Good office space design is not just about aesthetics. If done right, then the office can attract new talent, boost productivity, break down information silos, and reduce cost. Designers will have to consider multiple factors in creating a suitable design for a renovation or a new installation.

Define Your Goals and Priorities

First, it should be clear what the goals are for the project. Once they are defined, they should be listed in order of priority to make future decisions easier in case of a clash. For example, a redesign might be needed after the merger of two companies, a move to another location, or a consolidation of existing departments. Will this project be intended to drive future growth? Are you aiming to increase work efficiency? Are you trying to modernize the look and feel of the place? Are you developing a sense of pride in the workers? Is this a bid to attract millennial talents?

Design for Branding and Culture

There are many ways to create a design that looks good on paper. However, this does not mean that it will be suited to the company. Every business has to have a unique brand that should be apparent in its own premises. This should include the theme, colors, and overall style. Some might like to project femininity with pastel colors and floral patterns, while others would like to exude masculinity with industrial design and colder tones. Design can also influence culture with open work areas encouraging collaboration and stronger teamwork. Meanwhile, closed areas provide privacy and perhaps better productivity for tasks that require laser focus.

Ensure Office Safety and Productivity

Accidents in the workplace can plunge morale and cause financial trouble for everyone involved, including the company. Ensure office safety by ensuring that hazards are out of the way and that measures are in place to prevent slips, falls, and other common accidents. This means using the right materials at the right spots. Warning signs and alarms should also be strategically placed around the premises. This could also mean the acquisition of ergonomic furniture that should help employees reduce fatigue and boost productivity. These can prevent back aches, wrist pain, and other physical issues that develop over time.

Designing for Small Spaces

With the cost of real estate sky rocketing, it is essential for architects and interior designers to make the most of every square foot of office space design . This often means that spaces are multi-purpose, especially the communal ones. Closing doors and opening walls can turn dining areas into a meeting space, for example. Furniture may need to be custom-made to fit the vision.

Kitchens are among the most used and abused parts of the house. They can quickly look worn out after a couple of years. It is no surprise that they are also the focus of many home renovations. If you are about to embark on such a project, then make sure that you do better the second time around. Learn from the lessons of the past on interior design ideas for kitchens, including its strengths and weaknesses. Retain the things that worked and change those that did not. Below are some interior design ideas for kitchens:

Maximize Storage Spaces

With the rising cost of properties, space has become an incredibly valuable commodity. Kitchens used to occupy large rooms so they were able to accommodate plenty of cabinets and counters. There were also large tables to aid in food preparation. Nowadays, they are smaller and may only consist of a meager counter and cabinetry. Whatever your setup may be, it never hurts to maximize storage space. If you can’t expand horizontally, then try to go vertical. Add taller cabinets or place items on top of the existing ones. Place shelves and hooks above the windows.

Organize to Keep Things Clean

The space will look cleaner and finding things will be easier if the kitchen is organized. Don’t just place items randomly where they fit. Designate areas for different categories. Use various kitchen accessories to keep everything tidy. For example, you may want to put the pots and pans on one side. Hang them on a stainless steel shelf in a discernible order (by size or by type).

Simplify the Color Palette

A small room will quickly look cluttered if there are too many colors competing for attention. Instead of making it feel festive, the kitchen can become chaotic. If you are renovating, then try to simplify the color palette. Choose two or three colors that would go well together and stick to them. You don’t have to remove existing items of different colors. You can always repaint or cover with vinyl sheets. You may also add lighting to make the room feel brighter.

Go for Slim Furniture

Make sure that the furnishings are fit for the space. Avoid bulky ones and look for slim furniture for all your needs. Take measurements around the kitchen before making any purchases. You may even want to draw the arrangement on paper to get a feel for how things will come together. Consider the flow of traffic and the ease of reaching storage spaces. You should have wide enough margins for people to walk in and out without bumping into things.