Executive Office Design & Decorating

A good office design makes for more efficient work.

Offices are a place of work. They can be where a person works alone, or a place where others come to do business. Each situation is different in its design needs. The individual worker may need quiet to think, or noise to keep him stimulated. Offices where clients come to see the worker also need comfortable seating for visitors.

Walls

Start with paint colors. Blues and greens are peaceful; golds are warm and cozy; bold colors enhance creativity; medium beige is good for conversation. Add interest to walls with wall coverings, such as using a highly textured paper on one wall. Add a chair rail and treat the top and the lower sections differently.

Desks

If the office is for an individual, then place the desk so it faces a nice view. If people will be coming in to interact with the worker, place the desk so it faces the door. And don't think only of the typical office desk. A beautifully carved library table or a sleek chrome-and-glass version will make a statement. Place two guest chairs across from the desk.

Seating

Select good seating. A swivel chair on wheels works best for an office, as the worker will want to access files without getting up. An ergonomic chair with a firm back is a necessity for all-day comfort. It can still be attractive though. Rich leather, fancy brocade or even a contemporary metal mesh chair can all work here, depending on the style of the room.

Storage

Add storage pieces. The credenza, file cabinet or bookshelf should either be placed behind the desk or perpendicular to it, for ready access. Depending on the type of business done in the office, the worker will choose which item fits his needs better. Even if none of these items is needed, it is good to have one anyway. A room with just a desk and chair looks very cold and austere and fly-by-night.

Lighting

Choose your lighting. A lamp on the desk for close work is essential. Another source of lighting is also necessary. An overhead light is good for general work situations. If there is none, then add another lamp on the credenza and a torchiere in a corner, or even two if needed, which will help deflect light off the ceiling to create an overall light source.

Extras

Add extras that make the office beautiful and a pleasure to work in. A palm tree in a corner. A silk arrangement on the credenza. Greenery hanging over the top of the bookcase. Beautiful artwork on the walls. Pillows on the guest chairs. A valance at the window. A large clay pot filled with grasses on the floor. A small collection of conch shells on the corner of the desk. All these items take the room from a place of work to a place of creating.

References

• Office Decor, Cubicle Decor and Home Goodies
• Colorful Contemporary Office