Busy revamping your commercial building? You’d like to attract the best tenants, and they’ll be looking for a building that matches their brands. When it comes to the finishing touches, it’s the details that matter. Just about any building can be functional, but you want yours to look sleek and modern too. A few simple additions could do the trick for you. Consider these options.
1. Welcoming Stairs
Whether they’re inside or outside a building, stairs shouldn’t look daunting. Try for a bright, airy look and install custom handrails and grab bars for a seamless look plus added safety. Allocate responsibility for staircases to one of your staff. A grubby staircase will ruin the impression you’re trying to create, even if most people use the elevator instead.
2. Decorate Blank Interior Walls in Common Areas
Sterile, blank walls create an institutional look that’s far from attractive. Add a few special touches with wall art that exudes the classy style you want to leverage to attract high-end tenants. While you won’t want to overdo it, a few well-chosen artworks will make all the difference. Hallways that lead out onto corridors from elevators and stairwells are a prime target for a little creativity.
3. Make an Effort With Lighting Design
A well-lit interior is already a good first impression. Consider using lighting as a statement that shows you’re a cut above the rest. Pendant lights with simple, yet attractive shades can look truly impressive. Combine practicality with aesthetics in your lighting design. It can easily become a signature feature that underlines the upmarket nature of your premises. In keeping with green building goals, ensure that your lighting is energy efficient.
4. Gleaming Floors
Light colors are the best option for flooring in most buildings and classic marble looks fit the bill. While real marble may be beyond your reach, there are many faux marble options you can consider. For ease of maintenance, avoid tiles with grout in between and opt for a smooth, seamless expanse. Ensure that your cleaning crew knows how to keep it looking newly buffed and gleaming.
5. Plants and Planters
While there are some quite realistic artificial “plants” out there, they’re a low-cost alternative to the real thing. Since indoor plants often take the strain and need regular replacements, consider contracting a company that cares for plants and switches them around when they start to look tired out. High-end plastic planters can look quite good, but real ceramic is first prize. Use your planters to soften harsh, empty corners and to make otherwise uninteresting corridors seem more welcoming.
6. Top Tip: First Impressions Count
The entrance to a building is the first impression that visitors get. Prioritize your entryway or atrium to get the most out of the transition from street to interior. It’s a great place for extras like water features or sculptures. Aim for a smart appearance that your tenants will be proud to have in “their” building.
Have Fun With Your Interior Design – or Choose a Professional
Good interior design sets the tone for your building. If you’re concerned about making the right choices, a professional interior designer will know how to get the job done. If you already have a knack for decor, have fun! Your building will set itself apart from the dull and utilitarian – and that’s just what your tenants will want.
