Interior innovations for the new season

Inspiration and customisation for the hospitality sector

Autumn is the season to forge plans for the new year. For hoteliers, that often means thinking about renovations, expansions or redesigning spaces that continue to surprise guests. Finding inspiration is crucial, and where better to do this than in one location where the best of interior and exterior design come together?

On 6 and 7 October, ETC. in Culemborg will open its doors especially for the trade public during the Design Experience. For two days, hotel professionals can immerse themselves in the latest collections and trends in furniture, lighting, flooring, wallpaper and art. The centre offers a wide and high-quality range of leading industry exhibitors, ideal for translating ideas into concrete plans for hotel projects.

An experience, not a traditional fair

ETC. is not a classic exhibition floor, but a permanent platform where exhibitors present their collections. According to managing director Ditte Kolijn, the Design Experience gives the centre "just a little extra sparkle". This moment in the year was deliberately chosen: early October is the perfect timing for exhibitors to launch new collections. "We noticed that in September a lot of people were still away," Kolijn explains. "Early October fits in better. For professionals and consumers, this is the time to discover new products, meet new exhibitors and get inspired."

Inspiration for the hospitality industry

The centre's own approach to general areas also demonstrates how interiors enhance the guest experience. "We keep up with current interior developments," says Kolijn. "Linda de Koster gives our centre a new look every time. For us, as for hoteliers, it is essential to design general areas well and set an atmosphere that matches our identity." Art will also regain its prominence: from October, new artists will once again be on display at the centre. 

Floors that enhance guest experience

For about three years, Breda-based BVO Woodculture has had a showroom at ETC. "We mainly supply wooden floors and install them under our own management," says co-owner Priscilla van Oosterbos. "We have thorough work preparation so that execution and planning run like clockwork." Besides the private market, the company is increasingly focusing on projects ranging from restaurants to hotels.

According to Van Oosterbos, hotels can benefit greatly from high-quality flooring. "PVC, in our opinion, detracts from the whole customer experience. In boutique hotels abroad, luxury and natural materials are often used, which is a beautiful but ultimately sustainable choice. We show how you can also achieve this in the Netherlands. For example, we offer extra protective layers for the floor, but also a maintenance programme on which we can advise or also perform this ourselves."

Customisation from design to implementation

A regular name in ETC is Duran Interiors, a family-run business that is increasingly focusing on the hospitality sector with furniture, lamps and accessories. Maurits Duran works with his parents on the designs and collection, which they personally explain at Trade Days and in their showroom. "For architects and project organisers, that personal contact is important," says Duran. "We advise ourselves, think along and provide a complete elaboration: from drawing and rendering to delivery and furnishing."

For the hotel industry, the company developed Studio Duran, a separate branch dedicated entirely to hospitality projects. This gives hotels custom-made products that are in line with the collection, but can also be complemented by other brands. "We find that we are increasingly in demand for higher-end projects," says Duran. "For a wellness hotel in Sweden, we were also allowed to do the renovation ten years after the first furnishing. That feels like a great compliment."