One of the most important reasons for commercial remodels is to update the look and feel of the space. Just as in renovations, interior design is often a top priority when building out a new space. This shouldn’t be surprising because many business owners see their space as a physical embodiment and extension of their company brand, mission, and values. Matching design personality with company culture can enhance brand awareness and set a proper, welcoming tone for visitors. This applies to offices, retail, restaurants, dental/medical practices, and much more.
Whether you are focusing on interior design in order to keep up with current styles and trends, to make an interest-piquing first impression, or to maximize comfort for clients and employees, it’s important to know how to best apply different design elements. Here are some trends to be aware of when designing commercial spaces in 2020 and beyond.
Sustainability
Sustainable Materials are going to be even bigger in 2020 because they help businesses to send the message that they are reducing their impact on the environment. Eco-friendly design elements not only help companies to go green by lowering their carbon footprint, but they also look amazing and can have a positive impact on air quality and energy consumption.
Reclaimed Wood
Photo by Takorea BBQ
Recycled Steel
Penda Home Cafe, Photo by Fei Tang Precht
Cork
Photo by VTec Group
Bamboo
Chef Naoko, photo by Jeremy Bittermann
Upcycled Elements
Photo by DawnVale Group
Local Stone/Granite
Photo by Bill Timmerman
VÄKST, a restaurant in Copenhagen made completely with upcycled materials. Photo by Chris Tonnesen.
Nature In Design
- Wood
- Water Features
- Natural Stone
- Plant/moss walls
- Hanging Vegetation
- Skylights
- Biophilic patterns
Employees have reported feeling 15% more creative and productive when surrounded by natural elements at work (Geaves). In retail, when goods are surrounded by nature, they may be perceived by customers to be worth more.
Commercial Design for Comfort: Soothing & Calming Elements
- Home-reminiscent features such as fireplaces and bars
- Indoor-Outdoor spaces
- Soft/Plush elements, such as carpet on walls
- Domestic elements help create a relaxed environment
- Better work-life integration
Dynamic/Modular Flexibility & Hybrid Spaces
- Focus on privacy and acoustics
- Options that encourage preference/ individual choice
- Easily moveable, multi-functional elements
- Functional Furniture
- Elements that promote collaboration
- Ergonomic elements
- “Neighborhoods”
- Quiet Zones, phone booths & privacy pods
- Work-Lounge Areas
- Unconventional Spaces
- Wellness spaces: recharge rooms, relax zones, & sleeping pods
- Gyms
Ceiling Baffle Reduces Reverberation & Echoes
Photo by Medium
Office Booths
Photo by Kettal
Dynamic Flexibility
Photo by Neocon
Modular Office
Photo by Gensler
Curves: Advantages of a “Well-Rounded” Space
Softer Shapes can make a space look comfortable, calm, & inviting. They can also add a great sense of movement to an interior. Additionally, curvy shapes contrast well with more angular ones and help to reduce the harshness of sharper lines.
Mood Materials
Marble
Gives spaces a classy, luxurious upgrade
Mixed Metals
Playful/eclectic, can tell a story
Vienna Straw (aka Cane)
A traditional/iconic material that evokes a fresh feeling when used in unexpected ways
Terracotta
Creates a warm, natural feel
Patterned Wallpapers & Fabrics
Bring movement and contrast
Color
- Monochromatic color palettes (various tones, shades, & tints of one hue) using assorted textures and finishes
- Bolder colors, even clashing colors
- Pastel colors (think mint, dusky blue, honey yellow, cantaloupe)
- New neutrals (colors that work with everything like navy blue or emerald green)
- Traditional neutrals like tan and gray are mostly on their way out
2020 Colors of the Year (Via Architectural Digest)
Sherwin Williams “Naval”
Valspar “Utterly Blue”
Benjamin Moore “First Light”
Dunn Edwards “Minty Fresh”
HGTV/Sherwin-Williams “Romance”
Graham & Brown “Adeline”
Behr “Back To Nature”
PPG “Chinese Porcelain”
Neon
Neon signs enhance branding with custom phrases, while unique neon lighting fixtures can bring a great energy to commercial spaces.
Ultimately, a business’s interior design should help to build a lasting connection with clients and customers by telling a story. People resonate with companies that provide a rich experience. Commercial design should be custom tailored to each unique organization depending on how customers interact with the brand. As long as the design is functional, memorable, and clearly communicates a firm’s vision and goals, all who visit should be left with an enduring, positive impression. In the end, it’s wise to design human-centric spaces that represent the company mission and leave room for growth and technological advancement. While the options presented here don’t constitute an exhaustive list of design possibilities, we hope that you can use some of the ideas and inspiration in this post to inject variety and innovation into the design of your commercial environment.
Reach out to us today via email at info@emeraldinc.biz or call us at 480-832-9808 so that we can use our years of commercial design experience to assist with your new-build or remodel.