Attending free i3 webinars from The McKnight Group is one of the best ways to deepen your understanding of the church design and church building process. Not only do these webinars provide practical knowledge and insight, but they also give you the opportunity to ask questions specific to your church’s needs. In a recent webinar on interior church design, participants raised several thoughtful questions about finishes, functionality, and long-term stewardship. Below, we recap two of those questions and the answers we provided.
Q1: Why Do You Suggest Minimal Decor in the Restrooms?
Restroom décor might not seem to require much thought when planning a church interior design, but nothing could be further from the truth. It really does make an impact on all who enter your church building. The reasons we recommend keeping restroom décor minimal start with cleanliness. Simply put, the more items you place in a restroom, the more time and attention it will take to clean and maintain them. Decorative accessories like artwork, shelves, extra furniture, or elaborate wall hangings might look appealing, but they quickly become traps for dust, dirt, and moisture. Over time, they contribute to a less hygienic environment and increase the burden on your facilities team.
Another consideration is accessibility. Within any church building, every space should be navigable for people of all ages and abilities. Think of individuals, such as those using wheelchairs or walkers, who need clear and unobstructed space to maneuver. Consider parents helping small children in the restroom or those assisting someone with mobility limitations. Excessive décor can easily create tighter pathways, reduce usable floor space, and ultimately hinder someone’s ability to use the restroom comfortably and safely.
Q2: It’s Clear That We Should Avoid Residential Flooring, But What about Tenant Replacement Quality Carpet?
Yes, it’s easy to recognize that residential flooring products will be a poor fit for high-use ministry spaces, as they simply aren’t designed to withstand traffic and wear week after week. Tenant improvement carpet, sometimes known as tenant replacement quality carpet, may sound like a cost-effective, commercial option, but it doesn’t really function well in a church design.
Tenant improvement carpet is typically designed for short-term use, often for just five years. In leased commercial spaces, when a tenant moves out, landlords replace this carpet for the next occupant. Because of its limited lifespan, it is priced lower than more durable commercial products. While this cost-saving option can be tempting for budget-minded churches, it’s not a wise choice. Stewardship isn’t only about saving money in the moment; it’s about investing in materials that represent long-term value.
Choosing a carpet with adequate durability and a strong manufacturer warranty ensures that your church won’t face premature replacement costs. This doesn’t mean you must choose the highest-end product. Rather, aim for a good, middle-range commercial carpet that provides longevity, quality, and reliability without straining your budget.
Join Us for Future i3 Webinars
These were great questions, and when you join us for our free i3 webinars, you can ask ones that apply to your church’s needs. We’ve finished up our webinars for this year, but new topics for 2026 will be announced soon. You can find out what they are, and sign up, by visiting our website towards the end of the year.