In any commercial space, the construction and design of your space is paramount. Lighting systems, colors, layout flow and the like: each aspect influences brand perception and customer experience. A well designed space will raise customer retention, create a luxury brand association, and boost margins. This blog will outline the design trends any high end commercial space should be considerate of and how they influence brand image and customer experience.
Layout and Flow
The choice of layout and the overall flow of your space will greatly affect where customers linger, what they see, and how they interact with your space. Generally, in a luxury space, comfort is at the forefront of design. As such, free roaming layouts and/or wide aisles are employed to allow each customer to dwell within their own space. Having spotlight items that customers are able to explore at their own pace evokes a sense of customer care, elevating the essence of a luxury brand.
Lighting
Potentially the most ever present component of any space is lighting. With it, you can spotlight, dim, and elevate any space. In contemporary and/or tech associated spaces (i.e. contemporary apparel, futuristic design etc.) we generally see cooler lighting design. In boutique luxury and restaurant environments, warmer lighting is preferred to create a romantic and/or comforting/relaxed atmosphere.
A recent trend across luxury spaces is that of backlighting shelves and displays. Not only does it highlight certain products but creates a space that seeks to move customers on a journey. From one product or area to the next, lighting can be used not only as a mood maker but a guiding ambience.
Sensory Design
Sensory elements have quickly become a mainstay of any luxury commercial space. Ambient music, fleeting scents, and product demonstrations keep the customer engaged and are subtle ways to elevate or create brand associations. The ability to interact with, smell, feel, or taste any product and/or brand keeps the customer engaged.
Material Choices
The materials you choose for a space comprise the first impression a customer has of a space. Raw unfinished materials evoke a uniquely organic vibe while cut stone and marble can create a space that emanates refinement. Material choices are easily the most important when thinking about what kind of brand associations you wish to have for your space.
With boutique or fashion spaces, we think plush velvet, refined stone and millwork, or sleek metal accents. With high end restaurants we think sleek wood, stunning fabric accents, and evocative tiling. In your pursuit to create a luxury space, research what materials tie in your brand’s essence while elevating the luxury vibe.
More Than Aesthetics
Building for commercial spaces is more than just creating an aesthetic. Your design choices can truly make or break the way your customers interact and associate with your brand. Like marketing, your building’s design is a story telling tool and for any luxury brand, using it to its fullest potential is integral to your brand’s success.
