As a color expert/color consultant, I love sharing ideas and design strategies that can easily be adopted within the home. But I do have another side to my career beyond residential properties. I have worked with businesses of all sizes all over the country, helping them align their corporate identity with design/color palettes on commercial properties.
For this piece, I thought it would be interesting to explore how the color selection and design philosophies for commercial properties intersect and diverge from those for residential design work. I will also provide some insights into my methods for getting exterior commercial space(s) looking their best and moving in stride with the business goals!
Commercial Building Exterior Design – Discovering Identity
Businesses of all sizes, from a corner mom-and-pop muffin bakery to an international telecommunications company, all have a brand identity, and it’s the designer’s job to discover that identity within the confines of the commercial space. What makes working with commercial exterior design unique is that sometimes I work with new construction, and other times I work with a preexisting structure. I must incorporate the architectural changes/updates as part of my design.
For example, in a commercial space, I may have to consider the architectural features of 3ft wide cement load-bearing columns in the middle of a corporate headquarters lobby; that’s not the case with a residential mid-century ranch! These obstacles and restrictions within the interior or exterior of a commercial building are opportunities to design something unique, eye-catching, and, above all else, memorable.
If I’ve done my job correctly, people will remember the design/color palette of a commercial building and unconsciously accept that it’s aligned with the business’s corporate identity. A commercial building is more than just an architectural shell; it is a powerful statement that reflects the business’ ethos. In crowded urban landscapes, standing out is crucial, but it’s not just about being visually different—it’s about making sure the building tells a brand’s story.
Commercial Building Exterior Design – Every Story Is Different
Just as every home is different and reflects each family’s story, so do commercial properties. Every company and building has a unique story, and the color palette is crucial to telling that story! For example, a car dealership, restaurant, or storage facility may want a bright, attention-grabbing facade with high-contrast colors that draw in customers and clearly communicate its function. In contrast, luxury condos, high-end offices, or exclusive clubs might choose more subdued, sleek, refined exteriors that reflect their brand. As the designer, I must understand the specific objectives and identity of the business before any plans are made, which is why there are many consultative meetings before I begin to plan the detailed color palette I am creating for them.
Commercial Building Exterior Design – Adding to the Story
Color is a core component of any brand’s visual language. The exterior colors should reflect the brand’s personality and emotional tone. For example, a vibrant tech startup might choose bold and energetic colors, like electric blue or lime green, to communicate innovation and excitement. At the same time, a financial institution will probably lean toward deep blues, grays, greens, and light neutrals to present itself as stable and trustworthy.
Here’s where my challenge lies. The key is to use color not only to differentiate the building but also to echo the underlying values and identity of the brand. Color specialists must often work within the constraints of an established brand color scheme. When a brand already has a strong, recognizable palette, the task becomes finding ways to innovate without deviating from these core colors.
How do I go about accomplishing this? I rely heavily on my color expertise, digging into what story each color tells. I also employ shades, gradients, or textures that match the brand’s palette while adding a more dynamic presentation. Also, I like using color strategically in specific architectural elements—like entrances, canopies, or accent walls—which can help maintain consistency while giving the building a unique flair. My goal is to be on-brand but also new, different, and exciting. It’s a tightrope walk, but I wouldn’t have it any other way!
Throughout this blog, you’ll see images of commercial projects for which I did the color work. I’ve worked on everything from window facades to high-rise accent colors, and every project has been a unique and exciting experience!
What Has Stood Out In Your Mind?
So tell me, are there any commercial properties that have stood out as innovative and beautiful? Have you seen a corporate headquarters or dining space that effortlessly matched the brand’s identity? I don’t care if it’s the red bottle cap on a hood ice cream stand or the breathtaking entrance of a four-star hotel; feel free to share. I’d love to hear about it all!
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