The downstairs lobby at Marlowe Condominiums utilizes custom furniture in rich, luxury fabrics to compliment their luxury townhomes. Designed by Contour Interior
If you own a business or are thinking about starting one, you may be wondering how important decor is in the success of your business. Or perhaps you’ve never thought about how interior design might affect success. However, the interior of a commercial or office space plays a crucial part in the success and perception of the company and is an essential component to remember when starting a business or when considering an interior update. No matter where the location, interior design affects our moods, motivation and inspiration. Salons, hotels, music venues, coffee shops and any other brick and mortar business should have a well thought out, well designed interior space that is appropriate for the type of business, inviting to customers and reflective of the company’s personality. After all, the first impression is the last impression.
Custom furniture we created for the lobby at Basu Plastic Surgery. Designed by La Dolce Casa Design
Make a Good First Impression With a Well Designed Lobby
Lobbies and reception areas have the ability to make a huge and lasting impression on potential clients. If you have a well-designed reception or lobby area, it shows customers that you care enough to invest in your business’s appearance which will leave them feeling confident in choosing to purchase your products or services. The atmosphere you present to clients who first walk in the door should be welcoming and reflective of your type of business. An interior design studio should not have a stuffy and outdated reception area, a law firm should steer away from decor that is too colorful or playful and a therapist’s office should avoid using too many contrasting colors and patterns that might induce anxiety.
A Beautiful Interior Keeps Customers and Employees Happy
In many ways, your business decor can either contribute to your business or deter from it. Business interiors must be conducive for customers, employees and owners in order to provide a functional space that is beneficial and pleasing to everyone. The design of your office sets the tone for what customers can expect from your business, including brand personality, company professionalism and project or product success within your business field. The fact is, from the moment customers walk through the front doors, they are examining you, your business and your products and services.
Custom seating in the Tradehouse at Bulverde luxury apartments lobby.
Additionally, creating a space that is welcoming, functional, visually pleasing and comfortable can help increase productivity and efficiency in employee performance. Providing spaces for employees that are designated for working, relaxing, collaborating and socializing are important for their happiness, energy and productivity. Meeting spaces should have plenty of table space and seating, be creatively stimulating and have room for large group collaboration or smaller break off sessions. Break rooms and other spaces for relaxing and socializing should be as non-work focused as possible. Comfortable lounge areas, places to sit during meals and even spaces for playing games like table tennis or video games all create a great space to unwind in the middle of the work day. Employees spend the majority of their day at the workplace, and a well-designed business interior has the ability to boost employee morale, productivity and overall attitude at work, which leads to greater employee retention.
Elements of a Well Designed Business Interior
It is important to create an appropriate atmosphere when considering commercial interior design. As previously mentioned, a graphic design or interior design firm should avoid having stuffy, dated office interiors. Utilizing bold colors, bright patterns or interesting furniture shapes alongside neutrals or classic bright white walls are a great way to show brand personality in a way that is appropriate for that particular field. A law office would want to refrain from this method of interior design to avoid coming across as unprofessional. Neutral tones and furniture with clean lines and classic shapes set a more appropriate atmosphere, but decorative trim or contrasting textures could be utilized to bring some interest and personality into the space.
Business owners should understand the connection between their businesses’ outward image and overall success. Decor is a great opportunity to strengthen your brand and send a message of confidence and success to your potential customers. Both public and employee spaces should be designed to reflect your brand’s personality, services and style. The lobby and other public spaces are not only seen by perspective clients, but also potential employees and business partners, so it’s important to make a good first impression. Interior design that advances employee productivity and satisfaction, wows the public and enhances it’s brand will be more prosperous than those do not.
