The post-pandemic ‘neon boom’ lighting up commercial interiors

Despite a tough 12 months for the hospitality industry, custom neon design specialists, Neon Creations, is predicting a record year for sales as commercial interior designers look to inject some fun, personality and a warm glow into spaces to attract customers and keep them in their venues.

According to Catherine Spink, co-founder of Neon Creations, consumer desire for fun escapism and optimism are driving the emergence of a number of sub-trends within the sector, of which neon sits front and centre.

Catherine explains: ‘Neon is an interior trend that has been around for decades, but it is really starting to gain in momentum this year in both commercial spaces and residential homes.’

‘Neon is fun, vibey and colourful and can inject a lot of personality into a space. It is being used to make big impact design statements, for practical signage and the personalisation of spaces, as well as insta-ready photo opportunities that can create huge social media appeal.

‘Ultimately customers, especially younger clientele, want optimism, colour and fun when it comes to the places that they are socialising in and this trend is rippling through the hospitality sector – as establishments look to outshine the competition.

‘Increasingly business owners are directing their design budget into making long-term investments into the aesthetic of their spaces. There is a growing desire for handcrafted and authentic neon creations – with small business owners supporting and respecting the skillset required to create a truly bespoke design.

‘The second half of 2021 is set to be a significant time for the UK hospitality industry and it is clear that design is set to play a huge role in reshaping the industry as it emerges from a year of disruption and evolution.’