Lobby Interior Design: How to make a good first impression for Corporate Offices, Hotels and Entrances

If buildings were living beings, then the reception area would be their stretch for a handshake to the visitors that walk in. Swanky lounges and plush lobbies do their part in projecting a sense of warmth and welcome to the first-time visitor. And if the building were a Hotel or a Corporate Office then the importance of the entrance cannot be underestimated.

If you would step into any well-known hotel or office building in city areas such as KLCC or Bangsar the first thing you would experience is the Lobby. A lobby’s interior design signifies and reflects the personality of the organisation and hence it should be appealing in design and functional at the same time.

Besides leaving a good first impression a lobby with the right amenities and services can also play its part in attracting more business and clientele.

So, how can an organization make the most out of this opportunity? Let’s find out….

The Development Decides the Design

Properties are developed and decorated with the consumer in mind. While a hotel must appeal its best to the traveller, an office building should cater to the needs of the office goer or the visitor for business. Hence, a lobby’s interior design must flex according to the nature of the business. Let us dwell deeper into the nuances of lobby interior design where it is key….for hotels and corporate offices.

Hotel Lobby Design

The hotel lobby is the first area one interacts with when visiting a hotel be it for leisure or for business. Hotel management must pay special attention to the design of the lobby and waiting areas. These should make guests feel welcomed with their space, aesthetics and ambience. It should of course include the traditional check-in desk, a waiting area and a concierge stand. The lobby should also be able to serve as a quick social get-together with seats, sofas and tables.

The design strategy of the Lobby

The design thinking should obviously centre around the needs of the guest. Different hotels may serve different classes of travellers. Is it a business hotel where guests would need high-speed internet access and printing facilities? Or are most of the guests on their leisure / romantic getaway looking for a place to relax and enjoy their time? These questions determine the type of hotel and hence its design structure.

Size of the Lobby

Guest behaviour has changed with the times with lesser hours spent in the rooms and more in the lobby. New developments now have a bigger communal space that offers added amenities and these can also provide revenue opportunities thru retail shops and F & B such as a café or kiosks. This has led to a change in the way hotel lobbies are designed.

Style and Furnishings

From deluxe sofas and chairs wherein guests can relax to ergonomic desk areas designed to give a quick and productive working place; it is important that the furniture is chosen not only to improve the style of the lobby but also its functionality.

Office Lobby Design

An office lobby can play a big role in providing a positive work environment through space planning. Surely, the purpose and expectations have evolved over time. Traditionally lobbies were only known to have a reception desk and were primarily used as a control area for visitor management. However, corporate offices now make lobbies a place where people are able to socialize, make plans and prepare for the workday. In other words, from a waiting area to a common area concept.

Lobbies and Work Performance

With mobile and wireless technology allowing us to work from virtually anywhere, the lobby is one such place where impromptu or planned meetings can be conducted. So, incorporating natural elements such as daylight, ventilation and plants in the Lobby can boost work performance and promote healthier vibes. Other elements such as the availability of food and beverages, wi-fi and easy-to-access charging points make the lobby more work-friendly.

Lobbies as Branding Ambassadors

A lobby can also do its part for a company’s brand image. It is the first thing a visitor or a potential employee sees when they walk into the building. Thus, the lobby interiors make a big impact on first impressions. The organization can convey its branding through the design of the lobby. This could be in the form of displaying the logo/slogan in a prominent location; customising flooring or carpets with the company’s livery; or displaying photos, signages, and wall hangings to showcase the brand. The colour and décor can of course match the brand colours and aesthetics. This helps accomplish continual branding.

Be it a hotel, hospital or office building a lobby can be considered a staging area where function meets design. Visitors and guests make their first impression of the establishment as soon as they enter the lobby. Thus, it is important to plan your lobby appropriately to make them feel welcomed and at ease. We hope the above helps you achieve that objective.