Coming to a Phone (already) Near You

Title: Coming to a Phone (already) Near You

I have 12 folders of saved posts on my Instagram, 7 on TikTok and countless more dm’d to friends of places I want to go. A good chunk are foreign countries, national parks and watering holes, but at least half are restaurants, cafes, bars and hotels that are simply too intriguing not to see for myself. I’ll bet you have one or a hundred similar posts saved, too.

The “Instagram Moment” – it’s a request I hear on nearly every project. It’s not only the hospitality projects, but just about any commercial build that welcomes in the outside world. How can we make a space that markets itself? Make it stand out while scrolling.

As a designer, I love the Instagram moment. It’s encouraged owner’s to value creating a beautiful space and presented opportunities to try cool, sometimes weird ideas (the best kind). Plus, owners and designers alike, who wouldn’t love to see their space getting attention? Posts with smiling faces in carefully curated outfits just for this moment they convinced their friends to help document. After all, what I love most about my work is seeing people enjoy it.

I’ve broken down my approach to achieving the “Instagram Moment” into 3 categories: the unexpected, the bold, and the illuminated.

1. THE UNEXPECTED – What can I add to this moment that maybe doesn’t belong, but in all the best ways? The Winston comes to mind for the Unexpected. In an awkward transitional space, I opted to build out nostalgic wood bleachers. They went along with the sports bar program, but not exactly something most people expect to see outside of their high school gym. They’re also functional as a 3^rd space of sorts between table seating and open bar standing. And of course, they’re a fun place to take a picture.
   
2. THE BOLD – A playful pattern, unique materials, a killer backdrop or impossible to ignore colors are all great examples of how to accomplish the Bold. At the Winston on the Water, the entire space makes for one big bold backdrop. Not only did we create our own by covering every wall and floor in a brightly colored mural, the space itself also gifted us with a perfect view of Philadelphia’s Ben Franklin Bridge. The well-known landmark sits to the south of the outdoor pier space. I chose to paint a pre-existing tower viewer in the southeast corner of the space a fun candy pink and enhance it with gorgeous planters all to establish the perfect place to show off your frozen espresso martini.
   
3. THE ILLUMINATED – Lighting is fun. Lighting is attention grabbing. Lighting that highlights a guest or design feature is photogenic. The Illuminated was the perfect fit for Mr. Ivy, a nightlife project. Upon entry, guests pass through a hallway framed by 4 neon pink light arches. It’s a subtle transition into the bold lights of the main space, but also a moment that makes guests feel like the main character. The light glow is magnetic, flattering and stands out on your feed.
   
   

Social media isn’t going anywhere. It offers free exposure for both client and designer. It honors both classically chic spaces and those that come completely out of left field (I once had an idea for bathroom phones – more on that another time). It’s a never-ending pursuit of the aesthetic. Design was destined to embrace it.

Oh, and don’t forget to tag me.