Marcus RichardsWhen it comes to physical stores, companies often underestimate the power of interior design. They think that as long as their products and services are good, customers will come flocking. However, if your building doesn’t look appealing on the inside, you’re going to lose out on a lot of potential visitors. In this article, we’ll discuss some great interior design ideas that will help attract more customers to your business.
A Welcoming Lobby Or Reception
If you read the best books about retail strategy, you’ll find that this is the first thing customers see when they come to your business. Your lobby or reception will set the tone for their entire experience. You want to ensure that it’s warm and inviting, so they feel comfortable and relaxed doing business with you.
There are a few things you can do to make these areas more welcoming:
- Make sure there’s plenty of seating available, so people can wait comfortably.
- Have a variety of reading materials available, so people can pass the time while they’re waiting.
- Make sure the space is well-lit, so people don’t feel like they’re in a dungeon.
- Use pleasant smells to create an inviting atmosphere. This could be anything from candles to essential oils diffusers.
- Play soft, calming music in the background to help people relax.
- Provide a water dispenser or machine providing free hot drinks.
An Indoor Water Feature
This is the indoor version of having an outdoor fountain on your premises. They can be freestanding, wall-mounted, or built into a custom piece of furniture. Water features can also be incorporated into other design elements like fireplaces or flooring. They add visual interest and can create a sense of calmness and relaxation. The sound of running water can help to mask unwanted noise from outside. Indoor water features can also increase the humidity levels in a space, which is beneficial for your skin and hair.
The internet should be your ‘go-to’ place for more information – and actual examples you can buy. If you’re looking for indoor waterfall designs, you can view photos, products, and prices, and search by availability. Not only are they splash resistant for safety, but they can scream professionalism to anyone who enters.
Using Bright Colors
Bright colors are eye-catching and can make a space look more tempting. They can also help to create a certain mood or atmosphere in a space. Some great options include yellow, orange, pink, and green. Using these colors can help to make a space feel more cheerful and positive, which can be beneficial for businesses such as restaurants or retail stores. Additionally, these colors can also help to make a small space appear larger and more open.
If you’re not sure how to incorporate bright colors into your design, one way is to use them as accent pieces. This could involve painting one wall in a brighter color or using brightly colored furniture or accessories. Another option is to use neutral colors for the majority of the space and then use pops of bright color throughout. This could involve adding colorful throw pillows, artwork, or even a rug.
Using Bold Patterns Or Natural Elements
Bold patterns can be displayed through wallpaper, flooring, furniture upholstery, or even window treatments. Using bold patterns can help to add interest and visual appeal to a space. Additionally, it can help to create a certain mood or atmosphere. For example, using floral patterns can help to make a space feel more feminine and romantic. On the other hand, using geometric patterns can help to make it feel more modern and contemporary. You could also use your bold patterns as accent pieces, such as adding wallpaper to one wall or using patterned floor tiles in an entryway.
Incorporating natural elements into your design is a great way to create a space that feels homely and inviting. Incorporate greenery into your décor with potted plants, or use natural materials like wood and stone in your furnishings. You can also bring the outdoors in by including features like skylights or large windows.
Creating An Open Floor Plan And Installing Comfortable Seating
An open floor plan is achieved by removing walls and barriers between rooms. This can help improve communication, allow for more natural light and create a sense of spaciousness. All of these factors will contribute to drawing in the customers and making them feel comfortable.
Upscale restaurants often use banquettes, which are upholstered benches that line the walls. This type of seating can be very effective at making customers feel cozy and relaxed, encouraging them to stay longer and spend more money. If you don’t have the budget for banquettes, try using chairs with soft cushions instead. Arrange them in such a way that encourages conversation (e.g. in a circle or U-shape) and ensure there’s plenty of space between them so that people don’t feel cramped.
Installing Quality Lighting
There are a few different types of lighting that you should consider for your business:
Ambient lighting: This is designed to provide overall illumination for a space.
Task lighting: This is focused on a specific area, such as a countertop or display case. It can help customers see what they’re looking at and make it easier to find items they’re interested in.
Accent lighting: This is used to create a certain mood or atmosphere in your store. It can be used to highlight special merchandise or make a particular area more appealing.
Soft, ambient lighting is much more inviting than harsh fluorescent lighting. Consider installing dimmer switches so that you can adjust the light level depending on the time of day or the type of event you’re hosting in your store.
These interior design ideas have no doubt given you plenty to think about. Do plenty of research before you buy, and if you choose wisely, you’ll reap the results. People will enter your work premises as never before, and your sales will increase. Rather than being an unnecessary expenditure, your interior design will help attract customers and raise revenue.
