Art as the untapped force in hospitality

From standard to statement

Art as a finishing touch? Not if it is up to interior designer and owner of interior design agency FelisDesign, Shureska Ocalia. Because for her, art is not a final step, but rather the starting point for an unforgettable hotel experience. "When I enter a hotel, I instinctively observe the space. How does it feel, and what story does the interior tell?" Too often, Ocalia still sees the safe choices: abstract prints, neutral tones and anonymous canvases. Functional perhaps, but mainly a missed opportunity to use the full potential of the space and really touch guests.

According to Ocalia, art has the power to give an interior character and identity. It can refer to the history of the property, its surroundings or the owner's personal story. "Art arouses curiosity, touches emotions and invites perception and conversation. It turns a beautiful room into an experience that guests will remember. To reach that level, it takes an ingredient that not everyone dares to add: Guts. The courage to deviate from the safe middle."  

Why art completes a hotel experience

Just as every city has its iconic landmarks and hotspots, hotels should also have one or more special attractions that people want to visit. At least elements you want to see or experience as a guest or visitor. Truly special works often also attract visitors who are not staying at the hotel. 

A recent project from Ocalia's portfolio illustrates its vision perfectly. In a boutique hotel, the traditional painting above the fireplace was replaced by a three-dimensional monumental installation made of brushed metal and coloured glass. During the day, sunlight catches the work and casts colourful shadows across the room. In the evening, it is subtly lit, making it a true eye-catcher. The result? An interior that not only feels sophisticated, but also exudes a powerful, bold personality.

Mix and surprise

According to Ocalia, art does not have to be flat. "Combine paintings with sculptures, tapestries, ceramics or artistic lighting. Mixing different disciplines creates depth, layering and tension. And that excites the senses. Ocalia concludes with a powerful statement: "In an age when experience is at the heart of hospitality, as far as I am concerned, there is no place for soulless decoration anymore. Art deserves a prominent, strategic position within hotel interior design. This calls for bold choices: no copies, but character; no temporary trends, but a clear, timeless vision."  

3 Tips for your hotel 

Choose individuality over security
Avoid standard canvas prints. Original, custom-made artworks match your hotel's identity. Think bold colours, impressive formats or surprising materials. The more unique the work, the stronger the impression.

Think beyond the lobby
Art also works in unexpected places, such as corridors, lifts, toilets or stairwells. These are moments when guests pause for a moment and are open to experience. In this way, a functional space becomes a surprising highlight.

Combine shapes and styles
Don't limit yourself to flat art. Sculptures, tapestries, ceramics or artistic lighting add layers and tension. By mixing disciplines, you enrich the space and stimulate the senses.

Global inspiration

Freehand Hotel - New York
Each room and corridor at this hotel is unique thanks to hand-painted murals by Bard College students and
alumni. The result is a vibrant, ever-changing gallery where you can
keeps discovering along the way.

Palace Hotel - Tokyo
With more than 700 artworks scattered throughout the hotel, from lobby to suites, it acts as a carefully curated art gallery. Guests can even join guided tours to discover the stories behind the works.

Radisson Collection Hotel - Berlin
Known for the former AquaDom, the world's largest cylindrical aquarium, which stood in the middle of the lobby. The spectacular object attracted visitors from all over the world for years and, even after the 2022 incident, remains an iconic example of how one eye-catcher can put a hotel on the global map.

"Art deserves a place that is more than decoration; it should tell a story that fits the space and the people who use it. From my design studio FelisDesign, I help hotels, companies and individuals integrate art into their interiors in a timeless and meaningful way. This makes every space not only beautiful, but also personal and unforgettable." Would you like to discover what art can do for your interior? I'd love to talk to you."