Everyone in business can agree on one thing: Companies need to make more money than they spend. Furnishing commercial interiors should be given careful thought. It’s money out the door, so it’s smart to get a return on the investment. 

Good Chi

There are simple interior design solutions that foster income – Feng Shui solutions. Sound strange? Not really. Applying Feng Shui to environments to create good ‘chi’ is ancient. Whole books are written on the subject. It can be complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. In fact, introducing good Feng Shui into commercial interior design should be kept simple. The space should be clean, comfortable and productive. 

Productive is the clincher.

How is the furniture arranged? Where are plants placed? How should color be used?

The ancient art of Feng Shui is about creating positive energy to boost productivity and a sense of well-being. And who can’t use both of these at the office. Improving the ‘chi’ can be easily achieved. For example, office desks should face a door whenever possible and something metal, or that represents metal, should be placed in the back left corner of the room. Healthy plants work wonders there too, and certain colors can be placed strategically throughout to promote creativity. Companies like Verdure Ventures are a great resource for keeping plants thriving.

Businesses can also learn from and apply multiple residential Feng Shui techniques as well.

Integrating good chi should never be based on superstition or far-out ideas, but rather on embracing the elements of nature. Nature uses earth, wood, wind, water and fire to manufacture energy. Business owners can too. Using furnishings, accessories and colors based on the character of nature’s elements can work to generate business revenue.

Trends

If a company sells business furniture, then all the latest and greatest in interior design trends is important to them. But what about businesses like real estate or financial services? They sell service, not office furniture. Since trends are ever-changing, business owners are unwise to invest a lot of money on ‘trendy’ decor that will be outdated before they know it. Most businesses don’t need all the latest and greatest. They need interior design that reflects the profession, feels fresh and enhances workflow.

For example, gray is a good staple color when used as a background, and that will remain true; but as a monochromatic scheme throughout, it can be non-stimulating. Do businesses need non-stimulated employees and customers? Probably not.

Contemporary trends keep furniture manufacturers going, but not all companies. To spend wisely on commercial interior design, it is good to stick with classic styles that will endure. Then punctuate with the latest and greatest and remember to bring nature’s elements indoors.

At River City Consulting, we pay attention to details that help businesses succeed and that includes interior branding.

Contact us for ideas!