fungi and mold. For example, laminates with InCopper® technology from Prism are ideal for high traffic areas like hotels room and senior living environments. Durable and anti-microbial, it is a perfect feature that can keep guests or residents healthier and happier.

For over 42 years, Northland Furniture has been crafting high quality furniture solutions for the hospitality and senior living markets. From the heart of the Pacific Northwest in Bend Oregon, our products are all proudly made in the USA with locally source materials that carry a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty. Contact us today to discuss your project.

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How to Choose the Best Hospitality Furniture

Published by: Northland - May 3, 2017

The priority for any hotelier undertaking a guest room renovation is to choose the best hospitality furniture. For some, it can be a daunting task, however, knowing what to look for in a hotel furniture manufacturer will put minds at ease. During the economic recession, the wholesale furniture industry experienced tough times just like many other industries—discretionary income for construction and remodels was scarce. During this period, hospitality interior designers, architects, and hoteliers looked to overseas hotel furniture manufacturers for lower costs.

Thankfully, the economy continues its upswing creating opportunities for hoteliers to update their properties with the latest hotel design trends in the hospitality industry. Most often, the hospitality furniture in your hotel, restaurant or conference space gives visitors their first impression of your business. Many guests may base their initial opinions about the service they are going to receive on the hospitality furniture. Setting the tone for their visit, be it for dinner or a whole week of vacation, ranks as a high priority for companies in the hospitality industry.

Choosing the Best Hospitality Furniture for Your Hotel Property

Hospitality furniture should pair with your targeted clientele. Determine what type of guests your boutique or large brand name hotel caters towards. While many companies want to be inclusive to all demographics of people, certain restaurants and hotels may only want to draw in adults, children, people seeking luxury accommodations, eco-friendly and more. Choose hospitality furniture that brings in your desired clientele.

Hospitality seating must coincide with maximum occupancy. The highest number of occupants and the hospitality seating you choose must meet ADA requirements and fit precisely within your space. Plan for walkways and aisles when selecting the hospitality seating, tables, and other furniture.

Plan for hospitality furniture that falls within your budget. While this may seem like a no-brainer, seek out hospitality furniture manufacturers within your budget. Looking for furniture without a budget in mind could wind up with you falling in love with something far beyond your price range. Researching hospitality furniture manufacturers and their price points before seeking out the furniture itself puts you ahead of the game.

How Hotel Interior Design Influences Your Guest’s Experience

When a guest walks into their hotel room for the first time, their senses are on alert and three things happen almost simultaneously: How does the room smell? How does the room look? Are there any noise issues? Guests also determine pretty quickly whether or not the furniture aesthetically pleasing, and if so, does it look comfortable? These are all questions whose answers create the first impression for your guests. It is often the first impression that remains a lasting impression; it will determine customer loyalty to your hotel’s brand. Hotel property owners can improve their guest experiences in many different ways. Having a fantastic design with pleasing color schemes starting at the lobby and carrying through the entire property is a sign that a design concept is carried out.

Multifunctional, versatile furniture is a growing trend in the hotel industry. For example, the business traveler is accustomed to having built-in charging stations and good-quality lighting for late night computer work. We live in a technology-driven society, and to the degree that your hotel furniture designs can accommodate the need for convenience by marrying hotel nightstands and desks with devices will meet the needs of guests.

Many factors come into play when choosing the right hospitality furniture for your hotel, senior living facility, or university dorm rooms. Ensure you have enough space for walkways and for setting your desired ambiance. Choosing furniture that appeals to the aesthetics of your targeted clientele makes the biggest difference. Keep in mind budget restrictions when choosing hospitality furniture.

Northland Furniture offers hospitality furniture in a variety of collections to please different demographics of patrons. Consider Northland when selecting the hospitality furniture for your hotel, senior living facility, or university dorm rooms.

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The Importance of Durable Hotel Contract Furniture

Published by: Northland - March 1, 2017

Durable hotel contract furniture is a must have to impress travelers from near and far. When a guest first enter enters a guest room, the importance of making a great first impression cannot be overstated. Hotel contract furniture must be able to withstand frequent use and the test of time while remaining beautiful.

