New York City is world-renowned for its incredible holiday displays and decorations, and for good reason. Tourists come from all over the world to see the famous Manhattan displays.
With the sun out and summer in full swing, the holiday season is not likely to be at the forefront of your mind. However, now is the time to start getting prepared and planning your holiday décor before the colder months set in. In this post, we will share some tips on decorating your commercial lobby for the holidays.
For NYC businesses, lobbies serve as both functional spaces and brand touchpoints during the holiday season. Beautiful seasonal décor can set the tone, attract passing foot traffic, and create an atmosphere of joy and holiday cheer for your tenants, visitors, staff, and passersby.
Know Your Tenants and Building Identity
Before you start devising your holiday design concept, it is essential to understand your space’s identity and the people who live, work, or spend time there. A retail storefront in Manhattan will have very different needs from a hotel in Brooklyn, and a corporate law office will require a different approach from a creative hub. Commercial and residential spaces also have different needs.
Match the tone and style of your décor to your brand identity and the type of image you want to create.
Anchor Your Design in a Clear Theme
Choosing a theme and building your holiday display around it helps to keep your space cohesive.
Consider the existing lighting, textures, and tone of your space to create a display that enhances and complements it.
Match Décor to Lobby Scale and Volume
Different-sized spaces require different approaches. Smaller decorations can get lost in a large and open space, while oversized pieces or too many elements can leave a small lobby feeling overcrowded.
Make the most of larger spaces by utilizing vertical height with dramatic trees, hanging décor, or large installations. In more intimate lobbies, follow the principle of “less is more.” Items such as garlands, table centerpieces, and compact holiday trees can add a festive touch without overwhelming the space.
Regardless of the size of your lobby, avoid clutter and maintain walkability and accessibility throughout.
Perform Routine Checks and Follow Holiday Safety Best Practices
Modern holiday decorations are designed with safety in mind, but it’s still important to follow a few simple precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable season.
Plan your layout carefully, keeping décor out of emergency paths, door swings, and high-traffic zones. Choose UL-listed lighting solutions and flame-retardant materials. LED lights are a good choice to increase safety and minimize fire risk as they give out less heat than older varieties. Always check and follow manufacturer instructions.
Make sure that your sprinkler systems, fire alarms, and other pieces of vital safety equipment are operational. It is also a good idea to inspect your decorations routinely, looking out for frayed wires and damaged sockets or electrical outlets. Working with a professional team ensures secure and safe installations.
Design for Day and Night Visibility
The best holiday displays are equally visually striking during the daylight hours and at night. You can design your décor for day and night visibility by utilizing reflective surfaces, layered lighting, and smart LED programming that comes on automatically as it gets dark outside. Always match your lobby lighting with the overall tone and theme of your décor to keep things cohesive.
Plan Ahead and Hire Specialists
Decorating your lobby for the Holiday Season requires a little advanced planning. Choose an NYC-based design team that understands the unique requirements of New York businesses, from permit requirements to elevators, freight schedules, and the nuances of older buildings.
At Cambridge, we can support you with professional, high-quality holiday décor. Our rapid service gets your display up and running quickly, while minimizing disruption to your daily operations.
Work with Cambridge, a Leading Provider of Holiday Season Décor in New York City
A well-decorated lobby is more than simply a decorating choice. It is a signal of care and quality, and a way to spread holiday joy to everyone who engages with your space. A successful holiday setup enhances the tenant and visitor experience, reflects the identity of your space and your business, and creates a moment of beauty in the middle of the busiest season of the year.
To work with a team that will help you to get it right, contact Cambridge NYC to schedule your free consultation today.