Your Space, Your Voice, Your Brand.
Did you know that your space has a voice of its own? That’s right, the very room you sit and work in, day in and day out, has its own character and exudes a certain atmosphere. The most interesting part is that most of us can feel a vibe and are influenced by it. Yet, business owners mostly miss the opportunity to capitalize on the hidden potential of the energy of a space.
Help your space speak in unison with your brand.
Behind every brand, there are guiding principles – the core values defining what your company stands for. These form the character of your company and shape a system of beliefs that guide your approach. Brand standards are typically multidimensional with ethics and morals at the foundation of the enterprise. In the end, everything you do will be directed by your guiding principles: your visual identity, brand voice, marketing campaigns, and most importantly, your company’s physical presence – the interior space of your office.
Investing in improving the interior feel of a space will not only improve your staff’s well-being and motivation but will also positively influence partners and clients visiting your space. It is that silent handshake which introduces the tone of what is to come.
Just like with all other things in business, in design and marketing - consistency is key. Diversified repetition and reinforcement are the pillars of building trust and making it memorable.
Behind the Culture
The main objective should be to create spaces that actually support the inhabitants and motivate them to do their best work while feeling inspired at the same time. By doing so, a culture is shaped that will loudly influence everyone coming in contact with it. For example, open spaces are known to encourage collaboration, cooperation, and creativity which can spark innovation in unexpected ways. The metaphor of door-less environment tends to inspire a boundless attitude. At the same time, only having open spaces can be challenging for privacy and offering a distraction-free space.
The Devil is in the Details
The textures we walk on or feel with our hands and eyes help us mentally map what is approachable and what is not. Smooth, reflective glass can give off a cool attitude and a luster of luxury, while hide materials remind us of comfort and warmth. We can alter the feeling and vibe of a space simply by selecting materials matching the desired purpose. One of the better-known examples is the correlation of colour and emotion through the study of colour psychology; but did you know that the manner in which edges meet further contributes to the “visual mood” of a space? Contrasting straight lines of the wall moulding and 90-degree interruptions by bulky furniture can create a strict, formal vibe. Many of our associations are rooted in the primal part of our brains – it is a very powerful tool if used wisely.
Bold Statements
A well-crafted statement wall (or two) could be an essential element tying the space together. These are accent pieces that help form a nexus between the brand and the interior. Typically, statement walls are presented in a welcome area as they introduce the visual identity (logo) of the company. They can also be the perfect bridge to connect art and design. A statement wall that is either functional or ornamental are certainly options. However, as a designer, I believe that form and function should be able to be channeled through this interior element. A poster series, murals, green walls, acoustic walls, collages of objects, and so on - these accents all inspire by re-enforcing what the company stands for. They add life to a space even when there is no one around to animate the rooms.
Do not let your space go mute. You are in control to let your office speak your voice and convey your brand message. Choose wisely and the firm handshake of a physical design has the potential to leave a lasting and positive impression on everyone that comes through your doors..
If you need help with developing a look and feel for your space to reflect your brand, feel free to contact me.
