Transforming commercial spaces into inviting environments

We're sharing tips and considerations that can transform the feeling of commercial and hospitality interior design to achieve the inviting feel with a chic look.

The art of designing commercial and hospitality spaces lies in creating an environment where functionality meets a warm, welcoming aesthetic. In spaces like restaurants, hotels, and offices, every element—from furniture selection to lighting—plays a role in shaping guest experiences. But how do you strike the perfect balance? Here, we’ll dive into the essential design elements that foster inviting, practical spaces that are as memorable as they are functional.

The Importance of first impressions

Hospitality spaces often serve as the initial point of contact between a brand and its clients. A well-thought-out design can reinforce brand identity while making guests feel at ease. For example, interior design studio Kim H. Nieu, with over two decades of experience, excels in crafting unique, functional spaces with a flair for individuality. Their approach to creating memorable interiors combines aesthetic appeal with practical layouts, ensuring each space aligns with the specific needs of the brand or establishment. The Kim H. Nieu style is so in demand, the brand is expanding with its own range of furniture, to capture the essence of hospitality design for the public and retail market.

Mex by FibreGuard

Key Elements of Inviting Commercial Interiors

Creating a welcoming hospitality or commercial space involves layering various design components. Here are the core elements to consider:

Optimising Layout and Flow

A well-designed layout is fundamental for both hospitality and commercial environments. Spaces should allow for smooth navigation, especially in high-traffic areas. Consider creating zones that serve different purposes, such as reception areas, seating sections, and private dining spots. Each zone should flow into the next seamlessly to avoid bottlenecks or confusion.

Practical Tip: In restaurants, positioning the main entryway near the host’s stand with clear paths to seating areas and exits can help with guest flow. For hotels, a spacious lobby with clear signage ensures guests can easily locate the reception or lifts.

Functional and Flexible Furniture

The right furniture can dramatically influence the functionality of a space. For instance, comfortable seating with durable upholstery encourages guests to linger longer, enhancing their experience. Home Fabrics has the perfect high-performance upholstery fabrics like FibreGuard and FibreGuard Pro that are specifically designed for durability and great quality. These textiles offer both luxury and resilience—ideal for high-use settings like hotel lobbies and restaurants. With a stunning array of designs to choose from and wonderfully soft texture, they look and feel great to make commercial spaces feel more homely.

Practical Tip: Look for multi-functional furniture that serves various needs. Modular seating, for example, can be rearranged to suit large groups or smaller, intimate gatherings. Tables with built-in storage offer added convenience in tight spaces.

Lighting That Sets the Tone

Lighting is a powerful tool in hospitality design, shaping both mood and functionality. The best designs layer different types of lighting, such as ambient, task, natural light, and accent lighting, to achieve the right balance for each area.

Ambient Lighting for Comfort

Ambient lighting establishes the overall tone of a space. Warm lighting creates an intimate, cosy atmosphere ideal for restaurants, while cooler lighting often suits modern office spaces. In hotel settings, dimmable lighting allows for adaptable brightness levels, depending on the time of day or mood.

Task and Accent Lighting for Functionality

In restaurants, accent lighting can highlight specific areas, like art on the walls or architectural features of the space. Task lighting, on the other hand, is essential in workspaces such as reception desks or office meeting rooms where bright, focused light is needed.

Practical Tip: LED lighting is a sustainable choice for hospitality settings, as it consumes less energy and offers a longer lifespan. Adjustable fixtures are also beneficial, allowing for easy customisation of light levels to suit various needs.

Choosing Sustainable and High-Quality Materials

Modern consumers are increasingly drawn to spaces that reflect eco-conscious values. Sustainable design in hospitality not only appeals to environmentally aware customers but can also reduce long-term costs. Opting for locally-sourced or eco-friendly materials is a meaningful way to contribute to environmental responsibility while enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the space.

Home Fabrics provides a range of sustainable upholstery options ideal for high-use areas. Using their materials can ensure durability and easy maintenance, helping to preserve the original look of your furniture for longer.

A great option is the Dodge collection of fabrics by FibreGuard. While it gives off a relaxed, casual vibe with its denim-like look, it's wonderfully luxurious to touch and fantastically versatile. The visual and physical texture is elevated with a beautiful selection of colourways ranging from classics to contemporary, dynamic hues.

