Commercial Applications: Cabinetry

Are you thinking about an office remodel, or are you getting ready to build a new office facility? If you are embarking on a commercial project that requires installing new cabinetry we would love to help you! Our designers can help you choose the right cabinets for your project, as well as create an attractive and functional design for your offices. When in doubt we always recommend you Ask An Expert!

• Doctor’s Offices: For medical office new construction and remodels we recommend using easy-to-clean laminate cabinetry. Laminate exteriors clean up easily, and the simple lines provide a crisp, clean aesthetic. Efficiency is also important in a medical office, whether in an exam room or at the receptionist’s desk. Each area has its own requirements; exam rooms must be equipped to store supplies neatly while the receptionist’s desk must facilitate an efficient working environment for employees.

• Executive Offices: Executive offices call for a different look; think “traditional elegance”. You can achieve this look through the selection of details like wainscot paneling, rich stains on cherry wood, and traditional (rather than contemporary) design choices. You don’t have to sacrifice an efficient work space, though; customizing desk areas, cabinets and bookshelves help your office function and feel like an executive space. Don’t forget the reception area! You want business associates to feel the executive experience from start to finish, so design the reception area keeping a smooth transition from space to space in mind. Read last week’s blog about creating a line of sight for more ideas on how to execute transitions between rooms.

• Spas and Salons: Spa and salon spaces beg for the right cabinetry. This type of commercial space requires the creation of sub-spaces that must be customized by purpose: washing and styling stations, tanning, massage, manicure/pedicure, esthetician rooms, waxing, locker rooms, reception, and office space to name a few. When you are designing a total space with smaller, customized spaces working with the right designer is essential.

• Retirement Communities: In addition to functional efficiency, designing work spaces in retirement homes may also take ADA accessibility regulations into consideration. (Read more about the Americans with Disabilities Act.) Another issue to keep in mind for such specialized office spaces is customized heights for storage and work areas.

• Store Fronts & Lobbies: Cabinetry that doubles as display cases are often appropriate for spaces like store fronts and lobbies where clients and customers are waiting. (This type of cabinetry may also be an option for a space like a salon for displaying photos or product samples.) Reception areas with bookcases for reading material or toys to play with are also great for store fronts and lobbies.

• Country Clubs: A country club is another great place for cabinetry that doubles as a display case; after all, how will everyone know who the current club champion is? Country clubs also require customized spaces within the larger space: the bar and dining room, the waitress station, lounges, locker rooms, the club house, and custom storage for items like golf clubs must all be considered.

• Condos, High-rises and Apartments: For developers who are planning new construction residential spaces the process is a little bit commercial, a little bit residential. Creating functional and attractive living spaces to attract renters and buyers is crucial for commercial developers creating what will ultimately be residential homes. Kitchens, bathrooms, offices, laundry areas, closets, and garage areas must be considered as well as details like colors and finishes. To wainscot or not to wainscot? That is just one of many questions to be answered.

• Coffee Bar: Like a spa, a coffee bar is a space with specialized needs. The fast-paced customer service atmosphere requires optimal organization for efficiency. High customer turnaround time creates customer satisfaction, so supplies must be well-stocked and accessible for employees who are moving quickly in a high-demand retail/service environment. Consider choosing materials that are easy-to-clean and non-porous, to reduce or eliminate staining and odor absorption.

“A place for everything and everything in its place” is the difference between efficiency and chaos! Let us help you create calm from chaos—stop into the Cabinets & Designs showroom to speak with one of our experts about your commercial project.