Four Ways to Make Your Lobby Look Welcoming Without Seating

A doorman desk should not be the place for jumbled wires, visible computer monitors, piles of papers, and the like. This setup reeks of disorganization, poor maintenance, and inefficiency, which are certainly not qualities you wish to portray to residents, visitors, and, of course, potential buyers. To avoid these pitfalls, take a few preventive steps. Streamline files and go digital where possible. You may also wish to install doors or cabinets behind a desk to stow essentials. Invest in a desk with a high front that allows computer monitors to remain out of sight from those passing by. A sleek setup will make your building feel more luxurious and orderly in an instant.

You certainly don’t want your building to appear as if it’s a sterile place with zero welcoming qualities. Ensure that flooring is well-maintained; carpet and area rugs should be cleaned frequently, while natural floors and terrazzo should regularly be buffed and polished. All floors, whether porcelain or natural, should be kept free of debris. Artwork should be engaging—while by no means do residents expect to see priceless works in their lobby, the pieces hung should be sophisticated and reflect the overall building’s aesthetic, complementing its architecture, surroundings, and color. High quality, professional photographs of the surrounding neighborhood are one simple solution.

A statement art piece will capture the eye’s attention immediately upon walking through the door. Murals, photographs, or abstracts are all excellent choices. Large-scale works have a certain ‘wow’ factor and will always serve as a stunning focal point in the lobby. This may be the opportunity to invest in a one-of-a-kind piece, as your statement art will likely remain hanging for many years—even decades.

If you need assistance in creating a welcoming setup, take a look at this post (link to my other post), where I go into detail chronicling the essentials needed to design a beautiful indoor garden. Plant life will add so much energy to any lobby and keep a space feeling well-curated and fresh. I recommend that buildings with an operating budget that allows for a flower service take advantage of this option; however, buildings that are home to interested and talented residents may wish to draw upon the skills of these individuals to create eye-catching displays each season.