DESIGNING FOR DISCOVERY
WHY THOUGHTFUL DETAILS CREATE LASTING CONNECTIONS
Design isn’t just how it looks - it’s how it feels. And how it makes people feel.
We’ve all experienced it - visiting a new space and leaving with the feeling that we’ve stumbled upon a hidden gem. We may not fully understand why, but something about the place sticks with us. The food was great, the drinks were on point, the space looked beautiful - but more than that, it made us feel something.
Naturally, we tell our friends. We become informal ambassadors, excited to share this new discovery. And while there are many factors that contribute to that kind of connection—service, ambiance, location, even the music—there’s something else working behind the scenes.
From a design and fabrication perspective, one of the most powerful and often overlooked contributors to this emotional resonance is what we call the "Easter Eggs."
What Are Easter Eggs in Design?
In short, they’re small, intentional design moments—personalized touches hidden in plain sight—that guests stumble upon over time. These moments are not just decorative; they’re experiences. They serve no urgent functional need, and yet, when guests notice them, they remember them. They feel seen.
Maybe it’s a branded detail on the door handle, a witty engraving stitched inside the hand towel, or a "hidden" charging space for your phone at the table. Maybe it’s a backlit mirror that actually flatters you, or a pattern set into a banquette that mirrors a local landmark. These aren't always loud or obvious—but they’re noticed. And when they are, they create a spark.
These moments signal to the guest: someone thought about this. Someone cared.
Why It Matters
Designing a space is never just about aesthetics. It’s about emotional impact. When guests realize that elements of their environment were designed specifically to enhance their experience—not just functionally, but thoughtfully—they form a connection. That is the important part.
That connection translates into loyalty, repeat visits, and ultimately, increased revenue
From our experience, these subtle moves consistently pay off. Clients report stronger word-of-mouth, higher social media engagement, and deeper brand loyalty—all driven by moments of authentic guest connection.
So how can you create these moments? Let’s break it down.
Materiality Matters
Quality is tactile. People might not consciously know the difference between synthetic veneer and hand-oiled oak, but they’ll feel it. Natural materials like brass, stone, leather, and hardwoods carry a sense of authenticity and permanence. They can age gracefully (if cared for). They invite touch. They’re not just visually warm—they’re emotionally warm.
A table that feels good under the hand, a door handle that gives satisfying feedback when turned—these are design decisions that don't scream for attention but rather whisper value with every interaction.
Mind the Details
Design is in the details. The difference between "good from far" and "far from good" often lies in a few thoughtful choices: a softened steel edge at hand height, a custom sconce that casts a unique shadow at night, a tactile logo embedded in a concrete floor.
These details tell a story. They reflect craft and care. And most importantly, they encourage guests to look closer. When they do, they’re rewarded. That’s the magic of an Easter Egg—it creates a sense of discovery.
Designing for Levels of Experience
Spaces are layered. A great hospitality or retail experience considers both the collective and the individual. The front door needs to feel confident and inviting—it’s the handshake. The wall art makes a statement. But the bathroom stall? That’s where guests are alone and most aware of their surroundings. That’s a chance to make it personal with an unexpected moment of comfort or delight.
Think through each stage of the guest journey. From entry to exit, what are the opportunities to create interaction, inspiration, and memory?
Empathize with Intention
At the heart of every successful design decision is empathy. What would make someone feel welcome, seen, or cared for?
The breath mint after the check. The full height mirror in the bathroom. The custom ice bucket set at tables edge. The bench outside a restroom where someone can wait comfortably. These aren’t expensive features, but they’re thoughtful. They show you considered more than just function—you considered feeling.
And that, in design, is everything.
Tailor with Purpose
Generic design fades into the background. Tailored design stands out.
When you invest in custom fabrication—fixtures, finishes, signage, even hardware—you’re not just filling space. You’re sending a message: this experience is worth designing intentionally. And the guest? They’re worth designing for.
The cost of custom design is almost always offset by the return. Because guests don’t just remember "nice" places—they remember specific places. They remember the space that had that one detail. That playful moment of "Aha!" where they experienced something new. The bar with herbs embedded into it from the garden outside. The uplifting message at the edge of the mirror. The café with the surprise smile in the sugar packet. The custom and ever-so-convenient glass or purse holder when you actually need one.
These are the stories people tell. These are the photos they post. And they are the things that contribute to them coming back.
Final Thoughts: It’s the Small Things
The goal isn’t just beauty. It’s connection.
These Easter Eggs—the small, discoverable moments layered into your space—help you go beyond passive aesthetics and into the realm of emotional resonance. They turn a visit into an experience. They create fans, not just customers.
Designing with this in mind requires more than creativity—it requires care, craft, and collaboration between designers, fabricators, and the brand itself.
The result? A place that people don’t just like, but love. A space they feel proud to share. A business that builds its brand not through ads, but through genuine connection.
Because when you design for discovery, your guests discover something worth remembering.
