Reception Design

There are no second chances for first impressions, and the reception area of any business or building is our calling card in all physical commercial relationships. That is why reception design is a crucial factor in quickly and effectively communicating who we are and what experience we promise our customers and partners. Before designing a reception area, we must start with a series of premises and respond to them through the design and materials we choose in the interior architecture project:

• What we want to convey: the essence of the business and its values. A commitment to quality or innovation, or whether we are a company that is committed to sustainability, can be part of this and reflected in the design and selection of materials. 

• What functional requirements it must meet. 

The design of today's reception areas must not only be unique, modern and highly functional spaces, but must also reflect each company's commitment to its visitors. Krion materials can transform the reception area, turning it into a striking and efficient welcome area. 

What will you learn in this post?

• Key aspects for designing a reception area

• Designing small, modern reception areas: solutions for making the most of the space

• What materials and furniture to choose for decorating a modern reception area

• Projects: design ideas for hotel reception areas

• Projects: reception design ideas for offices

• Projects: design ideas for small, modern receptions

Key aspects for designing a reception area

When designing a reception area, it is essential to consider several aspects that ensure its functionality and aesthetics. Every detail, from the layout of the spaces to the arrangement of the furniture, influences the experience of your visitors and employees.

Space and layout

The available space is one of the most decisive factors in the design of a reception area. We do not always have a large space available, and we must adapt the available square metres to the needs of the business. 

Whenever possible, opt for an open design that allows for a natural flow of people, avoiding crowds and facilitating movement. Delimiting specific areas for reception, waiting and transit will help you to ensure the smooth flow of customers.

Here are some tips for decorating small reception areas: 

1. Multifunctional furniture: Choose furniture that serves multiple purposes, such as counters with built-in storage. 

2. Light colours: Use light colours for walls and furniture to make the space appear larger and more open.

3. Mirrors and lighting: Mirrors can create an illusion of spaciousness, while good lighting ensures that the area feels cosy and well-defined.

Photograph: Mortela y Media

Porcelanosa Group project: Aspe Dental Centre (Aspe, Spain).

Solutions by Krion, L'Antic Colonial and Noken. 

Porcelanosa Group project: Inés Museros (Castellón, Spain) by Cel-Ras Arquitectura.

Solutions by Krion and Noken. 

Lighting, preferably natural and conveying warmth

Appropriate lighting transforms the atmosphere of the reception area. The combination of natural and artificial light must be balanced to create a warm and professional environment. 

Take advantage of natural light by installing windows, skylights, and glass doors to create an efficient environment. At the same time, use artificial light to highlight certain areas or design features, using wall lights, LED strips, or floor lamps.

Adjustable lighting can be designed to create different atmospheres depending on the time of day, which is very useful for hotels with different check-in times. 

Accessible and personal entrance 

The reception entrance must be accessible and clear, and comply with accessibility regulations. In addition, a clean, obstacle-free design will convey a sense of order and professionalism. Take the opportunity to incorporate elements that reflect the brand into the entrance to provide a visual welcome and let visitors know they have arrived at the right place.

Photograph: Alonso Quiroga

Porcelanosa Group project: Caja Rural Asturias (Madrid, Spain) by Touza Arquitectos.

Solutions by Krion, Gamadecor and Noken. 

Designing small, modern reception areas: solutions for making the most of space 

Small reception areas, especially in offices, clinics or commercial premises, pose a design challenge where every centimetre counts. However, with proper planning and versatile materials such as Krion® Solid Surface, it is possible to create welcoming, functional and modern spaces that project a professional image without sacrificing comfort. p>

How to lay out a small reception area without creating a ‘corridor’ effect

Avoiding the corridor effect in narrow spaces is key to not conveying a cold or improvised image. . An L- or U-shaped layout allows for fluid traffic flow and makes better use of every corner. In this type of configuration, the counter should be placed as a focal point, maximising visibility and efficiency. Opting for customised solutions with Krion® LUX allows the shape to be adapted to each need without limiting the design.

On the other hand, it is advisable to avoid visual obstacles, use lightweight or suspended furniture, and prioritise order. A clear space conveys professionalism.

Colours and materials for a modern reception area

Light, neutral colours are ideal for amplifying light and giving a feeling of spaciousness. Combinations such as white, together with stone or beige tones, create an atmosphere of serenity and elegance. The use of materials such as Krion® LUX in finishes such as Krion® K'Life 1100 or with subtle veins creates visual continuity that reinforces the contemporary aesthetic of the environment.

