Office All Stars: Zira Reception Desks by Global Total Office

Looking to make an impression on your office visitors? The all new Zira series reception desks from Global Total Office will help you do just that! These versatile and incredibly stylish stations offer high end modern appeal that's sure to earn you space daily compliments. In today's article we'll take an in depth look at some of the hottest models from this all star collection. Enjoy!

Kicking things off with a bang, our first Zira reception desk is abounding with wow factor. At first glance you'll notice the user friendly U shaped design and contemporary accent features. This station boasts a custom two tone finish consisting of tiger maple work surfaces and brushed cobalt storage components. The frosted glass accents and metal post leg design on the front desk take this unit over the top. Priced at $4422.99, if you're office can fit it in the budget, it's well worth the investment.

Global Total Office has been one of the industries most popular seating manufacturers for years. That being said, the new Zira line of casegoods is sure to take this top brand to a whole new level. Stations like our second unit highlighted here are all about user efficiency and functionality. When it comes to reception area desks, most of today's standard units offer minimal space for organizing and file storage. However, this Zira station integrates a 4 drawer standing lateral file and plenty of space to keep your welcoming area operating a peak performance levels.

At $6535.99, our third reception desk configuration from the Zira series offers way more than work space. While the full U shaped design provides plenty of room to work, the 3 lateral file cabinets with organizer tops offer excellent aesthetic appeal and the filing space needed by most bigger businesses. The blend of tiger maple and black accents combine with stunning glass accents that will no doubt improve your corporate appeal. Need even more space? No problem! A custom 2 user version of this same layout is also available.

Last but certainly not least, our last Zira station is nothing short of impressive. With hybrid desk surfaces trending majorly in 2014, this unit is sure to be a hit with consumers and interior design teams alike. The dark espresso wood laminate and willow gray finish combination offers luxury appeal that's not to be underestimated. Priced at $5454.99, the glass and metal accents along with a wide range of storage components come standard. Rest assured, this configuration is a real winner and sure to impress.

Read more »

10 Key Ways To Enhance Your Executive Office

Like their inhabitants, executive offices should always dress to impress. Keeping a nice, neat, organized space that exudes plenty of high end style can seem like a bit of a challenge, but it's definitely necessary to win the respect of potential clients and business partners. For anyone looking to do an executive office makeover or decor project, you're in luck. Today's post highlights all the latest styling trends for executive offices. Enjoy!

1.) Let in the Light

To start things off easy, our first task is definitely the simplest one. Natural lighting can have profoundly beneficial effects on human psychological health. There are numerous studies showing the links between natural lighting and better mood, better outlook, better focus, and even better energy. Show off your executive appeal by opening the blinds and letting the sun shine in! It gives the office a much more upbeat feel that can benefit both you and your guests!

2.) Paint Your Walls

Boring walls make a boring office, and that's not impressive at all. To really wow your guests, don't be afraid of a little color. White and gray can even work well as long as you've got interior design sense. Decide on a color you think you would like that most furniture could easily match, or if you've already got some furniture picked out, choose a color scheme to match it. Study up on the color wheel and get some advice from an interior designer before painting. Remember, when picking paint, always go a few shades lighter than the color you'd like. The shadows in a room will make everything look darker than it actually is when all is said and done.

3.) Dark Wood Tones

Dark wood tones have become one of the biggest hit trends in interior design, especially for high end executive offices. Especially dark woods like espresso, chocolate, and mocha, not only sound delicious, but they also convey a great sense of elegance. They create a stark yet appealing contrast in rooms with lighter colors, and they match almost anything. In fact, some furniture brands like the look so much they offer whole lines of stylish executive furniture in dark woods. One of the most popular lines has been Verde collection furniture by Cherryman for the office. Desks in this line are the epitome of modern executive appeal, offered in both latte and espresso finishes.

4.) Metal Accents

Whether you go with chrome, aluminum, or powdered steel, nothing compliments dark wood tones better than shining metal. Metal accents always give a strong hint to the modern. The sleek look is futuristic and has been fashion forward ever since the dawn of the computer age, so it's not likely to go anywhere anytime soon. Combined with dark wood accents, chrome creates the perfect blend of past and future. Almost all modern wood desks for executives that rock metal accents can stand their own against any critical eye.

5.) Glass

In a world that's all about power and progression, it never hurts to have graceful glass to accent an executive office interior. We've got the strong elements like wood and metal, but every executive office should have a touch of elegance. For office designers, glass has always been the great mediator. It offers a light, liquid appearance to soften the overwhelming effect of metal and wood. In smaller offices, glass is especially good at creating the illusion of larger space, and the best part is, it's almost always cheaper. Choosing elegant office desks with glass accents for an executive office will not only enhance your space, it may also save you tons of money!

