Trending Now: 2025 Hospitality Design & Millwork Materials
Hospitality design is constantly evolving to meet the expectations of today’s travelers—and the materials we use are right at the center of that evolution. In 2025, we're seeing an exciting fusion of aesthetic impact, durability, and sustainability, all wrapped into the millwork selections that define hotel lobbies, guest rooms, bars, and public spaces.
At CPCustoms Hospitality, we work closely with designers, architects, and developers to bring these trends to life through high-quality custom millwork. Here's what’s trending in hospitality design—and the materials that are shaping the guest experience this year.
1. Natural Materials with a Luxe Edge
2025 is all about elevated naturalism—materials that feel organic but refined. Designers are blending soft, tactile finishes with precision millwork details.
Popular choices:
Rift-sawn white oak & walnut
Fluted wood panels and tambour finishes
Handcrafted veneers with visible grain
Stone accents paired with warm wood tones
Where we’re seeing it: Lobby walls, reception desks, custom headboards, and lounge seating enclosures.
TownPlace Suites - WIlliston, VT
2. Sustainable & Reclaimed Surfaces
Eco-conscious design isn't just a trend—it’s a standard. More hotels are prioritizing sustainability, and that includes the millwork materials.
On the rise:
FSC-certified woods
Reclaimed barnwood and salvaged hardwoods
Low-VOC finishes and adhesives
Engineered surfaces with recycled content
Pro tip: Many hospitality brands now require sustainability documentation for FF&E and millwork—so we help clients select materials that are both stylish and spec-compliant.
3. Textured, Tactile Finishes
Flat, glossy surfaces are out. In 2025, designers are choosing materials that invite touch and create depth—adding layers of experience to the space.
Trending textures:
Fluted or reeded wood
Brushed metals (brass, bronze, matte black)
Leather-wrapped millwork elements
Linen laminate inlays for drawer fronts or bar backs
Applications: Bar fronts, nightstands, armoires, wall cladding, and custom casegoods.
4. Bold, Moody Palettes
Neutrals aren’t going anywhere, but in 2025 we’re seeing deep, saturated tones gaining ground—especially in boutique and urban hospitality.
Popular pairings:
Ebonized oak with antique brass
Dark walnut with smoky glass
Matte black millwork with subtle metallic detailing
This palette creates a sense of drama and intimacy, ideal for bar spaces, lounge areas, or high-end suites.
5. Mixed Material Moments
Designers are moving away from uniformity and embracing material contrast—blending metal, wood, stone, and upholstery to create custom features with dimension and personality.
Examples we’re building:
Wood + marble bar counters
Brass-accented shelving within oak millwork
Upholstered niches built into millwork wall panels
Stone-topped credenzas with integrated lighting
Millwork is no longer a backdrop—it's the feature.
6. Integrated Lighting & Technology
Functional beauty is a key focus. We're seeing growing demand for millwork that incorporates lighting, tech, and smart storage.
Features we’re building into custom pieces:
LED strip lighting under floating shelves or bar fronts
Wireless charging built into tabletops
Hidden cable management in guest room desks
Motion-sensor lighting in millwork cubbies or wardrobes
The goal: seamless, intuitive design that elevates the guest experience without clutter.
The Ritz Carlton Dallas Las Colinas - Dallas, TX
What This Means for Hospitality Developers & Designers
These trends point to a broader shift: guests expect immersive, high-touch environments—and custom millwork is one of the most powerful tools to achieve that.
At CPCustoms Hospitality, we’re not just builders—we’re partners in the creative process. From early material sourcing to final installation, we help design teams make smart, forward-thinking decisions that align with brand goals and budget realities.
Ready to Build What’s Next?
If you’re planning a hotel renovation or ground-up development in 2025, let’s talk materials. We’ll help you spec the right finishes, fabricate to perfection, and bring your spaces to life with craftsmanship that stands out.
Contact us to start your next hospitality millwork project!