Upgrade Your Space: A Guide To Commercial Interior Design

In the highly competitive world of business, first impressions can make all the difference. The way your commercial space looks and feels can influence the way customers perceive your brand, affect employee productivity and morale, and even impact your bottom line. That's why investing in high-quality commercial interior design is a smart decision for any business owner looking to create an environment that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

By leveraging the best practices of interior design for commercial spaces, you can optimize your space for maximum efficiency, create an atmosphere that supports your brand and culture, and foster a sense of pride and engagement among your employees. In this article, we explore the key benefits of commercial interior design, as well as some tips to keep in mind when embarking on a business interior design project.

What Is Commercial Interior Design?

While an interior designer can work on a wide variety of buildings and spaces, a commercial interior designer focuses primarily on interiors that are focused on business. This can include retail stores, offices, hospitality spaces, and multifamily buildings and homes.

Commercial interior design focuses on both function and aesthetics, understanding how a business space will be used in a practical sense, as well as creating a visually pleasing design. Commercial interior decorators work with their clients to create a space that meets their needs, while simultaneously aligning with the business’s brand and chosen color palette.

In the examples below, we review some commercial interiors, studying the elements of their designs and how they work together to create a functional and visually-appealing space.

Take Advantage of Natural Light

Light neutral shades can bring additional light into a corporate space, making rooms feel open and expansive. Look for ways to use light from windows and skylights as much as possible to highlight the details of your commercial interior design.

Exude Elegance With Traditional Design

Corporate interior design encompasses a diverse range of styles, including traditional and contemporary approaches, just like residential spaces. In some cases, businesses opt for a classic elegance featuring warm woods, soft lighting, and gold accents. Achieving a cohesive atmosphere is particularly crucial in commercial spaces, as it ensures a seamless flow between rooms and creates a unified, intentional design concept.

Blend Materials for a Unique Aesthetic

Mixing materials like wood, metal, and stone can create a compelling corporate interior design. Look for pieces that create a cohesive aesthetic while maintaining a sense of contrast.

Design a Warm and Inviting Conference Room

Conference rooms and lobbies are critical to corporate spaces, providing that all-important first impression to potential clients and business partners. These rooms should maintain the overall color scheme and design of the brand, while feeling inviting to anyone who enters. Consider adding thoughtfully chosen art pieces and statement lighting to complete the overall impression. 

Add Sophisticated Charm With Minimalist Style

Modern minimalist design works well in many commercial spaces with its clean lines, neutral colors, and simple style. Add curved decorative items, like vases or vessel sinks to soften the space’s sensibility. 

Pops of Color Liven Up a Neutral Space

Touches of color can elevate a neutral modern space to the next level, making a bold design statement that’s sure to draw the eye. Consider seating or decorative elements like throw pillows that add a playful sense of color or pattern to the design.

Embrace the Clean Lines of Modern Design 

For a contemporary corporate space, look to neutral colors, minimalist forms, and clean lines. Modern spaces effortlessly blend form and function, like this luxury bathroom, emphasizing purpose and intention in each piece. Bright lighting ensures that the space is clearly illuminated, while the neutral colors create a calming space and leave room for more vibrant pops of color in décor elements. 

Houseplants for Vibrant Life

A simple way to add warmth to interior design for commercial spaces is to bring in plant life and fresh flowers. Even faux plants and greenery can provide this sense of life and natural light, transforming a corporate space into an inviting and welcoming environment. 

Add Warmth With Wood Furniture 

While modern corporate interior design often features neutrals like gray, black, and off-white, wood furniture can easily bring warmth into these spaces. Look for seating, tables, and other pieces that can add visual interest while simultaneously serving a practical function. 

Combine Form and Function With Contemporary Design

Contemporary design should effortlessly blend style and practical function, creating business spaces that are aesthetically pleasing while serving the needs of the space and the people who work within it. 

Think Beyond the Traditional Office Space

Business interior design doesn’t preclude the opportunity for bright colors and playful pieces. If this style fits with the brand, consider unique décor accents that step beyond the bounds of conventional commercial interior design.

Add Warmth To Neutral Hues

To keep neutral spaces from appearing stark, consider adding wood or colorful elements. Even bright artwork or patterned bathroom wallpaper can bring a sense of warmth and light to a neutral corporate space. 

Create an Eclectic Yet Cohesive Vibe 

A large commercial space provides plenty of opportunities for blending different design elements into a cohesive flow. This space utilizes the clean lines of modern minimalist design and adds texture and greenery for visual interest and warmth. 

Light Wood and Open Space

Open commercial spaces can feel inviting, drawing visitors in with vibrant light reflecting off multiple surfaces, like the light wood and tile here. Paired with playful modern seating, the result is a space that inspires intrigue and curiosity. 

Recessed Lighting Offers Subtle Illumination

Warm recessed lighting can provide ample illumination without feeling obtrusive.

What’s Next for Your Commercial Interior Design?

The right design can significantly enhance the functionality, aesthetics, and overall experience of your commercial space, making it more inviting and engaging for your customers and employees. Whether it's choosing the best bathroom mirrors or selecting the right lighting and furniture, every element of your design should be carefully considered to achieve the desired result.

If you're looking to transform your commercial space into a high-performing and visually stunning environment, now is the time to take action and reap the rewards of commercial interior design.