Trust is the ultimate cornerstone of success for banks and financial services firms, because it’s essential that customers feel that their worldly possessions are in the safest of hands.
And though we can operate much of our financial activity digitally these days, the more momentous moments in our fiscal lives are often still conducted face-to-face - from in-branch meetings that help secure our big dreams to in-person portfolio updates that outline our future prospects.
For the banks and financial services firms in question then, a well-designed commercial interior is non-negotiable - a key part of creating, underpinning or enhancing customer trust in the institution’s professionalism, credibility and reliability.
Here, we’ll explore how your bank or financial services business can use the power of interior design to create a positive, on-brand impression that boosts trust from the second a customer steps through the door.
First Impressions
Reception areas carry a lot of responsibility for customer and client-facing businesses, because the first impression is often the one that lingers long after the moment has passed.
People arrive with hopes of convenience, ease and professionalism, so it’s important that your reception area hits the right note - offering an effortless, approachable and welcoming ambience that sets the tone for their time with you and beyond.
What should you be aiming for?
The ultimate goal is a warm and comfortable space that feels inviting and drives a great customer experience.
It also needs to be clearly on-brand.
From colour schemes and logo placement to the choice of materials and furnishings, every element should reflect the core values and mission of your financial institution.
Why? Because keeping things visually aligned reinforces not only your brand, but also your customers’ sense of familiarity and trust.
At Handelsbanken in Leeds, the DesignTonic team were incredibly mindful of the Swedish bank’s ethos of local relationships built on their “satisfied customers, financial strength and sustainable values”.
Here, light, welcoming waiting areas are dressed in the brand’s signature blues for a seamless and immediate visual alignment.
A comfortable touch of subtle luxury is introduced through tan leather easy chairs, while plenty of greenery keeps the space feeling natural and restful.
This is a building bathed in natural light, so throughout our design process, the team have looked to maximise this at every turn.
Inside, customers and employees alike are able to enjoy the vitality of the abundant daylight even into the furthest corners, thanks to our multi-functional glass partitions - a smart touch which also allows Handelsbanken to configure the space to their needs in one easy move.
A relaxed rethink
There’s no denying that financial services can be seen as a stuffy sector - that’s why we were delighted when Tenet contacted us for a fresh new look that strikes a clean and contemporary tone!
Their experienced team of warm, friendly IFAs have a modern approach to their sector which is utterly professional, but without the officious formality that many associate with their job.
Wanting to reflect their own warmth and openness in the design of their environment as well as their own manners, they approached us for a whole new look - and we were thrilled to deliver!
In came a clean, monochrome palette featuring soothing neutral tones, a considered graphic palette for added, on-brand impact and lots of muted velvets in gentle jewel tones to soften the look.
The result is a spacious, relaxed and yet business-like space that instils client comfort from the off.
Enhance customer experience
- What other touches can you add to create a great customer experience and build trust through your environment, transforming visits from the purely transactional?
- Open and flexible meeting areas are a great way to put customers at ease and counteract the stuffy formality traditionally associated with banking and financial services.
- Similarly, a touch of resimercial design is a wonderful interiors concept to bring into a financial services environment - that “home from home” vibe helping to make clients more comfortable from the off.
- Convenience is important. For bigger spaces and businesses where personalised attention isn’t feasible, coffee stations and good wi-fi help people relax while waiting for their appointments.
- Keep things quality, without being showy. Plush, well-crafted seating and well-made, durable furniture speak of care and attention to detail, reinforcing your company’s commitment to excellence.
- Look to your lighting. Great lighting is a crucial, yet often overlooked element in creating a comfortable space.
- Looking for some lighting inspo for your commercial space?
Read our expert blog, “Bright Sparks”
A well-designed corporate interior is a powerful tool for building trust with visiting customers.
Through the thoughtful use of on-brand schemes and design concepts and elements that ensure ease, convey professionalism and speak of your commitment to excellence, your interior can exude warmth, reliability and trustworthiness before your people even reach your client.
And great design goes a long way to creating the lasting perception that your visitors take with them, a subconscious sense of trust that goes beyond words.
In a world where trust is currency, investing in good interior design for your bank or financial services company can yield substantial returns in customer loyalty and satisfaction.
