When you think of interior design, you probably first think of residential homes. But interior design is also relevant to commercial spaces as well. Gyms, medical offices, restaurants, office builders and the like also carefully plan and design their interior spaces.
As you might expect, designing for commercial spaces can be quite a bit different from residential, with varying factors and elements to consider. Here are just a few of the differences between designing for residential homes and commercial spaces.
Fabric Selections
A priority when selecting upholstery for both commercial and residential spaces is durability and how easy the fabric is to clean. This becomes more of a priority when designing commercial spaces because furniture in office lobbies, library reading rooms, restaurants, or conference rooms will need to endure higher traffic and use than an upholstery fabric used on residential furniture. Most fabric manufacturers provide information for each fabric on durability and other commercial requirements such as anti-flammability and protective coatings.
Color Selections
A residential designer's goal is to provide the client with a design that suits the client's personal taste and create an environment that is comfortable to live in. Neutral colors for the finishes {paint, countertops, flooring, etc.} are often selected to achieve a soothing environment that allows the furniture, fabrics and accessories to be the focal point of the space. Commercial design allows more flexibility in color selections for paint, countertops, flooring, etc. Many stores, universities, and restaurants have colors in the logos/branding that can be tastefully incorporated into the design and create a more exciting environment for customers and merchandise display.
Accessibility
The Americans with Disabilities Act, along with many other codes and requirements enforced by the national and state governments, requires each commercial space be designed with the general public in mind, specifically those individuals who have physical limitations. These codes apply to all areas of the building to be designed but with special focus on the waiting areas, restrooms, and hallways. Residential building design has a separate set of codes that your builder and architect should be aware of. To access these laws for both residential and commercial building codes, contact your local government.
Products
Finish selections such as granite countertops and porcelain tile can be appropriate for both commercial and residential settings, but not all products can easily cross over. For example, many contract carpet manufacturers make floor coverings that can technically be used in a home but would not be as comfortable and aesthetically pleasing because the materials used to make it more durable are more coarse and dense.
Hopefully, this helps you understand better some of the differences when it comes to designing these different environments.
Did you know our design team does work on commercial spaces? If you are needing some design help for your office or place of business, be sure to contact our design team.
Photos by: Rachael Boling and Megan Burleson