/ Interior
~ 8 min
Published: 02/07/2026
Five trends in lobby design of luxury hotels and residential complexes: investing in emotions
Today, developers and hotel operators compete for the first impression of guests and residents.
This trend is clearly visible in the commercial projects of Studia 54 in Russia, Uzbekistan, Vietnam and other countries. If 10 years ago our conversation with the customer began with materials and budget, today the decisive factor in cooperation with us is the strength of the idea, scenarios for the use of space and the emotion that a person should experience when crossing the threshold of the lobby.
Using the example of our three new projects, we can see how approaches to the design of commercial spaces are changing.

Trend 1. The concept is becoming the main competitive advantage
In the premium segment, natural stone, precious woods and sophisticated engineering solutions have long ceased to be a competitive advantage. Today, this is the basic level that is expected from any high-end project. That is why the concept becomes the main factor determining the value of a commercial interior.
A strong idea combines architecture, art, materials, lighting and details into a single system. It shapes the character of the space, makes it recognizable and creates an impression that cannot be reproduced by simply replacing materials or decorative elements.
This approach formed the basis of the Four Seasons Lobby project in Vietnam. The source of inspiration was haute couture, an area where form, plastic, and composition work as precisely as in architecture. The Studia 54 team turned to the legendary Junon dress, created by Christian Dior for the fall–winter 1949 collection. The architects were interested not only in the aesthetics of this image, but also in its construction. The rhythm of the layered petals was reinterpreted in the central interior installation, which became the compositional center of the lobby. The artistic idea combined all the elements of the space into a single concept and formed a unique image of the project.

Trend 2. Local identity is becoming the new luxury
Until a few years ago, international hotel brands and developers were striving for unification. Regardless of whether the facility was located in London, Dubai or Tokyo, the interior had to meet the brand's uniform standards and be easily readable anywhere in the world.
Today, the approach is changing because tourists and residents of premium residential complexes want to get a unique experience. That is why developers are gradually abandoning universal solutions in favor of an interior that reflects the history, culture and art of a particular location.
Our task is to find a visual language that is organic to this particular place. This principle formed the basis for the lobby project of a premium residential complex in New Tashkent. Instead of universal decorative solutions, the Studia 54 team turned to images deeply rooted in Eastern culture. Interior motifs become not a decoration of the space, but a part of its brand idea, helping to create an interior that will be associated with this particular place.

Trend 3. Art becomes a part of the brand strategy of the object
Art occupies an increasingly important place in modern interiors. However, his role is changing. An art object is no longer perceived as an independent decorative element. It becomes part of the overall concept and influences the perception of the entire interior.
In the lobby of the Four Seasons, the central installation defines the emotional scenario of getting to know the project. It becomes the first point of attraction for the guest, sets the scale of the room and creates an image that remains in the memory after the visit. This approach allows you to turn the interior into a unique space that cannot be reproduced without losing its idea.
For hotel projects, this technique also has practical value. A memorable art object becomes a visual symbol of the hotel — it is photographed, posted on social networks and used as a recognizable brand image.

Trend 4. The lobby is designed for real life scenarios
The functions of modern lobbies have expanded significantly. Today it is a place where meetings are arranged, people work, relax, wait for guests or conduct business negotiations. Therefore, design begins with an analysis of future use cases.
This approach formed the basis of the Prime Park project in Moscow. The layout combines several functional areas, while maintaining the feeling of a single interior. Upholstered furniture groups create private places for socializing, open areas are suitable for waiting and meetings, and a thoughtful composition allows the space to remain comfortable even with high activity of residents and guests of the complex.

Trend 5. Emotions are becoming the main criterion of quality
In modern commercial interiors, the first impression that remains with the target audience of the object is becoming increasingly important.
That is why work on the lobby today begins with the question: what emotions should a person experience when entering? The answer to it determines the choice of artistic concept, materials, lighting, color palette and compositional solutions.
The three Studia 54 projects demonstrate different approaches to this task. In Vietnam, the emotional impression is built around art and high fashion. In New Tashkent— it is about cultural symbols and local identity. In Prime Park— there is a calm atmosphere, privacy and a sense of status. The artistic techniques turn out to be different, but the goal remains the same: to create an interior that is remembered for its idea.

Working on projects in different countries shows that the development of lobby design is linked in the design approach itself. Today, the value of an interior is determined by the depth of the concept, attention to the cultural context, and an understanding of how the audience will interact with the space.
That is why the lobby is becoming one of the most important elements of a commercial project. This is where the acquaintance with the object begins, the first impression is formed and an emotional connection arises, which remains in memory much longer than individual design decisions.


