As branding has become more strategic, design has become more essential. Design is no longer a broad-picture approach to an interior decoration scheme or an architectural choice. Whether the space is a restaurant, hotel, retail store, corporate office, or residence doesn’t matter. The thing that connects all of them is the truth that effective brands today recognize the value of subtle design choices in building trust and emotional loyalty with their visitors. Experienced millwork contractors know this better than anyone. These artisans use time-honored techniques and warm, natural materials to create more compelling spaces for the modern day.
Every detail, from the shape of a door handle to the layout of a seating arrangement, can be changed to accommodate a vision for that space’s ideal experience. This article lists some purposeful details that shape how leading brands use design to tell their story to their intended customers.
Custom Reception Desk
A custom reception desk is an immediately effective detail that impacts the customers’ experience with the brand from the moment they walk through the door. In restaurants, retail spaces, corporate offices, hotel lobbies, and more, a custom desk with curved accents and inlaid branding can set a far better impression than a generic piece of furniture.
The difference is that while both may be functional, the custom version starts a more intimate relationship with the brand, driven by the customer’s real observations. Business owners must remember that a customer’s first judgment of a business happens in seconds, and 94% of those impressions are design-related. The reception desk is likely the first point of contact with the brand, so the design matters more than ever.
Banquette Seating Arrangements
Banquette seating is an increasingly popular detail that millwork contractors can personalize for the space’s needs. From boutique restaurant seating that saves valuable floor space to bench-style seats built into the wall of a crowded retail store, custom banquettes empower businesses to define their seating areas while elevating them for comfort.
Custom-built banquettes can even include built-in storage to save more space. The outward designs can be crafted with materials, colors, and finishes that best communicate a brand’s intended mood. Customizable details could include carved accents, leather coverings, functional vinyl, modular designs, and more.
Casework Customized for Display
Many corporate spaces can create a more compelling story with high-quality casework. Shelving and display units customized for the space can be used across industries to help businesses communicate their goals to their target visitors. These custom fixtures can display merchandise, achievements, logos, cosmetic decor, and more.
Crafting Walls into Display Spaces
Seating and shelving are not the only possibilities with custom millwork in modern commercial spaces. Even the walls can be recrafted with a brand’s designs to become an anchoring feature in an office, restaurant, or store.
For example, slatted wall panels can create a compelling accent in a corporate lobby that immediately communicates luxury and professionalism. Strategically adding texture and variety to the space creates a more mentally persuasive experience for visitors while showing them that the business cares about its customers’ comfort and considers even small details to achieve it.
Accents That Tell a Story
The physical design of a custom piece is not the only way to create compelling accents. Integrating other materials, such as steel or stone, can create a distinct focal point with even more luxury. Bar fronts can become centerpieces. Office reception counters can become storytellers. These details aim to invite guests to linger, but even one glance can create a lasting impression that makes their experience with the brand more positive.
In addition to material accents, custom lighting can be incorporated into millwork to show off other features. Anything that can invite and retain a customer’s interest can be used to tell a purposeful brand story.
Hidden Storage Creates Refined Spaces
Artisans can use built-in compartments to turn seating arrangements, desks, and other fixtures into extra storage opportunities. At first, this may not be a detail that impacts the customer experience. However, saving the business valuable space can make the space a more seamless and refined experience.
For example, hidden storage for cables, cleaning supplies, extra fabric, and other items takes pressure off the floor, cabinets, and other visible areas. Cleanliness creates an impression of utility. At the same time, the business is refining its customer experience and providing workers with an easier way to maintain a good impression.
Experienced Millwork Contractors Create Commercial Spaces That Elevate Your Brand
At Sixth Avenue Custom, our experienced millwork artisans create personalized seating, casework, accents, and more to help businesses communicate their vision through design. While modern commercial spaces can be competitive with generic designs, the best way to invite meaningful customer attention is to create authentic, unique spaces that tell the brand’s story in purposeful detail.
Our white-glove commercial millwork service takes care of everything from conception to execution to make sure businesses get the custom millwork installations they deserve. Contact our experienced team today to learn how to redesign a corporate space to help customers experience the brand story you want to tell.
