What do people observe the moment they step inside a building? How the lobby is designed inside. It is important not only for what takes place there, but for what happens after that as well. What technique do you use to tell a story through a lobby without using words? Which styles also serve their intended purpose?
In this piece, I’ll break down what creates a successful lobby design—from its first moments to its simplest lights. I’ll help you decide on furniture, figure out the best layout, choose suitable materials and use design ideas that improve these essential rooms. If your goal is to design a lobby people will never forget, read this guide to learn important design tips.
Grand Entrances That Leave a Lasting Impression
How a lobby is designed at the entrance reveals the quality of the visitor’s experience. I usually begin with the door whenever I design the interior of a lobby. If possible, the entrance should really stand out, including with high vaulted ceilings, rooms that open into one another and paths that attract the eye. It’s important that the space is open and leads nicely into the main lobby.
I tend to choose extra large doors and luxury items such as brass handles and marble columns for this room. Also, I always add an entry mat that shows my company’s style or a unique tile design to anchor people as soon as they walk inside. When you enter, a tall piece of sculpture or beautiful flowers signals what’s to come.
I’ve noticed that clients are greatly changed by the impact of a grand entrance on visitor and brand perception. According to Architectural Digest, a small change at the entrance can make a space look much more luxurious. That’s something I’ve noticed in every project I’ve worked on.
You might benefit from adjustments that create a stronger link between what is outside versus inside. Suppose the lobby includes large glass doors, so you can clearly see what’s inside from the outside.
Welcoming Reception Desks That Define First Impressions
How a reception desk is designed will set the atmosphere in any lobby. I plan for these to be easy to use, at the heart of things and look stylish. It needs to be where a guest can see it quickly, without getting in the way. I also make sure to use the correct lighting and backdrop so the desk is presented nicely.
Surfaces such as natural wood, polished concrete and quartz give both lasting strength and an attractive appearance. Drawn corners tend to look gentler and backlit signs are great for making your brand stand out. A comfortable chair for each of your office workers is necessary. Work desks look better with dimension added by a colorful or patterned wall.
I’ve noticed that in many cases, the importance of a reception area is overlooked. But when they’re done right, users instantly feel comfortable using them. There was an article in Forbes that stated receptionists are really brand ambassadors and I still think of this often.
One way to make the idea better is to build tablets into the tables and create built-in charging ports. Such innovations strengthen both the appearance and performance of a product.
Open Layout Concepts for Airy and Spacious Lobbies
Planning out a lobby layout always leads me to choose an open and comfortable design. Open layouts make you feel comfortable and welcoming. Usually, I take out extra partitions and position smartly placed furniture to separate areas. Having big rugs and sets of lights anywhere people wait helps to set off the seating areas from the passage.
The types of furniture you choose matter a lot. To make the space more interesting, I use underlying seating choices like modular sofas, open-legged accent chairs and thin coffee tables. Using small movable planters between rooms helps separate areas without filling the floors. From every spot in the room, people must be able to see clearly.
As far as I’m concerned, an open layout tends to make the space more practical and attracts more people. A lobby shouldn’t be difficult to move around in. When I helped a Chicago co-working space become more open-plan, the area noticed a 20% increase in keeping clients—that’s because they felt more comfortable after the change.
It’s also important to mention acoustic treatment for good recordings. Because open spaces can be quite noisy, adding wall panels or acoustic baffles is a smart way to promote peacefulness.
Incorporating Natural Light Into Lobby Spaces
Natural light is the best way to make a lobby both vibrant and healthy. I put it at the top of my list when starting any design work. Having skylights and big windows brightens up everything in the space. It not only removes coldness from areas but also helps lower your electricity bill through the day.
Where possible, I believe you should have floor-to-ceiling windows. They reduce the brightness a little and soften any light coming in. Polished stones and terrazzo type flooring help reflect the brightness down the length of the room. I place seating areas near windows whenever possible to make them much more pleasant.
Based on experience, I find that my clients gravitate toward the brighter parts of the lobby because it’s what comes naturally to people. Interior Design Magazine studies show that more light makes people stay in a commercial building for longer. That’s wonderful news for any business that needs to interact with the public.
