While the world slowly inches its way to a post-COVID recovery with the administering of its vaccines, the effects of the pandemic will remain evident in certain parts of our lives. Consumers have evolved considerably to being more health-conscious and businesses must adapt to address them, or risk being left behind.

Spatial and interior design, in particular, is an area where we can expect a lot of changes, especially for commercial businesses. Not just in aesthetics, but in its operational and functional aspects as well. Here, the onestop team is going to share with you some must-have features you can expect to see being adopted for all commercial businesses.

OPEN SPACES

Transparency is the name of the game. This concept is impacting businesses on many levels, especially when it comes to building customer trust. With more and more concerns arising about environmental and health issues, being transparent with your customers is truly the way to go. These days, restaurants are having more open kitchens designed in their spaces. This adds an entertaining flair to the entire meal experience, while providing an opportunity to showcase sanitary processes and high-quality ingredients. When it comes to hotel room design, open-plan layouts, such as removing obstructive walls, are also beneficial to the customer’s experience, especially in ones that have space constraints. Even offices can benefit from having an open concept, both in reducing utility bills and office supplies and in fostering better teamwork across the levels.

ANTIMICROBIAL SURFACES

The pandemic has not only made us rethink our health & wellness, but also places a spotlight on infectious disease management in commercial spaces. For businesses, this means introducing new processes, equipment or materials to inhibit the growth of harmful microorganisms and protect customers. Thankfully, with the advancement of science and innovation, we now have materials and coatings that are antimicrobial. Not surprisingly, these are already being implemented in the healthcare sector and are finding their way to being adopted in commercial spaces. For kitchens and hotel receptions, using non-porous surfaces such as ceramics or glass are a good choice as they are non-toxic and easy to maintain. For porous surfaces such as wood, antimicrobial lacquer coatings will do the job perfectly and add a lasting shine. Even your existing furniture can be better protected with antimicrobial sprays in the market.

AUTOMATION

Robots? A.I.? Those aren’t the only things that automation encompasses. When it comes to designing the customer experience for commercial spaces, it is the simple automating facilities that matter. Automated doors, water taps, soap dispensers, lights, and more are available to not only cut utility costs for businesses but also to ensure less contact and spread less bacteria between customers within your spaces. It’s also better for the environment by helping to conserve more energy.

GOOD NOW, GREAT LATER.

The pandemic has definitely changed things for everyone, but as a business, these are some ways to take control of the situation and use it to your advantage. These must-have features will not only save you some money, but they’ll also help customers trust your company and brand. That way, you’ll be seen as a smart brand that moves with the times. You’ll also have a better following when you set up new businesses in the future. At onestop, we’ll always be looking out for you and your businesses. Feel free to contact us here for a free consultation on interior design or furniture!

12 April 2021