Every room, every wall, every little piece of decor is reflective of the owner or brand. Every element speaks true to its values. 

But sometimes, amongst all the aesthetics, there is an essential factor that is either only remembered later or is entirely forgotten at times.

Can you take a guess?

 We live in a world that strives for equality and belonging for all. This makes it all the more surprising that accessibility and inclusivity in design have become a matter of afterthought as of late. 

We often see aesthetics trump functionality, and the need for absolute perfection of beauty takes away the provisions to make the space suited for all, no matter what.

Not only are accessibility and inclusion moral considerations, but they are also essential components of a successful business.

Let’s examine the fundamentals of inclusive design, including its significance and smooth integration into commercial environments.

Universal Design – Doing away with barriers

Universal design doesn’t mean catering to the lowest common denominator; it’s about creating spaces that work for everyone.

Discard inconvenient ramps and facilities with distinct areas. Imagine easy access without any obstacles, braille-compliant signage that is clear, and movable furniture that can accommodate a range of physical needs. Remember that accessibility includes sensory experiences.

 To guarantee comfortable navigation for all, take into account clear acoustics, sufficient lighting, and visual contrasts.

Inclusivity To Address Diverse Needs

More than just physical restrictions affect accessibility. 

ASD and other cognitive issues need to be taken into account. 

A less overwhelming atmosphere can be produced by using predictable layouts, clear signage, and adjustable lighting. 

The gap can be filled by assistive listening devices and audio descriptions for people who are hard of hearing. 

Being inclusive also entails going above and beyond the norm. Really welcoming environments incorporate cultural sensitivity, physical constraints, and even mental health awareness.

Realizing Inclusion

Although financial limitations and pre-existing building structures may present challenges, there are many creative and cooperative solutions available.

 To get around space constraints, think about movable furniture and adaptive technology. Assist professionals in accessibility to guarantee optimal procedures. 

 Promoting a sense of belonging for all is the true goal of inclusivity—it is not merely about checking boxes.

Beyond Compliance: The Economic Argument for Inclusivity

Inclusivity is not simply to attain a moral high ground- it can also be a financial blessing.

 Accessible areas open up previously undiscovered doors to a diverse clientele.

 According to studies, retailers who open their doors wide can expect a 15% increase in sales. 

The advantages, however, go beyond wallets. 

Happy, capable workers who are appreciated for their strengths rather than their weaknesses increase productivity and retention, which lowers turnover costs. 

Additionally, inclusive design strengthens customer loyalty, improves your brand’s reputation, and draws in morally grounded customers who respect diversity and social responsibility.

 A seamless flow, clear signage, and gap-bridging technology are preferable to ramps and segregated facilities. Yes, it’s a long-term investment, but the benefits are limitless. 

So why not choose to thrive instead of to comply?

Conclusion

Developing inclusive commercial interiors requires a fundamental change in design philosophy rather than merely adhering to regulations. 

Realizing the importance of diversity and creating environments that both reflect and celebrate it are essential. 

As entrepreneurs and designers, we can create a society in which all people are respected and feel empowered. 

Let’s take on the challenge, dismantle obstacles, and create environments that genuinely benefit everyone.

The post A Space For All – Accessible & Inclusive Interior Design appeared first on LLOYD DESIGN FIT-OUTS.

Human experience, of course.

At the heart of any design work – the human perception and experience of it forms the core guideline of it. Commercial interior design is no different.

We create any interior space such that we curate the ease, experience, and emotion of the user as we intend it to be. That doesn’t mean just the layout or the macro aspects of the design – but down to the simplest elements that might even seem inconsequential to an untrained eye.

And here is where Biophilic design makes its mark and significance.

What is Biophilic Design?

As we can see from studies and even throughout the history of traditions and practices, we human beings have an innate and intuitive drive toward nature. This love that is inscribed in our DNA is what is referred to as Biophilia and is, in essence, the principle of biophilic design. 

The elements of nature can influence our emotions as well as our sensory perceptions – our health, mood, and even productivity. Considering the biophilic tendency to use natural aspects to curate a suitable environment is the goal of biophilic design.

Through design, we incorporate aspects of the natural world—such as wood and stone—as well as features like water, vegetation, and natural light into manufactured environments. 

Design strategies that promote the use of natural systems and processes enhance health and well-being by providing opportunities for exposure to nature. 

There are several potential advantages, such as lower blood pressure, higher activity in our neural systems, and decreased variability and pulse rates of the heart.

Implementing Biophilic Design

Now that we have looked at what the principle is, let us consider the execution of it. 

