Choosing the Interior Design for Your Office
When it comes to choosing the interior design for your office, there are many different things to consider. Whether you are planning your private office to work from home more comfortably or creating a shared office space for you and your coworkers, there are a few elements that are important when it comes to interior design. From workstations to a great restroom stall design, you should consider every space within your premises.
This article will give you an overview of the most important aspects that you need to keep in mind to find the best option for your office.
Use of Space
In an office, the use of space is a matter of functionality. While you want there to be a nice atmosphere, you definitely have to fit everything in that you need for your work.
So, when you design your office layout, you need to first think about how you want to use the space you have. For this, it is important to think about how many people are going to work there at the same time and which different tasks need to be performed.
Important functions of space are, for example, workspace (e.g. your desk), walkways to get from one place to the other, and storage space. Especially the last aspect is often neglected when planning an office but having enough space to organize your files and materials will do wonders.
You might also want to think about planning some extra space for your breaks. Sure, you could spend breaks at your desk as well, but having a separate corner where you can enjoy your lunch breaks will help make your breaks more relaxing. In addition, it is recommended to not get into the habit of doing other tasks at your work desk, as this will help you stay focused on your work when you’re sitting there.
Furniture
Another very important aspect is the furniture in your home or office. You are probably going to be sitting at your desk for most of the day, so investing in high-quality and ergonomic desks and chairs is absolutely worth it. This will not only increase your productivity and help you focus, but also prevent back pain or even injuries.
Health experts also say that standing has huge health benefits, so you might want to think about providing an option to stand as you work. You can either get a separate higher desk or go for an adjustable desk that lets you work seated as well as standing.
Colors & Patterns
As stated above, offices are supposed to be functional. Therefore, you should make sure your office is not too bright and colorful, and it doesn’t have too many patterns as this might be distracting.
In addition, taking a look at color theory might be a good idea. Depending on the kind of work you do, you can choose different colors that can help with your tasks, as different colors convey different moods and energies. Generally, colors with less intensity are a good choice for offices.
Blue is a color that is thought to boost creativity, while green tones have a calming effect. Other colors, like yellow, are supposed to boost teamwork and creativity.
However, it is probably best not to go overboard with color, even if the color itself is not too bright. Also, make sure the color you choose does not darken the room too much as light is another very important element when it comes to planning an office space.
Style
Remember that this is a room that should convey professionalism and appeal to anyone working there, not just you, so extravagant styles might not be the best idea. However, there is nothing more boring and uninspiring than an office without any elements of style or any personal touches.
The design should reflect your own or your company’s philosophy and style, as can be seen in the dress code for example. If the dress code at your company is more elevated, the interior design should be a bit more elegant as well. If there is none or a casual dress code, a more comfortable style might be a better choice. That way, you will never feel out of place at work.
Some style elements that work well in any office include photography or paintings on the walls, preferably in colors that match the design of the rest of the room and either depict something neutral, like natural landscapes, or are representative of your field of work.
Another classic element for offices is potted plants. They not only provide better air, but studies have also shown that house plants can reduce stress. The ideal office plant doesn’t require a lot of maintenance, as you don’t want to spend too much time caring for your plant while you are at work.
Light
This is one of the most important things to consider when it comes to designing an office space. To optimize the use of natural light, check what times the sun shines into your room and where exactly it is most intense. If you are working on a computer or laptop, you might also want to provide adequate shading as working on a screen with direct sunlight can be uncomfortable. For artificial light, opt for lamps that imitate natural light as those are the most comfortable for your eyes. In addition, an environmentally friendly alternative will use less energy, and thus, not only help you save money, but also help the planet!
As with colors, different kinds of light can make you more productive at work too. Brighter light helps you stay awake and encourages analytical thinking, while dimmer light is said to boost creativity.
If you have a lot of virtual meetings and video conferences, you might also want to think about getting a desk lamp that will also make you appear in your best light on camera.
Summary
There is a lot to keep in mind when choosing an interior design for your office. But we can assure you that every thoughtful investment is going to be worth it in the long run!
Before implementing any design ideas in the office you work in, it is recommended to plan everything thoroughly and develop a strategy. If you want to get more inspiration for the planning process, visit WEMA Raumkonzepte and find out more about office interiors.