Upon entering a company’s premises, people need to feel as though they belong there. Whether they are part of the team or a potential customer, the impression that they are welcome to engage with the company must eventually become a conviction. This is the role of commercial interior design and why it is essential to ensure all industrial design elements involved stay in step with the times.The impact of a company’s space on a client, particularly on a first visit, cannot be understated. In seconds, a client—even one who is occupied and not necessarily, purposefully observant at the time—can form an opinion of the company’s brand image. Potential clients might decide then and there whether they want to do business with a company or not, depending on the way their surroundings impress them.Being at the helm of an industry-leading business necessitates being at the forefront of commercial interior design trends. These trends enable business leaders to communicate to customers that their company is responsive to current needs and will continue to be so in the future.Biophilic Design and Natural ElementsOne such forward-looking commercial interior design trend is the emphasis on biophilic design, which incorporates direct or indirect natural elements such as plants, water and animals. Direct elements include live vegetation while their indirect counterparts include paintings, photos and other representations of nature.The concept behind biophilic design centres on a natural human affinity for living things and organic processes such as growth. Engaging with this affinity is not only attractive in terms of commercial interior design but also has several practical benefits.Biophilic design encourages a sense of well-being, contentment and even delight—putting customers at ease, and employees into an optimal frame of mind for the day’s work.This commercial interior design trend likewise promotes sustainability in support of a company’s ESG initiatives. As more consumers choose companies with a genuine focus on sustainability, the use of biophilic design and sustainable materials can also help to bring in more customers.While the initial outlay and maintenance for biophilic design can be high, benefits such as lower energy consumption and increased employee satisfaction can justify these costs in the long run.Not every commercial space can be situated in or near wooded areas or a body of water, but there are practical ways to integrate biophilic design elements.Allow natural light, ventilation and temperature regulation through skylights, windows and doorsPlace plants (live, as much as possible) in and around workspacesUse water as a design element in the form of fountains or aquariumsArrange for water (e.g. rainwater, greywater) to be captured and recycledIncorporate art or other elements such as shapes and patterns to evoke natureUse natural materials such as wood or stone (which may also be reclaimed)Sustainable and Eco-Friendly WorkspacesHand in hand with biophilic design is the commercial interior design trend of using sustainable materials and recyclables such as used office furniture. In so doing, companies continue to respond to growing consumer awareness and advocacy for the environment as this reduces waste and encourages others to do the same. Including sustainable materials among the industrial design elements of a space requires creative thinking as well as considering the advantages that come with using these materials. These advantages include helping to reduce carbon emissions as well as versatility and durability.Examples of sustainable materials include:Algae-based Bioplastic: Alternative to plasticAluminium: Can be recycled infinitelyBamboo: Has natural rot- and insect-resistant propertiesBeech, Oak, Pine wood from sustainable sources: In Australia, look for Responsible Wood certificationCork: Can be harvested from trees without cutting them downFerrock: Alternative to concrete made from silica and steel dust wasteFinite: Alternative to concrete made from desert sandHemp, Linen, Wool and other natural fabrics: Can also be reused for upholsteryMycelium Leather: Alternative to animal leather made from mushroomsReal (not synthetic) Linoleum: Made from cork, limestone, linseed oil and rosinsRecycled Glass Fibre: Can be used in furnitureRecycled Plastic: Can be used in furnitureSea Stone: Alternative to concrete made from seashell wasteSteel: Can be recycled infinitelyWorking with a fitout provider with the requisite experience and creativity can help companies maximise their use of eco-friendly materials in their commercial interior design. The materials may be used not just in furniture but also in the joineries and other structural and decorative elements.Bold Colours and Unique TexturesColour and texture are indispensable industrial design elements in creating the overall look and feel in commercial interior design. Colour psychology has long been used by interior designers to “set the mood” of a space, using cool colours to soothe and warm colours to energise.Colour likewise has a role to play in biophilic design, as earth tones and other natural colours are typical of the trend. Some colours can likewise go some way toward affecting the lighting and temperature of a space. Dark, solid shades can help make a room “feel” warmer, while lighter tints help make a room cooler and require less artificial light.Texture has not just a tactile but a visual role to play, and can often be suggested instead of literal. For example, patterns such as those found in sustainable materials like cork may be used on a surface or material instead of using the material itself.While companies will, of course, have to work within their branding guidelines, there are ways to incorporate trending colours and textures into their commercial interior design. Some of these trends include:Bright, saturated, striking greens, blues, and magenta or raspberryWarm colour palettes (reds, oranges, yellows)Lines, shapes and other abstract or geometric patternsNature-inspired patterns (e.g. leaf, floral)Contrasting