At Warbox, I’ve seen first-hand how thoughtful interior branding can transform a workspace. One of the key things I’ve learned over the years is that interior branding is about balance.
You want to energise a space without overwhelming it. You want messages that motivate, not distract. The goal is to strike that sweet spot where brand personality meets thoughtful design.
Purposeful Design in Every Corner
Different spaces have different needs. An internal meeting room isn’t the place for bold mission statements or bright colours shouting company values, it’s a retreat, a space to decompress and focus on the conversation. So, in those areas, it’s good to lean into softer tones, blank walls and calming visuals that reflect the brand in a more understated way. In contrast, reception areas are ideal for storytelling, where timelines, bold quotes, and the company’s history can shine.
Think large-scale graphics, feature walls, and subtle colour nods in carpet sections, window frosting, or even the furniture. Recreational spaces can be bolder with statements that resonate with your employees and encourage a certain feel of what it is to be part of your team. These are not spaces for mission statements but you might want to include some messaging that evokes positive sentiment or team mentality. Even the furniture and items you choose for that room signal what kind of mindset and behaviour you anticipate from your colleagues. Is your company more a table football and mini-fridge type company, or a bean-to-cup coffee machine and microfarm type? I’ll often suggest floor to-ceiling printed canvases or interactive elements like interchangeable poster frames or digital screens for internal campaigns. These keep things fresh and let teams showcase ongoing projects or celebrate seasonal milestones… without a full redesign each time!
From Blank Walls to Branded Energy
Take our recent project with Motorfinity, for example. They approached us during the fit-out of their new office space, with everything from flooring to paintwork in the works. Our role? To add those finishing touches that would tie the space together and reflect their evolving brand story. What began as a shell of a building soon became a vibrant workplace infused with identity. Brand graphics, subtle nods to their colour palette, and purpose-driven design choices brought the office to life. Employees felt more inspired, unified, and connected—not just to each other, but to something bigger: the brand itself.
Every Detail Matters
Each new project starts with a comprehensive survey, mapping and measuring everything from plug socket locations to ceiling heights. Back at the office, I’ll pull together a detailed plan: which teams sit where, what each space is used for, and how the team and I can bring the brand to life in a way that supports those functions. Sometimes the smallest touches make the biggest impact. A corner recess painted in a key brand colour. A mural or a tactile wall hanging. In one space or company, a vinyl next to a light switch might cheekily say, “turn me on” whereas in another room a more subtle icon could be used—or even the complete opposite with “turn me off” if a company values energy saving. These moments of personality turn the ordinary into something memorable. And it’s not just about looking good. The environment you work in should motivate, inspire, and encourage you to become a living extension of your company’s brand. Done right, it tells your story in every room.
Interior Branding in Retail Spaces
Similarly, interior branding plays a powerful role in retail environments too. Just think about why concept stores resonate so strongly. They’re not just places to shop; they’re immersive experiences that connect people—your employees and customers—emotionally to a brand. From inspiring quotes and subtle brand cues to the layout, lighting, and even scent, every element is carefully considered to tell a story and evoke a feeling. Interior branding can transform a store into a space that not only inspires purchases but also sparks ideas and reflects the values of the customer just as much as the company. It’s this intentional design that makes stepping into a well-branded retail space feel so impactful and memorable.
Functionality Is Just as Important
Wayfinding and signposting should not be forgotten nor unintentionally camouflaged by interior branding. In large office spaces especially, wayfinding should be clear and accessible, but also complement existing architecture. You want to create a user-friendly experience for your clients, employees, new-starters and anyone else navigating your space. Visual cues and signs are necessary however the way you can deploy them in a way that reinforces your brand rather than jarring with it. The humble toilet sign is something you see played with a lot in spaces such as restaurants. But how often have you also been confused as to which bathroom to enter? This is an example of how getting it right will help avoid any awkward situations for the people in your space but also an opportunity to add an extra brand element.
Facing the Challenges
Of course, interior branding comes with its challenges; tight budgets, tricky timelines, and complex architecture. But creativity thrives within constraints. For example, where budgets are tight, rather than installing expensive signage, you might use black lettering backed with a cheaper material for a similar effect. If you’re renting a wide-open space and want to create functional spaces without construction, you can look at dividing that space with planters on wheels, for example—avoiding permanent changes while still shaping the flow of the space.
Interior branding isn’t just a project, it’s a mindset. It’s about understanding how a space can support the people who use it, day in and day out. When it’s done well, it feels effortless, natural, and even a little bit magical.