Casegoods designed for the contract market are meant to be extra durable, which makes the use of quality woods and craftsmanship of utmost importance. Hoteliers and interior designers who want durable hotel contract furniture made in the USA can look to Northland Furniture when specifying furnishings for renovations and new construction.

Durable hotel contract furniture can save money in the long run

Hotel guests sleep in beds, sit in chairs, and work at desks while in their rooms, which means a hotel’s furniture plays a meaningful role in determining a guest’s overall experience during their stay. The feeling of comfort, cleanliness, and in some cases, even luxury, determine whether guests will be returning, or not. Losing a guest’s loyalty due to worn or out-of-date furniture means losing money.

Even though hotel contract furniture represents a significant capital expense, hoteliers can save money in the long run by choosing high-quality wood furniture that will endure many years of frequent use. By offering an industry-leading 10-year warranty, Northland Furniture stands behind the beautiful casegoods they design and build for exceptional strength and durability.

Northland is a leading contract furniture manufacturer in the Pacific Northwest. Whether you are interested in developing new furniture designs or purchasing from our product catalogs, Northland Furniture can help distinguish your property and elevate your guest’s experience.

Northland’s featured projects are easy to preview online. Our photo portfolio displays original and custom designs in addition to hardware and finish choices for hospitality projects throughout the USA.

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Hotels Redefine Guest Experiences to Feel More Like Home

Published by: Northland - February 22, 2017

The variety of lodging options that exist today for the modern traveler is vast. Depending on the destination, the possibilities for where to spend the night can seem nearly inexhaustible. From large, elegant hotels to the more cost-effective options, these days there is something for everyone’s taste.

Despite the variety of hotel options available today, there is one hospitality trend quickly becoming a design standard: making hotels feel more like home.

When choosing a place to stay, there is no question that guests are looking for a unique experience. Some are looking for luxurious, while others are looking to stay connected and socialize. No matter which, ultimately, comfort is one feature appreciated by all, and nothing is as comfortable as home.

Hotels redefine guest experiences to feel like home

Stemming from the extended-stay hotel market, as hotels redefine guest experiences, several hotel chains, including Marriott, Sheraton and Hilton, are all working to redesign their operations to make their guests’ stay feel more like home.

As a result, traditional lobby designs are getting reworked to develop more comfortable and appealing spaces, encouraging guests to socialize, unwind or catch up on work. Fireplaces and libraries are becoming common lobby elements, as hotels work to create more of a family room feel and increase comfort overall.

It doesn’t matter how much work goes into the appearance of a facility, the real test comes from its coziness. Creating guest room experiences based on comfort, rather than opulence, is driving the shifting paradigm.

As hotels redefine guest experiences, increased attention to details such as the comfort of the beds all work towards helping the guest have an experience that feels like home. Simplified room design helps achieve the feeling of spaciousness. Rooms that feel cramped do not tend to be comfortable.

Along the same lines, furniture designed for comfort and function is finding favor in efforts to recreate the home feel. Most guests prefer a cozy couch to hard, uncomfortable chairs, for example, and hotels are taking notice and adapting rooms accordingly.

It used to be that when traveling, many people wanted to “get away from it all.” However, in our uncertain and ever-changing world, it’s not always easy to know what you will get. For this reason, when traveling, there is an almost universal appeal for the safe, comfortable feel of home.

Northland brings a little piece of home into all we do

For over forty years, Northland has designed and created stylish, functional furniture for a variety of environments. From senior and student living to hotels in a broad range of designs, we have brought a little piece of home into all we do. We understand that no matter where you go, comfort is at the forefront in your mind, and Northland will be there to help bring it to you.

Resources:
http://www.atilaminates.com/hospitality-design-trends-hotels-that-feel-like-home/
http://www.lraworldwide.com/pdf/Articles/Article-No_Place_Like_Home_Hotel_Bus_Review.pdf
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/home-away-from-fastest-trends-hotel-interior-design-mary-lakzy

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Northland Furnishes Yellowstone’s Canyon Lodge Facelift

Published by: Northland - February 1, 2017

Even as we move into February, with winter literally all around, it is still difficult to not think ahead to spring and summer. Thanks to increased rain and snow, we can expect nature to put on an amazing display after the spring thaw. This may be a good time to visit our national parks, especially Yellowstone.

