Hotels
Lobby Colour Palette for Hotels
Choose colour against the surfaces that will stay. Test it on a large sample at the room's brightest and darkest points.
Explore the ideas
Compare the options
- Set the brief
- Collect samples of permanent finishes, upholstery and hardware before picking a paint or laminate.
- Compare
- Assign a background colour, one wayfinding or feature colour, and contrast where people need to distinguish edges.
- Before buying
- Check painted or laminated samples vertically beside the same light source the finished room will use.
Worked example
A west-facing entry looks muted in the morning but takes on a strong orange cast in late afternoon.
Test wall and door samples at both times beside the actual floor finish. Use a quieter wall tone and reserve a stronger color for a door or artwork that remains legible in changing light.
How to test it
Compare the samples in daylight and artificial light, and check that handles and door edges remain easy to distinguish.
Apply it to this space
- Layout
- Keep the entrance route open to reception and place lounge seating outside the check-in queue.
- Detail
- Use a hard-wearing floor at the door, softer seating beyond, and warm vertical light at the desk.
- Trade-off
- A large lounge feels generous but may stretch reception sightlines.
- Roll luggage from entry to desk
- Check the queue does not block the main path
The Elixir portfolio
Details worth a closer look
