Think of some of the most popular franchises in your area and without a doubt, your mind conjures up specific design features. From Starbucks’ cosy wooden accents and soft golden lighting to Apple’s sleek minimalistic aesthetic, design has a powerful effect on consumers’ moods, well-being, and willingness to part with their hard-earned cash. If you are launching a franchise, and you wonder why investing in design is so important, read on to discover the whys and hows of excellent interior design for this business model.
Interior Design and Customer Satisfaction
In the introduction, the importance of interior design for brand consistency and recognition was highlighted. However, design is also vital for setting the mood and fostering trust and familiarity. For instance, businesses selling furniture items such as bespoke reclaimed wood pieces or customized fireplaces frequently activate customers’ imaginations through the use of stunning displays. This type of franchise can benefit from embellishing its fireplaces with tiles created with luxury styles such as natural stone, marble, and mosaic effects. Often, it is the small details that create an established ambience one can expect to find in any franchise of even the most upmarket brands. Customers whose expectations are fulfilled are more likely to trust a brand and to take the time to visit exhibition spaces since they know they can find unique set-ups that can work well in their own homes.
Standing Out from the Crowd
Unique design features can help a franchise stand out from its competitors, providing customers with something of added value. Take the example of Starbucks once again. As is the case with Whole Foods and WeWork, Starbucks has embraced natural materials in its design, owing to the stress-busting effect these materials have on the human psyche. Wooden furniture, living green walls, potted plants, and large windows that let the light in are just a few elements that make this chain’s stores so warm and inviting.
The Impact of Design on Efficiency
Great design is not only beautiful but functional as well. Effective interior design optimizes even the smallest spaces optimally and allows staff and customers to move freely. Staff should be able to perform their tasks without interruption or obstacles, while employees should be able to access areas meant for purchasing, rest, or interaction with staff easily, quickly, and safely. Especially in sectors like food and beverage and hospitality, it is important to ensure customers feel comfortable in your interiors, and this can only be achieved through smart, practical, user-focused design.
A Powerful Advertising Tool
A stunningly designed store, office, or building can play a starring role in an effective advertising campaign. Apps like Instagram enable brands to reach a massive audience and create highly targeted advertising. Instagram and TikTok both have high engagement rates that you can harness through the visual impact of your franchise’s interior design. For an idea of how to use Instagram to generate interest in your brand, check out the Instagram channels of companies like McDonald’s, Domino’s, and Dunkin’ Donuts, all of which utilize their interiors heavily in their uploads.
Franchises often spend a considerable amount of their initial investment on design, since there are numerous reasons to take this facet of one’s business seriously. Interior design can help set the mood, up your business’ appeal to consumers, and ensure your brand is instantly recognizable. It can also serve to create impactful advertising campaigns that constantly remind audiences of your colours, values, and logo.