A Look At Key Trends In Retail Spaces Used By Interior Design Companies In UAE

The UAE is fast becoming one of the more architecturally expressive locations in the world. Contemporary lines can merge with regional sensibilities. Impeccably stylish interiors can work well with functional spaces. And exceptionally designed retail environments can become virtual experiences.   As global commercial design brands enter the region and consumer preferences become even more sophisticated, design in retail spaces becomes even more innovative, creative, and perhaps more significantly, exceedingly successful at conveying brand identities. Here are just a few of the key trends in retail spaces — from food to fashion to luxury goods — that are being explored and implemented by interior design companies in UAE.  

Sustainability in retail spaces. 

More and more retail businesses are incorporating sustainability into their spaces, and interior design companies in the region are paying close attention. Eco-friendly materials are being used for flooring, walls, furniture, and fixtures — from recycled objects to raw materials that leave little to no environmentally damaging impact. Retail businesses in collaboration with the right interior design firm in the UAE are looking towards a more sustainable future through their spaces.  

A spotlight on lighting design.

An international design exhibition held annually in Dubai focuses the spotlight on bespoke lighting design and fittings as one of the emerging trends in interior design.   Lighting isn’t just about illumination. It’s also about creating drama, effect, a statement, and creating an experience for consumers that is distinct to the brand. Lighting has an impact on how customers view a retail space, and the perfect sort of lighting can move those who walk into any store to purchase a product.  

The store of the future knows high-tech. Interactive retail is here to stay because consumers can’t get enough of technology. Through holographic displays and multi-touch (motion-sensitive) screens in stores, shoppers become more engaged buyers. So you’ll find most retail stores in the UAE to include high-tech solutions that not only heighten consumer experience but also lend an innovative identity to the brand.  

The science of nature on textural finishes.

Another key interior design trend emerging in the Middle East is the so-called “geologist trend,” which essentially depicts geological textures on everything from flooring to tiling to textiles. The region’s design sensibilities may already be considered visual arts unto themselves (e.g. stylized motifs, elaborate carvings, and other arabesque designs), but with the inclusion of textural finishes that illustrate the imperfections of geological surfaces, any retail environment that uses this trend successfully will generate great (and hopefully lucrative) impact with its space.