Learn how to balance functionality, aesthetics, and budget when choosing materials and colors for your commercial interior. Follow these six steps to create a space that reflects your brand identity and meets the needs of your clients and employees.

Budget Considerations: This will take the precedence on all the above factors. In the world of commercial interior design, one of the foundational pillars of success is understanding and adhering to your budgetary constraints right from the outset. Think of your budget as the guiding factor for the material selections. By determining your budget very early in the design and process, you're in a position to explore wide rage of materials, evaluating their cost-effectiveness, durability, and visual appeal

How do you select materials for a commercial interior that are both functional and visually pleasing?

Selecting materials for a commercial interior is a challenging task that requires balancing functionality, aesthetics, and budget. You want to create a space that reflects your brand identity, meets the needs of your clients and employees, and complies with the codes and standards of your industry. How do you choose materials that are both practical and pleasing to the eye? Here are some tips to help you make informed decisions.

1 Consider the purpose

The first step is to define the purpose and function of each space in your commercial interior. Different areas may have different requirements for durability, maintenance, acoustics, lighting, and comfort. For example, a reception area may need materials that are welcoming, durable, and easy to clean, while a conference room may need materials that are sound-absorbing, adjustable, and professional. Think about how the materials will affect the performance and experience of each space.

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Verena Zaugg-Faszl

Interior Architect
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Den Einsatzbereich jedes einzelnen Materials zu analysieren und die Reinigungsprozesse beim Kunden zu verstehen ist für die richtige Materialwahl essenziell. Die Zusammensetzung des Materials beeinflusst die Lebensdauer und damit auch die Kundenzufriedenheit. Zugleich gilt es auch den Spagat zu schaffen zwischen optisch und haptisch ansprechend sowie funktional und anwenderfreundlich. Ein genaues abwägen, Aufklärung gegenüber dem Kunden über die Vor- und Nachteile der Materialien und auch Offenheit gegenüber neuer Lösungen und Reinigungsprozessen von der Kundenseite sind entscheidend für ein gelungenes Gesamtergebnis.

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2 Research the options

The second step is to research the available options for each type of material you need. You may want to consult with experts, suppliers, or manufacturers to learn about the characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of various materials. You may also want to look at examples of similar projects or visit showrooms to see how the materials look and feel in real life. Some of the factors you may want to compare are cost, quality, sustainability, durability, maintenance, safety, and compatibility.

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Sujith Kumar

Crafting Spaces into Experiences | Architect, RIBA • Computational Designer • AI | | 40 under 40 Trendsetter Architect & Designer India • Young Designers Award |
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One way i have found this to be very useful and have implemented in all our projects is to understand the Sustainability and Environmental Impact of the material through Research and Studies. In today's environmentally conscious world, understanding the sustainability aspects of materials is vital. Researching materials helps you identify eco-friendly options that reduce the environmental footprint of your project, aligning with modern sustainability goals.

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3 Choose a palette

The third step is to choose a palette of materials and colors that suit your design concept and brand identity. You may want to use a mood board, a collage, or a digital tool to visualize how the materials and colors will work together and create a cohesive look. You may also want to consider the psychological effects of colors and how they can influence the mood and behavior of your clients and employees. For example, blue can evoke calmness and trust, while red can stimulate energy and excitement.

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4 Test the samples

The fourth step is to test the samples of the materials and colors you have selected. You may want to order or obtain samples from your suppliers or manufacturers and place them in the actual space or a similar environment. You may want to observe how the materials and colors look under different lighting conditions, how they feel to the touch, how they sound when used, and how they smell. You may also want to ask for feedback from your clients, employees, or other stakeholders.

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5 Review the specifications

The fifth step is to review the specifications of the materials and colors you have chosen. You may want to check the technical data sheets, warranties, certifications, and installation instructions of each material. You may also want to verify that the materials and colors comply with the codes and standards of your industry, such as fire resistance, accessibility, health, and safety. You may also want to ensure that the materials and colors are available, affordable, and deliverable within your timeline and budget.

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6 Document the selections

The sixth step is to document the selections of the materials and colors you have made. You may want to create a material board, a document, or a digital file that shows the name, source, quantity, price, and location of each material and color. You may also want to include the samples, the specifications, and the notes of each material and color. This will help you communicate your choices to your contractors, suppliers, and clients, and avoid any confusion or mistakes during the execution of your project.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Sujith Kumar

Crafting Spaces into Experiences | Architect, RIBA • Computational Designer • AI | | 40 under 40 Trendsetter Architect & Designer India • Young Designers Award |
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Budget Considerations: This will take the precedence on all the above factors. In the world of commercial interior design, one of the foundational pillars of success is understanding and adhering to your budgetary constraints right from the outset. Think of your budget as the guiding factor for the material selections. By determining your budget very early in the design and process, you're in a position to explore wide rage of materials, evaluating their cost-effectiveness, durability, and visual appeal

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How do you select materials for a commercial interior that are both functional and visually pleasing?

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1 Consider the purpose

2 Research the options

3 Choose a palette

4 Test the samples

5 Review the specifications

6 Document the selections

7 Here’s what else to consider

Architecture

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