Mindful Design Consulting Newsletter (May 2011) Latest Trends In Commercial Interior

I have to be truthful, when I saw the color of the year for 2011, I was a bit skeptical of its application. But seeing other designers bravely and skillfulness using it, I started liking it more and more. Take a look at this creative bank design in Paris. Not only do the colors of the space bring cheerful feelings to its visitors, the honeycombed ceiling and surrounding mirrors also create an almost Disney-like movie set atmosphere in this space.

Several designers implemented Honeysuckle color of 2011 year for their carpeting, furniture, accent walls or light fixtures. To learn more about why this color was chosen to be a color of 2011 year click HERE.

If you have been to some of the trendiest shops and restaurants around the world, they are all missing sharp corners. Their designs are usually very rounded and flowing following organic shapes, which are more natural to us as humans. Windows, doors, frames and lighting fixtures all have liquid smoothness and feel.

This elegant and sophisticated jewelry store Octium is located in Kuwait. To see more images of the store HERE.

Other designers take it even further with the flowing shapes which transform into useful ergonomically design elements.

3. Going White

Another current trend in retail store design and in architecture: creating a distinctive contrast of a white background with bright colors of the product itself and/or small pieces of furniture and distinctive design elements. Take a look at this new dessert store. Theurel & Thomas is one of the first patisseries in Mexico specializing in French macaroons. White was selected here as a base for creating a contrast with the bright colors of the macaroons. White in this case has also created a light, spacious and almost heavenly feeling in the space itself. The designer was trying to create “an enlightened space with an exclusivity and elegant atmosphere.”

The same "white" trend is being followed by the store Camper in Tokyo. Even the images on the walls have a white background with the brightly colored products being a main focal point.

To see more images of the Store Camper click HERE

4. Accent Walls Transformed

I am so happy to see that our boring one color accent walls have become something a bit more interesting and exciting! Different shades of wallpapers are back and are being used in unexpected places inside of restaurants, offices or in our homes.

Even kitchen objects are being utilized to create interesting wall finishes at coffee shops and restaurants. Take a look at these cans stacked into the slick-looking steel walls. What a great idea!

Wall imaging is another popular element in contemporary commercial interior design. The images can be applied by an artist by hand or printed on any type of a substrate such as vinyl or canvas and applied to a wall.

5. Living Walls

I remember when Patric Blank took my breath away by applying plants on a famous Jean Nouvel building in Paris, the Musée du Quai Branly. No longer are green living walls a novelty! In fact, you can get your local installer right here in San Diego to put a live green wall in your office, restaurant, and any other business or home!

And if a Green Wall is too much to handle for you right now, placing backlit images of greenery will also do a visual trick like in this office below. Green plants promote health; and even seeing green plant prints will add some balance in the hectic workday of an office.

If you missed it, read our newsletter on How Happiness has become a new Trend in Commercial Interiors

If you would like to learn more about how to brand your business, read this book - "Branding By Interior" by Ekaterina Kohlwes