The New Dimension of Design
In the world of design, we often talk about the relationship between the space, the design, and the guest experience. With the rise of social media, this dynamic has shifted to include not just the physical guest, but the virtual one as well: the person living vicariously through the lens of a camera phone. This new dimension adds an exciting layer of complexity and opportunity to our design process at Jacki Arena Interiors (JAI).
Crafting Memorable Experiences
Our approach has always centered on creating memorable experiences through design. We focus on both large and small intricate details that build up to an Instagrammable environment. Whether it’s a feature wall with fun nomenclature or a table lamp embellished with fringe-like details reminiscent of flapper-like attire, we know that these elements are not only engaging in person but also translate well into photographs.
Case Study: Cambria Hotel Madeira Beach
Take the Cambria Hotel Madeira Beach; the hotel’s design is based on the pirate who founded the area, making it a fun adventure for all ages.
Through images of treasures found around the hotel, like gold coins, maps, and other found objects, or people gathering at the rooftop bar for stunning gulf-view sunsets, the hotel appeals to all ages.
The question we pose with our designs is always, “Can you see yourself here?”
Case Study: Unifying History and Design at the Tampa Floridan Palace Hotel
Unfolding the story of the Tampa Floridan Palace Hotel, we embraced a design approach that was “Authentic, Tailored, and Unexpected.” Drawing from the hotel’s nearly century-old history, our designs for both The Dan and the guestrooms sought to reflect the hotel’s rich past while creating engaging spaces for the modern guest.
In The Dan, we leaned into the lively spirit of the 1920s. Our color palette combined rich wood tones with warm, bold hues, striking a balance that encouraged a playful, glamorous experience.
A prominent feature wall depicting a woman from the era, complete with an unexpected companion – a monkey on her shoulder – serves as a conversation starter and a memorable Instagram moment.
Moving to the guestrooms, soon to be renamed Hotel Flor once the renovation is completed, we continued to weave in elements of Tampa’s history. Custom art pieces were created to capture the essence of Tampa’s Gasparilla story, using imagery of our historic structure. Framed in shadow boxes and presented on 3D book-like models, these pieces added depth to the room and offered yet another Instagrammable element for the guests.
This cohesive design approach across The Dan and the guestrooms demonstrates how the threads of history can be woven into a modern design narrative that engages both physical and virtual guests.
All guestroom images courtesy of the Floridan Palace Hotel Instagram @floridanpalacehotel
The Magic of Great Design
A great design has incredible details all around. Little elements of surprise and wonder draw you in and make you want to look closer. You can’t identify just one thing because the big picture is just so well-balanced and married together. Form and function work hand in hand. Good design should have an overall practicality to it but then layer on elements of fun, interest, and surprise. The unexpected delights!
Challenges and Opportunities of Social Media Design
One of the unique challenges and opportunities when designing spaces for the social media generation is bad news spreads just as fast, if not faster, than good news these days, so if the design is poor or something about it is off, chances are it will be noticed, and it will be shared! Just as something really unique or cool that stands out!
The Impact of Social Media on Interior Design
Designing for social media has affected our approach to interior design overall because there is always a thought in my mind when designing a new space that thinks, “If I was visiting this space for the first time, what would make me go Wow and want to take a picture of it to post.”
We want people to love our designs as much as we do, and we want them to love them enough to share and take photos. I think we consider a lot more of what features you think would be great for photo opportunities and what we can do as designers to create the next best backdrop.
The Future of Interior Design and Social Media
Looking towards the future, the relationship between interior design and social media is evolving. Once upon a time, we designed an experience for the guest who was staying at the hotel we designed. Now, more and more, with social media – we have virtual guests. People are living vicariously through social media these days. They may never have the opportunity to visit the location/hotel, but they can feel as if they did just by seeing through someone else’s eyes…and lens.
Marketing is no longer handled by an agency, a department, or an individual. It is in the hands of every person who enters the space, snaps, and shares. That can be very intimidating as a designer. Our design no longer has to just appeal to the guest staying at the hotel or dining at the restaurant. It has to be strong enough to tell a story through the frame of a lens, through perhaps only one image and a hashtag. That can work in our favor, or it can be detrimental to a space if poorly designed.
Designing for Both Physical and Virtual Guests
As we continue to design for both physical and virtual guests, we’re excited about the stories we’ll tell and the experiences we’ll create. After all, good design isn’t just about how a space looks, but also how it makes you feel – whether you’re standing in the doorway or looking through a screen.
