As a business owner, you know that the first impression made on visitors speaks volumes about who you are. One of the most enjoyable aspects of interior (and exterior) design is the creative freedom it affords you. You can express your inner vision in any way you please!
So before you begin, ensure that you know exactly what you’d like to communicate to your client base. Are you offering services for their business, striving to increase profits and visibility? Or are you endeavoring to help them blaze a new trail with sustainability and community support?
Choosing design elements – digital or physical, and even sometimes a combination of the two – can make all the difference in building a brand with a community presence you can be proud of, and one that struggles to engage with your preferred client base.
Whether your business is based online or you have a physical storefront, choosing design elements that effectively communicate your vision and goals for your company will ensure that you will reach the clients who need what you offer! And, along the way, you will create a reputation in your community that’s built around thoughtful service and long-lasting connection. Services like SharpSuits are more likely to get attention with how entertaining their concept is!
Think about color schemes that you see in the world, and which ones draw you in. Now think about ones that don’t. What’s the difference? Color and design are so powerful because they create an emotional reaction in the viewer – and people do go with their gut when it comes to deciding on which business to frequent or services to hire for their personal projects.
This is also true when it comes to website design. A website that is designed well, easy to use, and pleasing to the eye will engender deeper client loyalty than one that is clunky, difficult to understand, or just not designed well. People want to align themselves with others who share the same values – and design is a powerful way to communicate yours.
It’s also important to consider the longevity of the space you choose. If you own the building, look at the “bones” – does it need any repairs? For instance, professional roof installation, gutter cleaning, or window upgrades could make all the difference between a space that you’re happy to occupy for years as your business grows, and one that you’re itching to move from as soon as possible. Moving can be just as stressful for a business team as a family, and especially if you’re wanting to create a homelike feeling in your office, setting up a feeling of stability is key to comfort.
Natural light and fresh air are easy to incorporate into your space – just take down the old blinds, and open the curtains! Sunshine has been proven to promote a positive attitude and vitamin D keeps the immune system healthy. In temperate weather, you could even open the windows, and allow your employees to “enjoy a breath of fresh air” – literally!
Wouldn’t you enjoy a day in the office where fresh filtered water and healthy snacks are accessible? Many employees report better moods and more productive days when they feel secure knowing that there are nourishing pick-me-ups available in their workspace. That keeps them from leaving to pick food up, keeping the brainstorm going and promoting office camaraderie.
Obviously, the old model of cramped cubicles and fluorescent lights is out – and with good reason! Studies show that there are simple design elements that you can incorporate into your office space that will keep office morale high and increase productivity, too.
Open office plans have been all the rage the past few years, but though they can generate innovation, they can also promote resentment and claustrophobia between employees. This, of course, depends all on the personality types that exist in your workspace. Some employees are introverts, some are extroverts. Some need stimulating engagement, and some need peace and quiet. As always, considering everyone has different levels of sensory input and social interaction that they can handle, giving the option for some people to work in their own space can be more beneficial in the long term.
Creating private spaces within the office for employees to choose to work alone or in small teams will also help reduce ambient noise, which can be very helpful for productivity. Your employees will feel safe and secure with the many options to choose their ideal workspace, day by day, and project by project.
Choosing sustainable materials can go a long way towards saving money for your business, and also make an even more comfortable environment for your employees and clients. Happy employees are better able to connect with clients and communicate what makes your business so special. And, of course, saving money through smart choices for your wallet also goes a long way in favor of the environment. If you truly want your business to be as environmentally friendly as possible, then you will need to look into how you package your items, if you are a business that sells products. You can keep that sustainability going throughout your business by making these changes. Checking out a sustainable packaging marketplace will show you what you can get and how it will benefit you in the long run.
Consider utilizing solar power, air filters, and natural lighting in your workspace. All of these elements have been shown to improve the mental and physical health of your employees, keeping them happy and well for years to come. Besides the fact that you care about their well-being, employees that feel cared for will go above and beyond to be loyal and supportive of you and your business. And, making these choices when you’re choosing or setting up a workspace can actually save you money in the long run.
Finally, commercial landscape maintenance can go a long way towards welcoming clients into your business storefront. Beautiful plants, manicured lawns, and expert rock work all communicate your thoughtful service, your commitment to detail, and your passion for creating a positive experience for every client that walks in the door.
As long as you approach your design choices from the eye of the viewer, with your unique services in mind, we know your clients (and future clients!) will feel cared for, heard, and supported by you and your team. And isn’t that what builds a business that stands the test of time? A community that rallies around and believes in your values and your offerings. You can make that happen!
