Three Interior Design Tips for Small Businesses

It’s time to update your office lobby or small retail space, but you’re at a loss how to pull off a fresh, cohesive look that fits your business. Here are a few tips to get you started.

Creating Lighting and Window Effects

Create window-like effects. Windows open up any space to make it seem bigger. If you share walls with other businesses, you have to be a little more inventive. For example, use a cutout wall with a window to separate two small rooms for an airy feel. In another room, consider using white linen panels to create the illusion of windows and natural light. Another stunning cheat includes hanging drapes around long mirrors to make a stylish statement and add a window effect.

Illuminate your space creatively. Lighting is essential in your small retail shop. Any space that’s not lit is wasted square footage. A combination of lamps, track lights, picture lights and sconces lets you layer light to create the impact you want. This mixture adds flair and variety and lets you showcase focal points, such as artwork or promotional graphics.

Use Vivid Color

Paint an accent wall. Paint one wall a vivid color to spice up your small shop or office. You can use the signature color from your logo or a bold color that draws the eye. This also elongates the space when paired with three light-colored walls. Alternately, put printed fabric or colorful wallpaper on one wall to add texture and variety.

Focal points are enhanced with creative painting. Repeat colors to draw the eye to artwork or areas of interest. Choose an important color or two from your focal point, and to repeat at frequent intervals to draw the eye of the viewer to different areas. This is a particularly effective design technique in boutiques and shops because it integrates various design elements for a more cohesive look.

Creative Shelving

Shelving helps you use every inch of wall space. When you employ space-saving shelves, you can display more products, but it’s important to avoid clutter. For example, instead of having one big floor case, showcase jewelry and other small items another way. Buy an old painting with an ornate frame, then stretch linen across the canvas. Now, you have a giant corkboard to show off earrings and other jewelry products.

Use open bookcases as dividers. Use open bookcases to separate areas of a small shop. Tall bookcases divide space and display products effectively. It’s also very easy to change the layout to showcase new merchandise or give the area a new look. Use the bottom shelves to make pamphlets and literature available for clients. If you are decorating a lobby for a doctor, dentist or law firm, long furniture has the same impact and creates privacy for waiting clients or patients.

Small spaces don’t have to be dull and boring. You can spruce up your office or retail area with vibrant colors and functional design elements that maximize every square foot of space. Search for great ideas and use what fits your style and objective.

Adam Richards

About Adam Richards

Adam Richards is a semi-retired business professional originally from Bangor, Maine. He spent the majority of his career in sales and marketing where he rose to the marketing lead of a Fortune 1000 company. He then moved on to helping people as a career counselor that specifically helped bring families to self-sufficiency through finding them rewarding careers. He has now returned to Bangor for his retirement and spends his free time writing. This blog will be about everything he learned throughout his career. He'll write on career, workplace, education and technology issues as well as on trends, changes, and advice for the Maine job market and its employers.