Amenity design mistakes that lower user engagement

Great amenity spaces aren’t just good-looking - they’re useful, inviting and well-loved by the people who live or work there. But too often, we see shared spaces in residential and commercial developments that fall flat. They look polished in a brochure, but in reality, they sit empty and underused.

At Elevate Creative & Design, we help Perth developers and building managers create amenity fit-outs that people actually want to spend time in. Here are some of the most common amenity design mistakes that lower user engagement - and how to avoid them.

1. Prioritising aesthetics over function

Yes, styling matters - but if a space doesn’t work, people won’t use it. Overly rigid layouts, awkward furniture, or no clear purpose can turn a stunning space into wasted square metres. Design should always support how people will interact with the space day to day.

2. Ignoring the end user

If the design doesn’t reflect the lifestyle or needs of the residents or tenants, it won’t resonate. A rooftop with no shade, a lounge with no power points, or a lobby with nowhere to sit might tick boxes, but they won’t feel thoughtful. Knowing your audience is key.

3. Choosing impractical materials

High-traffic spaces need high-performance finishes. Light linen sofas in a busy lobby or delicate flooring in communal kitchens won’t last - and they’ll cost more in the long run. Choose durable materials that can handle regular use without compromising on style.

4. Poor layout and flow

A good layout makes a space easy to navigate and natural to use. If people don’t know how to use a space - or can’t use it comfortably - they’ll avoid it altogether. Think about movement, sightlines and how the space connects to its surroundings.

5. No sense of atmosphere

A space without warmth or ambience can feel cold and uninviting, no matter how nice the furniture is. Lighting, greenery, layered textures and finishing touches all help create a space people want to be in.

6. Forgetting maintenance

If a space looks tired or dirty, it won’t feel welcoming. Choosing easy-to-clean surfaces and low-maintenance styling elements helps keep the space looking fresh and well cared for long-term.

Great shared spaces should make life easier, more enjoyable, and more connected for the people who use them. If you’re planning an amenity fit-out in WA and want it to feel just as good as it looks, we’d love to help.