Business Link

The average person spends half of their waking hours in the workplace. This makes it important for employee wellbeing and productivity that the work environment should be stimulating, organised and pleasant.

Another facet that makes good interior design important is that it is the face of the company – it is what is seen by visitors and clients. The reception area should especially look professional, providing a welcoming atmosphere for clients with sufficient seating and the company logo clearly displayed.

Trish Strydom, a Port Elizabeth based Interior Designer, says redecorating the
workplace need not be daunting or expensive, “Concentrate first on getting the basics right: walls, floors, ceilings and lights.”

Walls

Walls are the biggest canvas of a space and have the power to change the entire mood
of the room. Painting one wall in a strong contrasting colour will add impact and provide a dramatic touch. Alternatively, add a contrasting texture to create feature walls, for example wall cladding or wall paper.

“Wallpaper is one of the hottest trends at the moment, and is a relatively inexpensive way of achieving maximum dramatic effect,” says Strydom.

“Textured wall finishes are also a great way to conceal ugly scars from building alterations or uneven surfaces.”

Floors

Floors also make a large impact on the overall impression of the room, but the choice of material must be a functional, practical decision rather than purely aesthetic.

“Choose the best quality that you can afford and take into consideration the volume of foot traffic of the area,” says Strydom. “Laminated flooring might look smart, but the noise of people walking on it all day will become irritating, especially if some of the staff wear high heels. Carpets help reduce the noise in high traffic areas.”

Carpet squares that can be applied directly to a screeded or wooden floor are a good and inexpensive option. Tiles are also popular and there are endless varieties of tiles that suit every taste and budget.

Lighting

Gone are the days when a fluorescent tube was the only option. Now lighting has become one of the most important design elements in modern offices, according to Trish.

“Lighting needs to be task related, and it is important to consider the functions that will be performed in a specific area, like a boardroom.”

Lighting need not be expensive in order to achieve a dramatic effect. Consider installing dimmer switches, putting lights onto separate circuits, and having different types of lights so that the lighting can be adjusted according to the various needs.

There are many different types of lights that can be used singly, or in groups or rows, to create stunning effects.

Furniture and accessories

Resist the temptation to use all your old unwanted furniture and accessories from home.

“If it is absolutely necessary to use some old, unwanted pieces, try to reupholster or paint them to create a fresh, new look,” says Strydom.

Although most of these decorating tips can be done yourself, remember that some tasks may be more effective and less expensive over the long run if left to the professionals.

“Reputable decorators or designers know how to solve problems and where to source quality products. DIY decorators often end up spending a lot more on their décor because of costly mistakes which have to be corrected,” says Strydom.

Interior Designers are able to specify finishes that not only look good but can address functional issues such as soundproofing, acoustics, insulation, and best use of space.

A good designer can take a problem area and turn it into a stunning feature, or transform an uninteresting space into something unique and exciting that will make your clients want to come back for more.

Members of the Institute of Interior Design Professions (IID) will provide the best of attention with unique and professional design advice and application.