In these tough economic times, it is no time to skimp on the appearance of your office. First impressions by your clients are lasting, and there are many ways to spark up your office without spending a lot of money. The most inexpensive ways to dress up your office are with paint, artwork, accessories and live plants.If you rent your office space and all of the walls are drab white, invest in a gallon of low-VOC paint and paint an accent wall in your reception area or a focal wall in a conference room.
Low-VOC paint is odorless and will not cause your employees or clients to have allergic reactions, and you won't have a lingering paint smell for weeks afterward like ordinary paint. You can always paint the wall white again when your lease runs out.
Don't forget about artwork. A painting or other piece says something personal about you and conveys that your office has some personality. Support your community and purchase art from local artists. There are many wonderful galleries in Railroad Square and they are open to the public the first Friday of each month. The entertainment is great and it is also an inexpensive way to spend a Friday night.
You might even be able to find a local artist who would like to use your office space as their own personal gallery.
Do you have a favorite hobby? A display case in your office can be a great conversation starter when a new client visits your office for the first time.
An interesting lamp can also make a statement in a reception area. The newest lamps are almost sculptural and even look like artwork. Don't forget that an interesting area rug can add visually to your reception area.
Live plants make all of the difference. There are many low-light plants at home improvement stores, nurseries and garden centers that will not break your budget and can be used in interior applications. Try using a grow light to uplight a floor plant for a dramatic effect.
Even if you work at home or do not have clients visiting your office, it should be a pleasant environment. A pleasant work atmosphere will increase morale and improve productivity.
Most importantly, think of your office interior as part of your marketing budget.
In slow economic times you spend more money on marketing and advertising to make sure you are ahead of your competition. This is no time to skimp on your office. A little bit of paint, some exciting art for your walls, a few great accessories and live plants will definitely spark up your office and not break the budget.
In slow economic times you spend more money on marketing and advertising to make sure you are ahead of your competition. This is no time to skimp on your office. A little bit of paint, some exciting art for your walls, a few great accessories and live plants will definitely spark up your office and not break the budget.
Please consider using some of your marketing budget on your office interior because that first impression by your client is a lasting one.
Carole Butler is a licensed interior designer at Indoff Inc. Office Interiors in Tallahassee. Contact her at carole.butler@indoff.com.
