7 Ways To Maximise Your Interior Space in a Commercial Fitout

Maximising your space is more important now than ever – from pandemic space restrictions to encouraging productivity in redesigned spaces and whilst ensuring you’re getting the most bang for your buck – but how do you actually make the most of your interior space?

Don’t worry, we’ve got you – the experts at Total Fitouts can help you design your dream commercial interior space. These creative interior tips and tricks are just some of the ways we’ll help to maximise your space in your commercial fitout:

1. Make the most of windows and natural light

Nothing beats natural light. Not only is it good for the mood of your team and productivity levels, it makes a space brighter and more airy which gives the impression of a bigger space.

When planning your layout, think about where your windows are and where the natural light comes in. Make the most of the light you have – don’t position an area that rarely gets used where the best light is.

However, ensure you’re factoring the direction the windows face into your design. If your windows are west-facing, it may get too hot or too bright in the afternoon sun, particularly in summer.

Total Fitouts Auckland South Director Ian Leppard, explains: “You want north facing windows. But if you’re west facing, make use of the light but put the window high so it doesn’t get too hot or too bright.”

2. Use mirrors and a focal point

To create the illusion of depth and space, pick a focal point and angle your mirrors toward it. By drawing the eye to a key element – an area, feature wall, piece of art or creative piece of furniture – it creates a welcoming space and a natural flow that gives the impression of space.

How does it work? Mirrors reflect light – natural and artificial – to make a room feel brighter. Brighter spaces feel more open and airy. It doesn’t just have to be mirrors on the wall – table tops or cabinet doors work too.

“Mirrors also help carry colours and design elements across a space – it creates a harmonious and balanced space without any effort” says Ian.

3. Choose the right colours and lighting

Colour and lighting affects not only the space, but the people in the space.

Light paint colours have the same effect as natural light – they make a room brighter and feel more open and airy – as light-coloured walls are more reflective.

Opt for colours and soft tones like:

  • Off-white
  • Creams
  • Neutrals like beige
  • Light blues and greens

Same goes for your lighting – consider the colour of your light globes and match it to the purpose of your space. If you don’t have much natural light, your lighting is even more crucial as you want to ensure you’re using lighting fixtures that illuminate the entire space.

Use warm or cool lights to give the impression of natural light. “Cool lights are best for anything clinical or offices where people need to concentrate. While warm lights are ideal for restaurants as it helps make people feel hungry” recommends Ian.

“Some downlights now come with a switch inside them so that you can change from cool to warm light without having to change the globe – perfect for multi-purpose spaces.”

4. Find creative storage solutions

All offices and commercial space need storage – but if space is limited, don’t waste precious square footage on large, chunky cabinets and shelves. Get creative and find some out-of-the-storage-box ideas.

For example:

  • Tailor shelves into empty spaces rather than buying pre-made units
  • Turn empty, unused or wasted spaces into storage – under stairs, in nooks,
  • Find spots to use as cubby holes
  • Use floating shelves on walls or around doorways to save on ground space
  • Opt for vertical shelving units that go up the wall, rather than horizontally which uses more floor space

Ian suggests “offsetting the walls – it’s a smart and creative way to create space for storage.”

Every space is unique – look for the opportunities in your space or chat to your local shopfitter to get some creative suggestions.

5. Create dynamic spaces

The more multi-purpose a space is, the better. Spaces that can serve more than one function – breakout spaces, meeting and dining spaces, etc – are likely to be used more and ensure you’ll be able to adapt to the business’ needs.

“When designing your spaces make them fluid and you’ll always be able to adapt and make the most of your space, even as your needs change” recommends Ian.

7. Invest in movable furniture

Following on from dynamic spaces, why not make your furniture dynamic too?

As more businesses opt for hot desk, digital and paperless office solutions – which means less ‘stuff’ – it also presents the opportunity for multi-purpose furniture.

For example:

  • Get fold-out tables or desks on wheels that can be moved around
  • Stackable chairs
  • Workstations that can combined into single or shared workspaces

In regards to COVID-19 and movable spaces, Ian advises: “Design for full capacity but make it fluid and adaptable so that when restrictions – hopefully! – ease, you don’t have to re-design your space. You don’t want to limit yourself with locked in structures for limited numbers.”

8. Reduce clutter

Clutter is the easiest way to make a space feel full and crowded. Recycle, throw out or repurpose whatever you don’t need or use – it’ll be cathartic as well as help productivity.

Ian endorses decluttering: “Prioritising is key – what actually matters and what do you just want for the sake of it? Focus on what you need for your space to be successful and what will matter over time. Where do you want to be in 2, 3 or 5 years? Consider your growth and manifest it through your space!”

Ask yourself: what do we really need in this space to help us achieve our goals? And then chat to one of our shopfitting experts to discuss your fitout project. We have qualified Designers for each of our teams and can manage your project from concept to completion.