From the moment a customer enters a commercial space, its surroundings begin communicating what its associated brand represents. Surface materials play an important role in shaping that experience, influencing everything from the functional purpose of a space to its visual identity. In this blog, we’ll explore how material selection can complement a commercial space’s practical utility while enhancing brand identity.
Select Materials Practically
Though commercial spaces must accommodate higher volumes of traffic and more frequent surface interactions, appropriate material selection need not come at the expense of aesthetic appeal. Granite, for example, is a durable natural stone choice that comes in a wide range of colors and patterns, from vibrant to subdued. Travertine, popular for its rustic charm, is especially durable when filled and honed and wears a natural patina well, making it a popular choice for outdoor applications. Because its designs are applied artificially to the surface, porcelain offers virtually limitless aesthetic possibilities. Porcelain also holds up particularly well against harsh elements such as heat and water, with our latest porcelain collections, Equa and Velare, designed specifically for moisture-prone areas.
Travertine is featured on this restaurant patio's flooring, and is highly practical from an outdoor standpoint. Velare porcelain mosaics hold up to heat, water, and outdoor conditions, all combine to be a perfect choice for a spa.
Precious natural stone still has its place in commercial settings when placed thoughtfully. For example, a high-value natural stone can be used safely behind a reception counter, serving as a striking visual focal point for guests without making direct contact with them. Valuable natural stone may also be well suited to more closely monitored environments, such as a fine dining establishment or high-end retail store, where surfaces are less likely to encounter the unpredictable interactions common in more casual, free-flowing spaces such as a sports bar or café.
Onyx Rouge Polished is featured behind the reception counter, a stunning focal point for any visiting customers. 41zero42 Dandy porcelain is shown being used in a restaurant, a high-traffic environment prone to friction from chair legs, spills, and other interactions that could damage a higher-maintenance material.
Reinforce Brand Image with Surface Design
Since they aren’t designed around day-to-day livability, commercial spaces can embrace unconventional choices that might feel too overwhelming in a home. A bold stone can transform an area into a memorable statement, while patterned porcelain tile can establish a distinctive visual language throughout a space. Surface design is one of the most direct ways to translate a brand’s story into a physical environment, making it important to select materials that align with the identity the brand wants to convey. This can be as direct as incorporating brand colors into surfaces, but often it is as subtle as matching the overall character and presentation of the brand.
41zero42 Stories uses doodle-like, colorful patterns to create a distinct visual identity. Here, it is shown in a casual bakery, where it ties into the home-made artistic nature of baking. Velare Neve porcelain mosaics are featured on the walls and floor of this private spa. Color is to open up the space and create a calm identity that complement the spa's visual identity.
Relativa porcelain slabs create a space that exudes high class energy and sophistication. Cosmopolitan Quartz has a luminous quality and light pink color that creates a feminine style, elevating the space into a luxury realm while keeping a brand image.
Know the Brand You're Working With
Ultimately, the right surface selection will depend on the individual brand you’re working with. While the possibilities are broad, the most successful spaces begin with a clear understanding of the client’s brand and the qualities they want to communicate. Start there, then, when you’re ready to find the material surface for your next project, come visit our Opustone showrooms, where you’ll find a curated selection of materials suited to every type of brand and vision.