When you tell people you work from home or that you run a small office, they are quick to jump to the image of cramped, messy and just generally underwhelming. Who says your office has to be any of those things? A lot of people find it difficult to make something epic out of small and awkward spaces, often they try to make it grand by over decorating. This is a big no-no. Seriously. Step away from the patterned wallpapers, fancy rugs and put down those frilly cushions. There are several ways you can turn the small corner space or study into a spacious office that's filled with productivity, efficiency and style. With the right office interior design tactics you can turn your office into something that others will surely envy.
Here are some tips that will help you create a workspace that is more comfortable, more spacious and is stunning to look at, you'll feel like you're the CEO of a grand organisation.
1. Natural light and a view
One of the easiest ways to make any room feel more spacious is to free it up with some good, big, clear windows. It seems pretty obvious, so why do a lot of designers miss this out? Having access to natural light and a window can do you lots of good. You get fresh air and nice view to help you relax and stay alert. Having no access to sunlight can mess with your circadian rhythm (your body clock) which can make you feel more tired and sluggish and affect productivity. Try sitting in a room with no access to natural lighting for a while and then go outside, you'll feel the difference instantly. Have a small window? Strategically hanging mirrors up can be a great away to get some extra light into the room.
2. Proportioned furniture
It's easy to get carried away with grand furniture when decorating your own office, I mean, who wouldn't want to sit in the massive "I'm the boss" chair and do that dramatic spin around? We all do, but sacrifices must be made. Nothing makes a room look tiny like bulky furniture, but don't worry! Whatever you lack in size you can make up for in style. Big is out, modern and compact is the way to go for a professional looking office interior design. This will also make it easier to decorate the rest of the room.
3. Pick a focal point
There's such a thing as having littered furniture and that's when you position all your things in such a way that it makes absolutely no design sense. Achieving a great office interior design is picking a focal point that unites all elements of the office. Pick what you want your focal point to be; in most cases a desk or a coffee table, then arrange the rest of your office accordingly. You'll find that by doing this, you keep the space neat in terms of interior design and the office will feel less cluttered.
4. Decorations, accessories and junk
The fun part! If you've been paying attention, then here is where you get to go a bit crazy! But only a bit. Because the rest of your office will be minimalistic, you need to somehow breathe some life into the design. Add a touch of personalisation by hanging paintings, having a plant pot or two, or bringing in a conversational piece you can adorn your desk with. You want visitors to get a sense of who you are when they come into your office. A great idea is to show off little trinkets you've collected on your travels, just be careful what you put up. You don't want them to be overwhelmed or spooked by that scary voodoo doll you got on your trip! Keep walls neutral for the most part, pick a colour that isn't too bright or too dull. You can have wallpaper, but it's best to stick to one wall for a stylish look instead of having it up everywhere. Pick simple lighting solutions that are overhead, as this will give more of a spacious feel and won't cast awkward shadows that could make the room feel smaller.
5. Equipment, storage and electronics
Now that you've got the decorating done, it's time for you to set up the important stuff! Digital storage means less paper in the office, so big and ugly storage units can be avoided completely. Opt for compact power poles and docking stations for your computers, tablets, laptops and other technology. Ensure that you make enough room for other office machines like printers and phones. Wall storage is a great way to save even more space, but that depends entirely on your building!
With these tips you should have a good idea of how to decorate your office, if you still need inspiration then there are plenty of pictures you can find on sites such as Pinterest! Remember to never try to install wall storage and alter your building in any way without first consulting a professional. Need an audit of your space? There are plenty of office interior design companies out there who will be more than happy to help you with your office fit-out.
Shared by officeprinciples.com.
