How does the appearance of your office space make you feel when you arrive at work? For years, business owners designed workspace interiors for function and little else. However, ignoring aesthetics does impact your mood on the clock — and your productivity levels.
Renovating your office to make it more upscale offers multiple benefits. It creates an atmosphere where you feel proud inviting elite clientele. It also improves your mindset and boosts the morale of your staff. When it’s time to upgrade, keep these tips in mind.
1. Pick a Simple Color Scheme
Look at the color schemes of upscale retailers. They’re warm and welcoming, not at all industrial green. However, nor do they look like the interior design equivalent of one of Cyndi Lauper’s 80’s outfits. Think of a simplified color scheme with subtle accents.
What colors should you choose to boost productivity? Off-white hues with darker gray or blue accents work the best. You can also add a splash of color with a subtle lavender or teal hue.
2. Upgrade Your Kitchen Area
Also known as a tea or coffee kitchen or even the break room, the office kitchen is the place in the workplace where colleagues prepare hot beverages such as coffee or tea. Usually, tea kitchens also include at least one stove or microwave, so you can heat up a meal you brought with you, as well as some sort of refrigerator. A dishwasher is also part of the basic equipment. The small tea kitchen is usually just a purely functional room without a place to sit. While the classic tea kitchen has been a standard feature in office buildings for many decades, in the 2000s a larger version of the tea kitchen has established itself: the office kitchen. If you want some inspiration for updating your office kitchen, check out Eluma Interiors.
3. Redo the Lighting
Did you know that flickering fluorescent overhead lights can trigger migraines in susceptible employees and clients alike? That doesn’t bolster productivity or positive relationships. Replace such fixtures with track lighting. This format offers the benefit of letting you direct illumination to the areas that need it most, like work desks.
If possible, let natural light shine by removing window coverings — heavy curtains can harbor allergens, anyway. In general, dimmer lights create an upscale ambiance, so use desk and floor lamps instead of bright overheads where you need extra illumination.
4. Different Spaces for Various Uses
Does your office space resemble a traditional high school classroom with rows of desks? You encourage collaboration as well as quiet work, so make your space reflect these uses.
You can use full-length glass partitions to wall off brainwork areas and open areas with seating arranged for team discussions.
5. Make Things Comfortable
Remember in “A Christmas Carol” how Bob Cratchit had to beg his boss for coal for comfort? Skimping on inferior office furniture screams, “I am Ebenezer Scrooge” to visitors and staff members alike.
Splurge on ergonomic chairs and variable-height desks that spares their aching backs and keep your employees’ blood flowing.
6. Keep Sound in Mind
If your office space features ceramic tile or cement floors, the din of heels on the surface can grow to maddening levels. This effect doubles if you have high ceilings to create more of an echo. Consider switching to rubber or cork tiles that lower the sound level by several decibels over harder surfaces.
You may discover you leave the office with less of a tension headache once you quiet things down. Plus, think about it — when you go to an upscale restaurant or hotel, does it sound like a rock concert inside? Subdued sound equals elegance.
7. Ditch the Motivational Posters for Nature
Be honest. Has a “Together, Everyone Achieves More” poster ever inspired you to gather the gang for collaboration? Probably not. However, scientific research shows that merely gazing at pictures of nature can boost productivity by 15%, so replace that canned motivational wall art for landscapes.
Furthermore, consider adding nature-inspired accent pieces, like easy-to-care-for succulents and water fountains.
8. Don’t Forget About The Company Vehicles
If you regularly pick up your clients with company cars – don’t forget about the first impression that they make about your business and also from a health and safety aspect. A thorough cleaning of the company vehicle is an important measure to reduce the risk of infectious diseases, thus making fleet usage safer.
Bring back the showroom shine and new car feeling with a company like Diamonddetailz.com.
9. Work on Bringing in a Customer Base
While creating an upscale appearance is important, don’t forget that your business also needs a clientele that will use your services. DMZ is a world-leading incubator for tech startups around the world. They help startups build great businesses by connecting them with customers, capital, experts and a community of entrepreneurs and influencers. Is it important to add this crucial item to whatever changes you are making.
Create an Upscale, Stylish Modern Office
You don’t have to spend a ton to renovate your office and make it more upscale. Use these tips to create a workspace that welcomes you and your clients.
