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The extra dimension of ‘Layering’ in hospitality design that will keep customers coming back to your venue

By Becci Finn

Have you recently completed renovations to your venue and have a sense it is missing something? Or perhaps have the feeling that your spaces are not as warm and inviting as they could be?

Fourteen seasons of the reality television show ‘The Block’ have ticked by (where does the time go?!) and it is safe to say that the “Design IQ” of average Australians is fairly articulate.

Whether by means of watching one of many lifestyle shows or a broader interest in design and décor, collectively we have a heightened appreciation for depth and layering in our spaces.

Beyond the home, appetite for dynamic design in our retail, workplace and social spaces is increasing. In response we are seeing the delivery of exciting projects, pushing the limits of our imaginations and offering a wow factor like never before.

This leads us to the topic of ‘layering’ within hospitality spaces and why it needs to be carefully considered to keep customers returning to your venue.


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Layering sits beyond styling, decoration or throwing some art and cushions around. Layering builds the story of the space, it combines design, branding, theatre and lighting and any way you slice it, your venue probably needs a dose of it now.

Expanding on the topic of creating character and lasting impressions from our previous article on zoning, effective layering is not something done by formula.

In simple terms layering is about creating interest. Objects of display and decoration soften and dramatise a space. They create points of interest and provide opportunities to seasonally update or give a soft refresh.

Layering begins with distinction and variation of furniture types but its reach is broad.

Beyond furniture there no limit to what can be used in the layering of a space, however, items that come to mind are food related stock like big bright cans of tomatoes and preserves; bright shiny copper pans; or beautiful timber serving-ware. These all provide visual cues to patrons that dining and the food experience within this venue is cherished.

Art-walls, historical photographs and memorabilia can be seamlessly and carefully integrated within the space so as to catch the eye of patrons with interest from time to time. Careful integration of pieces with history and meaning within the venue are far less likely to become a forgotten legacy.

Branding and uniforms are an aspect we will further investigate in future articles, however, these too add to the picture in meaningful ways and are often best received when designed to work with the interior pallet and styling pieces.


Are you looking to refurbish or expand your venue to drive revenue and profitability at your Club?

Find out what you need to know to improve the financial standing of your Club without compromising your community focus...


Layering is about showcasing the venues personality. It’s about that unique touch and lasting depth to the hospitality experience that will create a memorable experience and have your customers returning to your venue time, and time again.


Becci Finn is an Associate at GROUPN 

From the shiny potential within each new venue design to the simple pleasure of a smiling customer, Becci is passionate about Hospitality. With a feet-on-the-ground, ear-to-the-wind knowledge of what’s what in hospitality, Becci is often overheard claiming to be a ‘human barometer’ of interior design.

THINK_LIFESTYLE is a weekly newsletter published by GROUPN discussing directions in hospitality design.

Click to get in touch with Becci or drop us line at GROUPN  +61 2 9369 3546

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