When you think of corporate styles, what immediately comes to your mind? Black? Navy blue? Maybe those old wooden desks, cubicles, or even vertical blinds? When you’re furnishing your office what comes to mind? Modern day style usually entails bright colors, colorful accent walls, neon lights, and quirky furniture might look cool now, but let’s be real – these trends come and go faster than you can say “corporate makeover.”
Sure, if you scroll on Pinterest or Instagram, chances are pretty high that you’ll see vibrant offices and trendy spaces. They’re nice in the eyes, but again, they’re only popular now, not forever. Instead, you need a workspace for you and your whole team that stays stylish and functional for years to come. But how can you strike this balance of being timeless but not that soulless and ugly corporate look? Well, here’s what you need to know!
It All Starts By Embracing a Neutral Base
All right, so for starters, it all starts with a neutral base. Ideally, you’re going to want to think of your office like a canvas. A neutral palette of whites, grays, and beiges provides a versatile backdrop that can adapt as trends evolve. This doesn’t mean your office has to be boring. If you think about it, neutrals can be warm, inviting, and sophisticated when used correctly. For example, you can consider soft gray walls, light wooden floors, and simple, elegant furniture. This foundation allows you to layer in your personality without committing to a look that might feel dated in a few years.
Add Personality with Art and Accessories
While a neutral base keeps your office timeless, you can inject personality and style with art and accessories. But this is where you need to be careful because this can either make the space look outdated or way too trendy which will be outdated in no time.
These elements are easy to change as trends evolve. So, you might want to think of bold art pieces, interesting sculptures, and unique decorative items that reflect your company’s culture. This way, if the latest design craze becomes passé, you can swap out accessories without overhauling the entire office.
Go for Quality Over Quantity
Now, this one just cannot be stressed enough! Usually, those trendy pieces of furniture you see tend not to last long; they’re more for looks rather than function; so, with that all said, it’s the quality that matters, meaning you need high-quality desks, commercial tables, solid lighting, and these need to be sturdy, ergonomic, and essentially last through the tests of time.
Now, these are usually an upfront investment, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to spend tens of thousands if you can’t afford that. Sometimes, you can even get these second-hand for a fair price.
Mix Modern and Classic Elements
This is often recommended when it comes to homes, but you could technically incorporate this principle into a workspace, too. So, one surefire way to create a timeless office is to blend modern and classic design elements. Modern designs bring in a fresh, current look, while classic pieces add a touch of enduring style.
Here’s a nice example: pair a sleek, contemporary desk with a classic leather chair (kind of like what you’d see in that show Mad Men). Use modern lighting fixtures with a vintage rug. Overall, this mix-and-match approach ensures your office doesn’t feel stuck in any particular era.
Focus on Functionality
So, let’s put the trends aside for just a moment. You have to keep in mind that the primary purpose of an office is to be a functional workspace. Sure, a pretty space makes it easier to work, but that’s not the only thing either. You also have to ensure your design choices prioritize comfort, productivity, and ergonomics. Invest in ergonomic chairs, adjustable desks, and good lighting. At the end of the day, it’s about productivity, not just aesthetics.
You Need to Personalize with Purpose
While it’s important to avoid overly trendy designs, your office should still reflect the unique personality of your business. So you need to think about what makes your company special and how you can incorporate those elements into your space. It’s your choice on what you want to do, such as a wall of inspirational quotes, a gallery of team photos, or a space for showcasing your products, personalized touches make your office feel unique and welcoming.
Avoid Gimmicks
By all means, yes, it can be tempting to jump on the latest design bandwagon, but remember that gimmicks are often the first to go out of style. Neon lights, extreme accent walls, and overly themed decor might look cool now but can quickly feel outdated. Instead, opt for design choices that have stood the test of time and can be easily updated with small changes.