)
Independent Hotel Show announces design partners for 2026 edition
The Independent Hotel Show, in partnership with James Hallam Insurance Brokers, has announced the studios creating its key hospitality spaces for the 2026 edition, taking place at Olympia London on 5-6 October.
Reflecting this year’s theme, ‘Shaping Tomorrow’, Merav Bustan Design, Obradov Studio, Design Command and TUNTU will transform the show’s stages, networking areas and Members Suite into distinctive environments exploring the future of hospitality design.
Merav Bustan Design will create the Hotel Business Stage, in partnership with eviivo, as an architectural gateway featuring layered forms, framed perspectives and a contemporary interpretation of Art Deco geometry.
Deep burgundy, terracotta and soft blush tones will be combined with layered mouldings, textured surfaces and integrated lighting, establishing a strong identity while keeping the stage’s speakers and discussions at the heart of the space.
Founder and Creative Director Merav Bustan said: “The stage is conceived as an architectural gateway - a series of layered forms that create depth, rhythm and a strong sense of arrival. We wanted it to feel immersive and memorable, drawing people naturally towards the conversations happening on stage while creating a distinctive visual identity within the show.”
Sustainability has been considered throughout the design, with elements created to be dismantled, transported and adapted for future events. Merav Bustan Design is working with ORAC, incorporating pieces from its new Art Deco collection and flexible mouldings, and Spark & Bell, which is producing a bespoke lighting installation made from recycled plastic.
The Innovation Stage, in partnership with Agilysys, Airwave and Aphy, will be designed by Obradov Studio, combining the visual impact of stage design with the intimate atmosphere of a hotel lobby or speakeasy.
Originally created for the Independent Hotel Show Amsterdam, the design will be transported and adapted for its new setting in London, extending the life of the installation while introducing it to a new audience.
Jelena Obradov, Owner and Interior Designer at Obradov Studio, said: “The idea is that the stage feels almost like opening a jewellery box, in deep green tones, with layers in both the walls and the materials. The result is a theatrical stage that invites the audience to briefly step into another setting during the event.”
Decospan has collaborated on an organic-shaped back wall using walnut veneer, while Van Besouw has created a bespoke carpet design that flows beyond the boundaries of the stage. A burgundy velvet curtain from Artimo will add warmth and a sense of mystery.
Design Command will create the Social Business Space, in partnership with Zennio, providing visitors with a welcoming retreat for networking, informal meetings, working and relaxation.
A calming palette of blues, greens, natural woods and earthy neutrals will be layered with a textured tapestry mural, handmade artwork, sheer curtains and warm lighting. The layout will offer a variety of settings, from standing tables for quick conversations and dining tables for working or eating to sofas, armchairs and poufs for longer meetings and moments of rest.
Clare McDonald, Founder and Creative Director of Design Command, said: “Our Social Business Space interprets ‘Shaping Tomorrow’ by bringing classic hospitality elements in a fresh and contemporary way. A calming palette of blues, greens, natural woods and earthy neutrals is layered with a textured tapestry mural and our team’s handmade artwork to create warmth, character and individuality.”
The design will incorporate products from Newmor, Leta, Balsan, Contessa Curtains, Franklite, Meganite and Ivy Cruz. Items will be provided on temporary loan and returned to suppliers for reuse following the show.
TUNTU will lead the concept and sensory design of the Members Suite, bringing together around a dozen Nordic and British collaborators to create an immersive and restorative hospitality environment.
Built around the concept of ‘intelligent stillness’, the space will combine natural materials, concealed technology, sound, lighting, scent and large-scale visual content. Sound will be integrated into architectural surfaces rather than delivered through conventional visible speakers, while low-frequency resonance will add a physical dimension to the experience.
A palette inspired by Nordic nature will bring together deep greens, earthy and mineral tones, natural wood, stone, moss and planting. Designed as a transition from the energy of the exhibition hall, the Members Suite will encourage guests to slow down, connect and experience the space through multiple senses.
Kirsi Ihalainen, CEO and Sound Artist at TUNTU, said: “For me, that represents an important direction for the future of luxury hospitality. Luxury does not necessarily mean adding more materials, more technology or more visual complexity. It can mean using intelligence to create more feeling with less noise.”
David Todd, Event Director for the Independent Hotel Show, commented: “Design is fundamental to the Independent Hotel Show experience, and this year’s partners have responded to ‘Shaping Tomorrow’ with four highly distinctive concepts. Each space demonstrates how thoughtful design can shape the way people feel, interact and connect, while exploring important ideas around sustainability, adaptability, technology and sensory experience.
“We want the show itself to provide inspiration for the hotel community, not simply through the products and ideas on display, but through the environments that visitors spend time in. These designs will bring that ambition to life across the event.”
One of the show’s charity partners, Furnishing Futures, will also create a high-end bedroom installation, demonstrating how beautifully designed interiors can support its work furnishing the homes of women and children escaping domestic abuse.
The Independent Hotel Show, in partnership with James Hallam Insurance Brokers, takes place at Olympia London on 5–6 October 2026. Register for a free trade ticket at independenthotelshow.co.uk.
)
){kind=logo}
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=logo}
)
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=logo}
){kind=logo}
)
)
){kind=logo}
){kind=logo}
){kind=logo}
)
){kind=logo}
){kind=logo}
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)