Practical Tip: Incorporate biophilic design elements, such as natural wood and greenery, to create a soothing, organic atmosphere. The presence of plants, for instance, enhances air quality while bringing a natural, calming vibe to hospitality spaces.

Comfort and Accessibility in Design

Comfort is a top priority in hospitality, especially in settings like hotel lobbies or restaurants where guests are likely to spend extended periods. Ergonomically designed furniture and easily accessible spaces ensure that guests feel welcome and valued.

Seating and Space Considerations

Seating arrangements should prioritise comfort without sacrificing space efficiency. Use a mix of booth seating, sofas, and chairs to create a sense of variety, catering to different group sizes and needs.

Practical Tip: Leave ample space between tables in restaurants and sufficient room between lounge furniture in hotels. This not only enhances comfort but also aligns with health and safety regulations, especially in today’s post-pandemic world.

Accessibility for All

Make your spaces accessible for guests of all ages and abilities. This includes considering wheelchair accessibility, adding handrails, and ensuring that pathways are clear and well-lit.

The Impact of Sensory Experiences

Beyond visual appeal, designing for sensory experiences can enrich a guest's overall perception of the space. Sound, smell, and even tactile elements contribute to a holistic experience that resonates on a deeper level.

The Pampas wallcovering by Arte includes different interpretations of balanced woven plant fibres, each with their own unique characteristics and natural irregularities. Not only does it bring a unique visual interest to a space, walls are transformed with a beautiful tactile quality.

Fabrics that are soft and inviting are essential to the hospitality experience. Tortona from Designers Guild is a contemporary plain weave created with a cotton/linen blended yarn, resulting in a subtly textured stone washed effect. It's a wonderfully soft fabric in 50 stunning shades, from expansive neutrals to a more colourful palette of must-have shades, to create a sensory experience that delights.

Acoustic Design

Effective acoustic design minimises background noise, creating a more comfortable environment. This is particularly important in restaurants, where loud chatter can detract from the dining experience. Soft furnishings, such as curtains, rugs, and upholstered furniture, absorb sound and help create a quieter atmosphere.

Scent and Atmosphere

Consider incorporating a subtle signature scent, which can evoke certain emotions and reinforce brand identity. Many high-end hotels, for example, use unique scents to create an unforgettable experience that guests associate with their stay.

Reflecting Brand Identity in Hospitality Spaces

Commercial and hospitality design should be a reflection of the brand. Colours, materials, and design elements should align with the brand's ethos and messaging. This is where a designer's expertise shines, as they can bring out the brand's unique voice through every detail.

For instance, Kim H. Nieu, known for its bespoke approach to design, often weaves in elements of individuality to give each project a personal touch. Incorporating these elements helps create a cohesive brand narrative, making the space instantly recognisable and memorable.

Practical Tip: Use branded colours or motifs subtly in the décor. This could mean custom upholstery in the brand’s colours or accent walls that reflect its theme.

Future Trends in Hospitality Design

Looking forward, sustainability, minimalism, and technology are among the key trends reshaping the industry. Here’s how they can be applied to create functional, future-proof spaces:

Sustainable Choices

Eco-friendly, natural materials and energy-efficient solutions are here to stay. Using sustainable fabrics from Home Fabrics, for example, reduces waste without compromising on style.

Minimalism and Multi-functional Designs

Minimalist designs prioritise clean lines and functional elements, appealing to modern aesthetics and practicality. Multi-functional furniture is particularly valuable, allowing spaces to be reconfigured to meet changing needs.

Technology Integration

Hospitality spaces increasingly incorporate technology to enhance guest experiences. From digital menus in restaurants to self-check-in kiosks in hotels, tech-driven features streamline service and allow for greater personalisation.

Balancing Comfort and Functionality

Designing an inviting hospitality or commercial space means creating an environment that is as practical as it is welcoming. Whether you’re working on a hotel lobby, restaurant interior, or office lounge, remember that comfort, accessibility, and brand alignment are the cornerstones of exceptional hospitality design.

By integrating quality, durable materials, such as Home Fabrics upholstery, and collaborating with experienced studios like Kim H. Nieu, you can bring a touch of sophistication and warmth to any space. Ultimately, a well-designed space leaves a lasting impression, inviting guests to return time and again.

Shop the look

Here are some of our favourite fabrics featured in this article, and where you can buy them.