Many ways exist to update interiors

Churches interested in renovating and remodeling have countless options when bringing their building interiors up-to-date in quality and function. Fortunately, these changes can be squeezed within any budget.
   
One of the easiest and least expensive renovations is lightening color schemes and updating patterns used on furnishings inside the facility, experts say.
   
In “Planning and Building Church Facilities,” Gwenn McCormick said color is one of the key components of well-designed interior space. “Color influences people, causing them to feel warm or cool, happy or depressed,” he wrote. “Proper use of color can bring space to life, while a poorly coordinated color scheme can detract from the effectiveness of the space.”
   
Gary Swafford, director of church planting and building services at the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions, agreed. “Colors very definitely set the atmosphere of an area and patterns also communicate feelings,” he said. “Interior decorators can guide churches in determining what colors and patterns best suit their purposes.”
   
Another way Alabama Baptists are sprucing up church facilities is by adding new seating. To increase versatility in their buildings, many congregations throughout the state are changing from pews to chairs, according to professionals.
   
“More churches are using their facilities for multiple purposes and they need to have chairs that they can arrange and rearrange,” said Swafford.
   
In addition to providing versatility, chairs are much less expensive than pews, according to Jonathan Baggett of Church Furnishings and Accessories in Birmingham. “Chairs are more cost effective and can run in the range of $35 to $70 each,” he said. “Solid wood pews can end up being $75 to $100 per foot.”
   
Using chairs also allows churches to keep up with exactly how many people they can seat, Baggett added.
   
“The fire marshals in many counties are easier on churches if they know how many people they can seat,” he said.
   
When a church cannot afford to purchase new seats, it may be possible for them to find pre-owned furniture at a significant discount.
   
“Usually they are in great condition and for about 20 percent of the price of new pews you can get used pews,” Baggett said.
   
Swafford added that some churches may even be able to find used furniture at no cost. “When many churches modify or build new buildings, they have furniture that no longer suits their purpose and are willing to give it to another church,” he said.
   
Although there are several other changes churches can make to update interior space, experts advise church leaders to tie in the styles of the interior and exterior of the building throughout the renovation and remodeling process.
   
“The exterior design should be translated in some way into the interior of the building,” McCormick wrote. “This is often accomplished in terms of material, color, texture, style and volume of space.”
   
He added, “By relating the interior to the exterior the building expresses consistent design. This creates a comfortable transition as a person experiences the building first at a distance, then at close range, then inside.”