As the founder and lead designer at Sygrove Associates Design Group, I deeply understand the nuances of interior design, particularly regarding public areas of co-op and condo buildings. While lobbies and hallways often receive meticulous attention in design projects, elevator cab interiors frequently remain an afterthought.

However, these transitional spaces serve as crucial links, embodying the aesthetic flow between a building’s key design areas. Elevators are indeed little time capsules and should be a pleasant experience for all who enter.

Having dedicated over thirty years to interior design for lobbies and hallways, I’ve observed a consistent pattern: elevator cab interiors tend to be at the bottom of most renovation lists, considered only during necessary mechanical upgrades or ADA compliance checks. Yet, these “spaceships” within buildings reinforce the visual connections between the lobby, hallways, and amenity spaces.

Imagine stepping into an elevator that mirrors the grandeur or quaint charm of your building’s public areas. The experience is uninterrupted, and the design language continues seamlessly, enhancing the building’s architectural storytelling. One of my firm’s many strengths is converting overlooked spaces into assets of elegance and functionality.

One of elevator cab design’s most significant challenges and opportunities is balancing aesthetics with durability. With high traffic, elevators endure a wide range of uses—from pets, children, shopping carts, and luggage to move-ins/outs and trash transport. Therefore, it is necessary to choose materials that can withstand such wear while maintaining a timeless appeal.

(We have only one elevator in my building, so even the recycling and trash come down in the elevators, as well as cleaning supplies, vacuum cleaners…)

One of our favorite materials for elevator cab interior walls is woven metal mesh, prized for its durability and classic design. It integrates beautifully with other textures and offers endless creative possibilities, as well as long-lasting beauty and functionality.

Lighting: Lighting is integral to the ambiance of an elevator cab. We prioritize indirect lighting fixtures strategically placed to enhance warmth and comfort. These include lighting around the perimeter, downlights, and even surface-mounted decorative fixtures. (Pendant fixtures are a “no-no,” as they can sway as the cab goes up and down.)

Flooring: Our preference is porcelain or stone, but when there is a weight issue, we turn to Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT). LVT gives the appearance and textural feel of porcelain or stone, but it is lighter and (and requires significantly less maintenance).

stone, or concrete, combined with exceptional durability and easy maintenance—ideal for the high demands of elevator use.

Accessories: We love to add design elements to handrails, notice frames, and protective pads, aligning them with a building’s broader aesthetic without compromising on resilience.

• Ceiling Adjustments: Consult with the elevator company to explore options for removing the existing ceiling and raising it to accommodate furniture, for example, if it doubles as a freight elevator.
• Compliance with Codes: Ensure the escape hatch, a code requirement, is accessible and coordinate the weight considerations of new materials for safety. (See NYC’s elevator codes here)
• Weight: Before selecting materials, it is critical to understand if there are any limitations due to weight and counterbalancing the elevator cab.

Every project we undertake at Sygrove matches innovative solutions with practical design challenges. We do not see obstacles; we see opportunities for creative excellence. Much like our approach to integrating columns into lobby designs, we transform elevator cabs into hallmarks of style and continuity.

Lobby Design: How To Deal With The Column Problem
Common Lobby Interior Design Problems & How We Solve Them
Ways To Make Your Hallways Look Wider