To be productive and efficient in the workplace, it’s important to have a designated space that is both organized and calming. A cluttered and chaotic office can be distracting and frustrating, while an overly sterile environment can be uninviting and boring.
So how can you create an office area that is both stylish and functional? Here are some tips:
1. Use Color and Lighting
There are many choices when it comes to office lighting, including fluorescent lights, ceiling fans, lamps, and light fixtures. Fluorescent lights often cause a harsh glare that can be distracting and may even exacerbate eyestrain or fatigue.
Ceiling fan light kits come in a variety of finishes, such as brushed nickel and oil-rubbed bronze; they also provide “directional” lighting, which creates targeted pools of illumination for better task performance.
When decorating your office area with plants, make sure to take into consideration what type of plant you want: flowering vines like ivy tend to be very low maintenance. At the same time, cacti require regular watering and sunlight (and plenty of space).
However, there’s no need to spend hours administering to your plants’ every need; simply make sure they have a good amount of sun exposure and access to water.
2. Incorporate Modern Furniture
Modern furniture is known for its streamlined look, simple design, and neutral color palette, making it appropriate for any workspace. Many mid-century modern pieces are crafted from metal or wood with angular corners that form simple geometric shapes. This minimalism lends itself well as part of an overall minimalist office area design scheme.
Glass can be incorporated into the design as a desktop material, partitions between office areas, or even as shelving. A suspended ceiling allows you to hide ugly vents and ductwork overhead while also creating a unique industrial style through exposed beams and piping. Steel infrastructure combined with warm wood tones creates a sophisticated and modern office environment.
3. Try Window Treatments
Cluttered, outdated window treatments can be distracting because they draw the eye away from your work area and toward an uninviting exterior landscape.
Instead of covering windows entirely, you might consider installing translucent curtains or fabric panels to provide privacy without making your space feel closed off.
Trellises are another excellent option for adding color, design interest, and structure to windows; plus, they help block out harsh sunlight if you have an abundance of windows in your office area.
If you want something more permanent than blinds or curtains while still allowing natural light into your office, consider using frosted glass bricks, which allow for but still offer privacy.
4. Get Doors Replaced
Doors in your office area play a major role in the overall decor and feel of the space; many older doors are made from heavy wood panels and feature dated hardware like brass knobs. Modern interior doors are sleek, stylish, and easy to install.
Hollow metal doors are a good choice because they’re durable lightweight, and they come in a variety of colors and finishes, which you can choose from to match your office area’s existing decor.
5. Add a Refreshment Station
Another way to make your office area look more appealing is by adding a refreshment station with a coffee maker, a refrigerator for cold beverages, and perhaps even a small sink.
It’s important to consider who will be using this space when choosing the size of your coffee maker; if not everyone drinks coffee, then you might want to opt for an instant hot water dispenser rather than a full-sized coffee pot.
If you’re concerned about cleanliness, place the brewer on its own countertop away from where other things are prepared. Of course, it goes without saying that always provide plenty of drinking glasses and mugs too!
6. Incorporate Fun Details
The decor of your office area isn’t about to be complete without a few fun details, such as novelty items like faux taxidermy or dinosaur skeletons (for those who might appreciate such things).
Of course, these aren’t the only ways you can spruce up your office space; just remember that the important thing is to choose pieces that reflect your personality and style. The more excited you are by a particular item, the more likely it will help to invigorate and inspire your work.
It is important to help your office area look more modern with a few changes. A few of the things you can do are changing out old furniture and adding new pieces, painting walls bright colors, or installing new lighting fixtures. There may be many other ways as well, so feel free to explore and come up with some ideas on how best to make your office area look more modern!