I’d decorate this area with either potted trees or vertical gardens around the window to boost the natural feeling and make air quality better.
Art Installations as Focal Points in Lobby Design
I think art installations help initiate discussions. When put on purpose in a lobby, they become both beautiful to see and representative of your brand’s cultural side. Whether it’s a sculpture, a mural, or digital artwork, a focal point changes how people remember the space.
In the projects I love most, I put large sculptures or organized gallery walls at the focus. It’s important to me to collaborate with local artists to feature our region in the architecture. Putting the art on a pedestal, using custom lights or surrounding it with textured panels makes a difference. I consider scale carefully, since small art is easily lost in a large lobby.
Many people tell me the installations make their lobbies suitable for Instagram photos. Based on Elle Décor, introducing art in commercial spaces boosts people’s feelings and draws more customers.
I’d like to see interactive displays or exhibits that can be updated regularly to make the space exciting all year long.
Creating Balance With Symmetrical Lobby Arrangements
Having symmetry in a room helps your senses feel relaxed and brings everything together. Using symmetrical patterns is a frequent way for me to set up large lobbies and show that they are well structured. Whether it’s furniture placement, lighting design, or decor alignment, balance is key.
I opt for equally styled lounge chairs alongside a focal coffee table, two lamps of the same kind sidelines an internal doorway or evenly spaced artwork arranged along the length of a wall. Flooring designs can be symmetrical too such as herringbone wood or checkerboard tiles. They ensure the room is calm and harmonious.
It’s clear to me that balanced lobby design is most appropriate for hotels, law firms and museums. It demonstrates that you care about your career. Many times, Architectural Digest points out that a design stays memorable if it uses symmetry.
A different touch you might try is putting a slightly taller piece of decor on one side, to prevent the room from looking too straight.
Statement Lighting Fixtures for Modern Appeal
Lighting is really about much more than providing light, it serves as a design language too. I tend to pick dramatic and modern statement pieces for the lobby’s lighting. The mood of a place is usually set by the type of lighting used, from the moment a person enters.
On most projects, I tend to use fixtures made from brass, glass or a matte black metal finish. With high ceilings, it’s best to use huge pendant lights. I use more than one type of light by adding overhead lights, sconces and floor lamps. It keeps the lobby bright and interesting at any time of day visitors may arrive.
A corporate assignment stands out to me because one chandelier ended up representing the brand. That’s how much lighting design can impact our surroundings. A similar project mentioned by Dezeen shows how simply changing the lighting hours after renovation could transform the look of a bank.
I’d recommend adding more smart technology such as LED lights that turn on and off by movement and adjust their color temperature during the day for mood and health.
Color Palettes That Evoke Warmth and Sophistication
Getting the right color palette is essential for good lobby interior design. Colors immediately bring certain emotions to the environment. Color palettes that have warm neutrals, light earthy tones and deep accents usually appeal to me because they look expensive and calm. They encourage people to feel comfortable without being too much for them.
Often, I find that using warm beige, taupe or soft gray as a base for wall and large space coverings works best for me. After that, I bring in stronger colors such as forest green, navy or rust using furniture covers or artwork. Brass lamps, decorated wood and velvet pillows all bring a different feel to any space. The mood can be changed by choosing the color for the ceiling.
For me, the time I’ve spent redesigning spaces has shown that neutrals work best when paired with just a little hint of variety. At a recent boutique hotel, I chose soft charcoal walls and caramel leather seating to yield a space that feels modern as well as classic. House Beautiful says that using darker colors on an accent wall along with lighter shades can bring a touch of luxury to a public space.
Let me also add that altering the color scheme in your pillows and artwork can make the feel of your room more current with the seasons.
Functional and Stylish Waiting Areas
People spending time in well-designed lobby waiting areas need places that are nice to use, appealing to the eyes and convenient to navigate. I design these spaces so that guests can relax comfortably, but are not isolated from the rest of the restaurant. The design should be for immediate use and support easy movement around the area.
My favorite style is to place groupings of chairs or small sofas together, while making sure side tables are easy to reach. Adding low bookshelves, some reading materials or calm music or visuals that play quietly can make the room feel better. I always make sure the lighting isn’t too dim or too bright, so everyone is comfortable.