In addition to their visual beauty, the selected materials must be resistant to everyday use, easy to clean and have durable finishes. In this regard, Krion® LUX offers unique, easy-to-maintain properties such as low porosity, bacteriostatic properties and the ability to be easily repaired, making it an ideal choice for high-traffic areas.

Lighting ideas for small reception areas

Backlighting is a lighting technique in which a light source is placed behind a translucent material, creating a striking visual effect. This technique allows the textures and volumes of the material to be highlighted, generating a unique atmosphere unique atmosphere that highlights the characteristics of the design elements.

When using Krion® LUX, backlighting becomes a powerful tool for personalising spaces and giving them identity. Thanks to the properties of the material, luminescent effects can be created that add dynamism to the reception area. It also allows you to play with light to highlight architectural details or key brand elements, such as the logo on the reception desk, contributing to a memorable first impression.

What materials and furniture to choose for decorating a modern reception area

The choice of materials should be in line with the design concept for the reception area and respond to the defined aesthetic, whether minimalist, industrial or with integrated technology. In addition, the furniture must reflect the essence of the business's brand and be comfortable for those who work there, promoting order and visual hygiene.

However, creating a modern reception area requires more than just selecting materials and furniture. 

The counter: a workspace and brand impact

The reception desk is the focal point of the welcome area and should be both functional and visually appealing. It is essential that it provides sufficient workspace for staff, as well as adequate storage for documents and supplies so that they are hidden from view.

It should reflect the company's image, so don't forget to incorporate distinctive visual elements such as logos and branding. 

One of the strengths of Krion® Solid Surface is its ability to be customised for different spaces. Krion® can be backlit and several models are translucent. By combining different thicknesses and recesses in the sheets, and adding the possibility of including white or coloured lights, you can achieve technical and volumetric lighting effects, such as a backlit logo on a counter, with a high capacity for setting the mood and creating atmosphere. and volumes, such as a backlit logo on a counter, with a high capacity for creating unique brand atmospheres.

In terms of design, avoid the classic straight and elongated counters. Current trends have evolved towards more compact designs, efficient designs with curved and rounded organic lines, offering a friendlier and less rigid image. 

Stylish coverings 

We are referring to walls, counters and everything that adorns the establishment. For a project like this, the cladding must have characteristics such as resistance, durability, ease of repair and installation, and easy cleaning. These are attributes that define Krion® Solid Surface.

If we combine this with large-format cladding, such as Fitwall® or Alluslate®, we will create focal points that will transform the sensations and visual impact of the entrance. There are many different designs of our decorative panels, with different textures and designs that can be adapted to any project, recreating realistic finishes such as wood, textures, concrete, terracotta and textiles, with guaranteed resistance.

Our materials are of mineral origin, in line with our commitment to caring for the environment. They are therefore consistent with sustainability and facilitate the obtaining of certificates for sustainable buildings. 

Comfortable sofas and seats 

Essential for ensuring visitor comfort, in more modern reception areas for companies with a youthful and energetic spirit, vintage armchairs, Scandinavian chairs and industrial pouffes can be combined to create a dynamic and creative space.  

Whatever the style, don't forget to choose quality furniture that is durable and comfortable so that any waiting time for visitors is a pleasant experience. 

Decorate and personalise

Complement the overall design with decorative elements that reinforce your brand identity and experience. Plants add a natural, fresh and vibrant touch, as well as improving air quality. Choose species that require little maintenance and are well suited to the reception environment. 

Art and entertainment

As far as possible, consider including entertainment elements such as audiovisuals, a collection of books and magazines, or photographs and awards that make waiting times more enjoyable and introduce us to the company, especially in clinics and consulting rooms. 

In addition, attention to small details can significantly improve the visitor experience. Provide a box of tissues, a coat rack, or a hand sanitiser dispenser. These details, although small, create a welcoming and pleasant atmosphere.

Integrate clear and visible signage

Well-designed signage not only guides visitors, but also reduces confusion and frustration. These include labels for different areas, instructions for registration, and information about emergency exits. Ensure that these signs are legible and visually appealing. nbsp;

With Krion® compact mineral, the possibilities for signage design are amplified with customised designs that are resistant to extreme environmental factors and can be backlit.

