An apartment lobby is the first space that tenants and potential apartment owners pass through, so it makes sense to create the best first impression. In previous times, apartment lobbies were grand and luxurious with marble flooring, high ceilings, and plush and elegant furnishings. However, although lobbies have become much smaller nowadays, they can still be cool and modern with large windows that let in light and offer amazing views for comforting and pleasant vibes.
Regardless of the building size, a creative and welcoming apartment lobby design will leave potential residents, owners, and guests awestruck, making them feel comfortable and welcoming.
That said, here are some tips for a welcoming apartment lobby.
Choose the Best Flooring
The first step for creating a cozy lobby is to search for the best flooring option. Although there are numerous options out there, you will have to consider a few factors before making your final decision.
First off, it’s important to note that lobbies are high-traffic areas that bear the brunt of stomping and stamping of different shoes throughout the day, so you’ll want to find the most durable option. Secondly, lobbies should be no-slip areas, especially if you want to avoid hefty lawsuits in the long run. Thirdly, besides practicality, apartment lobby flooring should look wonderful to attract more people to buy or rent out a residence. Lastly, your flooring choice should fall within the allotted budget because if you end up spending all the money on this, you won’t be able to conduct any other beneficial work for the space.
When it comes to creating a no-slip space that looks stunning and luxurious, carpeting seems like a fantastic option. However, the significant wear and tear of carpeting and the high traffic in the space isn’t the best solution. Laminate and hardwood floors are quite affordable, look great, and can survive for long with the right maintenance. Stained concrete is another great option for high-traffic areas. Natural stone is also an excellent and long-lasting flooring choice but can be pretty expensive.
Tiles are the most budget-friendly option that can give your lobby a luxurious look and feel. Not only can it bear high traffic, but it also has several design possibilities, including colors, textures, and finishes. However, white, light and dark floors make dirt more prominent, so it is best to stick to medium-colored flooring.
Read more: Apartment Balcony Ideas on a Budget
Incorporate Rugs and Mats
One of the best interior design tips for a lobby or any other space is to – always throw in a rug or mat. Rugs and mats help elevate your space and bring all the furnishings together for a more cohesive and homely feeling. When it comes to lobby décor, not only are rugs aesthetically beneficial, but they also serve a much larger, practical purpose.
A large mat placed at the entrance of the lobby door helps catch debris from your visitors’ shoes, protecting the cleanliness and ensuring the longevity of the floor. Moreover, non-slip rugs and mats prevent any slip-and-fall mishaps that could place you at the receiving end of a lawsuit. Selecting a rug and mat is quite easy; simply search for ones that match or complement the colors of the lobby walls so they don’t look out of place.
read also: 11 Budget-Friendly Ideas for a Terrace Renovation
Consider Options for the Walls
There are many options to adorn the walls of an apartment lobby. You obviously want to search for a practical solution that will last longer, appear clean, and look good.
Paint is one of the most popular wall treatments for good reason. Not only are painted walls easy to wash, but they are also more affordable. However, paint isn’t the only option. Although much costlier than paint, wallpaper adds sophistication and depth to an area through its luxurious appeal. Moreover, commercial-grade wallpaper is also extremely durable and easy to wash.
Either way, regardless of the wall treatment option you choose, remember to select warm and relaxing shades to create a friendly and cozy ambiance. While the most popular paint color choices are neutrals, such as beiges, grays, and whites, you can also consider color combinations for a more welcoming feel. After all, it’s always a good idea to pair neutrals with an accent color.
Read more: How to Decorate a Lobby?
Lighting Is Vital
Lighting is a critical element for all spaces, and when it comes to space as big as an apartment lobby, you need to layer lighting throughout. Many lighting options can help improve the look and feel of an apartment lobby.
Overhead light fixtures, such as chandeliers or hanging lights, are always a good choice, but depending on the size of the fixture and your lobby, you’ll probably need more than one. If there’s a seating any in your lobby, place side tables and furnish them with table lamps. If you don’t want to invest in side tables, opt for floor lamps. Not only are they great for reflecting light to the ceiling, but they also offer direct lighting for the seating area.
Add Furniture and Furnishings
Most lobbies have at least a pair of chairs in the waiting area for guests to relax and wait. The furniture style you choose for your lobby should be reflective of the overall style of the building. You can’t go wrong with modern contemporary furniture, so choose light pieces with a modern look that can help improve your lobby visually.
Besides furniture, consider adding other furnishings to give the apartment lobby a finished and cozy look. Since glass makes things appear bigger, opt for mirrors on the lobby walls, the hallway, and even the elevator.
You can also add artificial or real potted plants, trees, or other floral arrangements. You can easily find plants that have minimum requirements that will survive low-light conditions. Wall art is another great décor option to divert the guests’ attention while they wait. Choose the art based on the overall color scheme and theme of the lobby. You can also either select a large picture or painting or a grouping of smaller ones.
Read more: Ways to Upgrade a Building Lobby’s Décor
Wrapping Up
An apartment lobby should be thought of as the front door of a home. The design choices you make will ultimately determine how attractive the building is to people. You don’t need to break the bank by creating the most luxurious lobby, but you should definitely offer several key features that encourage people to invest in leasing or buying apartments in the building. Moreover, if you ever feel stuck, approach your apartment lobby design like any other renovation project – and you’ll be good to go!
