Novel Interior Design Classic

Tips on Decorating Your Office Space

More than ever, companies need work environments that engage their people, improve productivity and support the continuously changing business climate.

Companies that align their physical spaces with their organizational requirements and plans for the future have another tool that helps them achieve their business goals. Well-designed workplace environments support a company’s real estate strategy, image, internal culture and approach to social responsibility.

 

Your office is your home away from home. It's the place where you fight for market share, pursue new business opportunities, and realize your dreams. It's also, for better or for worse, part of the public face of your company.
As a result, the most productive offices typically balance the comforts of home with a professional business image. But does your office live up to this goal? Chances are it could use some fine-tuning or perhaps even a completely new approach -- achieving your objectives without busting your budget.
Whether you're just getting started with a new office space or hunting for tips to breathe new life into an existing space, we've come up with eight important things to consider. Put these tips to work and you'll be sure to put your best foot forward on the path to business success.

1. Make First Impressions Count

When you spend every day working in an office, it's easy to forget how others might see the same space. So put yourself in the shoes of a first-time visitor: What does your office say about your company? Does it present an organized, efficient image? Does it reflect a healthy, active business? Is it both a practical workspace and a welcoming environment for visitors and colleagues?
Be sure to look also at the outside entrance to your office. Is it clean and inviting? Does the reception area make the right first impression? If you usually use a back or side entrance, is the front door clean and accessible? Spending just a few minutes a week keeping things tidy, and investing a few dollars in new plants or a fresh coat of paint, will ensure that first-time visitors see your office the way you want them to see it.

2. Add a Splash of Color

The ideal office space mirrors, to some extent, the type of work you do. Neutral colors, for example, are a good fit for conservative lines of work such as banking and legal services. And for more creative offices, such as photographers and graphic designers, a warmer, more vibrant approach often makes sense. Either way, make a deliberate decision about your office paint and decor -- don't just accept whatever was there when you moved in.
At the same time, think about how to incorporate your company's branding into your office decor. Consider where and how to use your business name or logo, and decide whether it's appropriate to hang a sign outside your office. Issues like where to put your business logo and what color of paint to use may seem trivial, but they can have a powerful psychological impact when potential customers or clients come calling.