textures such as wood, tile and fabric in one placeWhen using bright colours and bold or busy patterns, use them as accents or visual anchors within the overall commercial interior design. Rather than making every space a strong, solid colour, choose one or two areas for that colour and use more muted shades in the surrounding spaces. The same principle applies for using textured industrial design elements.Minimalism and Streamlined AestheticsMuch like the individuals behind them, companies will differ in terms of personality and the way they communicate with their target markets. Not all companies will favour a visually arresting palette or a smorgasbord of patterns and textures—nor would it be appropriate for them to do so.Many of today’s enterprises prefer minimalist, streamlines aesthetics incorporating smooth, clean surfaces in whites, greys and other neutral tints, in keeping with their branding and their values.Minimalist commercial interior design involves limiting furniture and other equipment to what is strictly necessary for business operations. Anything without a practical function or which is purely decorative has no place in a minimalist workspace. Industrial design elements include clean lines and an achromatic or monochromatic palette, with the latter often using its single colour as an accent. The principal concept behind minimalism is to remove distractions from a space that is meant to help the occupants focus. Because this commercial interior design trend uses very few elements, each of those elements must be high quality and highly functional. While this design is popular among businesses with very little floor space, larger areas taking a minimalist approach will have plenty of space around workstations.To keep the space from looking cold or clinical, textures such as fabric or sustainable materials can be used to add warmth or a welcoming feel. Light, rather than lighting fixtures in themselves, can also be used to this effect. Furniture may also be arranged to direct attention to an accent piece or a window with a view.Industrial Design and Exposed ElementsWith the wave of factories and other industrial facilities being converted into working (and not a few living) spaces came the industrial style for commercial interior design. Described as a blend between rustic and urban aesthetics, industrial design elements for this trend include raw materials such as exposed or unprimed concrete or steel surfaces. While eminently functional, elements such as nails, rivets, pipes and valves are also left exposed for decorative purposes.Though not as clean or streamlined as the minimalist trend, the industrial design style may be similar in how a factory is “stripped back” to accommodate a commercial space. Walls, floors, ceilings, stairs and other surfaces are left or treated to look worn or as though they were part of a long-used manufacturing facility. Some designs even incorporate equipment or machinery.Like the use of bold colours and patterns, ingenuity will be required to balance the raw, weatherbeaten industrial design elements of this style with modern workspace necessities. This balance can be achieved through colour and surface treatments such as distressing. As raw materials such as brick or metal often come with their own texture and uneven colouring, they may also be balanced by placing relatively plain or less textured surfaces next to them. Flexible and Multi-Functional SpacesMoving to function after discussing form, it is interesting to note how the demand for flexible working spaces continues to rise. Businesses regard adaptable commercial spaces as the most efficient use of their property, and today’s commercial interior design trends must reflect this preference for adaptability. Where the tech industry seemed to be the only beneficiary of this preference, companies across industries have come to find their employees thriving in functional and flexible spaces.Industrial design elements that support multi-functional commercial interior design include furniture that is modular or easy to reposition and store as needed. Colours can also help to divide spaces within an open floor plan and provide visual cues to what a defined space is for. Cool colours might be used for spaces where employees take breaks, warm coloured areas might be for collaboration, and neutral colours used for more formal settings.Because many employees have been transitioning from a work-from-home to an in-office set-up, many companies have designed their spaces to have a more home-like feel. Furniture such as couches, easy chairs and lamps that are more likely to be found in a residence can now be found, for instance, at the office.Companies have likewise recognised the need to encourage movement among employees to prevent workplace related injuries or health conditions and have designed their spaces accordingly. Team members may have to walk to the printer, for instance, or to get a drink of water. More companies are also incorporating ergonomic furniture into their designs such as:Ball chairsBike chairsSit-stand desksStanding matsTreadmill desksCollaborative Spaces and Social ZonesCommercial interior design trends are now also responding to the growing demand for spaces that make it easier for employees to work as well as relax together. Having spent several months in online meetings, many teams welcome in-person interaction and appreciate industrial design elements such as collaborative desks that facilitate this.Meeting areas are often placed in the centre of an open floor plan for easy access, and there are less, if any, enclosed areas. Designs will also have to find ways to include facilities for team members who are working remotely to join in-office meetings and similar activities. Space might be made for screens, for instance, where meeting participants can interact with co-workers online.Shared workstations for use by multiple employees (also known as hot desking) are also trending industrial design elements, as are lockers for employees who work some weekdays at