Interior design can help to make or break a business but business owners often fail to recognize this basic fact. They focus on customer service, product selection, and pricing with the assumption that excelling in these areas is enough to make their venture a success. However, when a person walks into a business that doesn’t feel welcoming they won’t stay long. Furthermore, they are less likely to return. Keep this in mind and make interior design a priority at all times. Following are five golden rules any business owner should follow when designing their commercial building’s interior.
Plan the Space
Start by planning how the space will be used. For example, a bedroom serves a much different purpose than a living room in a home. The same is true of different areas of commercial space. Knowing what will go in a specific area makes it easier to block out the spatial areas, define circulation patterns, and plan for the placement of equipment.
Determine if there are functional deficiencies that must be addressed, as this needs to be done before the process moves forward. Efficiency must always be the priority when evaluating a space, as simple solutions are often the best. By taking into account the organization of a space, a business owner finds they can do more with less and save money in the process.
Help may be needed at this stage. Companies should begin by looking for a civil engineer, someone who can look at the area with a different viewpoint. When multiple people look at the same space, they see different things. This can be of great help in determining how to make the best use of any given area.
Details
Don’t overlook the details when putting together commercial space. While a customer will notice the overall look and feel of an area when they first enter, the details are what will draw the eye as they remain in this space. For this reason, every element in the room must be considered to ensure it fits in with the overall picture. This includes everything from the width of a stile on a cabinet door to the knobs on the cabinet. If one thing looks out of place, the customer may begin looking to see what else is off.
Small things can also truly pull a look together. For instance, when choosing throw pillows for a sofa in the office, pay attention to the stitching on these pillows. Although this may not seem to be of importance, it truly is. When an area appears complete in terms of its overall design, look around the room and see how it can be enhanced with a few added touches. Start with one or two items. When you see how they do make a difference in the atmosphere of the space, you’ll want to move on and add more. However, make certain these details don’t clash with other elements.
Material Selection
Although money must be factored into any interior design project, the materials used in the commercial space need to be of good quality. Visitors to the business will pick up on the atmosphere and form an opinion of the company based on nothing more in many cases. Try to choose natural materials, such as silk, linen, and wool. Furnishings made from solid wood are always a good choice and the same is true of antiques.
Take care though when choosing items and never base a decision on price alone. People often assume an item is of good quality because it is expensive when nothing is further from the truth. Look for materials that hold up with time and can withstand customers. One can never know how the items will be treated by the people who come in. Good items can be found at lower price points if one knows where to look.
It never hurts to add one or two items that show the company’s identity even if they don’t blend in with other elements. For instance, a distinct item that inspired the business can be set out in a room as a conversation piece. A modern office that has an old-fashioned clock in it is a good example. The clock may be a reminder of the founder’s grandparents who inspired him to work hard and achieve his dreams. People will notice this clock and comment on it, which is a good way to share more about the business and what it values.
Identity
The interior of any business needs to reflect the brand while showing how it differs from competitors. This may be a signature color or it could be the logo prominently displayed on the wall. One way to do so is to use contrasting elements. A great way to do this is to choose one item that will be used to symbolize the business and work around it. Use contrasting elements to make this item stand out in the workplace. Say the logo is an image contained in a circle. To allow the logo to stand out, use square and rectangular elements throughout the room. Doing so makes the circular shape catch a visitor’s eye to ensure it gets noticed. People often strive for uniformity but this is one instance where standing out is a wise move.
Rhythm
Find a rhythm for the space. This may be done in a variety of ways. For instance, certain elements can be repeated in the area or they can be alternated. It depends on the visual weight of the different elements. Progression is an alternative technique that may be used by placing items from smallest to largest to draw the eye through the entire collection. Experiment with all three options to see which works in the given space. One area may benefit from progression while another allows for the best presentation when items are repeated. With trial and error, a business owner can find what works for any given portion of the business.
Interior design is of great importance when it comes to a commercial space. However, many business owners focus solely on functionality at this time. Although it is important for consumers to find what they want and need quickly, they should be able to do so in an environment that is welcoming. If help is needed in achieving this goal, don’t hesitate to bring in a professional designer. It’s important to get this right.
