Designing the Innovation Stage

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Step into the Innovation Stage at Independent Hotel Show London 2026, brought to life by Jelena Obradov, founder of Obradov Studio. Conceived as an immersive hospitality environment, the space offers visitors a moment away from the busy show floor, a place to pause, connect, and explore new ideas shaping the future of hotel design.

Blending atmosphere with narrative, the concept considers how hospitality spaces can tell a complete story through flow, mood, and personal expression. Every element has been carefully considered to create an environment that feels cohesive and immersive, drawing visitors into a space that reflects Jelena's distinctive design perspective.

Through considered storytelling, atmospheric design and a personal approach, Jelena Obradov demonstrates how hospitality interiors can create meaningful, immersive experiences that resonate with guests long after they've left the space.

The Vision

Mood Board

Designing the Social Business Space

Jelena Obradov

 

"I wanted to combine stage design with the way I would design a hotel lobby or speakeasy. Stage design revolves around sightlines and the experience of a space from a distance, while hospitality design is about atmosphere from every angle and an intimate spatial experience. The idea is that the stage feels almost like opening a jewelry box, in deep green tones, with layers in both the walls and the materials. Think wallpaper, wood, glass, velvet, marble and rich textiles. The large beads by Big Beads act as sculptural accents, while the curved sofa by Duran Interiors provides a soft landing for the speakers. The result is a theatrical stage that invites the audience to briefly step into another setting during the event."

Jelena Obradov, Obradov Studio

 

Hospitality by Design: A Q&A with Obradov Studio

With a background in business and marketing (amongst others at Heineken), I followed my passion for interiors and completed a postgraduate degree in Interior Design in Barcelona. 

Every design starts from a narrative (an interior story) tailored to the space and its users. From there, I develop a layered and fitting design. A key element is bespoke work, I put a great deal of time in detailing joinery. In residential projects, this is often visible in the kitchen, which I design more as a piece of furniture than a traditional row of cabinet blocks. There is also always a surprising element to be found. Whether it’s bold, like a striking restroom, or subtle, like distinctive cabinet knobs. In hospitality projects, the concept is carried through on an even larger scale across all spaces. 

 

Warmth  - think dark wood, color drenching across walls and ceilings, and deeper tones that create a sense of comfort. 
Round forms  - softened wall corners, bullnose finishes on countertops, waves and arches. 
Patterns  - people are falling in love again with patterns in textiles. Whether on a banquette or a stool, it adds a subtle playfulness to the overall design. 

First and foremost, I see this as a wonderful design challenge. Designing a stage offers a great deal of freedom, it can be more outspoken than other types of projects, yet it is also constrained by its two-dimensional nature. Together with our partners, I hope to showcase more facets of my design style, and who knows it might lead to a hospitality commission. 

 

The Concept

A Stage That Feels Like Another World

Blurring the line between stage design, a hotel lobby and a hidden speakeasy, the Innovation Stage is designed to transport visitors somewhere unexpected. While the layout considers sightlines and how the stage is experienced from a distance, the details bring the intimacy and atmosphere of hospitality design into the space.

Layers of Luxury

Inspired by an emerald-green jewellery box, the concept uses deep green tones and layers of rich materials to create depth and intrigue. Wallpaper, wood, glass, velvet, marble and textiles come together to make the stage feel tactile, luxurious and full of details waiting to be discovered.

Theatrical by Design

Sculptural details give the stage its playful, unexpected character. Large beads by Big Beads create bold accents, while a curved sofa by Duran Interiors provides a soft landing for speakers. The result is a theatrical setting that invites visitors to briefly step away from the show floor and into a different world.

Sessions on the Innovation Stage

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Innovation Stage
Innovation Stage, in partnership with Agilysys and Airwave, designed by Obradov Studio
    Innovation Stage
    The UK luxury traveller is still spending, but how, when and where they choose to spend is changing. Drawing on Agility’s latest TrendLens™ research, this session will reveal what wealthy travellers a …
    Innovation Stage
    Today's guests are looking for more than just a place to stay. They want memorable experiences, meaningful connections and every moment of their trip to feel worthwhile. As expectations continue to ev …
    Innovation Stage
    AI is changing the way hotels work, but success depends on people, not just technology. This session will explore the essential skills hotel teams need to thrive in an AI-enabled workplace, from AI li …
    Innovation Stage
    AI agents are beginning to search, compare and book hotel stays on behalf of travellers – but what happens when your website isn’t ready for them? For independent hotels, the rise of agentic AI could …
    Sponsored by:
    Focus On Hospitality Logo
    Innovation Stage
    The way people travel, work and socialise has changed, and hotels are evolving to keep pace. From flexible workspaces and multi-functional public areas to design that encourages connection, wellbeing …
    Innovation Stage
    The biggest hotel brands may dominate advertising budgets, but independent hotels are proving that creativity can outperform scale. Join hotel marketing experts and a leading travel influencer as they …
Innovation Stage
Innovation Stage, in partnership with Agilysys and Airwave, designed by Obradov Studio
    Innovation Stage
    Exceptional guest experiences start with exceptional teams, and with managers who know how to bring out the best in their people. Join hospitality leaders as they explore how empowering managers to le …
    Innovation Stage
    Wellbeing is becoming an increasingly important part of the guest experience – but how can thoughtful interior design genuinely influence the way we feel? This session will explore the role interiors …
    Innovation Stage
    Luxury travel is evolving, and so are guest expectations. Join Michelin and hospitality leaders as they explore the trends influencing where discerning travellers choose to stay, dine and spend their …
    Innovation Stage
    Social media is often the first place guests discover your hotel, shaping expectations long before they book. For boutique hotels, it's a chance to showcase personality, tell authentic stories and cre …
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