When creating a beautiful commercial space, functionality and aesthetics don’t always see eye to eye. Interior designers, especially in the corporate space, often aim for minimalistic, immaculate spaces, naturally prioritising the aesthetics of the room. Meanwhile, IT professionals are often more focussed on functionality, with aesthetics being left as more of an afterthought or perhaps not even considered.
Too often, these two goals are seen as being in conflict. However, at MVS we work with our clients to bridge this gap. We believe that design and performance can work hand in hand, helping create a space that is both stylistically and technologically sound.
Why can AV and design clash?
Interior design focuses on how a space looks and feels, whereas AV design is typically more concerned with what a space needs to function properly. That might mean placing speakers and microphones where they perform best and positioning screens at the right height and angle. As a result, compromises are often made with either performance suffering to preserve the look of the room, or the design taking a back seat to functionality.
As AV integrators, we believe functionality and return on investment should always come first. At MVS, we design installations that perform flawlessly while complementing the aesthetics of your space. From colour-matched ceiling speakers to discreet mounting solutions, our technology integrates seamlessly with your interior design — enhancing usability without interrupting the visual flow.
How do you get the balance right?
The best results come when AV and design teams collaborate from the start. This ensures technology is integrated seamlessly alongside other design elements, rather than added later as an afterthought.
At MVS, we’re often involved early in the planning stage of an office fitout or refurbishment. This gives us the best opportunity to deliver a solution that respects the interior designer’s vision while optimising the AV installation. However, if we’re brought in after the refurbishment is complete, we have the experience and expertise to make it work.
For example, we recently supported a client with a boardroom audio solution that included Q-SYS AD-P6T pendant-mount loudspeakers. While the technical team approved the choice, the interior designers were concerned the bright white speakers would clash with the room’s neutral, minimalist palette. Our Projects team arranged for the speakers to be spray-painted in a custom light grey-brown finish, preserving both audio performance and visual integrity. In other projects, we’ve even added fabric coverings to help speakers blend seamlessly into their surroundings.
These small touches can make a big difference to how a space looks and feels.
Subtle and stylish sound systems
No one wants to see oversized speakers and tangled cables disrupting a carefully designed space. Thankfully, there are plenty of AV solutions that deliver strong performance without drawing attention to themselves.
Ceiling speakers from brands like Shure and Bose sit flush with the ceiling. Many of these models can be colour-matched to surrounding surfaces so they are subtle. Additionally, brands like K-Array offer slimline, low-profile speakers that can curve around walls, fit inside architectural details or even hide among indoor décor and foliage.
If a space needs to be completely tech-free to the eye, in-plaster speakers like the Sonance IS8T sit entirely behind the ceiling or wall finish. There’s no visible grille or edge, just high-quality sound that seems to come from nowhere. Amina Sound also provide innovative sound systems that allow for wood, laminate and even stone and marble finishes.
The key is choosing the right solution early on. That’s why we always recommend having a conversation with an AV consultant at the design stage. It makes it easier to integrate technology properly, without over-specifying or compromising on design
Aesthetic acoustics
If you are a regular reader of our blogs, you may be sick of hearing us talk about acoustics. However, it really is a make-or-break situation when it comes to providing the best AV experience. As MVS Technical Lead Dan Morris puts it, ‘good acoustics in an office space go beyond just good quality conference audio, but it also impacts mood, mental health, and ultimately, staff productivity and focus’.
Interior designers may be concerned that their beautiful vision of an office will be disrupted by huge, grey rectangles of acoustic foam. Fortunately, there are now countless design-led acoustic treatment solutions on the market, which not only look great, but also enable AV technology to perform at its best. Whether you want something discreet or a feature piece that becomes a key element of the design, we work with clients to integrate solutions that respect the design intent while effectively addressing acoustic challenges.
Thinking of AV as a design element
When AV is considered part of the design, it can transform a space. Video walls are a great example of how AV can become the centrepiece of a space’s design, as showcased by our work with Trustpilot and DPS Games.
Final thoughts
Design and performance don’t have to compete. With the right planning, they can support each other. Whether it’s a meeting room, showroom, restaurant or retail space, good AV should feel like part of the design without sacrificing performance.
Planning a new space or fitout? Whether you’re at the early design stage or already have plans in place, our team can ensure your technology performs flawlessly while complementing your vision, not competing with it. Get in touch with our team to discuss your project.