If you’re designing, styling, building or dressing a commercial space and want to take that design to the next level, the inclusion of decorative coatings can assist with that goal.
Decorative designs have the ability not just to transform the visual impact of a space but also the ambience and feeling of being there. Lighting will also play an integral role in this relationship.
This can span multiple areas and surfaces, so for this article, we’ll provide insights at the top level, for those of you who wish to explore them in more depth, we encourage you to get in touch by dropping us an email over to hello@signature-walls.co.uk
Our services are all offered on a supply-and-install basis, reducing the number of touch points and friction when bringing your visions to life.
So why not consider us your design partners in the commercial sector, tapping into our vast expertise and creative insights.
Colour Matching Service in Venetian Plaster, Microcement & Decorative Paints
Getting the right colours as part of your design is an essential component that should not be overlooked, giving you an extensive library of Venetian plaster finishes, Microcement or range of decorative paints.
Aside from the extensive range of factory, off-the-shelf colours we offer, one of our fortes would be the ability to colour match to any designer paint library, RAL colour reference or even a physical sample if you’re able to send us an item that can be scanned in.
You’re also welcome to drop this off at our showroom in Amersham if it’s easier.
You can open up a whole new world of possibilities when exploring these options, as it means you’re able to have the same colour or palette from a designer paint brand, as an example, but in a few different materials, such as Venetian plaster, Microcement or a decorative paint finish.
Some of the materials we use are better suited to floors, wet areas or high foot traffic compared to others, check with us if unsure.
Cohesive Design Across Multiple Surfaces in Your Commercial Space
By adopting a mindset and approach to using our architectural coatings and decorative finishes across multiple surfaces, you can pull together a more cohesive design theme.
This can blend texture across a space, keeping the same colour.
Or including the use of the same materials but incorporated in different styles within the same space, an example here could be using Microcement on the floor, then taking that colour and material into the kitchen area for a splashback and maybe picking out a shower enclosure or wet areas surrounding a bath.
This choice of material gives the option to do this and know that the surfaces are waterproof, robust and resilient yet remain aesthetically pleasing.
Another bonus point, especially true for those of us who value clean lines and minimalist design, is the absence of grout lines, join lines and the seamless experience.
For expert guidance on achieving this in your project, it’s usually best to schedule a design consultation by reaching out via email, phone or WhatsApp.
Layering Up and Building a Multi-sensory Guest Experience in a Commercial Setting
When in the design and planning stages of a project, in my opinion, it is important to think about the end user and how they will interact with the space
This is especially true if people with visual impairments or complete blindness are the designated end user.
However, I am also a great advocate for ensuring that a multi-sensory experience will await each guest.
This can be very powerful when delivered in the right way for a commercial setting such as a hotel or restaurant where guests are typically seeking a unique experience they cannot achieve at home and are prepared to travel for
So how can we achieve this and where does layering come into play?
Firstly, the surface textures are an integral part of starting the journey, with so many options available, it can be a bit of a minefield.
Also knowing which material to use and how it needs to be applied, not only for the visual impact, but also for the nature of the surface and designated usage
Choose wrongly here and you’re setting yourself up for problems further down the line, and can have material failure or cracking.
To create an enjoyable journey through texture, we must consider the properties and types of texture available to us, and how that conveys the message we are trying to get across to the visitors.
Do we want them to be wowed?
How do we expect their perception of the space to be?
Do we want them to experience a cold, stark, industrial design with its roots coming across with a gritty undertone?
Or do we expect they’ll want a more elegant, refined and sophisticated experience, where decadent surfaces are the go-to theme underpinning the whole design carrying across a luxurious look and feel.
Your material choices will shape things here from the outset.
Texture For a More Tactile Experience In Your Commercial Settings
Everyone will start their journey into texture from a different place and whilst we always encourage a visit to our showroom as a starting point for yours, we appreciate that not everyone can do that.
Visual references along with solid descriptive terminology can go a long way in shaping the design direction here.
And whilst digital imagery will only convey so much, it can provide a solid starting point from which to explore
By grouping the initial textures into categories, we find it is easier to hone in on the direction in which we’ll be headed in
It gets more exciting when we incorporate other aspects such as ironmongery, soft furnishings and furniture.
Can you blend rough with smooth?
Shiny with heavily textured?
Pitted with polished or softer styles?
When it comes to the design and finishing touches, everyone will have their approach, so there is no wrong or right way about it in my opinion.
This is before we start considering soft furnishings, wallpapers from Arte and more.
Creating Photoworthy Moments For The Visitors To Your Commercial Space
One of the key factors I return to time and again when planning designs or a space is the end user and how they will capture it in photos
Have we provided them with plentiful opportunities to fill their Instagram feeds, populate posts on their Pinterest boards or stage mini photoshoots they can drop onto their TikToks in the days ahead?
Photogenic backdrops will inevitably filter out across the web and can assist you in getting more organic traction online.
As a side benefit, the guests and end users effectively become your marketers for you.
Think about the emotive experience that you’re trying to create here and how special you can make those moments for the end user.
How can they be enhanced?
Could you offer an element of personalisation that takes this even further?
Where could you get even more creative in the pursuit of design perfection?
Ideas here are plentiful and if you’d like to tap into this I encourage you to book a complimentary ‘ideation session’ to give you a taster.
Great design doesn’t just stop at the door.
It’s about continuing that experience across all touchpoints.
What could you do to enhance that experience before and after the visit?
Bring Your Brand To Life In a Non-boring Way.
When you nail this component, you#’re carving out more real estate and extending the longevity of the memories etched into the minds of your visitors.
Careful consideration here will separate you from the other average experiences they may have had.
Leading to more word-of-mouth promotion, which still rings true as one of the most powerful forms of advertising
Plus it is also the most cost-effective cost per acquisition.
So it begs the question, how can you bring your brand to life in a way that remains true to your guidelines, values and theme but does so in its unique way?
Here’s one way to consider this approach…
If you wanted to design and build a series of new restaurants across the UK, each taking on board local influence and appealing more specifically to the target demographic.
You could place a slightly different spin on the interior finishes used in the space, yet retain the same on-brand colours, fonts and logos.
Adjusting the menu to accommodate the tastes of the locales
The addition of certain tweaked offerings alongside the standard menu is also worth considering here.
Article conclusion
There are many ways that you can enhance a commercial space using Architectural Coatings and Decorative Finishes, partially limited by the imagination and sometimes by rules or legislation.
As your designer partner we’re here to help guide you to the perfect end result, one that strikes a balance between aesthetics, practicality, longevity and costs.
To see more examples of venetian plaster options check this gallery.
If you’re currently working on any projects and require assistance to design in the right way, email us to find our more.
