Branch design trends: more color and softer shapes.

What's new in branch interior design? Two trends are dynamic color schemes and soft-form shapes, according to Kevin Blair, president of NewGround Resources Inc., a design/build and branding firm for financial institutions. The company's main office is in Manchester, Mo.

Both of these trends are derived from other types of retail chains, he notes.

A number of banks today are introducing atrium lobbies that fill the retail floor with sunlight, giving the customer a sense of space and relaxation, Blair says. Institutions are also using lots of floor-to-ceiling glass. Instead of banners, banks are placing plasma screens on the walls. The screens promote the banks' offerings and create a sense of "activity." "Financial institutions have realized they don't have to look like overgrown safe-deposit boxes to impress the customer," Blair notes.

Floors and carpets have bolder patterns than before. Many have introduced "teller pods," which are kidney-shaped tables with rounded edges that break customers into smaller groups.

The new approaches are extending to logo design as well, Blair says. In prior years, institutions shied away from dynamic logos, fearing that colors other than blue or red gave off the impression of weakness or frivolity. "Today, however, many financial institutions have realized they are in a retail business, therefore a more contemporary image filled with color and motion will not 'weaken' their brand," Blair says.

Of course, banks still have to walk a fine line between retail appeal and an image of institutional strength. "But the pendulum will likely never swing back as far again," adds Blair.