How can we bring nature into our spaces?

To begin with, let us consider the most probable guess – Indoor plants. 

Even though the more recognizable reason is visual appeal, plants present a measurable impact on human well-being as well.

Research conducted across the world proves that workplaces with plant elements show heightened levels of well-being, productivity, and creativity amongst employees, as opposed to those who work in environments without natural elements. 

Additionally, plants have been shown to improve interior acoustics and reduce absenteeism by cleansing the air of harmful pollutants.

What comes after plants? 

Water, of course!

Even though water is not the first thing one will think of in terms of interior design- biophilic or otherwise, it does hold relevance by improving our lives – physiologically and psychologically.

Being in, on, or around water can make one happier, more productive, and more present in the moment. But water is not something you commonly find in workspaces except for maybe an aquarium. 

This is why a whole branch of architecture, named aquaculture, has become important lately- to bring water where one can perceive it while in coherence with the infrastructure, its purpose, and aesthetics. 

We have more obvious ways to incorporate nature and practice biophilic design, Such as utilizing natural light and providing uninterrupted views of nature.

It is not at all surprising that a person enjoying a beautiful view of a garden or scenery is more emotionally charged than someone staring out at views of the tops of buildings and busy roads. 

The serenity is not simply out there but within ourselves, and that drives creativity like nothing else.

To know that such prospective views bring a sense of security, pleasure, and contentment- we have to look no further than in the case of any hotel or resort. It is a known fact that demand is always higher for a room with a scenic view, and people are always ready to pay more to secure the same.

When it comes to lighting, we have always heard the need to let in the sun and have been encouraged to ensure everything from homes to offices does the same. 

Indeed, it’s easier on the eye and mind, but does the reason run deeper?

Biological studies show that the staticity of artificial lighting throws our circadian rhythm out of sync, and utilizing further natural light can help regulate immune function, body temperature, hormonal activity, and sleep cycles.

So the next time you come across large windows, skylights, or clerestory windows, you know they are there for a bigger purpose.

Finally, the most subtle of biophilic design practice – organic shapes and colors.

In nature, we don’t often find rigid, perfectly geometric shapes. Instead, we find fractal patterns – identical repeating patterns like the hives, scales, tree branches, or even snowflakes. 

Aside from the purposes these patterns often carry by laws of physics and science, they also offer an emotional intent when replicated. They create a sense of familiarity in us that makes us feel calmer and less stressed.

And, as for biophilic colors – the organic palettes of nature aren’t limited to shades of green, but they have blues, yellows, and earthy tones ranging far along the spectrum.

Other than being aesthetically pleasing, these colors also produce emotional response in the perceiver. Each color induces a certain psychological response, the color theory helps us choose palettes specific to our space and its purpose. 

The exact concepts of color theory run beyond the scope of this edition, so stay tuned to the next edition of The Interior View to learn more.

To Conclude

In an increasingly mechanized and artificially enhanced world, Biophilic Design encourages connection with human needs and emotions and promotes a more ergonomic style of creation.

With these multisensory designs, we are able to connect to a vast range of people of all ages and backgrounds. 

The biophilic design approach, very evidently, improves the productivity, creativity, and wellness of the users. Beyond these advantages, we also have the potential to accelerate recovery through stress reduction and creative enhancement.

To cut a long story short- With biophilic interior design, we create a space that is a living extension of us. 

One that allows us to live, work, and be merry as one with nature.

A space that honors and drives from our origin and its environment.

The post Biophilic Design: Bringing Nature Indoors in Commercial Spaces appeared first on LLOYD DESIGN FIT-OUTS.

You choose something that suits the situation you are going to be in, according to the function you would perform that day, and based on how you want to be perceived as well.

This idea of dressing according to the occasion is not simply limited to our styling but is also equally applicable to styling our spaces.

What is Color Psychology in Interior Design?

When we come across a vibrant and playful space with cartoon murals and cute illustrations, our mind immediately goes to a kids’ playroom or a classroom. We don’t see that and think it is the office of a stockbroker or a banker. 

Or imagine a funky, neon space with modern fixings and abstract decor. It is undoubtedly not a hospital. Even if it were, you are less likely to visit that particular hospital twice. 

Anyway, you get the idea. 

A space is dressed to cater to its purpose, mood, and target audience. The most simple and essential way to go about this is by using the appropriate colors and tones to set the stage.

This school of thought in interior design, where colors are utilized to emphasize the mood and ambiance of a space, is what we refer to as color psychology.

