Insights for spaces that work better.

Welcome to our quarterly roundup of trends, ideas and advice to help you create spaces people love to spend time in.

Quarterly insights

Summer 2026

Trend watch

The Rise of Warm, Welcoming Spaces

This quarter, we’re seeing a shift towards environments that feel relaxed, inviting and tactile. How warm woods, woven textures and earthy tones create a sense of comfort and connection.

Material focus

Natural Choices, Built to Last

From solid oak to rattan and stone, we explore the materials that combine beauty with commercial durability.

Expert advice

Modern Botanical Bistro

Get your layout, timeline, budget and suppliers sorted early.

Design thinking

Project spotlight

The Botanist – Bristol

We supplied furniture for this stunning new venue in the heart of Bristol, combining classic character with contemporary elements to create a space that feels sophisticated yet relaxed.
“Jollies understood our vision from the start and helped us bring it to life on time and on budget.”
The Botanist Team

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A Shift Towards Tactile Comfort

Hospitality design is moving away from stark, sterile minimalism and leaning heavily into warmth, texture, and relaxed comfort. Guests want spaces that feel inviting, grounded, and human-centric—environments that encourage longer stays and deeper connections.

Key Elements Driving the Trend

  • Rich, Organic Color Palettes: Terracotta, sage green, warm ochre, and deep walnut are replacing cool greys and harsh whites.

  • Textured Upholstery: Bouclé, distressed leather, and woven linen bring physical softness to commercial dining seating.

  • Layered Ambient Lighting: Moving away from uniform overhead lights in favor of low-hung pendants and warm accent illumination.

Form Meets Functionality

Thoughtful design goes beyond aesthetics; it dictates how a guest navigates and feels within a venue. Every layout decision should balance operational efficiency for staff with spatial comfort for patrons.

Prioritizing Spatial Flow and Zoning

  • Micro-Zoning: Break up large, open dining areas using mid-height banquettes or planter dividers to create intimate pockets without building permanent walls.

  • Ergonomic Versatility: Select seating heights and table sizes that seamlessly transition a space from daytime co-working to evening dining.

  • Traffic Flow: Ensure wide pathways between high-traffic entryways and bar areas to prevent service bottlenecks.

Blending Aesthetics with Durability

Incorporating natural materials like solid oak, stone, and rattan creates a premium look, but commercial environments require strict performance standards. The goal is selecting raw textures treated specifically for heavy everyday use.

Top Commercial Material Picks

  • Solid & Veneered Oak: Provides natural grain warmth while offering high resistance to daily wear when finished with commercial lacquers.

  • Tactile Performance Fabrics: Stain-resistant, high-Martindale rub count fabrics that mimic raw linen and velvet without compromising cleanability.

  • Brassed & Matte Black Metals: Durable structural frames for chairs and table bases that add modern edge without showing scuffs easily.

The Brief & Vision

Located in the vibrant center of Bristol, this venue needed a complete furniture refresh that honored the building’s original architectural character while introducing a contemporary, high-energy atmosphere.

The Execution

  • Bespoke Banquettes: Custom deep-tufted leather banquette runs paired with warm timber tops to maximize seating capacity along structural walls.

  • Mixed Seating Styles: A blend of classic bentwood dining chairs and modern velvet counter stools to create distinct visual levels between the dining room and bar area.

  • On-Time Delivery: Coordinated white-glove delivery and placement to fit the venue’s strict pre-opening timeline and budget targets.

Avoid Common Pitfalls

Refurbishing a commercial venue is a major investment with tight deadlines. Planning your specification, lead times, and budget early is critical to avoiding costly delays.

Actionable Steps for Venue Operators

  • Lock in Lead Times Early: Bespoke and made-to-order pieces require longer lead times than in-stock ranges; factor this directly into your opening date.

  • Specify for Commercial Grade: Never use residential furniture in a commercial setting; ensure all items meet contract-grade fire and durability regulations.

  • Balance Fixed vs. Loose Seating: Mix fixed booth seating for capacity with loose tables and chairs for quick reconfiguration during large group events.

  • Test Maintenance Requirements: Choose fabrics and finishes that your floor staff can easily wipe down and maintain between service shifts.