People say that image is everything – and when it comes to business, you’re undoubtedly judged in part by your appearance – not just personal, but that of your premises too. With that in mind, it’s important that you make a positive statement and stand out whilst looking professional and business-like at all time.
So how can you achieve that corporate look whilst maintaining a warm, inviting image to staff, customers and potential clients? Whether you’re on a strict budget or not, take a look at our handy tips to making your business space more professional.
Make use of clean, fresh colours
Whites, creams, greys and even black work really well for corporate spaces – using sophisticated, understated colours gives your office environment instant aesthetic appeal. They can also brighten a dark room and keep the working area clean which can have a calming effect on the brain. If you’re a creative company, having one bright accent colour but keeping the rest neutral will go a long way towards making your premises individual but corporate.
Invest in simplistic yet stylish furniture
Many of us could easily pick out ‘corporate furniture’ from an office catalogue – but is it uninspiring, impractical or simply doesn’t fit in well with your interior? Make sure the furniture you choose fits perfectly with your existing décor and looks sturdy and expensive (even if it isn’t!). Pay attention also to the material of your surfaces – wood, polished plastic, glass – they’re all stylish choices and depending on what finish you’re after they can make or break your room design. Employ slick, linear designs and don’t be afraid to pick creative, cutting-edge or contemporary styles. It’s also important to pick an overall theme and then stick to it – no mixing different styles, colours and materials. Keeping furniture uniform is additionally key to a professional, corporate look.
Employ soft, natural decoration
One of the negatives of corporate décor is that it can sometimes come across a bit clinical and harsh. But that’s okay – it’s easily remedied by warming up that cold first impression with some carefully-placed, meticulously chosen decoration. This can be achieved through soft lighting, artwork or sculptures, soft furnishing and especially with plants. You can take a look at companies that offer Sydney indoor plant hire to add that soft, natural feel to your office for a fraction of the price of purchasing costly plants and shrubs. Real plants can also give an office an expensive, stylish edge and maintain a corporate feel whilst still adding another dimension to your working area.
Make sure it premises are cleaned and tidied regularly
Nothing says ‘amateur’ or ‘unprofessional’ more loudly than a dirty floor, dusty desks and a generally unkempt reception or working area. So with that in mind, it’s a good idea to invest in a cleaner – they can usually be found at a fairly low cost and can visit as frequently or as infrequently as you would like. It’s a relatively small price to pay to keep your premises (and your business) looking spick and span at all times.
Keep the focus on your brand
Another down side of having an intrinsically corporate environment is that they all tend to be a bit same-y. Even though you want to achieve a polished, uniform look overall, it’s still good to bring your individual identity into the space and make it your own. Make sure you stand out from the crowd by having your brand fully present at all times as well as any extra decoration. Signage, leaflets, pens, and poster advertisements give your business true identity and convey that in a clear but subtle way to your visitors.