home. And though collaborative spaces are a must in present-day workspaces, allowances must also be made for employees who need privacy to focus or join individual online meetings.Foosball tables and mini-basketball goals have now given way to full-blown lounges and other recreational areas in commercial interior designs. These areas can often also be used for collaboration in the spirit of multi-functional spaces.Smart Technology and AutomationThough often hidden or not immediately apparent, tech integrations in commercial interior designs are no less vital industrial design elements for collaborative spaces in particular and workspaces in general. The placement of outlets, charging stations, audio-visual equipment, wireless access points, data centres, automation and other smart solutions must all be taken into consideration by the design.Smart technology applications that may be included in modern commercial interior design include sensors for: Air qualityEnergy useHumidityLight MotionNoiseOccupancyProximityTemperatureWater qualityThese sensors can help with energy costs and efficiency, while other tech integrations in the such as smart cameras also enhance security as well as collaboration. A growing number of workspaces are now also using or starting to adopt AR or VR technology for training, meetings or presentations requiring space for projections or displays.Spaces and facilities for these tech-driven presentations can be worked creatively into a commercial interior design along with the IoT integrations that enable a smart and stylish workplace.Keeping Up and Looking AheadTechnology and the commercial interior design trends that go along with them are not what they were 10 or even five years ago. The industrial design elements and even the sustainable materials that were once considered must-haves or go-to’s may be replaced by something “new and improved” all too soon.To remain relevant in the eyes of its target market as well as its employees, companies must keep up with commercial interior design trends or be left behind by their competitors. While planning and implementation does involve a significant investment, the potential for not just client delight and employee satisfaction but cost reduction and business growth just cannot be overlooked.In that sense, well-planned and especially well-executed commercial interior design is not a matter of keeping up with what’s hot, but an essential, fundamental component of long-term success.Greater Group is a multi-disciplinary global retail design agency. We have been creating award-winning retail spaces, customer experiences and workplaces since 1989, utilising our combined expertise to deliver high-impact, high-return design, fit-out and manufacturing solutions and provide clients with one point of contact throughout.Contact us at contact@thegreatergroup.com to discuss how we can elevate your brand through innovative, future-proof retail design solutions. Learn more about our commercial shopfitting solutions and retail design today!Share :
Upon entering a company’s premises, people need to feel as though they belong there. Whether they are part of the team or a potential customer, the impression that they are welcome to engage with the company must eventually become a conviction. This is the role of commercial interior design and why it is essential to ensure all industrial design elements involved stay in step with the times.The impact of a company’s space on a client, particularly on a first visit, cannot be understated. In seconds, a client—even one who is occupied and not necessarily, purposefully observant at the time—can form an opinion of the company’s brand image. Potential clients might decide then and there whether they want to do business with a company or not, depending on the way their surroundings impress them.Being at the helm of an industry-leading business necessitates being at the forefront of commercial interior design trends. These trends enable business leaders to communicate to customers that their company is responsive to current needs and will continue to be so in the future.Biophilic Design and Natural ElementsOne such forward-looking commercial interior design trend is the emphasis on biophilic design, which incorporates direct or indirect natural elements such as plants, water and animals. Direct elements include live vegetation while their indirect counterparts include paintings, photos and other representations of nature.The concept behind biophilic design centres on a natural human affinity for living things and organic processes such as growth. Engaging with this affinity is not only attractive in terms of commercial interior design but also has several practical benefits.Biophilic design encourages a sense of well-being, contentment and even delight—putting customers at ease, and employees into an optimal frame of mind for the day’s work.This commercial interior design trend likewise promotes sustainability in support of a company’s ESG initiatives. As more consumers choose companies with a genuine focus on sustainability, the use of biophilic design and sustainable materials can also help to bring in more customers.While the initial outlay and maintenance for biophilic design can be high, benefits such as lower energy consumption and increased employee satisfaction can justify these costs in the long run.Not every commercial space can be situated in or near wooded areas or a body of water, but there are practical ways to integrate biophilic design elements.Allow natural light, ventilation and temperature regulation through skylights, windows and doorsPlace plants (live, as much as possible) in and around workspacesUse water as a design element in the form of fountains or aquariumsArrange for water (e.g. rainwater, greywater) to be captured and recycledIncorporate art or other elements such as shapes and patterns to evoke natureUse natural materials such as wood or stone (which may also be reclaimed)Sustainable and Eco-Friendly WorkspacesHand in hand with biophilic design is the commercial interior