UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA ENUGU CAMPUS

DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE

DESIGN TOPIC:
MINI-MART INTERIOR DESIGN
(A Research paper submitted in partial fulfilment of the course
Arc 411 – Interior Design)

By:
GROUP 7 MEMBERS
MBAH BRIGHT C. 2020/245120
UCHE DAVID I. 2020/246424
MADU EDEN C 2020/242088
KARRIAH ELIJAH 2020/245189
MOKWUNYE ANTHONIA C. 2020/242133
OZOAGU CHIBUZO E. 2020/241994
OKOYE CHIDUBEM C. 2020/241997
JOSEPH VICTOR O. 2020/245700
ONYEBUCHI HEPHZIBAH P. 2020/247130
OGBU LUCKY I. 2020/242417
UWEMEDISO DANIEL U. 2020/242191

LECTURERS: ARC OKWUOSA C.C, ARC JONAS M.U.

JULY 2024
MINI-MART INTERIOR DESIGN

A minimart is a small-scale retail store that offers a limited selection of groceries, household
items, and other everyday necessities. Unlike larger supermarkets or grocery stores,
minimarts are designed to be convenient and accessible, often located in residential
neighborhoods, along busy streets, or in areas with high foot traffic. They provide a quick and
easy shopping experience for customers who need to purchase a few items without the need
for a full shopping trip. Minimarts typically have extended hours of operation, sometimes
24/7, to cater to the needs of the community at all times. They are an essential part of urban
life, offering essential goods such as snacks, beverages, basic groceries, toiletries, and other
daily necessities.

Complementary Scheme in Interior Decoration

A complementary color scheme involves the use of colors that are opposite each other on
the color wheel. These color pairs create a vibrant and energetic look due to their high
contrast. Examples of complementary color pairs include red and green, blue and orange, and
yellow and purple.

Why We Chose a Complementary Scheme for Our Interior Decoration:

1. Enhanced Visual Interest: Complementary colors create a dynamic visual impact

that can make the space more lively and engaging. The high contrast between the
colors captures attention and makes the environment more stimulating and exciting.
2. Balance and Harmony: Using colors that are opposites on the color wheel helps to
balance the visual weight of the space. This balance prevents any one color from
dominating the scene and creates a harmonious look that is pleasing to the eye.
3. Highlighting Specific Areas: Complementary colors can be strategically used to
highlight particular areas or features within the space. For example, a bright,
complementary accent wall can draw attention to a specific part of the room, creating
focal points that guide the viewer's eye.

CASE STUDIES

A Case Study of 234 Mini Mart and Market Square, Enugu

This case study examines the interior design approaches of two retail spaces in Enugu,
Nigeria: 234 Mini Mart and Market Square. The study aims to identify and compare the
design elements, particularly color schemes, used in each space to understand their impact on
customer experience and brand identity.

Observations

 234 Mini Mart: The interior design features a consistent ivory color scheme
throughout the space, creating a sense of cohesion and simplicity. This
monochromatic approach contributes to a clean and minimalist aesthetic, which
promotes a serene shopping environment.
  Market Square: In contrast, Market Square employs a diverse color scheme, with
different colors used for various sections of the space. This approach creates visual
interest and distinguishes between different areas within the market, providing a
vibrant and engaging shopping experience.

Comparison

 Color Scheme and Atmosphere: The use of a single color scheme in 234 Mini Mart
produces a sense of calmness and ease of navigation, making it simple for customers
to find what they need without feeling overwhelmed. The minimalist design supports
the brand's identity as a straightforward and efficient retail space.
On the other hand, Market Square's varied color scheme generates a more dynamic and
engaging atmosphere. The use of different colors for different sections helps to highlight
various product categories, making it easier for customers to explore the store and discover
new items. This vibrant environment reflects Market Square's identity as a lively and diverse
marketplace.

 Customer Experience: The choice of color schemes in both spaces reflects their
unique brand identities and target audiences. 234 Mini Mart’s consistent ivory color
scheme appeals to customers who prefer a calm and straightforward shopping
experience. In contrast, Market Square’s diverse color palette attracts those who enjoy
a more energetic and exploratory shopping journey.

This case study highlights the impact of color schemes on the interior design of retail spaces.
The consistent ivory color scheme in 234 Mini Mart creates a cohesive and minimalist
environment, enhancing the shopping experience by promoting calmness and ease of
navigation. Conversely, Market Square's varied color scheme produces a dynamic and
engaging atmosphere, encouraging customers to explore and interact with different sections
of the store. These design choices significantly contribute to the distinct personalities and
user experiences of each space.

According to Karen O. Patel, a color psychologist and interior designer, when designing the
interior of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) in New York, she stated:

"Don't underestimate the usefulness of crimson red, the way it induces appetite will leave you
surprised."

This insight underscores the strategic use of color in retail spaces to influence customer
behavior and enhance the overall shopping experience.

Psychological Effects of Colors and Their Usage

1. Coral Red:
o Psychological Effect: Coral red is a warm and inviting color that is known to
stimulate appetite and encourage conversation. It creates a sense of warmth
and coziness, making it an ideal color for social settings.
o Usage: We used coral red in the dining area to create a lively and welcoming
atmosphere. The stimulating effect of coral red enhances the dining experience
by encouraging social interaction and making meals more enjoyable.
2. Blue:
o Psychological Effect: Blue is associated with calmness, serenity, and
tranquility. It has a soothing effect that can reduce stress and create a peaceful
environment. Blue is often linked with feelings of reliability and stability.
o Usage: We used blue in relaxation areas, such as lounges or reading nooks, to
foster a sense of calm and tranquility. The presence of blue helps to create a
serene environment where people can unwind and relax.
3. Green:
o Psychological Effect: Green is often associated with nature and has a calming
and refreshing effect. It promotes a sense of balance, harmony, and well-
being. Green is also known to be restful for the eyes.
 o Usage: Green was incorporated in common areas and spaces where people can
relax and recharge. By using green, we aimed to create a natural and balanced
environment that promotes a sense of well-being and rejuvenation.
4. White:
o Psychological Effect: White represents purity, cleanliness, and simplicity. It
can make spaces appear larger and more open, providing a sense of freedom
and uncluttered space. White is also associated with clarity and modernity.
o Usage: We used white in areas that needed to feel open and airy, such as
hallways and bathrooms. The use of white helps to enhance the feeling of
spaciousness and cleanliness, making these areas feel bright and inviting.

By thoughtfully selecting and placing these colors, we aimed to create an environment that is
not only aesthetically pleasing but also psychologically beneficial. The complementary color
scheme, combined with the specific psychological effects of each color, helps to create a
balanced, harmonious, and visually stimulating space that meets the functional needs of the
environment while also enhancing the overall experience for its users.