Small offices have their pros and cons.
On one hand, rent and utilities are lower. Small spaces also tend to be more intimate, fostering close ties among the employees. However, the layout has to be planned carefully to allow staff to work in comfort. Ample storage is yet another concern.
“Though interior design mainly solves problems like making the most of small offices, it also helps businesses boost branding and create deeper connections with customers,” said Jas Ancheta, a principal designer of Design Trilogy.
So that businesses are able to maximize their small spaces while ensuring quality customer experience, Jas shared the following tips.
When Design Trilogy styled the Harringtons Lifestyle Auction and Showroom, they made sure that each piece stood out while remaining in harmony with one another. The arrangement gave guests an idea of which items would go well together in their homes.
Scale and proportion
Observing proper scale and proportion is one of the most important steps in making a room visually appealing. Bulky furniture often makes a room look smaller than it is. If the furniture is too small, the room will look cluttered.
Jas added that having a focal point in the room is important. Whether it is a piece of furniture or an artwork, it will energize the space.
Illusion of space
Lines and colors help visually enlarge a small office. Using vertical lines make the ceiling look higher while horizontal lines widen a room. Light-colored walls or curtains create the illusion of a bigger, more open area.
Strategically placed mirrors also serve as a quick fix to visually expand an office. They are especially useful in small retail spaces, Jas said.
Mood and productivity
Dramatic lighting may highlight features of a room, like a piece of art, but this shouldn’t sacrifice proper illumination to ensure productivity.
Sound insulation—an often overlooked aspect of office design—is also important to minimize unwanted noise, especially in restaurants.
Light colors can make an area look bigger and more open.
Jas and her colleagues from Design Trilogy—Chelsea Go and Lia Ong—graduated from the Philippine School of Interior Design. They have worked with a diverse set of clients including SM, Unilab Foundation, Slice n’ Dice, and Harrringtons Lifestyle Auction and Showroom.
To learn more about Design Trilogy, log on to www.designtrilogy.wordpress.com. You can contact the group at +63 905 229 4597 or e-mail [email protected]
