Use Storytelling to Add Depth and Narrative to Custom Casegoods

August 1, 2024

For luxury hotels that aim to create a memorable experience, storytelling is a powerful way to elevate casegood designs. Beyond creating a distinctive ambiance, storytelling transforms furniture from an object into an experience. 

Here are several creative ways to use storytelling to add depth and narrative to your casegoods.

Material and Origin Stories

Origin stories connect guests with their surroundings. For example, tables crafted from wood reclaimed from a local historic building create a tangible link to the destination’s heritage. 

Locally Sourced Materials

Locally sourced materials carry stories of the region. A nightstand fashioned from stone quarried in nearby mountains or adorned with locally produced ceramic tiles contributes to a distinctive experience, offering a sense of place.

Highlighting Sustainability Efforts

Material choices can highlight sustainability efforts. For example, a headboard crafted from bamboo provides a sleek, modern look while communicating the hotel’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

Small, Significant Details

Even small details can carry significant meaning. Drawer pulls made from repurposed antique keys found in the hotel’s archives are an example of a touch that adds layers of narrative. 

SERA Architects incorporated penny furniture embossing into furniture at Hyatt Centric Downtown Portland. For those in the know, this tiny detail referred to how Portland was named after a coin flip by two business partners.

Design Inspiration

Design that draws inspiration from local culture, history, and natural surroundings serves as a visual narrative of the destination. For example, a headboard carved into the silhouette of a local landmark might have curves that mimic the distinctive architecture of a nearby monument. 

DLR Group designed headboards in Canopy by Hilton Minneapolis Mill District with complicated metal mesh detail. This texture reflects the area’s history of fabric mills.

Textures and Color Palette Reflecting the Landscape

Textures and color palettes can tell a story. A wardrobe finished in hues that reflect the vibrant local art scene or the muted tones of a nearby beach at sunset immerses guests in the destination’s ambiance.

Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach, Curio Collection by Hilton, in Oxnard, CA, features a large TV stand with deep wood tones and a distinctive woven texture on the front. Reminiscent of baskets or the weave of a sunhat, the texture brings the location to life in an elegant, high-end wooden casegood.

Adapting Function or Form to Tell a Story

Functional aspects of casegoods can be reimagined to reflect local customs or history. A desk with hidden compartments inspired by antique merchant chests or a vanity that transforms into a tea ceremony table adds an element of surprise and delight while honoring cultural traditions.

Even a piece’s overall form can tell a story. A dresser shaped like a vintage steamer trunk evokes the golden age of travel, while sleek, minimalist lines might speak to a region’s modern design ethos or tech-forward industry.

Functional Storytelling

Functional storytelling weaves discovery and engagement into casegoods’ utility. For example, a bedside table with a built-in charging station might resemble a power plant that pioneered electricity in the region. The charger is practical but its design educates guests about the area’s heritage.

Another example would be a closet lined with a map of the city, transforming the act of hanging clothes into an exploration of local geography. QR codes could lead curious guests to discover the stories behind nearby landmarks or offer exclusive local experiences.

Imagine opening the drawers of a desk to reveal historical documents or reproductions of letters written by famous figures from the area. This turns a functional piece into an interactive museum exhibit.

This approach to functional storytelling creates an interactive and immersive experience.

Visual Storytelling

Visual storytelling immerses guests in the hotel’s narrative. It can highlight the design theme or the destination’s culture, history, or essence.

Examples may include:

• TV stands painted with scenes from local folklore or significant historical events.
• Headboard showcasing a mural or tapestry inspired by local art movements.
• Drawer pulls and handles crafted to resemble distinctive local flora or cultural symbols.

Bringing Casegood Designs to Life

Storytelling through casegoods allows luxury hotels to fulfill functional needs while resonating emotionally with guests in a way that sets truly exceptional properties apart. Bringing these storytelling concepts to life requires expertise, engineering, and a deep understanding of hospitality furniture manufacturing. This is where BSF enters the narrative.

Our team has the skills and experience to turn your storytelling concepts into quality, sophisticated casegoods. Ready to begin crafting the next chapter in your hotel’s story? Connect with your area BSF rep today.