When I was approached to design Zingy & Zen, a new family-focused venue in St Albans, the brief was clear:

Create a space that balances high-energy fun with calm, creative zones - while still feeling stylish, considered and commercially viable.

As a Hertfordshire-based interior designer specialising in full renovations and bespoke commercial interiors, this project was about far more than decoration. It was about flow, zoning, brand identity and user experience.

The result is a space that feels both zingy and zen — energetic yet calming, vibrant yet controlled.

The Concept: Energy Meets Calm

Zingy & Zen is built around two contrasting yet complementary environments:

A high-energy play zone
A calm, creative retreat area

Rather than blending them into one chaotic open-plan space, the design approach focused on intentional zoning and visual balance.

This is something I apply in both residential and commercial interior design projects - spaces must support behaviour.

Zoning for Experience and Flow

One of the most important elements in this commercial interior design project in St Albans was circulation.

We carefully considered:

How children move through the space
How noise travels
Where parents naturally pause
Clear sightlines for supervision
Smooth transitions between energetic and quieter areas

The layout ensures that the high-activity zone doesn’t overwhelm the calmer creative space - something that required structural planning from the very beginning.

This wasn’t just styling.

Designing the “Zingy” Zone

The energetic side of the venue includes interactive, high-movement elements designed to stimulate and engage.

From a design perspective, this meant:

Durable yet elevated material choices
Strategic lighting that energises without harshness
Clear activity boundaries
Visual interest without overstimulation
Safe clearances

Commercial interiors, particularly family-focused venues, must balance aesthetic impact with safety and longevity.

The finishes were selected to withstand heavy use while still aligning with a contemporary design language.

Creating the “Zen” Space

In contrast, the calm zone required a completely different design approach.

Here, the aim was to create:

Soft visual tones
Layered lighting
Defined creative areas
A sense of containment without feeling enclosed

The calmer environment features more controlled colour palettes, tactile materials and quieter visual composition.

This is where interior design psychology becomes essential.

The contrast between the two zones enhances both. The energy feels more exciting because there is balance. The calm feels more restorative because it is intentional.

Designing for Parents as Well as Children

A successful family venue must cater to adults too.

Sightlines allow parents to supervise comfortably.
Seating areas are positioned intentionally.
The aesthetic feels modern and refined - not chaotic.

This ensures the venue appeals to a broader demographic and supports repeat visits, which is critical in hospitality interior design.

The best thing is children and adults can take part in all areas of the space. Dance battle wars or maybe even a sing off we’ve thought of it all.

A Case Study in Experiential Interior Design

Zingy & Zen demonstrates what happens when layout, branding and behaviour are considered together.

It’s not just a kids party venue in St Albans.

It’s an experiential environment designed to:

Encourage play
Support creativity
Reduce overstimulation
Provide comfort for adults
Strengthen brand identity

As an interior designer in Hertfordshire working across residential renovations and bespoke commercial interiors, projects like this highlight the importance of early design involvement.

When zoning, lighting and materiality are planned from the outset, the result is cohesive, intentional and commercially strong.

If you’d like to book at Zingy and Zen use this link to check their availability. https://zingyandzen.co.uk

Thank you for taking the time to read!

see you next week.

Jess x

Looking for a Commercial Interior Designer in Hertfordshire?

Whether you’re launching a hospitality venue, redesigning a retail space, or planning a full renovation project, strategic design is what separates ordinary from exceptional.

If you’re developing a new concept and want it executed with clarity, cohesion and longevity, I’d love to talk.

Because the most successful spaces aren’t just decorated.

They’re designed around experience.

Email : Jess@jcavareeinteriors.com

Step inside Zingy and Zen