Bringing Style to Shared Spaces: Why Communal Areas Deserve Just as Much Love as Your Living Room
When you think about interior design, your mind probably jumps to statement lighting in the lounge or the perfect paint shade for your bedroom walls. But what about the space you pass through every single day – the lobby, the corridor, the lift? These communal areas are more than just cut throughs; they set the tone for your home, your building, and your experience of apartment living.
As a block management specialist, I often see a surprising disconnect between the care residents put into their own interiors and the neglect that communal areas endure. But here’s the thing: these spaces matter, both emotionally and practically.
First Impressions Matter
The entrance to your building is the first thing you and your guests see. A tired, dimly lit lobby with scuffed walls doesn’t exactly say “welcome home.”
In contrast, a thoughtfully managed communal area with clean finishes, cohesive colour schemes, and even a hint of personality (a framed local print or a pop of greenery) can completely shift how people feel about where they live.
Design Enhances Value
A beautifully maintained communal hallway doesn’t just look good, it contributes to property value and pride of place. When residents feel invested in their environment, they’re more likely to treat it with respect. That means fewer maintenance issues, less vandalism, and a stronger sense of community.
I’ve seen buildings where a simple refresh, repainting the stairwell, upgrading lighting or replacing worn carpet has transformed not just the aesthetic but the atmosphere. People started to notice. They smiled more. They took ownership. That’s the power of design in shared spaces.
It’s Not Just About Looks – It’s About Wellbeing
We now know that our environment impacts our mental health. Clean, light, and well organised communal areas contribute to a sense of calm and safety. As managing agents, we have a role to play in working with residents and developers to ensure that these spaces are not an afterthought
Interior design doesn’t stop at the threshold of your front door. Whether you’re a resident, investor, or developer, involving your block manager in plans to refresh or redesign communal spaces can make the process smoother and the results longer lasting.
We understand the budgeting, health & safety, and logistical elements, but we also see the human side. We know how powerful it is when people feel proud of where they live.
So next time you’re browsing mood boards for your lounge makeover, maybe take a glance at the corridor too. It might just deserve a glow-up of its own.
Author: Jodie Fraser
Jodie Fraser is a multi award winning leasehold property professional, podcaster, professional speaker, trainer and wellbeing advocate with a focus on protecting lone workers.