AR and AI: new tools for magical interior design concepts

Art and hotels go hand in hand. The right artwork can transform the atmosphere and contribute to an unforgettable customer experience. With the advent of AI (Artificial Intelligence) and Augmented Reality (AR), hotels can add a new dimension to this. "These new technologies create a unique and personalised experience," says designer and artist Hanneke van de Pol of Artwallcollection. She explains how AI and AR can provide a new way of experiencing art in hotels that is more interactive, personal and surprising.

With her art and design, Van de Pol transforms walls into works of art. She uses innovative technologies, including AI and AR, to design seamless wall coverings that harmonise with interiors. Her work - under the name Artwallcollection - can be seen in leading hotels, restaurants and clubs, such as the Jimmy Woo and Hotel L'europe in Amsterdam and Gordon Ramsey's restaurant in London. She has a good relationship with renowned interior designers who regularly visit her showroom in Arnhem for inspiration and collaboration.

Van de Pol goes for the optimal experience and contributes to high-quality interior design concepts. "My background as a graphic designer, photographer and classical painter means I have an eye for the overall picture of an interior. I find it important that everything is in harmony with each other to create an optimal experience. Everything has to belong together and be right. Art with augmented reality is a great way to enrich the guest experience. With AI, you can adapt art completely to the style and atmosphere of the hotel, restaurant or bar."

Van de Pol has enthusiastically thrown herself into the new possibilities offered by AI. According to her, the results are amazing. "I have spent the past two years experimenting with art, design and photography in combination with AI. From the design of the wall coverings, the design on the wall to the flooring: everything can be designed and made to fit together using AI. For example, I designed a special collection of wallcoverings that reflect different styles - art deco, maximalist, classic, bohemian, oriental or a special mix. that I painted by hand or digitally. Partly because of AI, this process has become so much less labour-intensive that I can now also specialise in designing carpets and providing customised art."

At the recently held Hotel Independent Show, Van de Pol presented how the combination of wall coverings, carpet design and augmented reality art can transform a hotel room into a special place. "Art has always played an important role in the hotel experience," says the designer. "But with the advent of AI and AR, hotels can now have a collection created that is even more interesting and interactive for guests." She explains that AR can bring artworks to life, adding an extra dimension to the art experience. "With AR, guests can scan an artwork with their phone and then learn more about the artwork and the artist, or take an interactive tour of the hotel's art collection."

With AI, hotels can completely tailor their art collection to their guests' tastes and preferences. "For example, the TV screen in the room can serve as a work of art on the wall. This screen displays an art collection tailored to the design and ambience of the room. Hotels can change this collection easily and inexpensively with a subscription," Van de Pol explains. 

She believes AI and AR will play a growing role in the future of art, interiors and design. "Combining art and technology is a trend that will continue to develop in the hotel and design world. New technologies enable us to discover and appreciate art and design in a totally new and interactive way." Technology can then be a powerful tool to create and implement unique interior design concepts. Whether it is a chair design, an interior sketch or a mood board, AI can be a valuable assistant.

"My passion as a designer is to create extraordinary designs. I depict the client's story in a visual concept. Finding the perfect wall covering, art and style is a magical process for me. I use AI as a tool to realise my ideas faster. Artwallcollection specialises in providing luxury wall coverings and customised art for hotels, restaurants, bars and clubs. Argumented reality is an additional option I can offer in this regard."  

With augmented reality (AR) applications, hotels can create a more engaging and personalised guest experience. Guests can learn about the hotel and its services in exciting and innovative ways. This can contribute to greater customer satisfaction and loyalty.

- With AR, guests can get real-time information about the surrounding area. For example, they can see where the best attractions, restaurants and shops are. This can be done via AR glasses or a smartphone. This way, they can easily and fun get to know the area.

- With an AR menu, hotels can offer guests a new way of ordering. Guests can use their smartphones to bring the menu to life. They can see what the dishes look like, learn more about the preparation and ingredients, and read feedback from other guests. This gives them a better idea of what to expect.

- Hotels can add AR artworks to their interiors. Guests can scan these artworks with their smartphones for an interactive display with additional information about the artist, the meaning of the artwork or an audio description. 

- An AR welcome message is an innovative way to greet guests. For example, a hotel can display a personalised message when guests point their smartphones at a certain spot in the lobby. This can make guests feel special and personalised.