Minimalist design is one of the trademarks of modern interiors and home décor, revolving around angular edges, clear spaces, and lots of neutral colour tones and shades. Presenting a versatile canvas on which to showcase specific features and architectural details, minimalism in a home setting is relaxing, though it has to work hard to inject warmth – with designers using texture and lighting to soften the otherwise very cool and hard-angled aesthetic.
A commercial space is, of course, a completely different style of project – even if the design schemes are largely the same. Whether it’s a hotel, a bar, or a restaurant, the way that a space is designed around navigation, functional use, and aesthetic presentation plays a big part in the success of the business.
With that said, and with the understanding that design not only completes a commercial space but underpins the experience that guests and customers have, is there room for minimalist design in the hospitality and commercial industry?
Elements of minimalist design that work in a commercial setting
One of the most successful features of minimalist design that commercial contractors, architects, and designers love, is the use of open space.
A minimalist and modern home is one where far from filling every inch of floorspace, the beauty of clear areas, open plan spaces, and clutter-free hallways is embraced. From a commercial standpoint, it’s this clear space which allows navigation to become more seamless, for your standout features and details to really shine under the spotlight, and for guests to instantly feel more relaxed in your premises.
Of course, there are ways to balance an open space so that it doesn’t feel too empty – and that’s where the next core element of minimalist living comes into play. Rather than relying on colour to inject energy and illuminate the senses, minimalist design draws on the subtle power of texture to enhance a space. In modern commercial settings across the hospitality industry, texture can prove extremely powerful and can be an excellent way to bridge style with comfort, while injecting luxury into the space.
Similarly, lighting becomes of heightened importance in a minimalist and modern commercial setting as you seek to bridge the gap between function and design flair. Overarching lights and ceiling lamps are a good way to facilitate that accessible navigation and visibility across the space, while smaller and more targeted lights create a sense of intimacy which enriches the guest experience.
But it’s not all as easy to embrace as that – with the next section highlighting a few areas that you need to consider carefully before embracing in your upcoming commercial project.
Things to consider as a commercial interior designer
While clear spaces, industrial finishes, and angular edges are all stylish hallmarks of minimalist design and can prove effective in a commercial setting, they do not necessarily lend themselves to health and safety – at least, not without very clear policies and procedures in place. Angular edges and industrial materials need to be managed to ensure that they do not become trip hazards or potential causes of injury.
Another risk which needs to be considered is the very fine line between a space being presented as minimalist and one which is unfinished. In a commercial setting, be it a hotel or restaurant, sufficient space must be granted to furnishings which optimise the functional purpose of the space – balancing the desire for empty space and a minimalist setting with the overall guest experience.
Finally, it’s important to realise that when you opt for minimalist design, every feature of the space that is on show is put under the spotlight. Thus, if you manage or control a commercial space, attention needs to be paid to maintenance and upkeep to save the space from becoming tired very quickly.
Does minimalist design work in a commercial setting?
With modern consumers on the lookout for commercial spaces and destinations which embrace their need and desire for experience as well as an end product, there is a place in the industry for minimalist design – especially when that design is bridged with luxurious textures and refined finishes.
To use minimalism to great effect is to create a space which is relaxing but functional, and incredibly stylish – all at the same time. For advice on how to make this work, and how to embrace the minimalist style of your setting regardless of size and location, the team at Carroll Design are here to help.