Last fall, Yellowstone National Park completed an ambitious construction project, focused around Canyon Lodge. Canyon Lodge, the largest of the park’s nine lodging facilities, underwent a major facelift. Five large modern lodge buildings, each with approximately 80 guest rooms, replaced all 350 of the Frontier and Pioneer cabins. With the completion of the project, Canyon Lodge now has 590 guest rooms.

Canyon Lodge’s project resulted in over 400 new rooms

They needed furniture for the project, and that is where Northland came into the picture. Located on the east side of the park, near the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River, Canyon Lodge’s two-year redevelopment project resulted in over 400 new guest rooms. For the project, we shipped over 9 fully loaded 53’ semi-trucks of blanket-wrapped furniture. The furniture was custom-designed, hand-distressed Alder. We sent the following pieces over to Canyon Lodge:

– 758 Headboards with down-facing puck lights
– 443 Nightstands
– 411 Activity tables
– 340 Refrigerator cabinets
– 20 Three-Drawer desks
– 20 End tables

Northland finished 2016 on quite a high note. We also found ourselves busy with several projects in the Yellowstone Park vicinity. In addition to the furniture we produced for Canyon Lodge, we also produced pieces for:

· Grand Canyon Railroad Hotel
· Old Faithful Lodge
· Lake Yellowstone Hotel
· Swift Current Motor Inn & Cabins
· Lake Yellowstone Sandpiper
· Grant Village Lodges
· Apgar Village Lodge

Northland creating comfort for over 40 years

Northland has been an industry leader for over 40 years. With thoughtful design and quality manufacturing paramount to our mission, you can count on Northland to deliver, no matter how large the order. If you are seeking help to create a wonderful experience for your guests, look to Northland for your guest room furnishing needs.

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Hospitality Interior Design Trends Bridge Millennials and Baby Boomers

Published by: Northland - December 28, 2016

Hospitality design trends for 2017 indicate we will see both millennials and baby boomers with contrasting wants and needs, and accordingly, the industry will see challenges resulting from meeting those needs. In order to be successful, hotels will need to find the right mix of features to appeal to each audience.

 

“The easiest way to sum it up is that millennials seek to create a sharing experience—it’s a version of the “Uber effect”—while baby boomers look for a fundamental experience when choosing a hotel,” offered Jordan McInturf, vice president of sales with Shelby Williams.

Baby Boomer Seek Fundamental Comforts

When looking at baby boomer preference, most indicators point to familiar design elements. Here are some of the most commonly mentioned design trends for 2017:

 

  • Rustic – Traditional furniture is a favorite among travelers. Inspired by nature and the countryside, rustic design helps to create a warm and inviting atmosphere that’s reminiscent of home.
  • Metallics – Metallic tones are finding their way into many of the small details.
  • Monochrome – This classic finish will never go out of style.
  • Neutral tones – Inspiration from the outdoors paves the way for neutral, earthy tones
  • Natural textures – Expect to see different techniques with texture, including wire and brushing, which helps to make wood grain pop.

 

Millennials Crave Unique Sharing Opportunities

On the other side, addressing the wants and needs of millenials requires some new approaches. Millennials want each experience they have in hotels to be unique. As a result, the challenges revolve around how to provide more unique, authentic experiences.

 

No generation before has ever been interwoven like technology and millennials . This means that when staying at a hotel, millenials will expect much more than free Wi-Fi. They are seeking new ways to create and share their experiences, and simultaneously want to do so in environmentally conscious spaces. As a result, we’re seeing hotel lobby and room designs morphing into more open and flexible spaces and technology incorporated into functional furniture. Scaled down design with an emphasis on authentic and sharable experiences will be the standard.

 

As consumer tastes evolve, Northland Furniture will also be there to help. As we often say, we leave nothing on the shelf. We don’t carry stock furniture that sits, waiting to be purchased. We craft unique commercial furniture that’s made according to the specifications of our customers.

 

As an industry leader for over 40 years, you can trust that as wants and needs change, Northland Furniture will be there at the forefront.