Photograph: Octaviuss Photography

Porcelanosa Group project: Óptica Soriano (Leganés, Spain) by Doblesse Space & Branding

Solutions by Krion, Noken, Xtone.

Projects: design ideas for hotel receptions

Hotel receptions should project a feeling of hospitality. Some specific tips for creating these spaces are:

1. Back wall of the counter: this is a key focal point in hotels and must be given the utmost care to impress travellers. The design should be aligned with the brand's values and the type of customer expected. 

In rural guesthouses, wooden details are ideal, while in luxury hotels, sober elements and golden or metallic colours may be more appropriate. You can explore the possibilities with Krion® Lux, Alluslate® or Fitwall®, which recreates realistic textures and finishes.

2. Ambient lighting: incorporate warm, adjustable lighting to create different atmospheres depending on the time of day. 

If your hotel has high ceilings, opt for pendant lamps in a variety of styles. On the other hand, in small spaces, strategically placed small spotlights are effective. 

Important: ensure that the reception desk is well lit to facilitate transactions and generate trust.

Porcelanosa Group project: Hotel Castillo de Peñíscola (Peñíscola, Spain) by Gry Asociados.

Solutions from Krion, Gamadecor, L'Antic Colonial, Butech, Noken, and Xtone.

3. Waiting areas: create comfortable waiting areas with high-quality seating and side tables with books, magazines and, if possible, drinks such as water and coffee.

Projects: reception design ideas for doctors' surgeries, clinics and pharmacies

In healthcare applications, such as clinics, pharmacies, or doctors' offices, the reception area should be welcoming and convey health and tranquillity. To achieve this, you should consider some specific aspects such as the following: 

1. Calming colours: use a palette of soft, pure colours such as white and green to create a relaxing atmosphere that conveys cleanliness.

2. Aseptic materials: cleanliness is essential in these spaces. Krion® Solid Surface is ideal for these spaces due to its bacteriostatic properties, which prevent the proliferation of bacteria and fungi. 

3. Waiting areas for children: including a small area with toys and books for children can improve the waiting experience for younger patients.

4. White or natural lighting: Natural light is preferable in the reception area of clinics, but if this is not possible, opt for white light, as it improves colour perception and concentration. 

Porcelanosa Group project: Faro del Mayab Hospital (Mérida, Mexico) by 4A Arquitectos SCP. p>

Solutions by Krion.

Photography: Lucas García

Porcelanosa Group project: Zentro Diagnostico Avanzado (Zaragoza, Spain) by Mozamarte. Solutions by Krion, L'Antic Colonial, Butech, Noken.

Projects: design ideas for office reception areas

Office reception areas should be practical and reflect the corporate identity. Here are some ideas to enhance these spaces:

1. Backlit logo: using Krion® Solid Surface to create backlit logos can be an excellent way to highlight the brand. In addition to white, there is a wide variety of models with this feature.& nbsp;

2. Workstations: including ergonomic and efficient workstations for reception staff will look more professional to customers. Consider designing functional storage that keeps surfaces clean and out of sight of customers. 

3. Branding elements: incorporate colours and decorative elements that reflect the company's identity.

Photograph: Emanuel Mozes

Porcelanosa Group project: Bellapianta Ortho (Monteclair, United States) by AA Arquitectural INC. 

Solutions by Krion.

Porcelanosa Group project: Capital One (New York, United States) by TPG Architecture.

Solutions by Krion

The customer experience begins at reception. With materials such as Krion®, you can create spaces that are not only functional and durable, but also aesthetically impressive. 

A smart choice for its quality, safety and customisation options, which will make your customers' first impression unique.& nbsp;

Projects: design ideas for small, modern reception areas

At Krion® , we have participated in numerous projects that demonstrate how a small reception area can become the heart of the space, conveying brand identity, functionality and design.

Commercial and retail spaces: reception designs that sell

In retail, a reception area not only welcomes customers, but must also interact with them, creating an immediate visual connection. Krion® LUX is ideal for small reception areas, as it offers continuous, joint-free surfaces that are easy to maintain and have elegant finishes. Its variety of colours and textures allows the design to be adapted to the brand identity, optimising every available corner.

This material is perfect for creating an attractive visual experience at first glance, transforming a small space into a functional and aesthetically striking focal point.

Porcelanosa Group project: Saigu Cosmetics 

Solutions by Krion