Decorating

Things to Do to Make a Space Your Own

Space decor has a huge influence on not only how other interpret your brand, but how well your workers perform in the space. Color, light, texture, even scents can make your office a place people want to be, or a place to avoid.

Personalizing your space. Make an effort to help workers incorporate spaces for personal display. This may be supplying magnets so that photos can be displayed on metal surfaces, or tacks/pins for tackable surfaces.

Collaboration space. An easy and economical solution to the need for a whiteboard is the new Tabrasa by IdeaPaint or WriteUp by DesignTex. You can make any smooth surface a seamless, high-performance, dry-erase writing surface.

Life. Don’t forget the plants. Brings nature into your space to build the connection to the outdoors that people crave. Be sure to consider the type and amount of light available so that the plants can thrive in your space. Also remember that plants need to be watered. Dead plants don't inspire.

Flooring. An area rug helps define space, as well as creating the perception of “a room within a room”. That sense of intimacy is important to promote sharing of ideas.

Small Space Can Make a Big Impression

Perhaps the most important thing to embrace in a small space is organization and storage. Purge unnecessary paper and objects and reduce clutter. Consider clever storage solutions that keep the things you need close by, but provide a place to manage them when not needed.

Color. Light tones create an open feeling. Light blues and greens are particularly helpful to create a serene feeling of relaxation. Achieving a quiet sense will make the space seem intimate without seeming small. Dark, bold colors with high contrast are things to avoid. They make a small space too busy.

Lighting. Build on available light, both natural and artificial. Consider task lighting for individual control. Avoid heavy window coverings and build on any available natural views. Be aware of glare, but make windows an architectural highlight.

Have Your Space Look "On Brand"

You’ve spent the time and the money to make certain that your brand is consistent in your marketing, web presence, and print communications, but does your space say the same thing?

Paint. It's one of the least expensive ways to transform a space. What color speaks to your brand? Is that color prevalent in your space? Use a strong color as an accent in your space that ties to your marketing presence.

Wall accents. Do you have a lot of visitors in your space? What does your space look like as you walk in the door? Maybe this is where you consider adding something that speaks about your company. Is this where you profile some of your accomplishments? Purchase inexpensive black document frames in the same size and hang in the same format to create a display that has consistency and looks polished without being outrageously priced.