Q&A

3 Philly Hotel Designers on Their Favorite Interior Design Trends 

From wallpaper vs. wainscoting to how to make your home feel hotel-like, these three in-demand designers share their secrets.


philadelphia hotel designers

Philadelphia hotel designers Katie Pass, Lance Saunders, and Kate Rohrer. Background image by Pixellab via Pod Hotels, Photographs by Jason Varney; Trevor Dixon

Philly doesn’t just have great hotels; it has great hotel designers. Get to know three of the most in-demand.

Katie Pass

Hospitality design director, Daroff Design

Where you’ve seen our work: Loews; the Rittenhouse; Ritz-Carltons in Aspen and St. Thomas.

Hotel I wish I’d designed: All of the 1 Hotels properties.

Favorite paint color right now: Alabaster by Sherwin-Williams.

What’s great for a hotel but not for a home: A desk in your sleeping area.

Design trend I’m tired of: Too much technology in social spaces.

Seasoned style tip: Multiple sources of light at different levels assure there are no dark corners.

Brass or rose gold: Brass.

Florals or stripes: Stripes.

Neutrals or jewel tones: Neutrals, but add textures for interest.

High ceilings or hardwood floors: Both.

Lance Saunders

Director of design, Stokes Architecture + Design

Where you’ve seen our work: Pod Philly (cafe, restaurant, rooftop bar); River House at Odette’s (architecture); Le Cavalier at Hotel Du Pont.

Style philosophy: People crave familiarity, so we reinvent classics.

Hotel I wish I’d designed: Hotel Kinsley in Kingston, New York.

Favorite paint color right now: Waterbury Green by Benjamin Moore.

First thing I notice in a hotel: Floor material.

How I’d make a home feel more like a hotel: If you can afford it, housekeeping. If you can’t, nicer toiletries and bedding.

Wallpaper or wainscoting: Wainscoting.

Neutrals or jewel tones: Neutrals.

High ceilings or hardwood floors: Hardwood on the high ceiling.

Kate Rohrer

Founder, Rohe Creative

Where you’ve seen our work: Guild House Hotel (opening this spring); Houston’s C. Baldwin (lobby bar, restaurant).

Hotel I wish I’d designed: The Standard in London.

Favorite paint color right now: White Dove by Benjamin Moore.

First thing I notice in a hotel: How do I turn on the lights?

Design trend I adore: Being unapologetic about what you like. Also, handmade tile.

How the pandemic will change hospitality design: It’ll become more meaningful. People are aching to experience the curiosity and camaraderie of being in these spaces again.

Florals or stripes: Both. I love a good mash-up.

Chandelier or table lamp: Wall sconces.

Wallpaper or wainscoting: Wallpaper.

Neutrals or jewel tones: Depends on my mood.

Published as “Style Concierge” in the hotels guide in the April 2021 issue of Philadelphia magazine.