A Guide To Designing Your Office
The office environment can often be dull and sometimes the design is usually very neutral and plain. It is proven that offices with a more dynamic design that allows plenty of natural lighting will have staff working more comfortably and efficiently. However, keeping things neutral will also enable a sense of comfort and giving the illusion that there is more space available. There are plenty of things to consider before beginning your office refurbishment plans.
Depending on the size of your office, you may feel that the furniture is slightly outdated and the walls could possibly need a painting over. The best colours are always light pastel colours, or neutral warm tones that reflect light more easily. It is never a good idea to paint the walls a dark colour, which will set a depressing atmosphere. Office refurbishment is all about refreshment and revitalising the atmosphere.
One key thing to consider is the welfare of your staff, because they are spending most of their time at work in the office, their surrounding must be comfortable and relaxing. Studies have shown that a good design will help staff concentrate and focus more. When working on office refurbishment, choosing the right furniture is important. There is nothing worse than having furniture that is uncomfortable to sit on and having very little room on your desk.
Search for different office chairs, tables, desks, cabinets and cupboards that allow more space for manoeuvring in the office and without causing a feeling of claustrophobia. When looking at desks stick to ones that have desk drawers to the side, but also a good amount of leg space to allow large leather seating to fit under it.
The reception area is an important part of refurbishment, as this is the first part of the building that people will see when they enter; therefore, first impressions will always count. The design of the reception can normally reflect the company’s style. This would then follow on into the building, with added accessories to compliment this style. This is also a good opportunity to have on display the company logo and product.
The flooring is an important feature that should ideally compliment the overall design of the office. It is best to keep to soft covered flooring such as carpet or vinyl, as this will reduce the amount of noise made in the office. Hard flooring tends to create more noise, which can be distracting. The flooring material is dependent on its uses, durability and cost of maintenance, so choose wisely. Some companies use different coverings to mark different areas, such as hard flooring for the reception area and carpeting for the main office.
Another important factor when organising your office refurbishment plan is the essential facilities, such as staff kitchen and bathroom. These will reveal the true class and cleanliness policy of the company. These do not have to be elaborately or exotically designed, however, they do need to be kept clean, hygienic, maintained, bright in colour, tiled and airy. The toilets are used the most, so keeping it clean will mean that staff will look after it too.
Keep a bin by each desk and in the essential areas, this will reduce the amount of mess piling up on the floor. Having a cleaner once a week will help maintain the cleanliness of the office, but it would be better to have staff work together in maintaining this.
Anna Stenning is an expert on office refurbishment having helped other people design their offices in the past. For more on office designs and interior furnishing visit http://www.meridian-interiors.co.uk/
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