Iconic interior trends

The power of an atmospheric hotel interior? According to interior designers and stylists Moniek Mels and Barbara van der Valk of MOBA: "From the moment you enter, your interior should feel like a warm blanket. Lots of colour and impressive prints: that you really touch hotel guests by choosing something special." With their open-minded outlook, they guide their clients in interior design and execution. We talk to them about current interior trends.

It all started for Moniek and Barbara in the hotel industry. Mels says: "Barbara and her husband Gert van der Valk ran the Van der Valk Hotel in Hoorn together and I did the marketing. We worked together regularly and decided to join forces. For three years now, we have been going to work every day with a big smile on our faces, building a variety of projects: from the hotel industry to private individuals and business projects. Sometimes they are smaller projects for one room and sometimes they are total concepts where we design the entire interior and even think along about details, such as menus and staff clothing."

Every interior design is unique. That is why Mels and Van der Valk always start with a conversation with the client. "We gather the wishes and make creative designs with mood boards," Mels explains. "We present our ideas and if the client agrees, we start the project supervision. Think about purchasing products and deploying the right parties." MOBA now even has its own webshop with the products they apply in their hotel designs. Hoteliers, stylists and architects therefore regularly knock on MOBA's door to buy wallpaper, flooring and furniture.

Where do they get their inspiration? "We are on the road a lot, which is incredibly inspiring," says Van der Valk. "When we are on the road, we sometimes book an overnight stay in a nice hotel to soak up the atmosphere. But of course it also helps that we both have experience in the industry. You build a network and get to know the wishes of hotel guests. What do they like and what do they come back for?"

Mels and Van der Valk agree that round and friendly shapes are an important trend. Mels: "We often combine them with natural materials. That's a very nice combination!" Van der Valk adds: "Or we match round shapes with cool details. Dare to combine styles."

Organic shapes can be found in many pieces of furniture. Think square tables with rounded corners or tables with round, friendly shapes. But also bucket chairs or sofas with an organic shape. "A great example is Abovo Media's office building in Hoorn. Here, we cleverly used organic shapes: from the ceiling to the tiles in the floor. It forms a natural whole."

Soft pink, salmon, natural tones, beige and terracotta: according to Mels and Van der Valk, they are the trend colours of the summer. Light shades are warm, yet fresh. "For the Van der Valk Hotel in Gorinchem, we also chose these trend colours. The hotel is located along the A15 motorway. That in itself is not a cosy location, so we added warmth and natural cosiness in other ways. With beautiful prints, fabrics and an impressive terracotta mosaic floor, the hotel interior makes a luxurious and atmospheric impression."

Mels adds: "In 1.5 years, we designed and decorated the entire hotel: from the restaurant, to the rooms, suites and the bar. The suites have all been given their own character and divided into different themes. The wellness suite is a great example of the power of light, warm tones. The reactions afterwards were also very nice: it has become a work of art!"

"Some clients are looking for something exciting," begins Van der Valk. "Sometimes you want it just a little more daring, with eye-catchers and bold prints. Surprise your hotel guests with something special that they would not easily choose in their own homes!"

What Mels and Van der Valk mean by edgy? "The lobby bar at the Van der Valk Hotel in Hoorn," says Mels. "The lobby bar is a space used intensively by guests: lunch, breakfast, dinner or a quick appointment. A lot happens there. So it was also a real challenge to provide a look that steals the show both during the day and in the evening."

And Van der Valk and Mels did just that with lilac purple and zebra print. "It's cool and robust, and gives a cool look," says Van der Valk. "We rebuilt the bar with beautiful stones around it, and created lots of seating areas with extra comfort. The highlight is the sturdy stone strip by the fireplace with stuffed zebra heads. Exciting, playful and super fun to see how cool the end result is! That always brings a smile to our faces."