Commercial Interior Design: Complete Guide for 2024

When it comes to running a successful business, commercial interior design, marketing, and branding play a crucial role. These elements can make or break a business by attracting or turning off customers. 

In 2023, it’s vital for businesses to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and strategies. Doing so ensures that their commercial space is optimized for success. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know, including: 

• Why interior design is valuable
• Incorporating technology and sustainability into your design
• Pros and cons of working with a professional interior designer

So, whether you’re a newbie business owner or a longtime entrepreneur, you don’t want to miss this essential guide.

Commercial Interior Design: Why Is It Important?

Commercial interior design is an essential component of any thriving business. A well-designed commercial space that aligns with your brand’s identity can:

• Attract new customers 
• Retain existing customers 
• Create a lasting impression 

In today’s competitive market, businesses should invest in a commercial interior design project to stand out from the crowd. But remember, commercial design isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s necessary for customer engagement and loyalty. 

A cohesive brand identity that’s consistent across all touchpoints creates a sense of trust and familiarity in the customer’s mind. Also, a well-designed space that incorporates technology and sustainability can enhance the customer’s experience. It’s a cool way to showcase your brand’s values.

Essentially, commercial interior design is a vital aspect of any business strategy. Investing in it can set you up for long-term success.

8 Latest Commercial Interior Design Trends

For 2024, there are a few exciting trends that businesses should implement in their design. Taking these steps can keep companies relevant and competitive.

1) Natural Materials

One of the most significant trends is the use of natural materials, such as wood, stone, and brick. These materials create a warm and inviting atmosphere that aligns with the popularity of biophilic design.

Even though synthetic materials are rising in popularity because of their affordability, there’s no question that natural materials make people feel more comfortable, energized, and connected with the outside world. 

Can you incorporate living plants throughout your commercial space? What about a small water feature? Bringing nature inside is incredibly valuable to employees and customers alike.

2) Think Bold

Another commercial design fad is bold colors and patterns. Many companies are moving away from neutral color schemes and adding bright colors to create a vibrant, stimulating environment. Also, businesses are utilizing technology to enhance the customer’s experience by incorporating interactive displays and virtual reality.

Resist the temptation to order plain chairs and paint everything white. Quirky accent pieces and bold colors go a long way to make a great impression. 

Of course, if your company’s brand voice doesn’t align with bold colors and fun decorations, you don’t want to create a disconnect. But even the most simplistic and minimalist brands can find ways to create visual interest with colors and innovative technology. 

3) Eco-Friendly

Sustainability has become trendy in commercial interior design. Companies are now using eco-friendly materials—like recycled plastics —in their design to showcase their commitment to the environment.

Environmental sustainability is an important cause for not only many companies but also many consumers. Incorporating carbon-neutral products is a great way to appeal to guests, customers, and employees alike. Thankfully, eco-friendly products are becoming more and more accessible, which is making their pricing more competitive. 

4) Play With Shapes and Textures

If you want to remain sophisticated but still have an engaging, eye-catching interior design, consider utilizing different shapes and textures. Some geometric shapes to consider include:

• Hexagons
• Chevrons
• Diamonds

Even circular shapes can provide unique visual interest. Sometimes, circles can lend themselves to a more outdated look, so you don’t want to go overboard with them. 

Additionally, make your interior come alive by including different textures. Try textured furniture, textured wallcoverings, or unique window treatments to bring a three-dimensional feel to your commercial space.

5) Make It Feel Like Home

When people are at an office, restaurant, or retail space, they want to feel excited yet comfortable. When we say to make a space feel like home, we don’t necessarily mean that you should try to perfectly replicate the interior of the average home.

Instead, we mean to incorporate elements that help guests and employees feel comfortable, such as:

• Soft fabrics
• Local art and photography
• Comfy furniture

6) Natural Light Is Your Friend

Many studies have shown that natural light increases productivity, boosts people’s mood, and overall offers many mental health benefits. Strategically place furniture so that light can stream through the windows. Mirrors and glass tables can help reflect the light to maintain a bright interior. 

Whether you have large windows or not, the best way to get an abundance of light in your building is to keep the windows clean!

7) Keep It Collaborative 

Gone are the days of isolated and dull cubicles. For your commercial interior design, embrace collaboration as much as possible. Opt for an open-concept layout with desks and other furniture grouped together to allow for socialization. 

An open-concept layout also pairs well with incorporating the natural light we mentioned above. 

8) Offer a Variety of Experiences

You can section off different areas in your commercial business to allow your guests or employees to choose the environment they most want to be in. You can have an area with dining tables and chairs and another with comfy couches and pillows. Additionally, if your building design allows for it, you can include outdoor or terrace seating for people to take advantage of. 

This is especially beneficial in office settings. Many employees enjoy changing their scenery throughout the workday, and an interior design that accommodates this can be huge for productivity. 

Hiring a Professional Commercial Interior Designer: What to Know

Some people were born with the interior design gene, and others simply were not. If you can’t seem to execute a striking interior design no matter how much you scour Pinterest, it might be in your best interest to hire a professional interior designer. 

Professional commercial interior designers know how to listen to your requests and to get a clear understanding of your needs for:

• Branding
• Functionality
• Layout
• Decor & artwork

The interior design process typically has four phases:

• Pre-Design: The designer gathers key information to understand what is needed for the project. Initial concepts are developed as the designer completes preliminary research. 
• Programming Phase: Next, the designer works with the owner and appropriate contractors to set budgets, asses code requirements, and more.
• Schematic Design: Then, the designer moves forward by creating a layout plan and selecting materials and furnishings. Then, the design is sent to the client for final approval.
• Construction Administration: Finally, the approved design is presented to the contractors before work officially begins!

Pros and Cons of Hiring an Interior Designer

Even though hiring a commercial interior designer is the right call for many business owners, that doesn’t mean it’s the right decision for everyone, no matter what. Take a look at the most common pros and cons of hiring an interior designer to help guide your decision.

✅ Pros of Hiring an Interior Designer

• Get the best possible end result. This first perk is the most significant. If you have a big vision with no clue how to execute it accurately, hiring a professional interior designer will bring your vision to life. 
• Save time and energy. As a business owner, you’re incredibly busy. You don’t have time to draw up designs and go shopping for furniture. It’s often easiest to outsource this to a professional designer. 
• Partnerships with other contractors, furniture suppliers, and handymen. Professional interior designers have connections to other important people in the industry. This helps the whole process move forward smoothly. 

❌ Cons of Hiring an Interior Designer

• It’s a significant expense. Hiring an interior designer is more expensive than doing it yourself— there’s no way around it. Many would argue that hiring a designer pays for itself in the long run, but you do have to be prepared for the upfront cost.
• Your vision might not match their style. It’s important to talk to multiple interior designers in the beginning stages of your search because each designer will have a distinct style. While professionals listen to your requests, they are going to work within the confines of their established style. Make sure to ultimately hire a designer whose portfolio aligns with your tastes. 

Does Your Business Need Commercial Interior Design?

Are you ready to revamp your business? If so, we can help. At APX Construction Group, we’ll work closely with you to enhance your commercial interior design, as well as your branding and marketing efforts.

Running a successful business isn’t easy, and we know how challenging it can be to ensure your company’s longevity. But with the right strategy in place, we’re confident that your business will thrive! 

To inquire more about our services, contact us at 507-274-7116, or reach out to us on our website. We can’t wait to connect with you.