Commercial or Residential, Interior space has power! Interior space has tremendous impact on how we feel — up or down moods, incentive maintenance — and probably dozens of other aspects of our emotions and our “mental set!”
When a prospective client first meets with a competent Interior Design team, they begin to present the elements of the Interior they envision. That team becomes alert to understanding exactly what that prospect’s expectations will be for the Interior space they want designed.
One might say that the role of any defined space is one of delivering on the promise of expectations!
Remember the old western movies where the “doctor” went from town to town peddling a “magic Elixir” — that would cure anything from the hiccups to malaise to a broken heart? The power of suggestion and the belief of the customer drove the measure of success that could be expected! (If only wishing could make it so!)
Thankfully, your professional Interior design team is not made up of horse buggy charlatans! But the promise to fulfill your stated expectations is surely as intense as that of those bygone innocent believers in a magic cure for anything!
Whether it is an employee break room or a cozy den in your home, your Interior design team is charged with the challenge to deliver promises. One promise of such Interior space is to — indeed — be the Elixir that delivers peace, quiet, respite and renewal!
When was the last time you dropped in on the “staff lounge” or “break room” that you provide for your employees? Was it to get another ream of copy paper or a roll of that other paper for the bathroom — because it really isn’t a staff lounge? Is it that small space in the back of the store or offices that houses the coffee pot, miscellaneous supplies, the excess inventory and the plumber’s friend? (Oh…and a couple of folding chairs, a cluttered bridge table and outdated mags?)
At home, has your intended “den” or get-away retreat become the catchall for the vacuum cleaner, the case goods, and the summer toys? (…the garage is full.) Has the bedroom become the place you turn to when you just need alone time, peace and quiet and a chance to finish that book or play a video game?
Well, ouch! Definitely a need for some magic Elixir — the kind that really works!
The Elixir analogy (I hope) will serve to address the important role you and your team have when it comes to understanding exactly what is authentic and possible within your expectations for restorative retreats. Your Interior design team will help you take a hard and realistic look at the areas within your particular Interior space that you want dedicated to “break time” — personal within your home Interior, or Commercial, within your business facility.
To successfully deliver any level of “renewal,” — recharging the batteries of incentive and motivation — the interior space dedicated to the purpose must contain a good dose of real Elixir!
Employee proficiency and efficiency are closely tied to their perceptions of how their employer values them. “Break” rooms that are cluttered, windowless, under-maintained and uncomfortable send an obvious message!
Typically, the remedies can be quite simple! Your Interior design experts know how to turn dedicated — though limited — space into environments that send a much better message to staff: relax, breathe, re-charge your energy, because we appreciate you! Think about it.
At home, retreat is also a very important component to a balanced life. The demands of business, labor, family and community too often leave little discretionary time. Having a dedicated space for pausing can go a long way toward the balance we all strive for. Think about it.
Robert Boccabella, B.F.A. is principal and founder of Business Design Services and a certified interior designer (CID) in private practice for over 30 years. Boccabella provides Designing to Fit the Vision© in collaboration with writingservice@earthlink.net. To contact him call 707-263-7073; email him at rb@BusinessDesignServices.com or visit www.BusinessDesignServices.com or on Face Book at Business Design Services.