I am frequently told that waiting spaces improve the overall atmosphere when they are designed and arranged like luxurious lounges. A New York Times story explains how by considering waiting spaces, both hotels and clinics experience a boost in customer retention.
Why not have a station for water, tea or coffee if you’re having guests wait longer? It can help them feel valued and taken care of.
Using Texture to Add Depth and Personality
A boring, uninteresting space is never friendly. So, I always include texture in every design—it’s the quickest way to bring attention and depth to the lobby. Every type of texture can enhance the way a space looks and feels.
I don’t always separate things by style or surface finish. Whether you use wooden slats or 3D wall tiles for paneling, the effect is both interesting and warm. Floors can be textured too; I like to suggest tiles that are large and irregular or colored pieces of terrazzo.
Clients are often surprised by how adding or changing a texture a bit can transform the whole space. Elle Décor shared that strong lobbies delight the senses without becoming visually overwhelming and I couldn’t agree more.
If I had to pick one thing to stress, it would be having a physical experience. Remember to consider not only how pleasing a room looks, but also how it feels to actually touch it. Place furniture or materials like boucle or ribbed panels, as they encourage in-person contact.
Vertical Design Elements for Height and Elegance
Even when there’s little floor space, I still make a point to look up. Vertical pieces help make a picture more interesting and impressive. They have the effect of focusing attention upwards, making a room seem more stylish and tall.
Tall panels on the walls, hanging gardens, high window drapes and thin light lamps all look great in here. Often, I design a space with tall bookshelves or architectural points like slats or columns to make the space feel taller. I am also drawn to art that points upwards such as totems and spiky wall sculptures.
During my work on the lobby of a corporate space in San Francisco, I became aware of just how important creating spaces vertically is. Once we installed wood fins all along one wall, the whole space felt much more spacious. Another instance similar to this design won praise worldwide due to using vertical repetition.
Should I take this another step, I would add dynamic vertical lightings which would shift light up and down and support the movement and experience of the visitor.
Minimalist Lobby Designs With Maximum Impact
A lobby doesn’t have to be overly fancy to make a good impression. Often, minimalist design really stands out when it is successful. I stick to designing with little embellishment, neutral color palettes and individually curated pieces. All parts need to mean something and add to the overall design.
Most of the time, I pick furniture made of modules, with hardware that is hidden, floating shelves and partitions that use thin, strong glass. Most of the palette consists of polished concrete, wood veneers and matte ceramics. You choose just one significant piece of art and keep greenery to one accent tree or flower vase.
You will find minimalist spaces are a good fit for office buildings and wellness centers. A spa lobby I worked on proved that minimal design made the area calmer, as people reported they relaxed immediately after entering. Dwell Magazine makes it clear that a minimalist lobby isn’t dull, as long as its design highlights form, balance and function.
When necessary, one could add acoustic panels that coordinate with the look or add hidden tech such as lighting or retractable messages, to maintain a clean design.
High-End Materials That Elevate the Lobby Aesthetic
You need to pick top-quality materials if you wish to show luxury without uttering a single word. No matter what design style, I always tell clients to select a central piece that will define the character of the room—whether it’s a wall finish, flooring or a focal piece like a custom sofa.
I really like using travertine stone, walnut wood, brushed brass, smoked glass and occasionally onyx for accents. I select leather or boucle for furniture material and decorate the structure with shiny metal. These custom pieces using stone for desks clearly highlight the extravagance of the setting.
One hotel lobby using Calacatta marble for its feature wall still surprises visitors, months later. Interior Design Magazine often shares that putting just a touch of luxury in a space can greatly appeal to visitors.
It’s a good idea to mix strong base coatings with high-end finishing materials so you enjoy both their durability and beauty.
Flooring Options That Combine Durability and Design
Lobby flooring has to handle a lot of activity in both senses. The flooring should stand up to wear and tear every day and also help complete the design of the room. I make my decisions on what materials I use depending on what I want to accomplish and how it will be presented.
