Similarities Between Branding and Interior Design

Similarities Between Branding and Interior Design

Similarities Between Branding and Interior Design

The journey of building a brand mirrors that of building a home. Like interior design, branding begins with a story. Behind every fluid floor plan or meticulous submark is a narrative waiting to be revealed.

July 07, 2023

Words by Marbury Team

Photo by Daniel Farò

There is a synergy that occurs when partnering with interior designers. Whether they come to us with a foundational understanding of branding or a fresh slate, they intuitively grasp our process’s intricacies. They see their vision, understand our role in bringing that vision to life, and come ready to collaborate with sharp ideas and measured feedback. Though they’ve never done it before, building a brand comes easily. 

Why? 

Because the journey of building a brand mirrors that of building a home. 

Like interior design, branding begins with a story. Behind every fluid floor plan or meticulous submark is a person. A person with unique needs, desires, preferences, and values that arrange to form a narrative. That narrative becomes the backdrop to the rest of the creative process. Every choice, direction, procurement, and conversation exists to feed the personal origin of the client. Without establishing the function of a design, we are simply creating art—and art is beautiful, but it doesn’t produce the results needed to build a brand. 

Beyond story and personality, there are myriad other similarities between interior design and branding. We hope that, by highlighting these overlaps, you will feel more confident in your ability to collaborate throughout the branding process. Here is a look at five similarities between branding and interior design.

Like interior design, branding begins with a story.

 

 

1. Extensive Research & Development 

Though the story serves as the anchor for our inspiration, strategy cannot be evaded. As with all creative disciplines, we have to be versed in the techniques, principles, and frameworks that support a well-rounded result. This means devoting nearly as much time to researching as creating. 

We start with an initial consultation for the same reason interior designers do: to gain perspective on our client’s needs, expectations, and goals. While we encourage you to come prepared to collaborate, we do not expect you to have all the answers. Just as you don’t expect your clients to readily identify the difference between a rattan and bamboo chaise, we don’t expect you to know whether you prefer a humanist or transitional typeface. The minute details are for us, as experts, to discern. 

The client’s sole responsibility is to come with an open mind and initial vision—we take care of the rest. 

 

2. Collaboration & Partnership 

Both industries can agree that collaboration is essential to success. The degree of client involvement may vary, but it is never absent. Ideally, the client is engaged throughout all critical stages of creative development, like conception, production, and installation. Even in the most hands-off partnership, a designer would never imagine moving into installation without the clients’ final approval. 

In the same way, we ensure that your eyes are on your visual identity from the initial concept to the final refinements. This is the brand you will embody for years to come, so it’s important that we get it right. Whether you need an additional concept to explore or more time for you to gather your thoughts, we are prepared to hold space for those needs. 

 

3. Something That Lasts

All good design is created with durability in mind. When designing for a client, we look beyond momentary trends and contemporary preferences. We blend traditional design principles with a modern edge to build brands that endure. As a home is designed to last forever, a brand is designed to stand the test of time. We envision your brand shining as effortlessly ten years from now as it will when we’re done. 

 

4. Client Confidence & Activation

Nearly every interior designer can recall the moment their clients first witness the space. Whether that reveal culminates in tears of joy or silent awe, it leaves a lasting impression on the way you work. You step into every project with a greater sense of gratitude for the profound implications of your creation. You know that once the rush of activity has faded, your clients are left with a home that will house their most cherished moments—something they will never forget. 

This is how we view branding. We understand that you are left with more than a zip folder of digital assets: you’re left with a legacy. One that cannot be replaced or replicated. 

What once existed only in your mind is now fully expressed in the world, communicating your message in perfect clarity. As a result, you speak differently about your business. You no longer hide behind your brand or shy away from enlisting others into the vision. Instead, you feel free to see and be seen. 

This is the power of design. 

Now that you have a base understanding of our branding process and can contrast it to your creative work, we encourage you to deepen the conversation. To learn more about our branding services, click here to inquire. We would love to share this journey with you and explore the next best steps.

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