design trend of using sustainable materials and recyclables such as used office furniture. In so doing, companies continue to respond to growing consumer awareness and advocacy for the environment as this reduces waste and encourages others to do the same. Including sustainable materials among the industrial design elements of a space requires creative thinking as well as considering the advantages that come with using these materials. These advantages include helping to reduce carbon emissions as well as versatility and durability.Examples of sustainable materials include:Algae-based Bioplastic: Alternative to plasticAluminium: Can be recycled infinitelyBamboo: Has natural rot- and insect-resistant propertiesBeech, Oak, Pine wood from sustainable sources: In Australia, look for Responsible Wood certificationCork: Can be harvested from trees without cutting them downFerrock: Alternative to concrete made from silica and steel dust wasteFinite: Alternative to concrete made from desert sandHemp, Linen, Wool and other natural fabrics: Can also be reused for upholsteryMycelium Leather: Alternative to animal leather made from mushroomsReal (not synthetic) Linoleum: Made from cork, limestone, linseed oil and rosinsRecycled Glass Fibre: Can be used in furnitureRecycled Plastic: Can be used in furnitureSea Stone: Alternative to concrete made from seashell wasteSteel: Can be recycled infinitelyWorking with a fitout provider with the requisite experience and creativity can help companies maximise their use of eco-friendly materials in their commercial interior design. The materials may be used not just in furniture but also in the joineries and other structural and decorative elements.Bold Colours and Unique TexturesColour and texture are indispensable industrial design elements in creating the overall look and feel in commercial interior design. Colour psychology has long been used by interior designers to “set the mood” of a space, using cool colours to soothe and warm colours to energise.Colour likewise has a role to play in biophilic design, as earth tones and other natural colours are typical of the trend. Some colours can likewise go some way toward affecting the lighting and temperature of a space. Dark, solid shades can help make a room “feel” warmer, while lighter tints help make a room cooler and require less artificial light.Texture has not just a tactile but a visual role to play, and can often be suggested instead of literal. For example, patterns such as those found in sustainable materials like cork may be used on a surface or material instead of using the material itself.While companies will, of course, have to work within their branding guidelines, there are ways to incorporate trending colours and textures into their commercial interior design. Some of these trends include:Bright, saturated, striking greens, blues, and magenta or raspberryWarm colour palettes (reds, oranges, yellows)Lines, shapes and other abstract or geometric patternsNature-inspired patterns (e.g. leaf, floral)Contrasting textures such as wood, tile and fabric in one placeWhen using bright colours and bold or busy patterns, use them as accents or visual anchors within the overall commercial interior design. Rather than making every space a strong, solid colour, choose one or two areas for that colour and use more muted shades in the surrounding spaces. The same principle applies for using textured industrial design elements.Minimalism and Streamlined AestheticsMuch like the individuals behind them, companies will differ in terms of personality and the way they communicate with their target markets. Not all companies will favour a visually arresting palette or a smorgasbord of patterns and textures—nor would it be appropriate for them to do so.Many of today’s enterprises prefer minimalist, streamlines aesthetics incorporating smooth, clean surfaces in whites, greys and other neutral tints, in keeping with their branding and their values.Minimalist commercial interior design involves limiting furniture and other equipment to what is strictly necessary for business operations. Anything without a practical function or which is purely decorative has no place in a minimalist workspace. Industrial design elements include clean lines and an achromatic or monochromatic palette, with the latter often using its single colour as an accent. The principal concept behind minimalism is to remove distractions from a space that is meant to help the occupants focus. Because this commercial interior design trend uses very few elements, each of those elements must be high quality and highly functional. While this design is popular among businesses with very little floor space, larger areas taking a minimalist approach will have plenty of space around workstations.To keep the space from looking cold or clinical, textures such as fabric or sustainable materials can be used to add warmth or a welcoming feel. Light, rather than lighting fixtures in themselves, can also be used to this effect. Furniture may also be arranged to direct attention to an accent piece or a window with a view.Industrial Design and Exposed ElementsWith the wave of factories and other industrial facilities being converted into working (and not a few living) spaces came the industrial style for commercial interior design. Described as a blend between rustic and urban aesthetics, industrial design elements for this trend include raw materials such as exposed or unprimed concrete or steel surfaces. While eminently functional, elements such as nails, rivets, pipes and valves are also left exposed for decorative purposes.Though not as clean or streamlined as the minimalist trend, the industrial design style may be similar in how a factory is “stripped back” to accommodate a commercial space. Walls, floors, ceilings, stairs and other surfaces are left or treated to look worn or as though they were part of a long-used manufacturing facility. Some designs even incorporate equipment or machinery.Like the use of bold colours and patterns, ingenuity will be required