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UK: The Independent Hotel Show, in partnership with James Hallam Insurance Brokers, has revealed the design studios creating its hospitality spaces at Olympia London, 5-6 October 2026.
Reflecting this year’s theme Shaping Tomorrow, Merav Bustan Design, Obradov Studio, Design Command, and TUNTU will transform the show’s stages, networking areas, and members suites.
Merav Bustan Design will create the Hotel Business Stage, in partnership with eviivo. The studio is working with ORAC, incorporating pieces from its new Art Deco collection and flexible mouldings, and Spark & Bell, which is producing a bespoke lighting installation made from recycled plastic.
Founder and creative director Merav Bustan said: “The stage is conceived as an architectural gateway – a series of layered forms that create depth, rhythm and a strong sense of arrival. We wanted it to feel immersive and memorable, drawing people naturally towards the conversations happening on stage while creating a distinctive visual identity within the show.”
The Innovation Stage, in partnership with Agilysys, Airwave and Aphy, will be designed by Obradov Studio. Originally created for the Independent Hotel Show Amsterdam, the design will be transported and adapted for its new setting in London. Obradov Studio has worked with Decospan to create the back wall, while Van Besouw has created a bespoke carpet design and Artimo has provided the curtain.
Jelena Obradov, owner and interior designer at Obradov Studio, said: “The idea is that the stage feels almost like opening a jewellery box, in deep green tones, with layers in both the walls and the materials. The result is a theatrical stage that invites the audience to briefly step into another setting during the event.”
Design Command will create the Social Business Space, in partnership with Zennio. The layout will offer a variety of settings, from standing tables for quick conversations and dining tables for working or eating, to sofas, armchairs, and poufs for longer meetings. The design will incorporate products from Newmor, Leta, Balsan, Contessa Curtains, Franklite, Meganite and Ivy Cru.
Clare McDonald, founder and creative director of Design Command, said: “OurSocial Business Space interprets Shaping Tomorrow by bringing classic hospitality elements in a fresh and contemporary way. A calming palette of blues, greens, natural woods and earthy neutrals is layered with a textured tapestry mural and our team’s handmade artwork to create warmth, character and individuality.”
TUNTU will lead the concept and sensory design of the members suite. The space will combine natural materials, concealed technology, sound, lighting, scent and large-scale visual content.
Kirsi Ihalainen, CEO and sound artist at TUNTU, said: “For me, that represents an important direction for the future of luxury hospitality. Luxury does not necessarily mean adding more materials, more technology or more visual complexity. It can mean using intelligence to create more feeling with less noise.”
One of the show’s charity partners, Furnishing Futures, will also create a high-end bedroom installation, demonstrating how interiors can support its work furnishing the homes of women and children escaping domestic abuse.
David Todd, event director for the Independent Hotel Show, said: “Design is fundamental to the Independent Hotel Show experience, and this year’s partners have responded to ‘Shaping Tomorrow’ with four highly distinctive concepts. Each space demonstrates how thoughtful design can shape the way people feel, interact and connect, while exploring important ideas around sustainability, adaptability, technology and sensory experience. We want the show itself to provide inspiration for the hotel community, not simply through the products and ideas on display, but through the environments that visitors spend time in. These designs will bring that ambition to life across the event.
Highlights:
- The Independent Hotel Show, in partnership with James Hallam Insurance Brokers, has named four design studios to create its feature spaces at Olympia London under the theme Shaping Tomorrow.
- Merav Bustan Design will collaborate with ORAC and Spark & Bell to build the layered, architectural Hotel Business Stage.
- Obradov Studio will adapt its jewel-toned stage concept for the Innovation Stage, while Design Command creates the Social Business Space featuring adaptable meeting and dining layouts.
- TUNTU will direct the sensory concept for the members suite using natural materials, hidden technology, and soundscapes, alongside a bedroom installation by charity partner Furnishing Futures.
