Natural Grace

In the serene landscape of Beresfield, a unique commercial office fitout has emerged, a project that redefines the very essence of a professional space. The Natural Grace fitout, meticulously crafted by the experts at Total Fitouts Newcastle, stands as a testament to the power of thoughtful design, proving that a commercial office fitout can be so much more than just a place of work. This project, which serves as a holistic funeral directors’ office, was designed with a profound purpose: to create a calm, comforting, and welcoming environment for individuals and families during a deeply sensitive time. The success of this commercial office fitout lies in its beautiful simplicity, a design philosophy that prioritises peace and tranquillity above all else.

A Quiet Oasis in Beresfield

The location in Beresfield provided a canvas for this exceptional commercial office fitout. Beresfield, a suburb known for its industrial and commercial activity, is an unconventional choice for a business like Natural Grace. However, the Total Fitouts Newcastle team saw an opportunity to create a sanctuary, an oasis of calm that stands in gentle contrast to its surroundings. The exterior of the building, as seen in the attached photos, features a clean and modern aesthetic with timber-look cladding and a prominent black sign bearing the “Natural Grace” logo and contact information. This professional and dignified facade sets the tone for the interior, hinting at the serenity that awaits inside. This commercial office fitout cleverly utilises the building’s shell to create a peaceful entry point, with a small potted olive tree adding a touch of natural life and a welcoming feel.

Simplicity in Design

Upon entering the space, the true genius of this commercial office fitout becomes immediately apparent. The core design philosophy revolves around simplicity, and this is masterfully achieved through the careful selection of materials and colours. The palette is dominated by a warm, light-toned timber veneer on the walls, a soft and inviting choice that instantly creates a sense of natural warmth. This is paired with a dark grey, almost charcoal-coloured, carpet. The contrast between the light timber and the dark flooring is both striking and grounding, guiding visitors through the space. This strategic use of colour and texture is a key feature of this commercial office fitout, demonstrating how materials can be used to evoke specific emotions and create a desired atmosphere.

The Journey Through a Thoughtful Space

The long hallway, a central feature of the space, is a perfect example of this commercial design philosophy. It’s not just a corridor; it’s a journey. The timber-panelled walls on one side and a clean white wall on the other create a visual rhythm. Recessed downlights in the ceiling provide a soft, ambient glow, illuminating the path without being harsh or overwhelming. The clean lines and minimalist approach make the space feel open and uncluttered, which is essential for a commercial office fitout that aims to be a calming presence. A small, carefully placed potted plant at the end of the hallway adds a touch of greenery, a subtle nod to life and nature that aligns with the business’s holistic approach. This hallway acts as a transition zone, allowing visitors to decompress and prepare for the conversations they are about to have.

A Welcoming Waiting Area

The waiting area is the heart of this commercial office fitout, a place designed for comfort and contemplation. Total Fitouts Newcastle has expertly curated this space to feel more like a living room than a typical corporate environment. The furniture is the centrepiece: a comfortable-looking sofa and armchairs in a neutral, light-coloured fabric. Padded cushions in varying shades of green, cream, and a pop of warm terracotta add a touch of colour and texture, making the space feel personal and lived-in. The centrepiece of the room, both literally and figuratively, is the large, spherical paper lantern hanging from the ceiling. Its soft, diffused light creates a gentle and welcoming ambience, a stark contrast to the harsh, bright lighting often found in commercial spaces. This specific lighting choice is a powerful commercial design feature within this commercial office fitout, as it contributes significantly to the overall sense of peace and tranquillity.

The timber theme continues in the waiting area with a fluted timber-front cabinet and a matching coffee table. The cabinet, with its clean lines and subtle texture, serves both a functional and aesthetic purpose. On its surface, a vase of fresh flowers, candles, and a wooden box create a small, comforting vignette. These small details, from the arrangement of the objects to the choice of furniture, demonstrate the meticulous attention to detail that went into this commercial office fitout.

Jason Dowdall, Director at Total Fitouts Newcastle says, “The floor-to-ceiling sheer white curtains that line the large windows were another crucial element. They filter the natural light, preventing it from being too bright and creating a soft, ethereal glow throughout the space.”

This manipulation of light is a sophisticated design technique used in this commercial office fitout to control the mood and atmosphere of the room.

Functionality with Grace

Beyond the public-facing areas, the functional parts of this commercial office fitout also maintain the same level of clean and simple design. A dedicated area for the staff and operational needs is seamlessly integrated. The kitchenette and utility area, while highly functional, are kept clean and streamlined with a white and grey colour scheme.

Jason continues, “The cabinetry is a simple, modern design, and the stainless steel sink and appliances are practical without detracting from the overall aesthetic. This part of the commercial office fitout is designed for efficiency and cleanliness, a necessary element for any commercial operation. The hallway leading to this area also features the same clean lines and simple colour palette, ensuring a cohesive design throughout the entire space.”

Perhaps the most unique aspect of this commercial office fitout is the integration of the cold room and other practical elements. As a funeral director’s office, there is a need for specific, highly functional spaces. The Total Fitouts Newcastle team have managed to incorporate these without compromising the overall design integrity. The large, white doors of the cold room, while functional, blend into the white walls of the corridor, creating a seamless and unintrusive look. The clean, bright interior of the cold room, showcases a sterile and well-lit environment that is necessary for the business’s operations. This demonstrates the ability of the Total Fitouts team to marry a sensitive interior design aesthetic with highly specialised practical requirements, a crucial skill in a complex commercial office fitout.

A Masterclass in Thoughtful Design

The Natural Grace commercial office fitout by the Total Fitouts Newcastle team is an exemplary project that showcases the power of commercial design to create a specific emotional response. This project is a masterclass in simplicity, proving that less is often more. The thoughtful use of natural materials, a calming colour palette, and carefully chosen design features, from the lighting to the furniture, all work in harmony to create a space that is not only functional but also deeply comforting. The location in Beresfield, initially a challenge, has been transformed into a quiet haven.

This commercial office fitout is a powerful reminder that design can have a profound impact on well-being and that a professional space can be a sanctuary of peace, even in the most sensitive of circumstances. The project stands as a testament to the fact that a commercial office fitout is not just about building walls and installing desks; it’s about crafting an experience and creating an environment that serves its purpose with grace and dignity.

Looking for a commercial office project? Enquire with Total Fitouts today!