Common Misconceptions About Interior Design
Research shows that rapidly growing businesses have something in common: commercial businesses who view interior design as an important element of their business plan were twice – if not three times – as likely to outperform those that did not. So, why are businesses not jumping at the opportunity to rethink their design?
Perhaps, it is due to misconceptions about interior design, with one being that it is primarily for the home. But, consider your favorite restaurant, your most recent hotel stay, or your last visit to the dentist. All had design elements – the lighting, the position of the front desk, the background music, the pictures and decor – that contributed to your overall impression of them.
Commercial spaces of all shapes and sizes use interior design: bars and restaurants, retail shops and centers, offices and conference spaces, hospitals and clinics, hotels and apartment living, and much more.
Don’t make the mistake of thinking interior design is an accessory to your business. There is much more to commercial interior design than meets the eye, which is why we’ve taken care to address some common misconceptions:
- Interior design begins once construction of a space is complete.
- Aesthetics are the most important role of interior design.
- Interior design is primarily for the customers and clients’ experience.
- Hiring an interior designer means I will have little say in the design.
- Cost-efficient design updates are enough to do the job.
- My space functions well; I don’t need to update the design.
Southeast Venture guarantees experience, market understanding, and enthusiasm for your Nashville business’ interior design plan. Learn more about our services.
Interior design begins once construction of a space is complete.
In fact, commercial interior design begins during the construction phase, whether your commercial space is brand new or being remodeled. While color scheme, furniture, decor, and lighting are the more obvious design elements of a commercial space, in truth an interior designer’s blueprint for working with the space begins with an understanding of its functionality.
The locations of meeting rooms and bathrooms, for example, need to be taken into consideration, as do the natural movements of your employees from room to room in a restaurant or salon, for example. But even more important is the safety of your commercial space; evacuation points in relation to the space’s layout, undoubtedly, are essential to your business operations.
Aesthetics are the most important role of interior design.
Aesthetics are incredibly important, yes. Your space is the first thing – either consciously or subconsciously – your customers and clients will notice. However, a space’s appeal in and of itself without consideration for the proper audience can impact your business.
You must be mindful not only of your brand but also whether your atmosphere has the desired effect on your customers. Thoughtful lighting, comfortable and adequately-spaced seating, and appropriate color schemes that are tailored to the customers you wish to attract – they all go hand-in-hand with the success of your brand. This is because your customers’ comfort level and appreciation for the space will be factors that keep them coming back (or lead them elsewhere).
Interior design is primarily for the customer and clients’ experience.
On that note, your customers are not your only audience; your employees also need to feel comfortable in your commercial space. The space’s functionality and overall atmosphere, not to mention the traits that make your brand unique, all contribute to your company culture and your employees’ overall satisfaction in their work environment.
A design that aims to be clean, calming, and not distracting for your employees will help them focus on the tasks at-hand and thrive within your company. A commercial interior designer can make sure that your space is optimized for productivity, creativity, and morale, from ensuring there are both private and collaborative work spaces to considering colors and lighting that will boost your employees’ mood.
Hiring an interior designer means I will have little say in the design.
Your opinion and input, as the client, is incredibly important. You know your brand and your culture better than anyone, which is why collaborating with and communicating these things to your interior designers is so important.
A commercial interior designer will help you bring your vision for your company to life! At the same time, they can provide expertise around how to make your commercial space as profitable, functional, and pleasing as possible.
Cost-efficient design updates are enough to do the job.
Perhaps you want to spruce-up your current commercial space yourself with new paint, furniture, or decor. While this option may save you money up front, the long-term benefits of working with a professional can actually make your business more profitable.
Think of an interior design plan as you do other aspects of your business: it is an investment in future profitability as well as a testament to your brand’s identity.
My space functions well; I don’t need to update the design.
Has your space been “doing the job” for years? That’s great! While you have likely considered your competitors and their spaces, when yours continues to produce results it may be tempting to believe improvements are not a current priority (until it poses a problem).
In reality, an interior design update can create room for more growth. Have you thought about adding more employees, more services, safety features, or newer technology? If so, new space, layout, and design can be tailored to those additions. And, as previously mentioned, these improvements can be the turning point for your business’ continued upward trend.
Consider Southeast Venture
Southeast Venture offers comprehensive design and interior design services. We embrace the role as client advocates, informing the decisions for space planning and interior details that will capture your brand and culture, regardless of your budget, timeframe, or project size.
Reach out to our team today to learn more.