It is a powerful tool that can make or break your space. Quite literally.

Therefore, it’s crucial to think about the kind of environment you want to create and which colors will assist you in achieving it when choosing your colors because different tints induce different feelings.

Using Colors To Set The Stage

Extensive research into the behavior of colors, as well as the behavioral influence they have on us, has been going on for several centuries now. 

As a result of this, we now have a clearer idea of what specific emotions are associated with each color, hue, and tone.

So, how exactly do we identify and implement this knowledge to create the optimal ambiance?

Let us consider some of the standard colors and the influence they bring to the table

Red

As the most intense color, it denotes ambition, vigor, and power, as well as raises the energy of the room and gets the adrenaline pumping. 

The stimulating qualities of red make it suitable for home offices and creative spaces. It is bold and deep and can create quite the first impression.

Blue

Blue, one of the most robust colors in the color psychology spectrum, is thought to lower blood pressure and slow the heart rate and breathing. 

Deep, striking colors are associated with qualities like loyalty, trust, peace, and success and are good at fostering a sense of confidence. 

This color is often suggested for areas where you want to create a relaxing atmosphere because it is thought to be peaceful and serene. 

Yellow

Yellow is a cheerful color that reflects the sun’s warmth.

 It’s a fantastic option to create bright and hospitable spaces. Using golden hues can light up even the gloomiest corners. 

But it must be the correct shade of yellow, though, as too bright yellow can be agitating, and too dull yellow can be equally sickening.

Green

Similar to blue and yellow, which are among their primary hues, green has a natural feel to it and is a favorite color for interior design. 

A sense of freshness, growth, and vitality can be imparted by this color, making it feel revitalizing. 

As observed in biophilic design, green is a color that many people like because it makes them feel safe and secure.

Orange

Orange is said to stimulate creativity.

 If the shade is as vibrant as the fruit, its warmth could give you more energy. It encourages happiness and can be hospitable to guests, just like yellow. 

It also looks good in any spaces where yellow would be appropriate.

Purple

From depth and creativity to fantasy and nobility, purple is linked to a variety of positive emotions. 

It exudes a sense of grandeur and luxury, giving it a genuine presence. You can place it in your hallway to wow visitors right away.

Neutrals

The interior designer’s color scheme must include hues like black, grey, white, and brown.

 Their versatility is their most significant asset; add color to make things more vibrant or take it out for a more subdued look.

Grey is a color that can evoke feelings of security and tranquility and can be either warm or cool. 

Black’s neutrality gives it a reliable quality and produces an elegance that evokes drama, mystery, and power. Although it may seem stark, the color black can also mean power, refinement, and elegance. 

White goes well with the majority of other colors and is a symbol of goodness and purity. It is also very good at expanding and opening up small spaces, which can help you feel more at ease and relaxed.

However, a vast subject, such as color psychology, cannot be summarized in the definitions of just six or seven colors.

 It is much more complex than that.

For example, we mentioned that while certain shades of yellow make you feel warm and joyful, some make you feel sick. Similarly, while the right amount of black is robust, beyond a limit, it is dark and almost symbolizes death.

While colors themselves evoke certain emotions, their individual properties can further refine their impact. 

Adding white creates calming tints, while black makes for sophisticated shades. 

Graying things down with tones offers a balanced feel. 

Value affects spaciousness, with light colors opening up a room and dark ones creating intimacy. 

Saturation controls vibrancy, with bold tones offering energy and muted ones bringing calm. 

Finally, chroma, the pure color untouched by variations, provides intensity for focal points or pops of color. 

You can design environments that are both aesthetically pleasing and emotionally impactful by being aware of these nuances. 

Conclusion

In interior design, color is not just about the aesthetics. 

It’s a strong force that can affect our well-being in addition to affecting emotions and moods. 

Through an understanding of color psychology, you can open up new design possibilities and create environments that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also naturally uplifting and welcoming.

Remember, the secret is to know the subtleties of each color and its characteristics. Every color has a story to tell, whether it’s the energizing energy of a vivid orange or the soothing serenity of a pastel blue.

 You can design a space that genuinely reflects your brand and inspires inspiration, joy, and serenity by paying attention to these little details of color and incorporating them into your design narrative.

So, harness the power of color psychology and start converting your interior spaces into vivid representations of the intended feelings and experiences. 

With each stroke of color, countless opportunities are just waiting to be discovered.

The post The Science of Seeing: Influence of Color Psychology In Interior Design appeared first on LLOYD DESIGN FIT-OUTS.