An inspiring work environment can lead to inspiring work.
But how do you create a space that inspires? Here are 3 Things You Need to Know About Commercial Interior Design.
Brand Identity
Whether designing office apartments, co-working spaces, retail environments, or restaurants, a successful commercial design communicates the identity of a brand.
How can you use design to communicate your brand’s values and identity? We’ve got some design insider hints and tips to get you started.
A well-chosen colour palette, carefully selected materials, and a considered layout are at the top of the list. Take, for example, our private workspace design for The Method in London. A company defined by a new approach to fitness and wellbeing, The Method’s offices needed to communicate the ethos of this cutting-edge contemporary wellness brand. By carefully balancing bold colours and restive neutrals we created an environment that inspires both energy and relaxation. Contemporary materials such as iridescent acrylic and ombre soft furnishings are complimented by sculptural lighting and smoothly contoured furniture. Colour and light have been used to create distinct zones for focus, collaboration and relaxation. This is a space to inspire and restore.
Understanding your brand and business goals is at the heart of crafting your space. How do you want your team or your customers to experience your brand? To use a well-known example, an Apple store is free from colour and complexity. Clean lines and white minimalism communicate a message of simplicity and functionality. In Gucci’s Bond Street store historical architectural features, framed artworks and products displayed on shelves and in glass cabinets combine to create a feeling of luxury, rarity and refinement.
What is your identity? Let us consider a few examples. If you are a technology-driven company, think about how you can integrate smart technology and cutting-edge tools that express your commitment to innovation. A business focused on wellness and sustainability could explore biophilic design as a functional aesthetic. Mid-century design, vintage furniture, and artwork infuse a space with a sense of heritage and creativity.
Material & Colour
A well-considered colour and material palette is your ticket to telling the story of your brand. Materials and colours have characteristics that can be used to communicate the personality of your company and create a particular environment for your clients or staff.
Natural materials, especially in rich tones, creates a feeling of warmth and approachability. For example, wood can be a great material to craft a less formal setting, evoking a grounded, authentic, eco-conscious feel.
A neutral colour palette and a minimalist design can be used to craft a crisp, clean and fresh feeling space.
High-gloss metals, polished marble, or smooth glass, immediately evoke a sense of luxury and sophistication. These materials are often associated with high-end brands and premium products, creating an environment that feels elegant, refined, and exclusive.
Industrial materials like concrete, exposed brick, and steel can be used to convey a modern, cutting-edge feel. This aesthetic, often associated with urban, loft-style spaces, speaks to innovation and creativity.
Bold colours and prints can be used to express creativity, individuality and a vibrant playful identity. Layered maximalist design and bright colours are often a way to inject energy and dynamism into a space.
Layout
How you want people to feel and experience a space is at the heart of successful commercial design.
How will people move through the space? How do people work in this environment? A great design considers the flow of traffic through the space, creating zones for different work functions, while considering every practical detail from storage to
Open floor plans encourage communication and teamwork, while designated quiet zones cater to focused work. Flexibility is key, as adaptable workstations and multi-functional areas support evolving business needs. Thoughtful zoning, strategic furniture placement, and seamless traffic flow ensure a balance between collaboration and individual work.
Need help?
Good commercial design moves beyond decoration to explore how a space can represent your brand identity and values. It is about crafting an environment that inspires your team and welcomes your clients. A well-designed commercial space can foster well-being as well as a sense of community and belonging to a company with a strong identity.
At OVS, we specialise in helping you maximise your space. From navigating planning regulations and building codes to ensuring compliance with safety standards, we cover every aspect. Contact us today to discuss how we can create a design that perfectly aligns with your brand.
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