Everyone knows that interior design plays a key role in creating an effective and productive workspace, but not everyone knows how to achieve this goal. The problem is that designing office spaces or commercial settings has very little in common with designing and decorating a residential property. The DIY décor projects that we often take on to improve the appearance and feel of a home are very different from creating a fully-functional workspace.
This happens not only because these two spaces serve very different purposes but also because workspaces usually come with specific requirements, standards, and rules regarding decor and design, and the scale of the projects also differs considerably.
However, you don’t have to be a professional designer to take a lackluster space and turn it into an inspiring and creative office setting that will help you and your employees stay motivated and enjoy every single minute you spend at work. If you don’t want to hire a professional to help you out and you’re willing to put in the effort yourself, here are some design tips that will help you achieve the result you’re expecting.
Focus on functionality
Looks matter indeed, but a workspace has to be first and foremost functional. What good is creating a nice-looking office environment if you and your employees don’t have enough room to move around or enough space to store all your work equipment and supplies? You have to think of a layout that ensures flexibility and easy movement around the office and make use of smart storage solutions to keep the space tidy and organized at all times.
Similarly, you have to make sure all fixtures and appliances work properly, so you don’t have to deal with constant issues and interruptions. Having a plan B in place in case any of your appliances breaks down is a great idea. For example, if you are experiencing issues with your boiler and want to repair or replace it, using a temporary steam boiler service can make life easier for you.
Create a dedicated space for relaxation
Just because you’re designing a workspace doesn’t mean you have to take relaxation out of the equation. In fact, office relaxation areas have become a must in recent years to help employees fight off work stress and avoid burnout. It’s been proven that taking regular breaks boosts employees’ morale and satisfaction, and improves productivity levels. So, creating a dedicated space where employees can unwind will definitely make a positive difference to their mental and physical wellbeing.
If you don’t have enough space at your disposal, you don’t have to break down walls or expand your office to create an environment for relaxation, unless you have the resources, means, and willingness to do so. But if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, we suggest you work with what you already have. You can transform any room or nook into a Zen-filled area by using seating, lighting, and décor elements to provide comfort and calmness.
Ensure proper lighting
Lighting is the one décor element that you can’t afford to ignore when designing a workplace. Lighting is important not only because it helps you create the right mood and ambiance, but also because it plays a practical role in an office setting, ensuring the space is properly illuminated so that employees can perform their tasks safely and efficiently.
Apart from ruining the visual appeal in any space, poor lighting also affects people’s mood and their ability to focus on the tasks at hand. That means you should make sure your workspace is not dimly lit but not too bright either. While natural lighting is the best kind of light, you can’t always afford the luxury of having sun-filled rooms. So, the next best thing is to install the right lighting fixtures in strategic points across the office to ensure it’s properly illuminated.
Play with color
Color is not exactly the first thing that comes to mind when you think about designing an office or commercial space. Most of us have come to associate workspaces with neutral hues and muted tones as they are inoffensive and provide a good canvas for decorating. However, there’s no rule saying that you have to stick to a dull and joyless color scheme in your office.
You can use a color palette that is in accordance with your company’s culture, but you can also research the color theory to help you choose the right hues. Green is said to convey feelings of relaxation and safety, while blue is associated with trust and efficiency. Yellow expresses cheerfulness and positivity, while purple is the color of vision and spirituality. It’s up to you to decide what kind of ambiance you want to create and choose colors accordingly.
Invest in comfortable furniture
Considering most people spend more than half of their day at work, you want to make sure they feel as comfortable as possible, so they can perform their daily tasks with ease. That means investing in high-quality furniture that not only looks good but is also functional and provides the level of comfort that workers require.
Quality furniture might come with a higher price tag, but given the health and wellness benefits it provides and its extended lifespan, you’ll come to realize that it’s an investment well worth it.
Add some character
A lot of office settings seem to lack personality and character, but that’s an easy-to-fix issue. If you think your workspace looks a bit dull and lifeless, you can always use art to brighten it up and increase its visual appeal.
As long as your design ideas don’t create major distractions or affect the functionality of the space, you’re free to decorate it as you see fit. Feel free to experiment with different styles if you want to create a unique and character-filled workspace that both you and your employees will enjoy.