Sometimes, the science behind the art of interior design is overlooked. For years, television and other media have portrayed designers as bored, done-up ladies who think they have a knack for matching drapes with furniture. We wanted to clear up some of the misconceptions that have resulted from this negative stigma by explaining how interior design is an important aspect of creating a purposeful and comfortable space for retailers and businesses.

It’s not unusual for people to confuse decorating with interior design, however there are many differences between the two professions. When learning how to become an interior designer, people realize it entails much more than coordinating decorations, and as such, the terms should not be used interchangeably. Interior design is both a science and an art; it’s a method through which both functionality and feel come into play. It is a profession that moves far beyond visual decor to encompass systematic and coordinated methodology in order to create spaces that satisfy the practical and cultural needs of the occupants.

Some of the things interior designers must consider when working with businesses are:
How to make the space comfortable, functional and appropriate for the brand
The overall purpose of the space. Is the goal to get people to purchase something, talk to employees, hang out, or something else?
The mood that you want to set and convey to your audience, appropriate colors, style of furniture, and décor to match the brand

How Businesses Can Benefit from Interior Designers

Interior designers are an excellent resource for businesses that are interested in optimizing their space to best suit their needs, both in terms of functionality and appeal. Some of the ways interior designers can help businesses are by designing offices, creating retail spaces and designing other marketing elements through which consumers come into contact with the brand.

Designing Functional Office Spaces

A well thought out office design is important for a productive business. Interior designers are an excellent resource for business seeking to create an environment that not only represents the culture of the company, but also addresses their needs in terms of layout and the way the employees operate on a daily basis.

Creating Strategic Retail Spaces

The layout and atmosphere of a retail store strongly influences the customer experience and ultimately their purchase decisions. Interior designers take into consideration the purpose of the store (i.e. what the brand is selling and how customers will interact with the products) and the brand personality to create a unique experience in which customers feel encouraged to make a purchase.

Designing Creative Marketing Spaces

Interior designers can also help businesses design other spaces to best suit their needs. One example of this is designing trade show displays for businesses to optimize functionality when they attend events. Creativity and logically designed space are paramount for businesses at trade shows, which are areas that interior designers can assist in.

Interior Design Today

Today’s designers are a versatile and hardworking resource for businesses in several aspects. Interior design today is the art and science of understanding people’s behaviors and then applying that knowledge to create functional spaces. If you’re interested in learning more about pursuing an education in interior design, we invite you to visit Domus Academy School of Design at NewSchool to find out about our globally-focused Interior Design program.