Many professionals spend a great deal of time in the office. It stands to reason then that they should be comfortable and productive in it.
If Google – one of the world’s most successful companies – can turn stairs into slides, what’s stopping you from being creative with your office?
You may not have Google’s budget but you can find plenty of inspiration and office renovation ideas that are attainable and achievable.
Open Up the Office
Some of the best office areas have one noticeable thing in common: openness. Some might debate whether to go with a cubicle setting or change to an open plan where employees have an expansive view of the entire floor. But opening it up can make everyone feel part of the same team.
In addition, you could remove not just cubicles but walls to make a feature out of ceiling and roof support. Interesting designs of beams and support structures overhead, combined with new lighting fixtures, can make the space feel airy and inviting. Opening up an office can energize the room and the people in it. It also
makes the area much more versatile so you could change the furniture layout regularly to relieve monotony.
Openness is great for easy communication and may even promote harmony among employees. People can think collaboratively and creatively as part of a team.
A Welcoming Lobby for Guests
Some companies, like Groupon and HUMAN Healthy Vending, believe their office space should be welcoming to visitors as well as employees. They have created amazing lobbies that are comfortable and also intriguing. They combined cubicles with clever use of support beams and glass to provide openness and yet also privacy where needed. A feature wall, electronic displays and some funky fixtures complete the uniqueness.
A plain lobby with a monotone paint job or bland walls can seem professional, but also might not inspire energy and originality. Simple modifications involving new colors, built-in shelves and feature walls can be all it takes to start making your business memorable for visitors and more productive for workers.
Stairs: Get More with Each Step
Why limit yourself to a traditional staircase with lots of right angles? Or why have a plain old one off in the corner? Make it the center of attention by opening up two floors to become an atrium. Make it a sweeping staircase, or even a spiral, made of distinctive wood. Sometimes, you can even get reclaimed lumber for a
staircase, which has a stunning weathered and antiqued look. Even the strength and practicality of cement can be combined with awesome design, color and texture. Set your stairs apart from the office motif with a striking color or have them blend in like they were always part of the building’s design. You could even add your business name to each step or spell out the name up and down the staircase.
Opening up different levels and eye-lines can be just the lift everyone needs.
Floor People with Inspired Flooring in the Workplace:
The floor needn’t be just a floor. It can be a feature of the workplace. There are so many possibilities for lifting the visual appeal and energy of your business. Wood, veneer, parquetry, carpet, slate, tiling, rendered cement, marble, brickwork, combinations of these, you name it. Let the entire floor be the same or else use different materials and colors in different sections. Be creative and walk tall in your stunning work space.
Greg Nelson is the owner of Nelson Construction & Renovations Inc. He is a Florida State Certified Building Contractor, creating artistry in all areas of design and construction projects. He is a musician, and artist. A husband and father, Greg appreciates all the wonderful elements of family life.
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