There’s nothing more exciting than designing your new office space. But if you’re not careful, your design can end up costing you more money and time than expected and even result in a space that doesn’t work well.
How do you avoid this scenario? Follow our tips below.
Remember there is no “one size fits all” design style
When it comes to picking the right look for your business space, remember there is no universal, “one size fits all” commercial interior design style. Your style should reflect the function of the space or business and will vary according to:
- The type of product or service being sold
- Budget considerations
- The square footage you’re working with
Form follows function, so your commercial interior design Minneapolis should reflect the function of the business
Form follows function, as architects say. Form refers to the space and function is what happens in that space.
Function includes how the space is used and organized, so if you’re designing an office, for example, consider how many people will be using the area at the same time and whether or not there’s room for everyone to sit comfortably.
Function can also be something more abstract. For example, if your business needs extra storage space, but you don’t want employees walking through each other’s offices on their way to the back room, you might install open shelving against one wall. Workers’ desks would then be configured in the middle of the room, or maybe toward one side (in which case form would still follow function).
Don’t forget about lighting, color, flooring, and accents
When you think about commercial interior design Minneapolis, you may not consider how much lighting, color and flooring selections impact the overall look and feel of the area. They are incredibly important components to have in mind, however, when deciding on an aesthetic for your business.
Lighting makes a difference!
Let’s start with lighting.
- What kind of illumination do you need?
- Are there high-use areas that must be well-lit?
- Do certain areas require special attention from a lighting perspective?
Wherever people spend a lot of time is where you should focus light (elevator banks, work spaces, or reception areas). You also want to make sure that wherever work on computers takes place, lighting sources provide adequate illumination without glare.
Colors impact mood
Is it possible to set a mood or atmosphere with the use of color?
What colors generate which moods?
Blue promotes calmness; green speaks of relaxation; red generates energy. Experiment with different combinations until you get something that works for the feeling you want to create!
Flooring materials provide continuity and contrast
Flooring can tie rooms together visually with the placement of similar patterns or materials throughout a room or building. Think tile, LVP, hardwood, brick, concrete, carpet, terrazzo. Contrasting materials add interest and provide definition to spaces. Choose wisely!
Make it fun; experiment; ask for help
- Designing your Minneapolis commercial space should be fun! The possibilities are virtually endless and you can enjoy getting creative.
- We’ll say this again–don’t forget about the functional requirements of your business. If you have an office building, consider how much space you’ll need for employees and equipment (cubicles? open work areas?). You might also want to think about bathrooms, break rooms or kitchens depending on the type of people working there.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help from others—there’s nothing wrong with calling in experts! Talk with friends who know a thing or two about design; they may even have some great resources they can share with you as well.
- Don’t be afraid to try new things when designing your commercial space. One mistake doesn’t mean it’s not going well; instead, look at each step as an opportunity for learning.
Should you hire a professional?
With the tips and suggestions above, you can design your own commercial space. That being said, if you’re not an expert in the field, we recommend you hire a professional to design your Minneapolis commercial space.
If you lack experience in commercial interior design and seek advice from other inexperienced people–even if you think the job is simple–the results will likely be less than satisfactory.
Professionals have experience working with various clients under different conditions. They’ve most likely worked on many different types of projects by the time you seek them out, so even if you don’t need a multi-million-dollar hotel renovation (or something similar in scope), your designer will have lots of ideas that will come in handy for your business space!
Professional commercial interior designers in Minnapolis aren’t just decorators; they bring knowledge of design principles and concepts as well as experience with all kinds of materials, accessories, fixtures, and finishes. A comprehenisve understanding of these components makes all the difference between good-looking results and great-looking ones.
PureAlchemy Design is here for you
There are many options when it comes to designing a commercial space. If you choose to undertake your own commercial design project, keep the above tips in mind. Need help along the way? Have questions about interior design for commercial spaces? Contact us today!
If you decide to hire out the project, consider PureAlchemy Design. We are an established company specializing in commercial interior design in Minneapolis, and we’re passionate about designing the perfect space for you and your business.