Company Interior Design – Landlord Core Area Upgrade

At Turnkey Interiors, we are committed to creating exceptional environments through company interior design that places an emphasis on functionality and client values. For this project in Cape Town, we were tasked by the landlord to do a core area upgrade for the main reception area, lift lobbies and restrooms. The focus of our approach was contemporary design, with hints of biophilic details threaded throughout the modern space, resulting in an environment that feels calm and inviting, yet radiates with professionalism and confidence.

Welcome to Reception — Have a Seat

Upon entering the reception area, visitors are greeted by a design that masterfully blends sleek, straight lines with textured elements that enliven the space. The layout is intentionally crafted to emphasise verticality, a theme reinforced by contrasting tones and materials. Two opposing walls are painted in a sophisticated dark grey, while the third wall and ceiling feature crisp white hues, creating a balanced yet striking visual interplay. The flooring and part of the ceiling are finished in a light wood texture, adding warmth and reinforcing the vertical dimension.

Subtle biophilic design elements, such as potted greenery and a wooden table stand, provide a natural counterpoint to the textured stone wall of the reception booth. A large-framed contemporary artwork injects a vibrant pop of creativity against the dark grey wall, while round, cushioned chairs evoke a sense of comfort and hospitality.

Even the security gate has been seamlessly integrated into the aesthetic, avoiding disruption of the flow. Its glass panels set in aluminium frames harmonise with the surrounding materials, enhancing the visual coherence while complementing the wooden and stone features of the reception area.

To the Back and Up We Go

Turnkey Interiors’ design philosophy shines in the lift lobby, where the wood motif from the reception transitions gracefully. Here, the wood finish is paired with complementary tile walls, creating an inviting and polished look. The walls feature a dual-tone treatment: the lower half showcases the wood’s warm texture, while the upper half is painted in clean, polished white. Opposite walls use the same dark grey as the reception area, now enhanced with thin vertical and horizontal accents that echo the theme of verticality.

Lighting plays a critical role, striking a balance between brightness and softness. The space is uniformly lit, eliminating shadows without being overpowering, and fostering a sense of comfort and professionalism. Biophilic design returns here as well, with strategically placed greenery in lightly coloured square pots. These natural elements gently disrupt the sharpness of the dark grey walls, softening the overall aesthetic and creating visual harmony.

Rising to the Occasion

Exiting the lift, the continuation of the design language immediately greets you. The potted greenery is strategically placed against a large window that floods the ninth-floor space with natural light, highlighting the verdant accents and complementing the sweeping views. The wooden panels now extend to the ceiling, harmonising with the lower wooden portions of the walls and infusing the area with warmth, while glossy pearly-white floor tiles enhance brightness and sophistication.

Looking down the corridor, the thoughtfully positioned lighting fixtures maintain a steady luminosity without being intrusive. As you pass the glass doors, the tone subtly shifts to a cooler palette, creating an atmosphere of calm and focus. This deliberate change signals the functional purpose of the areas beyond the glass—spaces dedicated to important processes.

At the corridor’s end, the fire extinguisher door exemplifies the meticulous attention to detail. Painted in a subdued dark grey that contrasts subtly with the lighter wall tones, the door remains visible without drawing undue attention—a restrained yet effective design choice that prioritises aesthetics without compromising function.

An Area for Respite

Turnkey Interiors also applied its modern and contemporary design ethos to the restrooms, resulting in a cohesive yet unique space. Soft ambient lighting is subtly integrated behind the mirrors and above the basins, enhancing the room’s calming atmosphere. The mirrors themselves feature organic shapes, reminiscent of water droplets or eggshells, adding an understated softness that contrasts with the clean, structured lines of the rest of the interior.

Parallel dark grey walls frame the space, broken only by strategically placed features. Above the mirrors, wooden panels emit a warm glow that balances the textured white wall to which the mirrors are affixed. Beneath the basins, white surfaces with faint, abstract patterns echo the organic forms of the mirrors.

The flooring introduces a playful yet refined touch: a dotted pattern in subtle, colourful tones. This unexpected detail adds visual interest and contrasts with the clean, minimalist design of the remaining elements, demonstrating Turnkey Interiors’ commitment to blending functionality with artistic expression.

Turnkey Interiors is here to help you achieve a workspace that reflects your brand and enhances employee well-being. Get in touch with us today to discuss how our company interior design solutions can make a difference in your workplace.