Porcelain tile stands out in high-traffic areas due to its look of stone, yet it requires very little maintenance. Hardwood and engineered wood add warmth to any space and terrazzo stands out because it is both beautiful and tough. Another thing I like to do is create floor designs that mix elements such as tile edges encompassing stone.
With time, I’ve noticed that suitable flooring helps make the home last longer and influences the layout, leading footsteps and connecting parts of the house design. We used patterned tile in a public library to direct attention to various seating zones. Architectural Digest usually covers lobbies whose flooring alone shows the true meaning of luxury.
If I was looking to make the building more comfortable, I would add underfloor heating for climate control or try to use recycled material with excellent results.
Indoor Greenery for a Touch of Serenity
I always work on creating a lobby interior that is welcoming and comfortable. Having plants indoors brightens the space and helps to relax you. It’s an essential element for breaking up hard surfaces like stone or metal, and it helps bridge the gap between indoor and outdoor environments. Having greenery in a busy lobby provides great psychological benefits.
For most spaces, I use large potted plants such as fiddle-leaf figs, indoor palms or a garden wall. Planters can be part of a seating area or put along certain structural lines. They improve the lobby decor by attracting attention and keeping guests present.
In the venues I have worked on, clients have repeatedly mentioned that adding plants completely transformed the feel of their lobby. Biophilic design elements are still proving to be important and relevant in buildings of all kinds, as Architectural Digest reports.
I suggest adding a custom planter lit from inside or consider a live moss wall as a backdrop behind your reception to add both beauty and improvement in air quality.
Water Features That Add Movement and Sound
Using a water feature is a great way to make a lobby a quiet and peaceful place to wait. Hearing running water brings a sense of calm into your space and also helps block out background noise. A water feature makes a powerful centerpiece by presenting motion and light that can draw attention easily.
It’s common for me to recommend either setting up a vertical wall fountain next to the reception or having a freestanding circular fountain in the main part of the room. When you add lighting, these installations turn into architectural sculptures. The combination of glass, stone and brushed metal with water helps you achieve a fashionable and modern home.
In one recent project, a unique glass wall feature made a big difference in office energy. Many people said they were refreshed just by stepping into the lobby. Water is often referred to by design experts at Interior Design Magazine as a tool to build a deeper emotional relationship with any space.
You could also try kinetic water installations that respond to movement or lights to give your outdoors a truly modern look.
Blending Technology Seamlessly Into the Space
In today’s connected world, lobby interior design must embrace technology without letting it dominate visually. Whenever possible, technology should be added where it improves how guests feel and experiences and reminds people of how modern the hotel is.
A lot of my work involves connecting hidden cables and using touchscreens directly in custom desks or shelves. Installing digital signage, smart lighting and scent diffusers won’t ruin the serene atmosphere created by your design.
A favorite design integration I have is when a touchscreen concierge was added to the reception of a hotel lobby. Smart technology being used in the design of hotels isn’t a current trend; it’s just normal now, Dezeen points out. It is expected that guests can enjoy both digital services and practical comfort during their stay.
A better version could be AR-powered display panels on walls that highlight nearby attractions, show weather forecasts or present nearby art, all tied in with mobile devices for users to explore.
Designing With Acoustics in Mind for a Peaceful Atmosphere
A very impressive-looking lobby can be brought down by poor sound quality. Having to hear loud noises is both trouble and uncomfortable when the roof is high. As a result, acoustic design must be just as important as looks in spaces like lobbies.
I often begin by judging the surfaces in the room, since sound is reflected by stone, tile and glass. Consider putting up acoustic wall panels, ceiling baffles or thick upholstered furniture to capture the sound in your room. Adding such items as soft couches, rugs and velvet drapes helps reduce noise.
I recently embarked on a project for a company, using ceiling panels that resemble water waves to both minimize echo and help the room stand out. According to the ASID, combining different materials is a top way to address problems with acoustics.
Installing acoustic lighting—like pendant lights made from felt or foam—means you can improve sound and the look of your space with just one item.
Custom Furniture Tailored to Lobby Dimensions
In a lobby, putting custom furniture isn’t meant to make things extra costly—it supports fit, flow and functionality instead. Preset items usually fail to help you use your space best or reflect your company’s look. Using custom furniture means we can suit the design of the building and make sure the space is used wisely.
