This year has been challenging for business owners, especially in entertainment and hospitality. At the same time, it is also a great moment to take a fresh look and reevaluate your business choices, including design decisions. If you are planning to open or renovate a commercial space, consider these trends in commercial interior design. You will see how they will boost your revenue.
It’s No Longer About Super-Modern Alone
About a decade ago or so, most commercial interior designers opted for very modern, high-tech-looking design decisions. This was what most customers liked and considered to be cool. Not any more. Sure, modern-looking interiors are still a thing – they are functional, spacious, and well-suited for almost any type of commercial space.
However, there is a new trend that emerged in recent years, and we have the millennial generation to thank for it. Millennials, who have just become the largest generation, adore all things vintage, which translates to design trends as well. The younger crowd likes the so-called ‘grandmillennial’ style: “Ranging in age from mid-20s to late-30s, grandmillennials have an affinity for design trends considered by mainstream culture to be “stuffy” or “outdated.” This works especially well for smaller stores and restaurants.
The More Open, the Better
In the past, many commercial space owners preferred giving visitors and workers the comfort of isolation. This translated into ‘traditional’ offices (with every team and middle-level manager having their own room) and stores where each product section was located in a separate room. Now, most designers prefer open floor plans, with as few walls as possible and huge windows. Such interiors inspire cooperation and productivity and are especially great for office spaces. Workers feel they are part of a large team, which encourages workplace commitment and communication.
Even the types of spaces that used to be associated with darker colors, lack of natural light, and privacy, such as casinos, are opening things up. According to the designer of SlotsUp, open spaces with large windows and playful decorative elements (the so-called ‘playground style’) are the new norm in modern casinos. Sure, visitors want privacy, but they also don’t want to feel trapped.
Sound Insulation
However, keep in mind that if you opt for a more or less open space, you will have to be careful with sound insulation. It is way easier when you have actual walls between rooms. In open spaces, where one large room is divided into smaller areas with no physical barriers between them, a huge challenge is to take into account how sound travels. Experts agree that investing in sound insulation is one of the most important aspects of commercial interior design. It can make or break the success of your business.
Don’t Be Afraid of Quirky
It is not uncommon for commercial space owners, especially offices and upscale stores and restaurants, to think that they are limited to formulaic choices to convey the status of their establishment. Such a view is very dated. Sure, some clients prefer tradition, but most of them no longer do. Agin, as millennials are increasing their spending power, they are shaking things up. Now, quirkiness is very much appreciated and expected, even from a higher-end business. So, commercial interior designers recommend choosing unusual color palettes, mismatched materials, and weirdly shaped furniture. Unleash your creative genius.
Prioritize Sustainability
Another major trend in the last decade is sustainability. Customers are becoming increasingly aware of their environmental footprint, and they expect the same from business owners. It goes without saying that you should choose high-quality, sustainable materials if you want your design to look expensive and last long. But there is more to this trend. Look into local designers instead of international corporations. Consider investing in photovoltaic glass. Use plastic as little as possible. If nothing else, these steps are ethical, and they are also in favor among younger customers.