Creating a professional workplace that is still stylish is tricky. You may be tempted to put so much of yourself in the design that the professional part gets thrown out the window. You end up with a little bubble that showcases only your style instead. Here are some tips that can help you create the perfect balance.
1. Light it up
While your office may have all sorts of light sources installed, a stylish work environment also allows streaming rays of natural light. The windows should be wide and clear enough to let the light inside during the day. Light can also make your office space look larger, especially if you combine it with mirrors.
A well-lit office space provides a great sense of well-being. It is healthier than a dark work environment that seems to suffocate everyone inside. Streaming light in the daytime can also help you save money on power bills.
If your office has employees working in shifts, you need to invest in good lighting. Even your nighttime employees should benefit from centralized LED lighting. There should be no dark areas that feel neglected.
2. Make sure it is comfortable
Aside from adding light, make your office more comfortable by adding cozy chairs. Even the most diligent employees will struggle with productivity when their backs hurt. Test the chairs before buying them if you must.
Comfy does not mean to say homey. The chairs’ designs should still fit the overall image you want to project. They do not have to look like grandma’s afternoon nap chair. Office furniture should not be too soft or too hard.
Comfort also does not rely on chairs alone. The office’s overall layout should also enable workers to maneuver themselves with ease. It should be conducive to both individual and team efforts. Think about how your group works and design the layout accordingly.
3. Include some greenery
Plants can give life to any place. They can also provide your office an extra needed source of oxygen. So, we can all agree that these greens can make your office space healthier. They also look great. You can always find a plant that fits the style of your office space.
Have you noticed that plants also somehow soothe your eyes? If you have been working in front of your computer for an extended period, you can simply gaze at the plant in your office while you are taking your eye and brain break. It does help.
4. Build shelves and other storage utilities
Whether it is a home office or a corporate one, shelves and other storage solutions are always welcome. They provide your work environment with a sense of organization. You don’t want an office to look like a cluttered basement or an underground operation.
The storage solutions can also make it easy for you to find documents. They will classify all that you have into various categories. Moreover, invest in storage solutions that also look great. This way, they can double as decorative pieces.
5. Add a splash of color
While a monotone look can give your office space a feeling of professionalism, it does not have to be a dull and dreary blend. You must add a color that will draw people’s attention. It should provide a sense of liveliness to the space.
Of course, before you go crazy and add all the colors that you like, take a pause. Prepare a palette of three colors with which you would like to work. To do this, you can take some cues from your brand’s logo. The palette should consist of colors that can work together. Stick to those colors to make sure the work environment maintains professionalism.
6. Incorporate technology
If your goal is to be a modern name in your industry, your resources should reflect that. Incorporate technology into your office. It does not have to be limited to actual workstations. You can add other digital accents.
An example of a digital accent is a monitor that flashes your company’s achievements. This example may apply to your company’s image, or it may not. If not, you can think of other ways to incorporate technology into the work environment’s design.
7. Upgrade old pieces into more functional ones
If your company has been active for many years, survey the old pieces that you already have. Do you think old furniture can still carry your brand to the 21st century? Are they timeless pieces that can work whenever you choose to use them?
If not, take this opportunity to upgrade the pieces into something more modern and more flexible. A multipurpose and fully functional piece of furniture can always trump something that looks more decorative. If its ornamental quality still works, then you get two for one.
8. Put up personal effects that still add to the professionalism of the place
You can add more of yourself to your work environment without making it less professional. A medical clinic, for example, can have a stack of appropriate magazines. The doctor’s diplomas (or copies, just to be safe) can be displayed on the walls.
An interior decorator gets leeway when it comes to sprucing up the place. The whole office can already serve as a portfolio. An artist can post framed works on the walls or place them on shelves on full display.
How you personalize your work environment depends on what products and services you are offering.
Conclusion
Is it possible to have a stylish but professional work environment? Of course, it is. However, this requires a bit of balancing to achieve the perfect blend. Design your layout ahead of time. Then, pick some furniture pieces that will serve their functional roles.
Once you have found some practical options, choose the most comfortable from among them. These pieces should help your team be more productive throughout the day. However, adding some stylistic accents, such as a splash of color and a few well-placed plants, can complete the look of your office.
Do you want some extra help with your office’s functional style? You may want to hire an interior decorator if you don’t trust your eyes to gauge the needed balance. Better yet, go to Planwell Strategies to find the best ways to put a professional but stylish work environment together.
How will this atmosphere help you? It gives your office a memorable edge while also showing that your feet remain on the ground. You establish your commitment to what you promise to deliver.