For grander lobbies, I design extendable seating so that both groups and individuals can use it while keeping their privacy. When made from leather, velvet or performance fabric, seats look stylish and last for a long time. I usually pick furniture that ties into the shape of the space, whether it’s rounded, straight or uneven.
One time, we added movable hexagonal ottomans to the lobby of a tech company as furniture for quick and easy group meetings. Metropolis Magazine points out that flexible furniture is becoming more important in places used for several purposes.
Many times, tables lack USB ports or embedded lighting and both are useful for improving how a table is used and valued.
Branded Elements for a Cohesive Identity
When someone enters the lobby, the brand’s identity ought to be your first priority. Including branding in the lobby interior gives a strong first impression and helps all visitors connect the exterior and interior of the place.
Most of the time, I use personalized wall art, laser-printed logos or use the brand’s specific colors for upholstery and carpeting. You can use the brand’s icons or shapes for reception desks, signage and even ceilings. Repeating certain elements allows individuals to remember the area.
My example is one where I saw the company’s mission statement exist as wooden slats on a wall behind the reception desk. Interiors + Sources reports that well-done branding builds stronger feelings of attachment and trust among clients.
I also think that adding scent branding or LED projections that shift colors can make the presentation more special, depending on the time of day or the current season.
Zoning the Lobby for Multipurpose Functionality
Waiting is just one part of what a lobby interior can do; it’s also designed for various other functions. When a lobby is zoned differently, it can meet each user’s needs for resting, working, talking or checking in without hassle. The use of space in this way improves how easy the site is to use and how happy users feel.
I find that zones can be defined using rugs, lights, furniture positions and types of flooring. A small area for reading might include chairs, a table and spotlights and a private meeting room often uses seats with high backs. Different ceiling heights and changes in materials persuade the viewer to pay attention.
A commercial building I helped design included a café, a business area and a social lounge. Every room was designed with its own kind of lighting and furniture. Industry insiders such as the editors at Work Design Magazine, say that zoning fosters employee engagement and efficient use of space.
Adding movable walls or digital screens lets the lobby change as needed during different times of the day or week.
Marble Accents That Embody Timeless Luxury
Sprinkling marble accents into a lobby makes it look more luxurious and prominent immediately. Marble’s unique features attract attention and make a space look more special than most other materials can. I think it works most impressively in lobbies, especially for residences and hotels that demand an impressive start.
Marble suits me well for enhancing walls, desks at receptions and entry mosaics. Lacquer looks great with brass or gold pieces and gives a clear contrast to anything made from wood or glass. White marble with gray streaks is a tried-and-true choice, but sometimes I go with green, black or pink marble for a fresh look that’s still stylish.
In that downtown project, we designed a marble mural behind the concierge desk that combined art and advertising for our brand. It is not trends that keep marble important in luxury design, but its exceptional beauty and how well it fits into many spaces, Elle Decor says.
You can make this area even better by placing backlit panels of marble or by including marble in places not often used—for example, the walls of an elevator or special display niches.
Glass Features for Transparency and Flow
A primary aim of working on a lobby interior design is to let in as much light and show as much transparency as possible. That’s when we rely on the effect glass has. Frameless glass walls, glass banisters on stairs and glass partitions are all ways that glass can make your space seem more open and look stylish.
I use low-iron glass frequently to prevent green tinting and I add windows with frosted or textured surfaces when I want privacy. With larger lobbies, glass allows each part to remain clear from the other without losing its sense of distinction—great for guiding guests in open design spaces.
I can remember that etched glass with botanical designs was used to split a lounge from a business center. Almost all the responses were good—it kept true to the essence and added design. Interior Design Today claims that adding glass increases both light access and the sense of open space which lifts moods and productivity.
Showing how some materials become smart would be interesting for this section such as the switchable panels where touch buttons switch them from clear to opaque, creating a unique futuristic look with a basic glass.
Wood Finishes for Warmth and Texture
Interior wood finishes are among the best ways to add a cozy feeling to a lobby space. If a building is mainly made of stone and glass, wood adds a sense of balance by adding texture, tone and an interesting touch. It guides how the space is arranged and makes sure guests enjoy an inviting ambiance from the beginning.