6.) Complimentary Office Chair

What's the point of being an executive if you don't at least get a big comfy leather chair? All too often people work hard to create the ultimate executive office and then ruin the effect with shabby seating. Office chairs are there, first and foremost, to be comfortable, but they're also supposed to look good. Furnishing your workplace with comfortable executive chairs with leather upholsteries is an important step to an impressive office environment. This season, gray is definitely in. Gorgeous gray chairs like HENDRIX-HB-GR High Back Gray Leather Chair by Woodstock ensure both style and comfort for an affordable price.

7.) Organization

The last thing a guest is going to be impressed by is clutter, or if he is, it's not a good thing. You may be a wonderful person and business executive, but messy offices are one of the best ways to ruin that professional image. Staying clean and organized improves image, efficiency, and effectiveness in the workplace. In the cold seasons, it also reduces health hazards by limiting the spread of disease. Try to choose clever options for storage like overhead hutches and cabinets that match existing furniture. They will help to keep your place streamlined and looking good!

8.) Decoration

Now that the walls and furniture is all but complete, it's time to decorate! This is the part that both professional and beginning designers tend to enjoy most because it allows them the freedom to design without so many aesthetic rules to limit them. One of the biggest trends in executive office design has been the addition of desk plants to the office. Plants look great and come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, designs, and colors to match just about any office space. Some plants like gardenias, golden pothos, peace lilies, and spider plants, can even act as natural air purifiers by removing harmful VOCs from the air. For a splash of color and liveliness, wall art and even small bowl fish make non-intrusive, entertaining friends to any desk space.

9.) Go Ergonomic

Ergonomic study has become the backbone of contemporary office design, and for good reason. In the workplace, smart furniture like discount ergonomic monitor arms for computer use can drastically improve efficiency, productivity, employee health, pain relief, and it can even maximize space. Desks, chairs, and keyboard trays nowadays all offer ergonomic benefits.

10.) Don't Forget Your Guests

In an executive office, guests should be a top priority. As a business leader, it's the executive's job to set the best example for how visitors should be treated, and that means providing a comfortable, welcoming place for clients and patrons when they arrive. When decorating, always be sure never to leave out comfortable guest chairs for visitors. The goal should always be to leave them feeling the same executive level comfort as you. As your guests, they deserve all luxury you can offer them!

Read more »

Popular Office Furniture and Chair Trends of 2014

It's only March and plenty of hot new trends are becoming increasingly apparent in the world of office furniture and seating. We're super excited to showcase these popular new design ideas sure to help you bring your space to life in 2014. From the use of glass in the conference room to stylish gray leather office chairs from the industries top brands, the emerging trends showcased in today's post are a must for any office makeover project!

Glass Conference Tables

This year, using glass in the conference room has become incredibly popular. More and more businesses are looking to create cutting edge spaces designed to impress valued clientele. The cutting edge look of glass is a great way to showcase contemporary style while boosting the illusion that smaller spaces are actually larger than they really are. Whether used as table leg accents like with the VL-741 12' Verde Conference Table or for the entire table surface on the OFM GT3977 Glass Top Conference Table, this trend is sure to add ample wow factor to any area.

Gray Leather Office Chairs

Last year it was all about white! In 2014 the hottest color trend in the world of office chairs has turned to gray leather. Products like the Joplin series gray leather office chair from Woodstock Marketing showcase this trend to perfection. As the use of darker wood tones is also becoming increasingly popular, gray is the perfect choice to compliment. This top upholstery choice is attractive without being overpowering to your furniture. A high end gray chair can be the focal point or perfect accent to any executive office or conference room.

Dark Wood Tones

While wood finishes like cherry, maple, and oak will always have their place in the furniture world, a new trend is rapidly emerging! Dark tones like mocha and espresso are taking over. This look provides a classy and sophisticated feel that shows minimal wear over time. While wood veneer products can be a bit more costly, those looking to save a buck will be happy to find that several of the industries best office furniture lines are now available in dark laminate options.

Popular Furniture Lines Available in Dark Laminate Tones Include:

• Cherry Verde Line
• Mayline Aberdeen Line
• Mayline Brighton Line
• Global Zira Line

 Wardrobe Cabinets

Once thought of as a luxury product, wardrobe cabinets are becoming an industry standard in executive desk packages. While metal wardrobe cabinet options are available from brands like Global Total Office, incorporating a matching wood wardrobe cabinet into your desk package adds excellent versatility and uptown style. Already purchased your office furniture? No problem! Units like the A560 Amber Wardrobe Cabinet are offered in addition to several other models from the hottest casegoods collections on the market.

Segmented Cushion Office Chairs

Some of you will read this trend and have no idea what we're talking about. However, you've seen this trend more than you know! The segmented look involves separated or ribbed back chair designs to create a euro modern feel. Products like the Offices To Go model OTG11648B chair showcase this look to perfection. This executive model boasts polished features and offers excellent ergonomic attributes for improved workplace comfort. In addition to the OTG11648B, the BT-9826M-BK-GG Flash Furniture Chair offer an excellent choice for professional meeting areas looking to stay on the cutting edge of style. The sleek design saves space while the ribbed back look is sure to enhance corporate appeal.

