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 Builds Lasting Quality in America

Published by: Northland - January 11, 2017

For over 40 years, Northland has been manufacturing quality commercial furniture for high traffic environments, proudly built in the United States. While trends come and go, we remain committed to this core aspect of what we do.

While there are many reasons to create and purchase furniture that’s made in the USA, our reason is simple: We take pride in creating quality products at home. The United States has a long-standing history of quality in manufacturing, and Northland strives to maintain this each and every day.

 

In-house manufacturing. Competitive pricing.

All of our collections are designed and manufactured in our 42,000 square foot US manufacturing facility by our team of engineers and craftsman. This means we’re able to manage the production process from start to finish, maintain flexibility to serve project needs and turn standard orders on shorter lead times, often within six to eight weeks – compared to twelve to sixteen from overseas providers.

Keeping good jobs in America should be a goal for any domestic manufacturer. We are proud to do our part in contributing to a strong US economy, and keeping jobs and profits in the States.

 

Flexibility to adapt as your needs change

We believe that working with a domestic manufacturer allows everyone involved the flexibility to adapt as needs and requirements change. During the course of any project, details are subject to change. Working with a US-based company helps make any necessary changes easy and efficient. Our lean manufacturing processes and robust technology allows us to offer competitive pricing across our collections, while still delivering excellent value.

Quality assurances provide us the ability to respond rapidly to your needs. Every piece of furniture produced by Northland uses top-of-the-line computer controlled machinery and a strict production schedule. Should any adjustments need to be made, we can do this quickly and effectively.

This improves our energy and cost efficiencies. As a result, we are able to provide competitively priced hospitality, student housing and senior living furniture built for durability.

Another factor to consider is that despite our best efforts, sometimes things can go wrong. No matter how well designed, how well planned the production cycle or how seamless the ordering process, problems can happen. When they do occur, rest assured Northland will remain close by. We provide immediate support and resolve any issues quickly and effectively.

 

Reducing our carbon footprint

Buying your furniture domestically can dramatically reduce our carbon footprint. Products manufactured and delivered in the US travel a significantly shorter distance, simplifying transportation. Simpler transportation means shorter lead times, and a decreased environmental impact. Northland also uses soft, damage-resistant reusable packaging, saving an enormous amount of waste each year. Northland builds sustainability into every piece of furniture it produces. We believe that furniture manufactured to provide lasting value and reduced weight on the earth is beneficial to our suppliers, our customers and to the generations to come.

 

Providing clients the expertise and service they expect

Northland takes pride in providing clients the expertise and service they expect. Using domestically sourced materials, including many from the Pacific Northwest, our craftsmen design and build furniture that can withstand high traffic and other challenging environments.

Northland offers one of the most comprehensive 10-year warranties in the industry. This is just further testament to our commitment to manufacturing durable furniture. We want your furniture to be the highest quality available. As a result, if you have any issues with your furniture, we will be there to assist quickly and effectively.

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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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Senior Living Furniture Trends | What to Expect in 2017

Published by: Northland - August 24, 2016

While it might seem a little early to start looking forward to 2017, it’s never too soon to start considering upcoming senior living furniture trends. With more and more baby boomers reaching retirement age, senior living trends were due to change to adapt with a new generation of residents moving into senior communities. Here’s what to expect in the coming year when it comes to senior living furniture trends.

Senior Living Furniture Trends

Less Sterile

There’s a certain element of medical that must be retained within senior living settings and furniture due to the nature of the facilities. Senior living communities are designed to care for residents as they age in place, which calls for easy access to medical facilities and supplies. Over time, senior living communities have developed a look and feel that is very sterile and can often be uninviting for residents. Senior living furniture trends going forward create a less sterile atmosphere, making residents feel more at home in inviting spaces.

More Like Hospitality

Along with becoming less sterile, senior living furniture trends see spaces becoming more like hospitality, or luxury resorts. Hospitality furniture tends to be more stylish with less muted designs. While safety is still a key factor in designing senior living furniture, that won’t be the only consideration going forward. Senior living furniture will be more transitional and appeal to residents wants to feel like they’re being taken care of in a resort-like atmosphere. With a move to hospitality furniture that feels more like home furniture, this will appeal to a broad range of senior living residents.

Custom Design

With a new generation of senior living residents moving into communities, the style and design of the furniture needs to change to accommodate their desires. From unique finishes to tailored styling, custom designed senior living furniture will be one of the growing trends in 2017. Custom design helps establish a feeling and environment for different communities that appeals to both residents and their guests.

With a move to less sterile, more comfortable custom designed pieces, senior living furniture trends will appeal to retiring baby boomers and their aging parents. At Northland, we keep up on the latest senior living furniture trends in order to create comfortable, home-like environments for your residents and staff. Contact Northland for more information about senior living furniture trends in 2017.

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Modernizing Dorm Room Furniture for the Next Generation

Published by: Northland - August 10, 2016

Dorm room furniture has remained the same for many years. It’s possible the same furniture our parents had when they were in college is the same as it was for the most recent graduates. As times and technology change, it’s necessary for dorm room furniture to evolve as well. No longer are filing cabinets used to hold actual files. By updating and modernizing dorm room furniture space can be better used for student housing and the residents that call these tiny rooms home.

We all have a similar vision of what to expect when thinking about dorm room furniture. Bunk beds or high captains beds, a small wooden desk, a wardrobe used both to hold clothing as well as give privacy when changing next to a roommate. What if the next generation had a different idea? Something a little more modern that better executes the space?

Modern Dorm Room Furniture

  • Use dorm casegoods that feature eye catching stains and laminates
  • Change dorm furniture shapes
  • Update handles, drawer pulls and hardware for a more modern look and feel
  • Eliminate keyboard trays, as nearly everyone uses a laptop now
  • Be bold and incorporate standup desks instead of tradition sitting desks for added health benefit
  • Create furniture with sleek, straight lines that has a minimalist approach
  • Evaluate current furniture to see what can be eliminated due to lack of need
  • Increase versatility of furniture so it can be used for a variety of purposes, which saves space and increases storage
  • Design modern dorm furniture that emphasises safety, a concern for student housing residents and staff
  • Choose dorm room furniture manufacturers that emphasis sustainability

There are many ways to modernize dorm furniture and create rooms that better execute the space afforded to them. From modern design to eliminating unnecessary furniture items, dorm room furniture doesn’t have to be the same for the next generation as it was for their parents. Contact Northland Furniture Company for more information about modernizing dorm room furniture.

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