It has long been thought that residential and commercial design were two separate entities not meant to overlap. Over the last decade, we have seen a shift in that mindset. Designers are incorporating more luxurious, and sometimes industrial, elements into residences, while also creating more relaxed leisure spaces in commercial offices, healthcare facilities and the like.
Homeowners want to rest in the comfort of a hotel-like bedrooms with crystal chandeliers, plush bedding, additional sitting rooms, and French doors as the entryway; spa-inspired bathrooms including deep soaking Jacuzzis, oversized showers with multiple shower heads or the ability to be turned into a steam room; restaurant-style kitchens equipped with 8-range stoves, double ovens, wine refrigerators and dispensers, and industrial refrigerators with front paneling that blends seamlessly with the custom cabinetry; and corporate-equipped home offices with the necessary built-in shelving and storage, windows that allot for plenty of natural light for the daytime and appropriate installed lighting options for late night work. On top of all of this, homes are being made to be as energy-efficient and technologically-integrated as commercial buildings.
On the other side, healthcare buildings, corporate offices and educational facilities are adding “homey” amenities such as community-style lounge areas; additional, informal seating beyond the desk in offices and large cubicles; and the companies with a robust amount of space are even bringing fitness facilities to their buildings. Outdoor spaces are being designed for employees and visitors to meet or work in these spaces. These are all in an effort to create welcoming spaces where the occupants can relax and stay longer.
So what does all of this mean for the home and building products industries? It means your consumer base could be expanding exponentially (or already has) and you could be missing out on new business opportunities. Expanding your company’s client base and marketing to include both residential and commercial audiences can increase the awareness of your company within your new and existing markets. New clientele can lead to a surge in your company’s profitability overall growth, which is precisely what we all work diligently to achieve.
To learn more about branding and brand expansion, feel free to contact us at https://kleber3v.wpengine.com//contact/. This blog was inspired by the article “At the Intersection of Commercial and Residential Design” in the February 2015 issue of Interiors & Sources.
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