My favorite way to use wood is for wall cladding, ceiling beams or in custom wood furniture. Walnut, oak, and ash are among my favorites depending on the mood we’re trying to set—dark tones for formality, light tones for openness. The finish should be matte, semi-gloss or textured based on what other materials are found nearby.
An unforgettable project featured oak slats going from floor to ceiling on a wall, with lighting built right into the fittings. Recently, Dwell highlighted how incorporating texture is key in big lobbies, since wood gives a space interesting details and a change from plain surfaces.
One way to improve this section is to use eco-friendly reclaimed or sustainably cut wood which matches a concern for the environment with style.
Curved Architectural Lines for a Contemporary Touch
Curved elements add a touch of decorative power to a waiting area. They help smooth out the rigid shapes in a space, move the eye throughout and give a sculptural feel that is popular today. Wanting to keep things beautiful and organized, I choose buildings with gentle curves on walls, top surfaces or around seats.
For my previous projects, I created shared desks with curves, broad spiral stairways and wavy entryways. Guests can naturally walk through the exhibit, guided by the different curves. They blend nicely with glass, wood or marble, bringing together both soft movement and strong design features.
I remember a project with a curved soffit on the ceiling, all lit up which made everything seem suspended above us. According to Architectural Record, curved spaces in public areas help create comfort and are often a main visual feature.
I think curves would go well here such as lighting tracks or niches, to match the shape of the room. Rooms would look even more coherent with rounded sofas and elliptical coffee tables.
Designing for Accessibility and Comfort
Both accessibility and design should work together in the interior of every lobby. I think a place is welcoming when it’s accessible to people with all kinds of ability. As a result, we must make entrances easily accessible, make the path through the theater easy to follow and provide seating that suits all kinds of height requirements.
In my designs, you will find armless chairs, higher height for seats and wide walkways suitable for anyone using walkers or wheelchairs. Branding with braille, using non-slippery floors and providing lever-style door handles are all very helpful for everyone. Universal design doesn’t mean sacrificing style—it just means being thoughtful with proportions and placements.
I designed a senior living community where being comfortable and accessible were essential, but everything still looked high-end. Proper planning can lower the chance of needing to improve a space again in the future, thereby saving both time and money, says the ADA National Network.
Including smart lighting and automated doors would help this area become both more useful and modern.
Lobby Ceilings as Design Statements
The ceiling isn’t usually a top priority in lobby design, but I think it can express a lot of creativity. The design of a ceiling can set the tone, showcase the company’s brand and improve the building’s architecture. When deciding on lobby ceilings, the best result comes from focus on lighting, materials and shape.
I prefer having coffered ceilings with indirect lighting, hung panels or woodwork that follows the design from the floor below. Brass, mirror-reflective metals or backlit cloth can make a room feel luxurious and soft. Thanks to high ceilings, dramatic chandeliers or hanging sculptures will add emphasis to any area.
We recently fitted acoustic wood baffles in the ceiling that are laid out like a wave. The outcome was as attractive as it was useful. According to Dezeen, the way ceilings are treated is now important for giving spaces personality and better acoustics.
You can make this even better by using lights that change both color and intensity during the day, reflecting the building’s purpose and atmosphere.
Seasonal Decor That Refreshes the Space Year-Round
The design of a lobby changes and grows with time. Using decorations for the current season is a great way to keep a space looking up-to-date, friendly and interesting. If you change your decor from spring through winter, it keeps guests interested and makes the place feel special all year round.
To achieve a simple and striking seasonal difference, I insert pieces like accent pillows, art, displays of flowers and vary the lighting around the home. I prefer simple, branded decorations for holidays so that the style stays unchanged and the look is consistent.
One of the corporations I styled had rotating wall art displays that would be different for each season. Because it worked so well, we chose to develop digital art walls along with the original exhibitions. With seasonally adjusted decor, House Beautiful explains that you can stop your home from seeming same old, same old and can help you and guests stay happy.
It’s best to select decorative features that can easily be adjusted for each holiday or season, since they’re mounted on walls or in display cases.
