Transforming Office Décor

The office is a place of business where formality and professionalism must be strictly adhered to. However, even in getting all the necessary equipment to ensure a smooth running operation, the interior décor must never be compromised. The office environment needs to be upgraded from time to time so that it can keep with the modern office trends. In doing this the functionality and the office image must not be compromised at any cost. The inspiration for creativity and productivity must be kept intact. This can be achieved at the minimum cost and with just some creativity and attention to detail.

Using Wall Art for Décor

One way of inexpensively transforming an office is the use of wall art. Carefully chosen art pieces have a way of converting any wall into a focal point. There is a great variety to choose from in both traditional and contemporary art forms, which can be bought from local artists or cultural markets. An artist’s impression of the nature of the business will both transform the office while maintaining the corporate image.  Apart from wall art, other pieces of art such as desk accessories can be incorporated into a contemporary office décor as long as they are not too overwhelming.

Office furniture needs to be functional as well as comfortable not forgetting the aesthetic value it adds to the entire décor theme. For people who have to sit at their desks for most of the working day, consider getting an ergonomic chair which will protect their back. These adjust to the desired height and they are engineered to provide comfort for the whole body as one works at a desk or on the computer. And the good news is that these come in a variety of styles and colours that would fit in with any office interior décor theme. 

Planning an End-Year Office Party

The Christmas office party is a great social event where colleagues get to have fun together and end the year in style. A well planned party will leave everyone charged up for the New Year. The first step in having a great party is to make sure that there is quorum, so have invitations out early enough so that everyone can confirm attendance. These can easily be sent out electronically via the office intranet. The time should be convenient for most and lunch time bashes are ideal since it is still within the office hours and the staff is expected to be around.

Venues for an Office Party

The office boardroom or the reception area is an ideal party venue and should be set up in fitting party and holiday décor well before hand. Open office plans also make for great party venues. However, when the office space is limiting consider other options such as restaurants for the end year party. This is ideal especially if there is still quite a heavy workload since the restaurant staff will take care of the party décor and the food. A restaurant bash can be held in the afternoon or early evening. Most workers will not turn down a party with enough food and drink and the restaurant should provide enough of both. Make sure there is enough sitting space so that all can sit comfortably to have their meal and enjoy the party.

Make the party interesting by giving awards which will also be an incentive for attendance. These can be wacky such as the ‘best dressed’ or ‘scariest phone etiquette’. Keep it short to a maximum of one hour, the start and end time of the party should be indicated in the invite. Have people clean up after themselves if the party is in the office.

Storage Options for Office Space

With a well thought out interior decorating plan, the clutter in an office can be neatly kept away and the office transformed into an elegant place of business. The office uses up a lot of stuff daily which must be stored neatly and be easily accessible. Stuff that is used occasionally must be separated from stuff that is used daily or more regularly. Anything that is no longer being used or has served its purpose must be thrown into the trash or be taken away from the office. Once the useful stuff has been identified, suitable storage options must be implemented for easy access, elegant décor and a neat office environment.

Horizontal Office Storage

Floor space can be used for additional storage space by creating horizontal cabinets under a work station. Horizontal cabinetry can be installed on window ledges to beautifully complement the office décor. These can be either in wood or covered in material that is matching either the floor or the wall décor. Vertically, shelves and cabinets have been and continue to be the ideal storage compartments. These must be in a style that harmonizes the office décor and are available in a variety of styles and colours. However these must also be arranged neatly and functionally in an office so that they are not blocking light and are also easy to access.

Book cases can be creatively used to store books and also to show case collectibles and awards the company has acquired over the years. They can also be used to display company group photographs and other memorable moments. Low office cabinets can be installed along a wall with the top used to hold office machinery and recycled stationery. Storage might be the primary concern but the style and elegance of the office interior decorating must not be compromised.

Office Décor and Colour Schemes

The choice of colour for the office is just as important as the choice of office furniture in interior decorating circles. The two aspects have to blend well and contribute to the overall office image. The choice of colour is very crucial partly because it also affects the mood of the office and the productivity of the employees. It is therefore important to choose colours that boost motivation for higher productivity. Colour choice should not intimidate clients and business partners but rather be inviting and calming fostering a good relationship. Additionally the type of business activity should influence the choice of colour for office decor.

Inspired Office Décor Colours

High energy colours like reds and deep yellows are best suited for customer oriented business environments such as fast food outlets. These colours stimulate activity which is appropriate these type of businesses. These colours are unique for these particular business activities and would not be a popular choice for a majority of conventional office décor. Most conservative business environments will opt for neutral colours like pastels and matte colours like cream for a softening effect. This is a calming colour scheme, utilizing pale a non-dramatic spectrum such as soft blues and white.

Modern day office décor is minimalist in nature, utilizing “transparent” environments where glass partitioning and open plan offices are a salient feature. Colour schemes for these use the same colours as the neutral approach, with the glass surfaces and open plan office décor enhancing light and appearance of space. For a more regal and elegant look in office interior decoration, consider a natural colour scheme. This incorporates wood paneling with a mixture of natural greens, grays and off-white blends. The effect is a high-class and expensive environment. In choosing a colour scheme for the office, personal taste and creativity should not be compromised.