 

Resources:

 

http://ehotelier.com/insights/2015/01/14/5-hotel-design-trends-to-watch-out-for-this-year/

https://www.houstoniamag.com/articles/2016/4/25/top-6-design-trends-will-be-hot-2017

https://www.genesisproductsinc.com/new-trends-in-the-hospitality-industry-the-modern-hotel-makeover/

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Get the Most Out of New Hotel Furniture

Published by: Northland - November 9, 2016

Buying new furniture for a hotel is a commitment. Like a new relationship, that pledge could be based on the sentiment “I hope this works out,” but would be better started knowing “This has everything I was searching for, with no red flags.” When buying furnishings in bulk, you may be tempted to overlook a few character defects and choose the lower price tag. However, before you commit, you should evaluate your dedication to a smart, fulfilling purchase and ensure your new hotel furniture is ready for the same level of commitment.

The Hidden Costs of Buying the Wrong Furniture

  • Guests notice if furnishings look low-end, and will associate your brand similarly.
  • Damaged furniture may inspire a poor review and will be costly to repair.
  • Furnishings beyond repair incur disposal and replacement costs.
  • Even well-made, trendy furniture quickly loses its appeal as the trend passes, making resale less likely and disposal fees more probable.
  • Ornate furnishings require more paid labor to keep clean, and cost more to repair/replace when damaged.
  • Attractively priced imports may contain toxic materials, may have been produced under unfair labor laws or unsafe conditions and with a bigger carbon footprint of transportation than domestics. Further, according to the Government Accountability Office, Chinese-made wooden furniture currently makes up 22% of unpaid countervailing and anti-dumping duties owed to the US government (approximately $505 million.)

Find Your Significant Furniture

Now that we’ve covered the consequences of choosing substandard pieces, here are some guidelines to help you find the hotel furniture you can count on for years to come:

Choose high quality, resilient pieces that will stand the test of time. Northland Furniture uses components made from solid and engineered wood (fortified with environmentally friendly resins). Reinforcement elements are used to prevent sagging or damage from heavy objects. Northland offers a variety of beautiful finishes made from water-based stains, and pre-catalyzed lacquers, which result in a more durable finish than traditional lacquers.

Timeless designs are the perfect complement to robust construction. Northland Furniture supplies classic and contemporary designs, flexibility for material upgrades, color combinations, and custom designs for clients with specific needs. Clean designs make a statement in any room and are easy for staff to keep clean. Should there come a time to once again replace your hotel furniture, you can be confident in smart, fulfilling purchase that will serve guests for years to come.

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Creating Unique Experiences with Boutique Hotel Furniture

Published by: Northland - October 12, 2016

The ongoing trend in tourism accommodations comes in the rise of boutique hotels and one-of-a-kind experiences. While thinking back to your last vacation may not prove helpful, but looking forward to your next trip can be inspiring for furniture designers and hoteliers. On your next vacation, would you rather stay in a run-of-the-mill hotel with the same old fixtures, dressers and beds? Most travelers seek out interesting lodging that offers a boutique experience. While decor and amenities contribute to the experience, boutique hotel furniture plays a large role.

The Role of Hospitality Furniture in Boutique Hotel Experiences

Contrary to what you may first imagine about boutique hotels, the term can be applied to accommodations of all sizes. When applied in a hotel setting, boutique refers to luxury and individuality, rather than size. Typically boutique hotels are smaller in size than larger hotel chains, but the same boutique style and idealism can be applied to both. Hospitality furniture plays a large role in defining the boutique hotel experience. Through hospitality furniture, you can create warm, inviting spaces with the intimate details and quality of finishes.

Quality and Return on Investment

Investing in high-quality hospitality furniture can be a game changer for boutique hotels across the country. High-quality furniture provides a luxurious feel that guests can sense. In addition to the ambiance you’re creating with high-quality furniture, the longevity and long warranty are a wise investment. Selecting poor-quality furniture can result in having to replace hospitality furniture every couple years, which isn’t financially sound. When it comes to choosing boutique hotel furniture, return on investment plays a large role for hoteliers. Additionally, guests seeking a boutique hotel experience look for quality and attention to detail in their accommodations.

Visual Impact

Along with quality and return on investment, boutique hotel furniture must deliver visually in order to create an impact on guests. Creating continuity in a space while incorporating visually impactful elements are key in creating a memorable experience.

