Creating Sacred Spaces: The Role of Interior Design in Modern Churches

Designing sacred spaces is not just about creating a building; it’s about bringing a community’s mission and values to life through thoughtful, purpose-driven design. Every church is united by a common goal, providing a sanctuary for worship and community.  Each church is also unique in its vision and approach. Whether the project is a roof renovation, a childcare addition, or an entirely new campus, each church design presents its own set of opportunities and challenges.

Liberty Live Church: A Timeless Design for Growth

When Liberty Live Church approached us for a new building to accommodate their expanding congregation in Smithfield, Virginia, we were excited to contribute to their vision. The church’s pastor tasked uswith creating a design aesthetic that would feel timeless and adaptable to future growth. In response, we developed a design with an earth-toned color palette featuring greens, blues, and cool wood tones. Our goal was to create a grounding atmosphere, one inspired by nature, that would transcend fleeting design trends. The result was a space that feels both contemporary and enduring.

A key challenge in this design was choosing the right flooring for the main gathering space, the heart of the church where all visitors and members pass through. With high foot traffic and a desire for warmth and comfort, we opted for a custom carpet installation in collaboration with commercial flooring provider Interface. The design incorporated patterns that encouraged movement and led people toward the worship space. To further enhance wayfinding and create a sense of focus, we designed the worship doors with a bump-out feature, highlighting the entry points. This combination of design elements, timeless finishes and creative features helped Liberty Live Church create an inviting and dynamic space that serves its community’s needs.

Resurrection Lutheran: Expanding with Purpose

At Resurrection Lutheran Church and School in Newport News, our work took a different direction. The church’s childcare program had grown so successful that it began to spill over into the main church spaces, creating a need for expansion. We were tasked with designing an addition that would provide dedicated childcare spaces without disrupting the church’s congregational and other functions. Our design approach addressed this challenge with a thoughtful, child-friendly aesthetic. By incorporating partial storefront glass and color-coded classrooms, we created a clear sense of organization and flow. The soft, coastal-inspired color palette provided a soothing environment for both children and adults, helping to create welcoming spaces.

St. Olaf: A Vision in Progress

St. Olaf Catholic Church’s design journey, though still in its early stages, has been driven by a commitment to creating a warm, inviting space that fosters connection. The gentle curves of the lobby ceiling and the soft lines of the reception desk set a welcoming tone, reinforcing the idea of a space where people can come together to work, learn, and grow.

This sense of unity and inclusivity extends beyond the physical design—St. Olaf has remained dedicated to engaging its congregation throughout the process. In December, as the design was still evolving, the church sought a way to bring the vision to life for its community. In response, we crafted a series of Christmas-themed renderings, unveiled during the church’s holiday services. These visual previews not only offered a glimpse into the transformation ahead but also strengthened the congregation’s connection to the project, making them active participants in the journey.

The Sacred Tradition of Design

Through these partnerships, we’ve discovered that the most fulfilling aspect of designing sacred spaces lies in the creative problem-solving, teamwork, and innovative solutions that arise in response to each church’s unique needs. At GuernseyTingle, we are passionate about being part of this ongoing journey. Whether it’s creating spaces that can adapt to growth or designing interiors that reflect a church’s core values, we are proud to contribute to the creation of sacred environments that nourish both the spirit and the community for years to come.