First impressions start before a single word is exchanged. The moment someone steps into a space, they’re already picking up subtle cues: the light, the sound, the smell, the materials. All these elements contribute to an instant sense of whether the space feels calm or chaotic, welcoming or cold, intentional or thrown together.
At Lunne, we pay close attention to the details. Not because they’re flashy or obvious, but because they quietly shape the way people experience a space, often before they even realize it.
We’re breaking down the elements that tend to stand out first when someone enters a lobby—whether it’s corporate, retail, or hospitality—and why those seemingly small choices matter so much.
Lighting levels
The right mix of overhead, task, and natural light can transform how a space looks, functions, and feels. Lighting guides attention, sets the mood, supports the way people navigate a space, and enhances the experience. But when lighting isn’t considered early in the design process, it shows. Spaces feel too harsh or too dim. Color temperatures clash. And instead of feeling cohesive, the environment feels disconnected. When done right, thoughtful lighting shapes how people connect with a space.
Materials + finishes
Materials and finishes are the foundation of any great space. It’s about more than just looks. It’s about creating a sense of care and authenticity. Choosing real, high-quality surfaces like stone or wood makes a big difference compared to laminate or faux finishes. Color plays its own role. Too much vibrancy can overwhelm, while too little can leave a space feeling bland. When materials and colors are not thoughtfully selected, the space can feel disconnected or cheap.
Aroma
Aroma is one of those things you might not notice right away, but it has a huge impact on how a space feels and sticks with you. A gentle, pleasant scent can make a room feel cozy, calm, or energizing, depending on the environment you want to create. If the smell is too strong or just doesn’t fit, it can be distracting or even off-putting.
Sound type + volume
Sound plays a vital role in shaping how people experience a space. The type of sound and its volume can influence mood, focus, and comfort. Background music or ambient sounds can create energy or calm, while unwanted noise or volumes that are too high can cause distraction and discomfort. Thoughtful selection and control of sound help create spaces that feel inviting, balanced, and supportive of the space’s purpose.
Brand ambassadors
The way someone is welcomed into a space sets the tone for their experience. Whether it’s a warm hello, a helpful direction, or simply being acknowledged, the role of a greeter can have a lasting impact. What that welcome looks like depends on the environment. In a hospital, it might mean clear guidance right at the door. In retail, it’s the balance between being available and giving customers space. In a workplace, it could be a friendly check-in, an offer of coffee, or just making someone feel seen. A thoughtful welcome, tailored to the setting and emotional state of the visitor, can make a space feel more human, intentional, and connected.
Visual messaging
Visual messaging is more than decoration. It’s how a brand introduces itself and reinforces what it stands for. From taglines and mission statements to logos and supporting visuals, what’s on display shapes how people perceive the space and the organization behind it. In our experience, brands with a clear messaging strategy tend to say more by showing less. Their spaces feel intentional and focused. On the other hand, when messaging isn’t well defined, it often shows up as visual clutter: too many signs, too much copy, and not enough clarity. When done well, messaging helps people immediately understand who you are, what you do, and why it matters.
Great spaces don’t start with the layout or the furniture; they start with a feeling.
That feeling is built through small choices that shape how someone moves, behaves, and connects within a space.
Lunne designs with that in mind. Not just for how a space looks, but for what it communicates before anyone speaks. For how it calms nerves, creates focus, invites curiosity, or simply makes someone feel like they’re in the right place.
Because in the end, people may not remember every detail they saw, but they’ll remember how the space made them feel.