The First Steps of Commercial Interior Design

Even if you’re not thinking about the interior design while you’re in a commercial space, you’re still thinking about it. The layout and aesthetics of a room influence our moods, thoughts, and how we interact with those around us. It might be unconscious, but it’s there. And if it’s conscious, it’s either out of appreciation or denigration. Whatever the case, you can be assured your employees and customers are going to have a reaction to the interior design of your commercial space.

Commercial interior design is quite different from residential interior design. Many people might think of curtains, floral arrangements, and painted walls, but there’s a lot more that goes into it. Residential design works with homes, but commercial design works with everything from restaurants and bars to airports and hotels.

Here’s everything you need to consider when it comes to commercial interior design, and where to go in Nashville for help with it.

See the difference professional commercial interior design can make in Nashville. Contact Southeast Venture today.

Fundamentals

Commercial interior design begins long before decorations are considered. A professional commercial interior designer will start work at the construction phase. Whether the build-out is starting from scratch or remodeling an existing space, the layout is paid considerable attention.

As opposed to residential interior design, commercial interior design needs to consider a lot more than the aesthetics. Think of a restaurant. Thought needs to be paid to how customers and workers are going to move around the building. Where is the plumbing going? How will the electricity connect necessary machines? These factors will weigh into the general layout of the space.

Safety is another consideration generally left out of residential interior design. Homes have their own inspections to take care of the majority of safety concerns. Commercial spaces frequently work with hazardous or dangerous materials. They are also subject to safety inspections which will need to be passed, not only for functionality of the location but also the well-being of all that enter.

Once those aspects are covered, the designer can move in to the more fun aspects of decoration and design. The aesthetics of a space are as important as the functional aspects.

Considerations

Successful commercial interior design takes a lot of thought. The designer must not only have a firm grasp of the industry in which the company exists, but should also understand the company itself. Workplace culture is important. A cohesive workspace factors into this culture. A design scheme that fits within this culture amplifies the experience for both the worker and consumer.

This can take many forms and an experienced designer will understand how to connect these thoughts into a workable scheme. Incorporation of colors and textures into a layout that maximizes the space elevates it from simply an area to provide a service, to an experience.

This culminates into a very important aspect of a commercial space: Flow. How do people move around the space? Does it make sense? Are people confused as they try to navigate the area? A confusing commercial space can make guests uncomfortable and give them a negative start to their experience. On the other hand, a space that is well thought out provides a seamless transition from one stage of engagement to the next.

Benefits

Commercial interior design is complicated. There are a lot of considerations and proper planning takes a lot of foresight. However, everyone one can tell when it’s done right. Customers and employees alike simply enjoy being in a space that is designed appropriately. They might not be able to explain why they like it, but the preference is there.

This is ultimately the goal. Commercial spaces live and die by the amount of time customers want to spend there. If your restaurant serves great food but nobody wants to be in the dining room, you’re going to run into problems. The more people want to go there, the longer they’ll want to stay there, and more sales will be generated.

A cohesive display and product creates a brand identity that are easily recognized. This recognition has many wide-reaching benefits. The most basic of these benefits is that it helps people understand your company. A clear vision on what you offer helps people figure out how to interact with your product.

Why You Need a Professional

In short, you need a professional because commercial interior design is important and difficult. Navigating these decisions on your own can save money on the front end, but they can be outweighed by the long term benefits of working with a professional.

The goal of a commercial space is to make it as profitable as possible. Working with a professional ensures all aspects of interior design are taken into consideration. The aesthetic appeal of the space is important, but it’s not the only aspect that needs special attention.

Are you ready to see what a professional commercial interior designer can do for you in Nashville? Contact Southeast Venture today.