Curved Reception Desks

A reception desk with curved front design looks great from any angle! Businesses that have entrances from multiple areas are loving this new trend. The use of curved reception desks from brands like OFM add an extra element of modern appeal and class to any guest welcoming area. Products like the 55293 Cherry Finished Marque Reception Station look good in nearly any office environment and are quite budget friendly. The metal frame accents boast an industrial touch while the ample worksurface provides plenty of space for your receptionist. These units are a real value and a trend all of their own in 2014.

Read more »

Cool Workplace Furniture Trends

Whether your business is geared toward services specifically for people or you just want to stay hip to the modern age, keeping your office updated with the coolest workplace furniture trends is a great way to start. However, keeping up with what's hot can be really difficult if you don't know what to look for in your office furniture. But never fear, with this handy tutorial on how to keep things looking new and exciting, you will have your workplace tricked out with all the latest styles and gadgets, finding yourself on the cutting edge in no time!

Metal

One of the coolest design trends on the market today is the sleek look of metal. This shiny, solid material is not just sturdy, but the extra sheen coupled with other materials such as wood or glass gives any place a spectacular feeling of balance and modernization. Even if your workplace decor is full of glass and dainty lines, metal can convey strength to even things out. If your workplace relies a lot on wood furnishings, adding metal is a great accent that brings a touch of the new age into the room. Office products that make the best use of metal accents are usually modern office desks and computer desks, as well as glass office desks for any home or business.  There are even a few modern executive chairs out there that will match this new combo and add a splash of color to tie in any existing decor! When it comes to metal, there are tons of options. Whatever you choose, know that adding any of these great products is a surefire way to make your office shine. Literally!

Glass

If you want a workplace that looks crisp and stylish, there is no better material to use than glass. In fact, a few glass accents here and there are often just the thing needed to complete a room. Glass looks great with any decor because it is so incredibly versatile. It can come in a transparent shade of almost any color and be molded into just about any design imaginable. But, if you want to go for the modern look, clear or a nice pale blue are the ways to go. Adding glass signifies honesty in the workplace as well as a strong sense of the modern age. If you want to go green or symbolize a rebirth of some kind, glass is the also perfect thing, as it can easily be melted down and molded into something new. No modern office should ever be complete without a few glass accents, and the best office products to do it with are glass office desks and glass computer desks for your home or workplace. Other ways to bring in glass are with a few stylish storage cabinets with glass doors, or with glass end tables in a waiting room or lounge.


White

One of the biggest trends of the modern age is the addition of white office furniture to workplaces. We've all seen it at the Apple Store, but now the trend has become huge, and for good reason. White conveys a sense of cleanliness. It easily matches any color and looks great when compared with other solid colors or unique designs. Subconsciously, pale tones like white or light blue make rooms appear more open which is especially important if you have dark furniture. In fact, the white-black color combo is one of the most stylish modern designs of today, both colors working to contrast one another in a way that makes any room feel whole, complete, and well balanced. Office products that are great opportunities to incorporate white into your color scheme are through stylish office chairs, such as the Hendrix White Leather Conference Chair by Woodstock, or in cool office desks like the ones offered in the Verde Collection by Cherryman for office use.



Modular Design

If you're already thrilled with the way your office looks, but maybe aren't so thrilled with how it functions, there are some remarkable products out there to help you with just that, and they all rely on the same concept: modular design. Now, if you're wondering what "modular design" is, don't worry - its very new - but knowing a few tricks about modular design can really help you out regarding the functionality of your office. The whole concept revolves around keeping everything at hands' reach in the office and making the most use of the space you've got. A few of the products that best showcase this concept are multi user workstations and cubicles for business purposes. These products always make great use of space, often allowing more than one individual to work from the same unit. They are great for businesses that fluctuate in activity, part of their modular design including the ability to add or remove units as needed. However, if you've already got desks or workstations, it doesn't mean you get to miss out on the benefits of modular design. Adding sliding keyboard trays and monitor arms to your computers are easy ways to clear up desk space and improve office function. Mounting CPU holders under desks free up leg room and prevent accidents by keeping your computers' hard drives off the floor.

Ergonomic Features

Perhaps one of the biggest trends in office design today revolves around ergonomics. This new style of furniture is design to reflect the findings of different ergonomic studies, meaning all products are designed to improve comfort and efficiency in the workplace. The office products that do this best are without a doubt, ergonomic office chairs for the home and business. Products like the OFM Verte Ergonomic Office Chair above are some of the most comfortable chairs money can buy, moving in every way that your back does. Other ergonomic desk chairs come with all sorts of features, including the ability for height and back adjustment, seat adjustment, and removable arm rests. There are even a few stylish ergonomic office desks out there, in case you need a desk that features height adjustment or provides tilt control over the surface. Adding ergonomic workstations are great for the health of your employees and, in turn, the health of your business. Even if your office is as stylin' as ever, without the addition of ergonomics, know that your workplace is seriously missing something in the realm of the modern age: comfort and efficiency.

Read more »