Design for Experience: Exploring the Palette that Engages the Senses and Elevates Everyday Moments in Commercial Interiors

Design for Experience: Exploring the Palette that Engages the Senses and Elevates Everyday Moments in Commercial Interiors

^{The Experience palette is not only about what we see. It will be about how it makes us feel.}

^{Article written by: Frances Phillips, Senior Content Marketing Manager | Published by Shaw Contract}

Design for All is the Shaw Contract trend forecast CEU that explores how inclusive design shapes the future of commercial interiors. Through five interconnected lenses — Wellbeing, Connection, Learning, Experience and Thriving —discover actionable color and material strategies to create spaces that support both people and planet.

^{Design for the senses: Use a variety of textures, finishes and lighting to engage touch, sight and sound.}

How Experience Shapes Human Interaction in Commercial Interiors

Experience is the sum of every interaction, sensation and memory within a space. The Experience trend celebrates environments that engage the senses, encourage discovery and transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. Shaw Contract’s Experience palette is designed to spark delight and wonder, using color, texture and materiality to create interiors that are immersive, playful and unforgettable.

Key Insights from the Experience Trend

• Design is a sensory journey. Multi-sensory spaces that engage sight, sound, touch and even scent create lasting impressions and foster emotional connections.
• Play and surprise matter. Unexpected details, interactive elements and bold color choices invite curiosity and joy. See a few of these joyful moments spark delight.
• Everyday moments are elevated. Thoughtful design transforms routine activities into memorable experiences. Patricia Urquiola and Moroso at Heimtextil demonstrate the power of experiential design.
• Color is immersive. Layered hues and tactile finishes can shift mood, define zones and guide movement through a space.
• Design for all senses. Inclusive design considers not just how spaces look, but how they feel, sound and function for everyone.

The Experience Palette

The Experience palette features immersive, multi-sensory colors and materials:

• Delight: Vibrant coral and electric blue spark energy and excitement.
• Sense: Soft blush and lavender invite calm and reflection.
• Wonder: Deep teal and emerald evoke curiosity and depth.
• Play: Citrus yellow and mint green add a playful, uplifting note.
• Balance: Warm neutrals and gentle greys ground the palette and provide moments of rest.

These hues are inspired by the theater of daily life, the joy of discovery and the richness of sensory experience. The palette is both bold and harmonious, encouraging designers to layer color, texture and light for maximum impact.

Explore the Experience Palette featuring Shaw Contract carpet tile, hard surface and porcelain tile.

Actionable Design Strategies for Commercial Interiors

To bring the Experience trend into workplace, education and hospitality interiors, consider these strategies:

• Design for the senses: Use a variety of textures, finishes and lighting to engage touch, sight and sound.
• Layer immersive colors: Combine vibrant and soothing hues to create dynamic, memorable spaces.
• Incorporate interactive elements: Use movable partitions, writable surfaces and flexible layouts to invite participation.
• Create moments of surprise: Integrate unexpected details, art installations or playful graphics to spark delight.
• Support wayfinding and zoning: Use color and material changes to guide movement and define different experiences within a space.