Multifamily Lobby Interior Design

We all know the importance of first impressions. From meeting a new colleague to arriving in an unknown city, the impact of the first few seconds cannot be overestimated and sets the tone for the long-term relationship.  First impressions are especially important in multi-family buildings.  The apartment lobby is paramount in creating a potential resident's initial impression. If you lose them at the beginning, it is very hard to recover. 

With this in mind there is a huge amount of pressure resting on the lobby layout; not only should the resident feel welcomed by the space and reassured that they have chosen the right residence, but the lobby should also convey an immediate sense of the brand and outline the kind of experience the resident should expect. The lobby can be considered the staging area for everything that goes on in a building and, as such, it’s the best opportunity to address the residents’ needs and to ensure their expectations are met.

With every sense involved in formulating the initial opinion of a new residence, there are a number of key areas that must be considered in order to ensure that this is a positive one and accurately represents the experience that is to come. From the right lighting scheme to the efficiency of layout, we are exploring a few of the essentials of residential lobby design especially in the age of Covid-19.  I'd like to add that it's not necessary to spend an excess amount of money right now.  With a few interior design enhancements, you can create a very welcoming space.

Photo Cred:  Pinterest

Curated Assortment of Stylish Seating

The lobby isn’t just a foyer in an apartment building, it’s the backdrop for special moments and surprises, quiet minutes of reflection, real sorrow and joy.  The design of a lobby space needs to not just accommodate these moments, but do so much more. Not only are the best lobbies a backdrop for life’s in-between moments, they’re also sometimes a functional working space for the leasing staff, an area where prospective residents wait, where packages are delivered and handed off, and where ideally, the personality and culture of the building is on display to attract new community members. And, all the while, it’s a space that should make current residents feel comfortable, welcomed, and relieved. Designing a lobby that does all of these things well is a trick in and of itself.

Welcoming elements like sofas and a fireplace, some higher-end finishes, and a curated look and feel helps a little, but what matters more than any amount of design, is people. A lobby should be a space where people feel safe, comfortable and welcome. A space that invites us all to relax and be taken care of. A successful lobby is a place where people don’t just come to visit, they stay to enjoy themselves. A lobby isn’t just an entrance, a place to wait for the elevator or get a package. It’s an experience, and one that, each time the door opens, should make every visitor think the same thing: “I’m home.”

Photo Cred:  Pinterest

Sensory experiences

Impressions are formed using all senses and this needs to be considered carefully within the interior design strategy. By creating a lobby that appeals to more than just the eye, an inviting ambiance is developed which will encourage the resident to engage with space and the brand.

The sense of smell is closely linked to emotions and also to memory and so this is an important area to tap into. Creating a pleasing aroma in the lobby can have a significant impact on consumer behavior and so the kind of scent that is used should closely relate to the overall experience that you are seeking to offer.  During a global pandemic, it's most important to create a sense of cleanliness.  

Recommended scent. 

Green Bamboo The fresh sparkling, dewy and clean notes of green bamboo fare well in residential buildings because clean indicates safety and security. This complex fragrance contains a middle note of wild grasses, jasmine petals and exotic touches of orange blossom and white orchid. The finishing note of white musk and green bamboo appeals to both males and females.

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Biophilia

As people automatically gravitate towards designs that are rooted in the natural worlds, biophilic design, particularly in residential buildings in urban areas, can have a significant impact on the residents’ experience. People respond well to having nature inserted into their home environments.  From highlighting scenic views to harnessing natural light and using architectural patterns that mimic natural shapes, biophilic design is thought to promote well-being.

Photo Cred:  Pinterest

As human beings, we have an undeniable connection with nature. Having plants as biophilic design elements goes far beyond adding to the design aesthetic, it creates a healthier feeling environment.  From the physical functions of plants, such as air purification and sound abatement, to their psychological functions of improving our health and wellbeing, plants equal healthier and happier occupants.

One of the most important steps of using greenery in a lobby space is choosing the right type of planters for the area and using those planters in a way that increases the benefits of foliage.

Adding greenery to your lobby doesn’t have to mean converting the space into a jungle. If you prefer a more minimal look, consider adding a tabletop terrarium to compliment the space. These features add interest while requiring very little maintenance. The best part about terrariums is their flexibility in style, different elements can be combined to create the look that vibes with your interior.

Photo Cred:  Pinterest

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In addition to being a Philadelphia Multifamily Interior Designer,  I also design boutique hotels, fitness centers, office spaces, residential development projects, other commercial spaces such as office and retail spaces, and the senior living community throughout the tri state area.  We work here in Philadelphia, the main line, and even Nationally!