to balance the raw, weatherbeaten industrial design elements of this style with modern workspace necessities. This balance can be achieved through colour and surface treatments such as distressing. As raw materials such as brick or metal often come with their own texture and uneven colouring, they may also be balanced by placing relatively plain or less textured surfaces next to them. Flexible and Multi-Functional SpacesMoving to function after discussing form, it is interesting to note how the demand for flexible working spaces continues to rise. Businesses regard adaptable commercial spaces as the most efficient use of their property, and today’s commercial interior design trends must reflect this preference for adaptability. Where the tech industry seemed to be the only beneficiary of this preference, companies across industries have come to find their employees thriving in functional and flexible spaces.Industrial design elements that support multi-functional commercial interior design include furniture that is modular or easy to reposition and store as needed. Colours can also help to divide spaces within an open floor plan and provide visual cues to what a defined space is for. Cool colours might be used for spaces where employees take breaks, warm coloured areas might be for collaboration, and neutral colours used for more formal settings.Because many employees have been transitioning from a work-from-home to an in-office set-up, many companies have designed their spaces to have a more home-like feel. Furniture such as couches, easy chairs and lamps that are more likely to be found in a residence can now be found, for instance, at the office.Companies have likewise recognised the need to encourage movement among employees to prevent workplace related injuries or health conditions and have designed their spaces accordingly. Team members may have to walk to the printer, for instance, or to get a drink of water. More companies are also incorporating ergonomic furniture into their designs such as:Ball chairsBike chairsSit-stand desksStanding matsTreadmill desksCollaborative Spaces and Social ZonesCommercial interior design trends are now also responding to the growing demand for spaces that make it easier for employees to work as well as relax together. Having spent several months in online meetings, many teams welcome in-person interaction and appreciate industrial design elements such as collaborative desks that facilitate this.Meeting areas are often placed in the centre of an open floor plan for easy access, and there are less, if any, enclosed areas. Designs will also have to find ways to include facilities for team members who are working remotely to join in-office meetings and similar activities. Space might be made for screens, for instance, where meeting participants can interact with co-workers online.Shared workstations for use by multiple employees (also known as hot desking) are also trending industrial design elements, as are lockers for employees who work some weekdays at home. And though collaborative spaces are a must in present-day workspaces, allowances must also be made for employees who need privacy to focus or join individual online meetings.Foosball tables and mini-basketball goals have now given way to full-blown lounges and other recreational areas in commercial interior designs. These areas can often also be used for collaboration in the spirit of multi-functional spaces.Smart Technology and AutomationThough often hidden or not immediately apparent, tech integrations in commercial interior designs are no less vital industrial design elements for collaborative spaces in particular and workspaces in general. The placement of outlets, charging stations, audio-visual equipment, wireless access points, data centres, automation and other smart solutions must all be taken into consideration by the design.Smart technology applications that may be included in modern commercial interior design include sensors for: Air qualityEnergy useHumidityLight MotionNoiseOccupancyProximityTemperatureWater qualityThese sensors can help with energy costs and efficiency, while other tech integrations in the such as smart cameras also enhance security as well as collaboration. A growing number of workspaces are now also using or starting to adopt AR or VR technology for training, meetings or presentations requiring space for projections or displays.Spaces and facilities for these tech-driven presentations can be worked creatively into a commercial interior design along with the IoT integrations that enable a smart and stylish workplace.Keeping Up and Looking AheadTechnology and the commercial interior design trends that go along with them are not what they were 10 or even five years ago. The industrial design elements and even the sustainable materials that were once considered must-haves or go-to’s may be replaced by something “new and improved” all too soon.To remain relevant in the eyes of its target market as well as its employees, companies must keep up with commercial interior design trends or be left behind by their competitors. While planning and implementation does involve a significant investment, the potential for not just client delight and employee satisfaction but cost reduction and business growth just cannot be overlooked.In that sense, well-planned and especially well-executed commercial interior design is not a matter of keeping up with what’s hot, but an essential, fundamental component of long-term success.Greater Group is a multi-disciplinary global retail design agency. We have been creating award-winning retail spaces, customer experiences and workplaces since 1989, utilising our combined expertise to deliver high-impact, high-return design, fit-out and manufacturing solutions and provide clients with one point of contact throughout.Contact us at contact@thegreatergroup.com to discuss how we can elevate your brand through innovative, future-proof retail design solutions. Learn more about our commercial shopfitting solutions and retail design today!Share :