For most businesses, the first impression clients will have is the reception area, and for new hires, their first impression of what it would be like to work there is found in the office layout. It needs to be inviting, comfortable, and enticing. However, many businesses fail to retain these elements in their spaces. Their reception area is dated and the office space is lacking. If you want to take your business to the next level, you might want to take a closer look at the set up of your office space and consider some renovations.
1. Deliver Your Message in the Design
The design of your office needs to complement the purpose of your business. If you’re constantly inviting clients to the office, the design needs to be functional and classy, with colors and furnishings that show off your purpose. For example, if you own a law firm, you should have calming, neutral colors that feel sophisticated and encourage peacefulness. If your office space hosts a fashion magazine, use colors and furnishings that motivate creativity with bright accent colors.
If your office is a call center or Internet business that doesn’t see clients very often, focus on making the environment fun for the employees. Keep a unified theme, but consider getting superhero cutouts for each desk or turning the break room into a rec room with a foosball table and snacks.
2. Dress Up the Walls
Boring white walls are a thing of the past. To be the best it can be, your office needs decorative walls that represent the theme of the space.
Look into updating the color for starters. If you’ve had the same color on your wall for ages, now might be the time to consider throwing in an accent wall or picking out some classy wallpaper. Such a simple step can really transform your space.
Remember that even with fresh colors, leaving your walls blank would be a mistake. Find wall art to match your office theme. If you have a dentist’s office, look for relaxing nature paintings for the lobby, and if you have a retail store, adorn your walls with photos from your community.
3. Modern Furnishings
Get your reception area up to scratch with the best furnishings. You want them to be both comfortable and aesthetic with enough seats for your expected clientele. The modern look encourages contrasting colors and sharp edges, while the more cozy look encourages dimly lit lamps and overstuffed sofas. See the next step for more on furniture choices.
Spare no expense when it comes to the receptionist desk, since that’s an integral part of your clients’ first impressions. Formica countertops not only look cheap, but they also crack and fade all too quickly. For a really enticing and inviting look, put in concrete countertops. They will prove to be one of the most functional, durable, and attractive changes you can make to your reception area. More details on the perks of concrete countertops in your reception area can be found here.
4. Create a Comfortable Space
Whether we’re talking about the reception area or the office space, you need to make the space comfortable. Focus on a myriad of things, such as the lighting, colors, and even carpet, but most importantly, the furnishings.
A cozy feel means sofas and padded chairs. However, be careful on the ones you choose. Some sofas suck you in and make it difficult to get out again—avoid these uncomfortable catastrophes. Also, microfiber is a nice choice, but it can cause static and hygiene problems, since hairs often stick to it.
For best results, look for well-supported leather sofas and chairs that are easy to clean, but also extremely comfortable and attractive. They come in all sorts of designs to provide comfortable seating options while matching your other decor.
5. Forego the Cubicles
As an interesting idea for refreshing your office space, try getting rid of the cubicles. Though this is impractical for many offices that require sound barriers, for others, it will make your office look much more inviting and less restricting.
Removing these barriers will entice others to work there as well as encourage inter-office unity. It’s easier to work on a team when you’re working face to face with those in your office, and it certainly helps make your place look more attractive.
6. Redo the Kitchen
Though not the focal point of your business space, you’d be surprised what a great kitchen will do for company morale. A new kitchen can make the space feel brighter and cleaner, encouraging employees to enjoy their breaks.
Streamline the design, with new countertops, (concrete is always a great choice), cupboards, and appliances. Replace the microwave with a newer model and get the nicest of coffee makers. If it’s in the budget, consider shelling out for an espresso machine. Your employees will love it, and they’ll be more excited to come to work.
Your updated office space may be just the thing you need to revitalize your business, so get started with the new design today!
Photo Credits
Photos are from Fotolia
Leather furniture by Ildar Sagdejev – Wikimedia Creative Commons
Guest Author Bio
Amber Brubaker
Amber Brubaker is a writer who loves anything to do with learning and writing, which makes blogging her cup of tea! She loves to experiment with any information she learns, and then share advice with others in the form of tips and tricks. She enjoys cooking, organizing, and spending time with her husband and extended family.
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