Interactive Installations for Guest Engagement
Currently, lobbies have evolved to much more than simple spaces before the building—they are now enjoyable experiences. I believe that using interactive installations in lobbies strengthens the emotional link guests have with the venue. No matter if it’s a touchscreen display that moves with gestures or a special animation on a directory display such innovations add both purpose and visual appeal. They’re especially useful in high-traffic hospitality or corporate settings, where engagement is key.
I like to place seat groups nearby installations so people stay for a longer time. A circular bench with chargers is a good choice when teamed with a centerpiece digital video display. I’ve set up sculptural panels with LEDs that respond to people moving, making the lobby experience interactive. They don’t only provide fun for guests—they also help the brand and make guests happy.
I have noticed that guests in New York’s luxury hotels will often enjoy interacting with responsive art and it tends to make their experience more fulfilling. Interactive installations are being incorporated into luxurious hotel and restaurant spaces because they combine marketing efforts with entertainment, reports Hospitality Design magazine.
Maybe there isn’t enough exploration for the hands here, so children or older visitors could interact more deeply with light tables and kinetic sculptures.
Art Deco Inspirations in Lobby Interiors
I love using Art Deco style for my inspiration in designing lobbies. Heavy curtains, lines drawn from geometry and elegant gold or silver accents are major parts of this decor which suits historic buildings or high-end hotels well. Applying Art Deco ideas to lobby design makes it seem elegant and glamorous.
Usually, I start by covering the floor of the lobby with black-and-white Art Deco tiles and finish it with colors of velvet furniture like emerald and sapphire. These elements along with motifs use to decorate the wood like design draw attention back to the country theme. Strong geometric styles on some walls can make the area more interesting, but don’t overpower the whole area.
In Chicago, I got to restore a 1930s lobby, putting original Art Deco moldings side by side with new lights and furniture. Architectural Digest recommends making sure Deco spaces look good while also following modern building rules.
You could add colorful and unique signage along with simple check-in desks that include Deco-style hardware to ensure the space looks similar in every part.
Hospitality-Driven Designs for Hotel Lobbies
The very first thing I think about when working on hotel lobbies is being comfortable and being welcomed. Lobby interior design in the hospitality business should have a living room-style appearance, bringing feelings of warmth, fashion and naturalness. Because these areas are for both waiting and displaying brand features, their design needs to fit the hotel’s character and be liked by all guests.
Most of the time, I divide the lobby into areas: a soft seating area with dim lamps, a wide pathway to the reception and a remarkable piece of artwork as the centerpiece. Many times, I choose neutral color styles and add accents of the hotel’s brand colors. The look of each area is shaped by rugs with subdued patterns and lighting helps set the mood.
While working on a Miami project, I brought in a scent diffuser by the entrance and selected soft background jazz music—just a few touches that made things so much better for guests. It seems from a recent Hotel Management Magazine report that sensory branding is starting to shape hotel design and I believe this to be true.
You could also consider a selection of locally chosen library books, as well as using both digital and physical language-rich boards to show greetings and current weather.
Future-Proofing Lobbies With Flexible Layouts
Lobby interior design now heavily depends on how flexible the space is. In buildings with offices and homes together or after the pandemic, it is very important to be able to change the lobby as needs change. Module and open design are central in my designs which support events, exhibitions or pop-up locations.
I usually buy stackable chairs, tables that nest and screens on wheels so staff can quickly update the layout if needed. Porcelain tile and polished concrete are durable and go with any decor, so I choose them for my floors. Special outlets and universal lighting allow for several forms of use in the same area.
I have designed many multi-use lobbies around San Francisco and have discovered that being flexible actually helps people use the space more creatively. Smart technologies such as occupancy sensors and flexible lighting systems, are now the main recommendation I make to clients after reading Dezeen.
I recommend planned flexibility when it comes to sound absorption, by adding panels or clouds that you can relocate to manage noise, regardless of the arrangement.
Lobby design can range from fun interactive installations to long-lasting Art Deco beauty. Selecting your furniture and layout impacts the immediate experience visitors have while in your home. I’d love to hear what elements you find most inspiring or essential in lobby design. Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments below!
