Designing for Designers

As much as we may try to resist it, we all need a change from time to time. Whether changing hairstyles or changing towns, a refresh feels, well, refreshing. This past summer, our InterOffice showroom in Bismarck, ND was due for a transformation. 

It’s more than just a facelift–it’s an opportunity for the showroom to better resonate with clients and showcase the best in residential and office furniture.

“We expanded our showroom, basically doubled it in size,” said Workspace Expert Hannah Schumacher. Seamlessly blending classic designs with contemporary aesthetics, the new Bismarck showroom is ready for customers and employees alike.

Inspired by Fargo

Some readers may remember that the last issue of Inspired Interiors featured InterOffice’s newly remodeled Fargo showroom. It’s no coincidence that the Bismarck showroom followed close behind.

“We wanted to replicate the Fargo showroom to tie in both places,” Schumacher said. “We took a lot of color from the Fargo showroom–a lot of blues and oranges.”

The Bismarck showroom doesn’t just juxtapose colors; it blends classic with contemporary and residential with commercial. 

“There are several pieces that are very recognizable,” said Residential Expert Sheila Hanson. From the newly minted MillerKnoll line (a merger of the legendary Herman Miller and Knoll brands) to the iconic Stickley range, there is truly something for everyone–and the InterOffice staff all have their own favorites. For Hanson, it’s the Stickley chairs.

“When you sit in them, you can really feel the difference,” Hanson said, and it’s easy to understand why. With over 130 years of experience, Stickley has honed its craft to feature exceptional construction.

Schumacher takes a different approach to her favorite piece, the Eames Lounge Chair.

“It’s a walnut finish with a hunter-green mohair,” said Schumacher. “[InterOffice Owner] Aubree Leiser always says it’s our sexiest chair.”

And if a customer doesn’t find the perfect piece, in-store, the InterOffice crew can work with them to create it. Whether it’s swapping out the style of arm or choosing from more than 1,500 available fabrics, the InterOffice approach puts an emphasis on customization. “It’s not a typical furniture store where you just point and say ‘I want that one,’” said Workspace Expert Kyle Hellman. “They’re custom-ordered with the details of your choice.”

For Clients and Employees Alike

Clients aren’t the only ones who can customize their experience. With new movable Herman Miller OE1 walls, InterOffice employees can create the workspaces they need when they need it–without breaking out a hard hat and a wrecking ball.

With so many customization options, the new showroom feels like a combination of residential furniture and commercial furniture. Now known as a “Resimercial” style, the residential/commercial combo has gained popularity as a way to entice employees back to the office after working from home during the pandemic.

“If the office looks more like home, it helps workers get back to the office,” Hellman said.

As the Fargo InterOffice team learned as they underwent their own transformation, taking yourself on as a client can present its challenges. After all, InterOffice employees are all design experts; it can be challenging to hear and honor all opinions. But with teamwork and mutual respect, the InterOffice team made it work.

“I think it’s neat that we respected each other’s opinions,” Hellman said. “Everything just comes together.”

”It makes a big difference when you're working in an office you really enjoy.

Hannah Schumacher

Now that the showroom is open, InterOffice is seeing the results firsthand. Before the new space, many folks didn’t know InterOffice existed–or they didn’t know what InterOffice offered. Now, they can see the space and experience the furniture in person. They can try the couches, touch the desks, and sit on the chairs. 

When InterOffice opened the new and improved Bismarck showroom on October 19, 2023, employees were impressed with the response from the public.

“We know we did it right,” Hellman said. “Most of the time, the first thing clients say when they walk in is ‘wow’.”

And it’s not just the clients who are happy with the new space. Now that the showroom is open for business, employees can use the same high-quality furniture they offer their clients.

“We enjoy being in this space and spending our time in here,” Schumacher said. “It makes a big difference when you’re working in an office you really enjoy.”