Creating visually impactful space that incorporates luxury and detail often falls to the use of a creative furniture designer. Furniture designers, either in-house at your furniture manufacturer or an independent contractor, can help you create spaces with hospitality furniture that inspire luxury, personality and individually – hallmarks of the boutique hotel experience.

Create a Unique Experience with Boutique Hotel Furniture

By investing in high quality, creative furniture for your boutique hotel, you create a visually inspiring environment for guests. Through the details and luxury you create, guests will be eager to return and share their experiences on review websites. Design and quality blend together to create stunning boutique furniture, which plays a large role in your guest’s experience.

Contact Northland for more information about manufacturing visually impactful boutique hotel furniture.

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Replace Ski Resort Furniture Before the Snow Flies

Published by: Northland - August 3, 2016

While the sweltering August heat may not exactly have you thinking about snow, now’s the time to start thinking about replacing old, outdated ski resort furniture. For ski resorts throughout the country, summer welcomes time for renovation and repair without the hassle of a thick blanket of snow. While the snow is what draws guests in, it’s can be a hinderance when attempting to replace ski lodge furniture.

Ski Resort Furniture

The first step in replacing ski resort furniture is choosing the right hospitality furniture manufacturer. Hospitality furniture manufacturers with experience building high quality, durable casegoods for ski resorts and lodges offer a distinct advantage in the industry and can help you design the perfect ski resort furniture.

Ski resort furniture helps establish the look and feel for your guests mountain lodge vacation. Traditional ski resort furniture has a more rustic and country feel, opposed to a downtown loft or a hotel on the beach. While traditionally, ski resort furniture has incorporated a lot of timber and the feeling of a log cabin, it doesn’t have to. And if that’s what you’re going for, only elevated, your hospitality furniture manufacturer can help you design luxury, high-end casegoods for your ski resorts.

Whether you represent a ski-in, ski-out property, or a hotel down the road for the local mountain ski resort, the furniture inside can help you create an intimate and inviting space for guests to warm up and enjoy a frothy mug of hot chocolate. Log furniture and pieces with a rustic feel can be designed to convey this feeling. Guests will be anxious to cuddle up in bed as they watch the snow fall through the window and listen to the soothing crackle of the fireplace.

Northland Furniture Company offers American-made ski resort furniture all made in our facility just miles from Mt. Bachelor in Bend, Oregon. Skiing and snowboarding are ingrained in the Bend culture and lifestyle, which gives us a competitive edge on ski lodge furniture. Contact Northland for more information about designing and manufacturing ski resort furniture before the snow flies this winter.

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Help Guests Get a Good Night’s Sleep With Custom Hotel Beds

Published by: Northland - July 13, 2016

Whether staying in a hotel for business or pleasure, a good night’s sleep is essential. Even if your guests’ schedule doesn’t accommodate eight full hours of sleep, providing custom hotel beds can help them make the most of the sleep they will get. While the majority of the comfort in a bed comes from the mattress and linens, a beautifully designed hotel will make it easier for guests to peacefully drift off to sleep.

Custom Hotel Beds

Custom hotel beds can help guests get a good night’s sleep whether they are staying for a week on a tropical vacation or just overnight on a business trip. Hospitality lodging serves many purposes, but a good hotel bed can make all the difference in the world to your guests no matter their reason for staying with you.

  • Hotel beds can be customized for location and type of vacation
  • A hotel bed manufacturer can work with you to design the specific type of bed you want – Platform, panel, sleigh, poster, canopy and more
  • Design can be modern, contemporary, traditional, country, vintage, coastal, rustic, industrial, mid-century
  • Wood hotel beds can be crafted to be simple or ornate, helping you tell your property’s story

The hotel bed and frame are the first steps in crafting the perfect sleeping experience for guests visiting your property. Northland Furniture Company creates custom hotel beds that set the foundation for a great night’s sleep.

Beyond the Bed Frame

Beyond the bed and frame itself, comfort comes from the firmness of the mattress, the thread count in the sheets, the cozyness of the pillows and blankets. In order to provide guests with the best experience possible during their time at your hotel, it’s important to pay special attention to the bed. Making guests feel like they are sleeping in their own bed at home should be the ultimate goal when designing hotel beds.

Contact Northland Furniture Company for more information about custom hotel beds and creating the best sleep experience for your guests.

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