How to Make your Business a Destination through Interior Design

In an age where experience is everything and word-of-mouth spreads through Instagram stories and Yelp reviews, the interior of your business is more than just a backdrop—it's a business asset. The difference between a forgettable space and a destination is intentional, memorable design and interactive surprises.

As a real estate and design expert based in Oregon City, I help Pacific Northwest businesses and homeowners create spaces that not only look great but also perform. Whether it’s a coffee shop, boutique, Airbnb, or wellness spa, I specialize in destination design that brings in foot traffic, encourages longer stays, inspires repeat visits and encourages word-of-mouth marketing.

What Is Destination Design?

Destination design is the art of transforming your business space into an experience people seek out, remember, and share. It goes beyond aesthetics—it's about creating a vibe that aligns with your brand and invites your customers to connect emotionally with your space.

This kind of design isn’t just pretty. It’s purposeful. It’s what makes a couple drive an extra 15 minutes to go to your coffee shop (or spa... or resort) instead of the one down the street.

The Psychology Behind Memorable Spaces

People don’t just remember products or services— they remember how a place made them feel. Strategic placemaking interior design uses non-traditional elements like scale, lighting, scent, and surprises to guide those feelings. People want to feel something. They want to see something they've never seen. They want novelty.

A cozy "library corner" with a footstool, blanket and layered lighting invites people to sit. Upon closer examination, a book nook that tells a tiny miniature story is a delightful surprise. A colorful mural becomes a selfie spot and a shareable moment. A hidden QR code to discover the history of your shop... every touchpoint in your business should enhance the story you're telling.

Numbers back this up: 91% of consumers say that visuals influence their decision to enter a store, and 60% say they are more likely to buy from a business that feels inviting and well-designed.* Think about your own habits. Do you go into a business if you don't feel good there? Alternatively, what places do you LOVE to go? Now let's consider why. It's probably more than just the excellent Reuben sandwich or good facial. What experience was so good that you posted about it recently?

Key Elements That Turn a Business Into a Destination

1. A Visual Focal Point: Think: a bold mural, a sculptural light fixture, or a custom shelving display. These elements draw people in, spark curiosity, and become photo-worthy moments.

2. Flattering, Functional Lighting: Great lighting enhances products, sets the mood, and makes your space feel intentional. Natural light, layered fixtures, and warm tones all work together to make people feel good. In other words, DO NOT use iridescent lights screaming down from the ceiling as your only source of light. Hard pass.

   
   

3. Intentional Layout & Flow: A space that naturally guides people through it creates a sense of discovery. Smart layout encourages exploration and helps prevent bottlenecks in small businesses.

   
   

4. Design Details that Align with Your Brand: Materials, color palette, signage, and furniture choices should tell a cohesive story. Every element should feel like you.

   
   

5. Interactive or Shareable Elements: Chalkboard walls, statement signs, or a unique product display invite people to engage with your space and share it on social.

A Real-Life Example: The Boutique Bakery Lunch Spot

Lux Sucre Bakery and Cafe is a great example of how a bold custom mural with their brand colors, open layout and neon sign in the bathroom, of all places, continues to surprise and delight customers.

This loaf of bread is actually a pillow on the entry bench, which is why they wanted a photo. Hilarious.

Their mural and neons are tagged on Instagram.

Locals come in just to take photos—and ended up buying. They have over 200 Google reviews. That’s the power of destination design. People talk about it. They seek it out and refer it. They have great cinnamon rolls and macarons but if people didn't bother to walk in the door, nobody would know {let alone send more people in to try them.}

In fact, according to a 2023 Small Business Insights survey, 70% of customers say they’ve visited a shop specifically because they saw photos of its design online.

"Surprise and delight" is a customer-centric strategy that aims to create memorable and positive experiences by exceeding expectations and offering unexpected value. It's about going beyond the ordinary to create emotional connections with customers and foster loyalty. 

A surprise neon sign in the bathroom, of all places, is unexpected. People will talk about it and take pictures. "You have to see the bathroom..."

The goal is to create moments that are not just positive but also memorable and lasting, sparking positive emotions and strong associations with the brand. Customers who feel delighted are more likely to share their positive experiences with others, leading to increased brand awareness and advocacy. 

Why the Pacific Northwest Is Built for This

People in the Pacific Northwest value authenticity, local flair, and natural beauty. Your interior can reflect that—let's think about your brand on steroids. A well-designed space here isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s a competitive edge and sometimes the key to staying in business for the long haul. It's like an insurance policy.

Ready to Make Your Space a Destination?

Whether you’re running a business, a rental, or a home you love, design can be your secret weapon. If you're in Oregon City or the greater PNW and want to create a space that stands out and draws people in, let's talk.

Book a free consultation and let's transform your space into something unforgettable.

Book a Discovery Call

*Sources: Retail Dive, 2023; Small Business Insights Survey, 2023