New showroom

[MnSue]

If you were designing a new showroom & design space...what would be on your wish list....
and what wouldn't you do again!

size for the showroom maybe 400-500 sq ft... actual location (and windows) still being researched - so that's all I got!
But your suggestions will help this person with some final decisions on which locations to rule in - and out!

Photo ideas are always welcome!
thanks

 

[cjmst3k]

Tall ceilings are very much a benefit to fit more frame samples and art. One thing I dislike is my store facing the direction the sun sets, as that means only dense oil paintings can be displayed. I have huge windows, but I built walls to fully block them up to keep direct sunlight out.

 

[pete plastic]

Not sure how your shop is set up, but I would recommend two work tables; one for the "dirty" work of frame-building/touch-up, and the other for the "clean" work of mat-cutting/fitting. I've worked in shops with only one, and one with three (frame-building, mat-cutting/mounting, and fitting), and I liked having separate tables for the different stages of production. But that means a lot of room, which you may not be able to get, so a compromise to that would be two. And having a separate space to sit down and have a break is nice, instead of having to perch on a stool at a worktable.

 

[pete plastic]

But I now realize you're asking about showrooms.

Having a roomy design table is nice. Nothing like trying to unravel a 6' world map across a 4' design table...

 

[SusanG]

The tall ceilings are a huge bonus. We have a small shop and framing area, but the tall ceilings make it easier to maneuver larger pieces. We were the first occupant of our unit so we designed it to have it that way. Also I think it looks better than the typical removable panels that most shops have.

 

[Framing Goddess]

Some practical considerations would be these:
- tall ceilings, yes! I have them in my storefront and they come in handy and help make my tiny showroom feel not-so-tight.
- a floor that does not show dirt. I have a commercial grade carpet that wears like iron and shows no dirt.
-lots of natural light. My customers love this.
-a place to sit. Some have good arguments against this, but if the tag-along spouse is comfy, everyone is happier.
-lots of storage. Right now my main design table also houses my main computer monitor and paperwork and I would love to have more room for a dedicated design counter and perhaps a secondary one for junk and design overflow.
-room for a second design computer and counter even if only one is 'necessary' at the outset
-easy access display windows

Some aesthetic considerations:
-tall ceilings!
-a floor that does not show dirt!
-no dropped acoustic tile ceilings and fluorescent light tube lights. There may be no way around this in some locations, but I find that it looks disturbingly generic.
-this is my personal preference, but I am not a fan of slick formica and pressboard counters. I use an old oak conference table as a design counter and I do like the look of it. But I am biased towards antiques over new in general.

 

[Puppyraiser]

For sure, some sliding doors for corner samples. I have heard of some using barn door hardware, but the best I heard was using inline skate wheels.