The best way to explore this complex topic is to look at its shifts and metamorphosis throughout time. Recently, we were able to witness one of those shifts, driven by probably the most impactful historical event of the century.
In a pre-COVID world, commercial areas planning primarily focused on aesthetics and brand alignment, often prioritizing form over function. Spaces were designed to impress, reflect the company’s identity, and simply craft an environment that resonates with the idea of traditional expectations.
However, the seismic shift brought about by the pandemic has profoundly altered our perception of commercial space design. Today, it’s not about visual appeal; it has become a strategic tool for addressing new needs for flexibility, safety, and technology integration. But what makes it so different?
Distinctive by Design: Why Commercial Spaces Differ
Business interior design is far more than the creation of eye-pleasing space. It’s about creating environments that tell a story, a narrative that reflects the company’s brand, values, and goals throughout the selected layout, technologies, materials, etc.
Recall your last visit to a retail store. Each detail, from strategically placed lighting to product arrangement, is carefully crafted to guide you through the space and somehow alter your buying choices. Or picture an office space, designed to enhance both creativity and productivity, where everything matters: from the size and arrangement of the room to the color palette. Even the distance between your seat and the closest socket or the material of the couch cover in the lobby matters!
To keep it short, the main idea is to silently guide your personal experience within space. Each one reflects a unique identity of the business it embodies. The dynamic vibe of a coffee shop fosters a sense of community and communication, and the peaceful ambiance of the spa, on the other hand, is crafted to invite relaxation and wellness. It is always about the adaptability and versatility of commercial space design to take on various forms, catering to the specific needs of different industries.
When it comes to interior design for commercial spaces, every decision must align with the client’s vision, transforming their ethos into a tangible reality. The process involves more than choosing the correct white hue; it’s about creating a narrative that supports business goals.
In an office, for example, the layout and ergonomic design signify a commitment to employee well-being, while in a restaurant the layout contributes to the feeling of ambiance and social engagement. Compliance with safety and accessibility standards speaks to a business’s inclusivity, whether it is an office, a shop, or a hospital.
This holistic approach transcends traditional design, infusing each space with a unique character, story, and purpose. So, to draw a line, commercial interior design is a balancing act between functionality and inspiration, that makes commercial space reflect vividly the business’s story, values, and identity. Good! But what does it take to make it work?
Blueprints for Success: Key Rules in Commercial Interior Design
Segmenting Spaces for Optimal Use:
Segmenting space goes beyond mere physical division, accentuating the role of each unit. In a dynamic retail setting, this means creating a journey for customers, to keep the curiosity and the desire to explore.
In the structured world of white collars, smart segmentation balances open areas for teamwork and private nooks, fostering commitment and a supportive work environment. Similarly, in a restaurant, the seating arrangement is crafted to enhance the experience, with its differentiation based on the type of the place. An airy fine dining space won’t resemble a packed pub nook by no chance.
Furnishing with Purpose:
In business interior design, each furnishing choice is a statement that highlights the unique character of the space it is in. The approach varies significantly. For example, in hospital waiting areas, features like durability, maintenance ease, and the ability to accommodate the diverse needs of patients are a must. But take the space of the same size and layout but transfer it to the business or hospitality area — and you’ll see a dramatic change. Here furniture also blends durability and maintenance ease but leans toward more aesthetic appeal and reach textures.
Business interior design ideas evolve with every new office design trend. As soon as we relocated to open spaces, we started to value mobility and flexibility more. As soon as health and well-being concerns became №1 topic, we started paying attention to the materials, surfaces, and their maintenance. We rediscovered furniture covers as our way to maintain high hygiene levels in crowded spaces, as it is easier to wash the cover than disinfect the whole chair.
The Color Palette Paradox:
It’s not a secret that the right color palette is a powerful tool in commercial interior design. It can evoke specific emotions and promote certain behaviors. Navy blue is often associated with professionalism and stability. Combine blue office furniture with a few cool neutral hues around, and you will get a perfect tech startup or corporate law firm palette.
Green is synonymous with growth, health, and tranquility. Perfect choice for spaces, related to wellness and health. It could be a great choice for a hospital, and green accents can be used as well in quiet zones in offices.
Burgundy is a bit more grounded version of fierce red. Invites the feeling of luxury and sophistication, and pairs perfectly with reach textures, such as velvet. Can be used in high-traffic areas like restaurants, beauty salons, and creative spaces.
Yellow — great for stimulating brain activity. Often used in creative agencies, design studios, and educational spaces. Can be a bit overwhelming but works perfectly as an accent color in furniture.
The key is to align the color choice not only with the client brand book but also with the actual purpose of the space. This is the only way to create a cohesive, emotionally engaging environment that works for the brand, not against it.
The Texture of Success:
The sense of touch provides us with a wealth of information about the environment. And, of course, it affects the way we perceive certain spaces. Unfortunately, the choice of texture or material, such as leather office chair upholstery for an office in a hot climate, could sometimes lead to unexpected outcomes, that may affect the overall experience. So, often overseen, furniture slipcovers or upholstery, textiles, and wall and décor textures can do wonders, when you need to add a little bit of dimension to the space.
Another important thing to consider — practicality. Commercial spaces are usually prone to be high-traffic areas with tons of wear and tear happening every day. Easy-to-clean and maintained materials should be the base of design and décor, especially if we’re dealing with retail spaces, hospitals, cafes, etc. Adding a “nice touch” is crucial when it comes to spaces that aim to provide ambiance, the allure of luxury, and sophistication. This is where natural wood, rich fabrics, and complex textures in wall décor come into play.
Beyond the Blueprint: Conclusion
As we step into the future, commercial space design continues to redefine itself, evolving beyond aesthetic appeal to become a powerful tool for brands and companies. The seismic shift of recent times, as well as the ever-evolving technology industry, teach us that there is always room for improvement and innovation.
As designers, business owners, and consumers, we are embarking on a journey where commercial spaces won’t be just places to work, eat, or buy coffee. We’re moving towards a world, where purposes are merged, and the same areas are designed to engage, inspire, connect, promote productivity, and more.
To conclude, the art of commercial interior design will remain fluid and flexible, reflecting our changing world and challenging us to ideate more solutions, approaches, and ways. And as a team of innovators, we are looking forward to it, as new challenges always bring new possibilities.
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