Interior Design for Commercial Spaces: Trends and Tips from Leading Designers.

Designing a commercial space goes beyond functionality and practicality. In recent years, there has been a shift towards creating more visually appealing and comfortable commercial spaces that reflect the company’s brand and culture while also promoting productivity and well-being among employees.

With that came a host of new trends and innovative ideas in the world of commercial interior design—many of which have been embraced by leading designers. If a commercial interior design project is on your horizon, here are some top trends and tips to consider from the experts in the field.

Commercial interior design refers to bringing together aesthetics, functionality, and practicality to create a space that serves its purpose while also being visually appealing. As such, its role isn’t limited to the employees who work there but also extends to visitors and clients.

More specifically, below are a few of the key reasons why interior design is crucial for commercial office spaces:

– Showcasing the company’s brand and company culture through design elements

– Giving off the right first impression to potential clients and partners

– Creating a comfortable and productive environment for employees

– Promoting creativity, collaboration, and well-being among employees

– Making efficient use of space and optimising functionality

The more thought and effort are put into the interior design of a commercial space, the more benefits it can bring to the business.

Trends in office interior design are always up for debate since they can change quickly and vary based on the industry, location, and client’s needs. However, here are 5 key trends that have been making their mark in commercial interior design in recent years:

1. Hospitality inspired design

As the name suggests, this trend involves incorporating elements typically found in hospitality spaces such as hotels and restaurants into commercial office design. Because people typically want to go back time and again to a place where they feel welcomed and pampered, this trend aims to create an environment that fosters the same feelings.

Some key elements of this trend include:

– Presence of comfortable and stylish furniture to promote relaxation

– Use of natural materials such as wood, stone, and plants for a more organic and warm feel

– Incorporation of hospitality-like amenities such as coffee bars, social hubs, lounges, and game rooms

– Introduction of multi-functional spaces for both work and leisure purposes

2. Bringing nature indoors

Also known as biophilic design, this trend focuses on bringing nature into the workplace after research has shown that exposure to nature at work is associated with less job stress, fewer sick days, and increased productivity. Some ways to incorporate natural elements into commercial interior design include:

– Use of natural lighting and views of nature through large windows or skylights

– Incorporation of living green walls and plants throughout the office space

– Utilisation of natural materials such as wood, stone, and water features

– Creation of outdoor workspaces or green spaces for employees to relax and recharge

3. Maximalist design

A maximalist design in a commercial building isn’t for everyone, but it’s becoming increasingly popular due to its bold and playful nature. Rooted in a “more-is-more” philosophy, this trend leans toward an abundance of colours, textures, and patterns. The idea is to create a stimulating and vibrant business workspace that sparks creativity and energy. Some key elements of maximalist design are:

– Use of bold colours, patterns, and textures in furniture, walls, and decor

– Incorporation of statement pieces such as large art pieces or unique furniture

– Mixing different styles and eras to create a curated and eclectic look

– Layering of various textures like velvet, fur, and metallics for added visual interest

4. Vintage and Retro inspired spaces

If you’re looking for a more nostalgic and timeless design, then vintage and retro-inspired spaces might be the way to go. These designs draw inspiration from different eras such as mid-century modern or art deco and incorporate them into commercial interior design.

The main difference between vintage and retro is that vintage refers to authentic pieces from a specific era, while retro refers to modern items with a nostalgic design. Some key features of vintage and retro-inspired spaces are:

– Use of authentic vintage pieces or modern replicas from different eras in furniture, lighting, and decor

– Incorporation of iconic design elements like geometric shapes or bold colour palettes

– Use of vintage-inspired finishes and materials such as brass, velvet, or terrazzo flooring.

– Addition of unique and quirky pieces for a personalised touch

5. Pet friendly design

Furry friends are becoming an increasingly important part of our lives, and businesses are starting to take notice. Pet-friendly designs aim to create a welcoming and comfortable environment for anyone who decides to bring their furry companion along to boost morale and satisfaction.

To create a pet-friendly space, consider the following elements:

– Use of durable and easy-to-clean materials such as vinyl flooring or leather furniture

– Introduction of designated areas for pets to rest, play, and eat

– Inclusion of pet amenities such as water bowls, treat stations, and waste disposal

– Utilisation of cable management systems to avoid any hazards for pets

On top of the design trends mentioned above, here are some additional tips from leading commercial interior designers to elevate your commercial space:

“Give employees enough space. It’s not only important to give staff big enough desks, but you must also consider ‘circulation space’. This is the space in corridors and between desks that enable people to move around freely. There is nothing more disturbing than having someone bumping into you every time they walk by.”

Edin Rudic, Creative Director at MKDA

“An office represents everything a company stands for. It isn’t just a functional interface, it can embody all of the sorts of aspirational qualities that we strive for in business, which create comfort, culture, performance and productivity. Those are the things that excite me and it’s certainly a positive that the workplace has become such a dynamic talking point.”

Dominic Dugan, Creative Director, Oktra

“If your company is based on the fact that you are a small, but modern business, make sure that the furniture and lighting send the right message. No one is going to believe that you take your company seriously if you say you are modern as you sit on a flowery Victorian couch you inherited from your grandmother. It is all about the message and the image telling the same story.”

Isabelle Glinka, Principal of LUX Design

“When people become glued to a particular place, they are more likely to encounter thinking or creative blocks. Finding ways to encourage your employees to move around will pay off in increased productivity. I suggest multifunctional, durable and mobile workstations that can be wheeled around to always be found in convenient locations.”

Emily Mackie, Founder of Inspired Interiors

“We spend hours at a time interacting with technology, much of which is wasted down the rabbit hole that swiping and double-tapping has created. Let’s reclaim that time spent in isolation and replace it with personal interaction, rethink what it means to be in a workplace with limitless information at our fingertips, and tap into the boundless creativity in the mind of the person sitting next to us. Let’s invest in applying the knowledge of human behaviour to the creation of space so that we are not only moving forward as individuals on a path of discovery and innovation, but are growing together as a community, strengthening our bonds with one another and collectively making the world a better place. Design is that knowledge. Let’s use it to make the best workplaces possible.”

Meredith McCarthy, Associate Principal Architect, Sasaki

Do you now have a million ideas for your office space running through your head? That’s great! But it’s important to remember that turning those ideas into reality requires the right commercial interior designer.

At Sensa, we’ve helped over 4000 businesses across Australia to create functional and impressive workspaces that strike the perfect balance between form and function. Contact us to explore how our bespoke interior designs and project management company expertise can bring your vision to life!