In the earlier eras of the professional world, office spaces were once designed to look formal, and oftentimes as a result looked cold and impersonal. In contrast, today we’re finding ourselves basking in a different office climate: a softer, warmer, more welcoming office design that feels more residential in many aspects.  And then there’s company story driven office design.  The modern office today is story driven and presents an office design that stirs conversations and draws the attention from clients and future recruits. Current trends in office designs tell an interesting back story, for example, a rustic conference table or a uniquely vivid entryway light piece.

CREATING A COMPANY STORY DRIVEN OFFICE DESIGN

One best example of a story driven office is from a company based in Kansas that specializes in furniture design for private and government sectors. In order to creatively redesign their 7000 square foot office, they brought a hammock from Brazil and used a tree in front of their campus as a wooden bar countertop. They also made use of the beautiful artworks made by the artist who occupied their space previously. This Kansas based company also reused old wooden doors from a local post office being converted as a glass storefront, helping make this project environmental friendly.

As with any huge project, this requires a huge amount of time and creativity. The challenge is to have a company story driven office design while still maintaining a productive and professional office space. Here are some tips to help you achieve it:

• Less is more. It’s better to have one good large piece of furniture rather than smaller pieces that don’t really match together, especially if you only have limited space. Put a distinct conference table or a reception desk that has presence, instead of modular tables or work surfaces that are hard to match and cost more. Having only one big furniture in a room will also certainly draw focus and attention. So it should be creatively designed and should be unique in a good way.
• As shown in Neocon 2018, gravitating toward warm colors with your design feels more inviting. Mixing this with nature-inspired walls and work surfaces will also add a friendly appeal. For example, a brightly colored hand crafted lamp will look well with a wooden wall covered with plants.
• All of us are creative and artistic in our own way. Use your employees’ creativity to your advantage. Come up with special days for your employees to bring their art pieces to be displayed at the office. Even better, give them the freedom to design their won unique individual spaces.
• Use your imagination, and draw from the story of your company. You can fill your office floors with eclectic artwork, furniture pieces or memorabilia that has significant meaning to your brand. This will help remind you and your employees, as well as your visitors about how unique and creative your company is, and more importantly what sets it apar.

It’s simple to create a story driven office design, though you do have to roll up your sleeves and put in your due diligence. You just have to always make sure that whatever you do would clearly represent your company — its ideals, culture and brand image. Remember, the look of your office is a direct reflection of you, your employees and company.

Read Also:  Art Friendly Office Spaces: Art for Art
Main Photo: OFS Rowan and Wyre
Resources & Special Thanks to Respective Product Manufacturers: OFS