10 Tips For Creating A Stylish, Practical & Professional Office Space

No matter what industry you are in or the size of your operation, it is vital that you have a suitable space to work in. Whether this a home office, a shared space or a large office block, you will need to comfortably be able to work each day in order to maximize performance without burning out. Unfortunately, it can be an area overlooked by business owners which could be having a negative impact on employees and holding the company back. The key is to create a stylish, welcoming and comfortable spade without spending a fortune. This can be challenging, so here are ten tips for getting the most out of your space.

1. Curb Appeal

First impressions count for a lot in the world of business, so it is important to have an attractive looking office space from outside, particularly if you have a lot of visitors. This could include having an attractive and eye-catching sign, hanging flowers, a fresh coat of pain and keeping the outside area neat and tidy at all times. This can also put you in a good mood each time you enter the building so that you and your staff are ready to work hard.

2. Maximize Natural Light

There is nothing worse than a dingy office space which relies on artificial lighting. Instead, if you have natural light cascading through the office each day, it will make it appear much brighter and more attractive. In addition to this, natural light is also important in terms of mental health, so it is important for looking after your employees’ wellbeing. If you have limited space, then consider a skylight and you can also use mirrors cleverly to maximize natural light. Another key benefit of this is that it could help to lower your utility bill too!

3. Open Plan

If possible, an open plan office is a good idea and will bring a host of benefits to your company. First, it can improve communication amongst employees which is vital to success. It can also improve morale as people will not feel isolated and instead if will develop team chemistry. An open plan office can also maximize natural light, make an office feel bigger and make it easier to walk around.

4. Indoor Plants

It is proven that plants can boost focus and morale, so it is certainly worthwhile having these placed around the office and cared for. Office plans can also improve the decoration and add color to the office too. You do not want to overdo it, however, as this can actually have the reverse effect and create a chaotic feel.

5. Go Paperless

More and more businesses are now going paperless, and this is easy to see why. It can drastically cut down on your waste which is key in a time where environmental damage is such an important topic, plus it can also improve the organization of your company as digitizing paperwork will make it much easier to find. Not only this, but going paperless can also free up a huge amount of space in the office which can make it more spacious and easier to walk around.

6. Switch To Propane

Leading on from this, it is also a smart move to switch to propane gas as this is a clean burning fuel and it provides better heating efficiency than natural gas. This means that you can reduce your carbon footprint and reduce your energy bills while also still getting a highly efficient heating system for your office. Residential propane tank sizes are suitable for home offices and small office blocks, but there are larger sizes too. To figure out the right size for your needs you need to work out the square footage of your space and the total BTU of appliances that can use propane gas.

7. Ergonomic Equipment

It can be dangerous to sit at a desk and carry out typical office work all day long which is why you must invest in ergonomic equipment, including high-quality office chairs. In addition to ergonomic equipment, you must also make sure that you and your workforce take regular breaks too. Ergonomic equipment can cost more, but you do not want to lose staff to injury, so it is better to spend a little more to keep employees happy and comfortable.

8. Decoration

The office will be a place of work but that does not mean that it should be completely devoid of personality and soul. Office decoration is important for brightening the space, impressing visitors and boosting morale. You can add decoration through wall color, artwork, plant life, stylish rugs and through encouraging staff to bring personal decoration to their desks. If you struggle with decorating spaces then using an interior designer will help you to develop a stylish and attractive yet professional workspace.

9. Fragrance

The scent of a space can have a powerful impact on mood and comfort, yet it is one of the most overlooked areas of interior design. You want to introduce a fresh fragrance to the space which is pleasing, but you do not want it to be overpowering or distracting. Scents such as pine, peppermint, and citrus are good for the workplace, and you can introduce these scents through air fresheners, reed diffusers and scented candles.

10. Regular Cleaning

It is hard to be productive when the space around you is a mess. It is for this reason why the entire office space must be cleaned on a regular basis and you should try to avoid clutter building up on your desk. This might involve a quick tidy at the end of each day and then using a cleaning service to thoroughly clean the office throughout the week.

It is important that you know how to get the most out of your office no matter if you work from home or in a large office block. These tips should help you to set up a comfortable, welcoming and productive working space which could help to boost morale, improve focus and help your company to succeed.