Businesses work best when they embrace the contributions of all their members. Including diverse individuals from different backgrounds and identities can further broaden this view, putting companies on the cutting edge of their local industries. One of the best ways to connect with customers and embrace company diversity and inclusion is to build local culture and history directly into the fabric of the business, and digital wall coverings can help.
Digital wall coverings are a customizable décor option that is limitless to the extent of a company’s imagination and vision. By incorporating local history and cultural identity in the wall coverings adorning an office or meeting space, businesses can connect with clients, customers, and employees on an identity level and show that we all have something in common.
If you’re looking for smart ways to reflect culture and history in your wall coverings, there are a few considerations to keep in mind.
Consider Colors and Patterns
When trying to wrap “culture and history” into a visual design, where do you start? One of the best places is with colors and patterns. Take, for example, the important role of the color red in many Asian cultures.
This color is associated with wisdom and prosperity, especially when paired with yellow. Patterns such as Celtic knots or the repeating, symmetrical identity of many African weaving designs can quickly present a strong sense of identity without words.
What cultures are represented in your local community? Does your community have its own blend of colors and patterns, such as the shades of famous local landmarks or the patterns on buildings and sidewalks?
Utilize Textures
Digital wall coverings need not be limited only to images. If a business is located in an industrial metropolis, consider metallic textures for a sleek, modern look inspired by local history.
Wall coverings can mimic a wide range of materials, from wood to stone, so learn from your local culture and build that identity into the (literal) feeling of your business space. As an added benefit, rough textures such as stone prevent excess noise by absorbing sound, creating a more comfortable environment for visitors and employees.
Find Local Highlights
Your company should fit into the community, not stand out from it. To facilitate this shift in identity, embrace the cultural and historical landmarks that make the local area unique. Can your digital wall coverings show off stylized portrayals of famous buildings or artworks in your region?
Are certain plants or animals specific to your local area, such as palm trees or birds? Many companies incorporate their local flavor using murals for one-of-a-kind imagery that makes guests and clients feel at home.
Source Elements Locally
One option for digital wall coverings that may not be immediately visible is the direct incorporation of local elements. For instance, suppose that a specific town is one of the best places to find a certain type of plant.
Companies could consider creating a patterned digital wall covering that explicitly (and literally) includes decorative spaces for these local plants to grow. Place these potted plants in front of the wall covering to create a seamless aesthetic vision built for this exact purpose.
Use Real Photos
Another viable method of embracing local history is to use real photos as part of the wall coverings. Imagine a collage of the most historically and culturally relevant moments in the town’s history displayed in rich color directly on the walls of the business. This shows customers that the company is attuned to its roots in this special place and strives to remain a part of the community, serving its residents with pride.
Highlight Local Collaboration
Companies that engage with their local area proactively often have plenty of evidence to show for it: awards, recognitions, and even photos. Digital wall coverings can bring these initiatives to the forefront.
Consider featuring a mural of these local collaborations to show how much the business has integrated itself directly into the local culture and become a part of its story. This grounds the business in the community, making it seem more like a partner than a faceless company.
Embrace Local Culture and History in Your Décor
Businesses should consider not just their product mixture and customer service but also how their décor influences customers’ perceptions of their identity.
No company would be where it is without the profound contributions of the local culture and history that have driven the region to its current point, and embracing the diverse backgrounds integral to this process can humanize a business. Contact Tree Towns to discuss how you can build these elements into the fabric of your own business!