H e l l o!
Up on the blog this week, we have guest blogger Brian Jeffries who will be discussing the blurred lines between residential and hospitality interior design. Brian is a freelance writer who loves sharing his knowledge and expertise on interior design, construction projects and materials.
It’s easy to categorize residential and hospitality design as separate specialties within the broader design industry. However, as society becomes more dynamic, multicultural, and experience-driven, the distinctions between these two sectors are beginning to fade.
While each has its own unique principles, the overlap between residential and hospitality design continues to grow. Today’s evolving lifestyles—shaped by hybrid work, global travel, and wellness-centered living demand spaces that are not only beautiful and functional, but also adaptable and deeply personal.
Let’s take a closer look at what defines each sector, and how they increasingly inform one another.
Create a Sense of Belonging in Residential Design
Whether designing a single-family home or a multi-family apartment complex, the goal is the same: to create a space that feels like home. Aesthetic features must go beyond design trend and style. They need to foster comfort, security, and identity.
Materiality matters. Incorporate tactile finishes: think warm wood tones, soft textiles, and layered lighting that support biophilic principles while creating a calming, grounded atmosphere. Low-maintenance yet luxurious options like natural stone countertops provide both durability and ease for modern, fast-paced lifestyles.
Flexibility is key. Open-plan layouts and modular elements allow residents to tailor their space to changing needs. Neutral palettes offer a versatile foundation for personal expression, while thoughtful storage and multi-functional furniture enhance livability.
Design for your audience. Understanding your target demographic—whether it’s young professionals, families, or seniors—ensures the space supports both their aesthetic and practical needs. Urban dwellers may lean toward sleek, industrial interiors, while families prioritize warmth, safety, and flow.
Elevate First Impressions and Craft a Stunning Experience in Hospitality Spaces
Istanbul’s Eclectic Room Mate Emir Hotel by Lázaro Rosa-Violán
Elevating the Guest Experience in Hospitality Spaces
Unlike residential design, hospitality design is about crafting an experience, one that’s memorable, inspiring, and unique.
Make a bold first impression. Signature lighting installations, curated art, and dramatic architectural gestures can instantly set the tone for a stay. From bespoke furniture to plush textiles and mood-enhancing lighting, every detail contributes to a sense of luxury and discovery.
Foster connection. Amenity spaces such as lobbies, lounges, restaurants, and rooftop bars should be designed as social catalysts. These spaces invite guests to connect not just with one another, but with the culture and identity of the brand.
Deliver comfort without compromise. Guest rooms should be both indulgent and intuitive. Smart technology, thoughtful ergonomics, and spa-like finishes enhance both convenience and relaxation.
Where Residential and Hospitality Meet in Washington DC and beyond
Featured on Plum Guide
Though different in intent, both disciplines share key interior design priorities that are increasingly aligned:
Functionality: Whether for a guest or a resident, the layout must be intuitive, flexible, and efficient.
Amenities: From business lounges and fitness centers to rooftop decks, both sectors now embrace all-in-one living environments that reflect today’s hybrid lifestyles.
Wellness & Sustainability: Health-forward design is no longer optional. High-performance glazing, low-VOC finishes, biophilic elements, composite rooftop deck tiles, and energy-efficient systems contribute to wellness and sustainability alike.
Design strategies that once belonged exclusively to hospitality, like curated brand experiences or concierge-level amenities, are now essential in multi-family residential developments. Likewise, hospitality environments are adopting the warmth, comfort, and intimacy of home to better serve modern travelers and long-term guests.
The Future of Residential and Hospitality Design
Looking Ahead: The Future of Hybrid Living Spaces
As the boundaries between living, working, and traveling continue to blur, both residential and hospitality design must evolve in tandem. Tomorrow’s spaces will be more intuitive, inclusive, and tech-enabled.
Expect to see:
Enhanced safety: ADA compliance, touchless access systems, and smart building technologies will become standard.
Design for all ages: Inclusive features like stylish handrails, slip-resistant materials, and glass partitions for clear sightlines will enhance both accessibility and aesthetics.
Fire resistance & resilience: Building codes and occupant expectations will drive demand for the safest, most forward-thinking materials and technologies.
Ultimately, these spaces will be defined by their ability to adapt—creating environments that are not only beautiful and functional, but also deeply attuned to how people live, connect, and thrive.
Designing for What’s Next
As the design world continues to shift, embracing the intersection of residential and hospitality design is essential for creating environments that resonate on every level.
If you're in the Washington, D.C. area and looking to elevate your next multifamily or hospitality project, reach out to Tina Delia of Delia Designs Studio for a personalized consultation. Let’s design a space that’s not just livable or luxurious, but unforgettable.
Author Bio
Brian Jeffries is a freelance writer who loves sharing his knowledge and expertise on construction projects and materials. He lives in Winter Park, Florida where he enjoys spending time with his wife and working on projects in his spare time. Brian’s work as a freelance writer can be found on Building Product Advisor, a construction industry resource site.
Looking Ahead
As we move through 2025, the real estate and interior design industries are being reshaped by a growing demand for flexibility, sustainability, and the integration of lifestyle, work, and hospitality. From community-driven multifamily developments to residential spaces infused with hospitality sensibilities, Delia Designs remains dedicated to crafting innovative, human-centered environments. Tina Delia's designs are not only responsive to today’s dynamic lifestyles, they're also grounded in environmental responsibility and a forward-thinking approach to the way people live, connect, and thrive.
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In addition to being a DC Multifamily Interior Designer, Delia Designs Studio designs boutique hotels, fitness studios, and other hospitality spaces. We work here in the DMV (Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia), Philadelphia, and Nationally!
About the Interior Designer
Tina Delia, a native of Ocean County, NJ, current resident of Washington, DC, is the Founder and Principal Interior Designer of Delia Designs. For the past thirteen years, Tina has been steadfast in her vision and continues to develop herself personally and professionally. She is dedicated to excellence and insistence on forward thinking design. At the forefront of her designs is the idea that our spaces have the ability to transform our lives. She is looking to move us, inspire us to see, think and create freely. After all, it's not only about creating beautiful spaces, it's about touching the lives of those who live, work, and walk through those spaces.
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