Office Design: The Top 3 Items Every Office Must Have

Office design is a tricky thing, and it's not always easy to know where to start. That's why this article is all about office must haves! Today, we'll be rounding off the top three things every office environment needs to succeed. Just start with these items and work your way up from there. Before you know it, your office, cubicle, or conference area will be rockin' modern style, and you can rest assured knowing it's prepared for anything!

Everyday Office

- Modular Desk

- Ergonomic Office Chair

- Plenty of Storage

Whether it's at home or in an office building, the everyday office is almost always the easiest to decorate. However, it's important to remember that storage space, desks with modular design, and chairs with ergonomic benefits are absolute must haves for those that spend all day in this space. Obviously, ergonomic chairs prevent health risks like back pain and joint problems. Modular desks, on the other hand, keep everything within arms reach of the user. Thanks to diverse brand names, modular desks and ergonomic chairs come in all shapes, sizes, and colors to meet decor needs. Just make sure your space has plenty of drawers, cabinets, and shelving for storage, and your place is ready to roll!


Cubicle

- Ergonomic Chair
- Proper Lighting
- Ergonomic Computer Accessories

In most cases, cubicle instruments are provided by the company, not the user. However, not all users are created equal, and some individuals may have unique health concerns or work habits not supported by company-provided furniture. That's why we recommend users choose their own seating, lighting  arrangements and accessories when working in a cubicle. Choosing healthy mid back chairs with ergonomic features lets users adjust their chairs for themselves. In addition, customizable office accessories, like desk lamps, retractable keyboard trays and articulating computer monitor arms, allow users to meet their own needs. These ergonomic devices are not only convenient, but they also promote healthier work habits. When used properly, slouching, eye strain, and decreased blood circulation will be a thing of the past!

Conference Room

- Modular Table
- Good Conference Chairs
- Presentation Aids 

As the place where business owners play host to executives from other companies, there's a lot that rides on conference room curb appeal. Designs should not only be professional, but reflect company ideals and attitudes as well. For those on a budget, a good modular conference table is always a necessity. Tables that reconfigure and offer power capabilities equip the conference room to double as a work area, meeting room, or project center for employees when corporate guests aren't around. Stylish leather meeting chairs and presentation aids like whiteboards and projectors allow for easy idea sharing in an environment that maximizes workplace comfort.

Reception Area

- Reception Tables
- Comfortable, Appropriate Seating
- Reception Desks

Reception areas are a company's first impression on guests (and you know what they say about first impressions)! In this sense, it's important to cater to guests with comfortable chairs appropriate for your business needs. Thankfully, there are tons of reception seating options out there. Luxury, mesh, fabric, and convenient beam seating all have great waiting room potential. Never forget that guests need a place to put things too - you can never have a reception area without coffee and end tables. A noticeable reception desk by the entrance lets visitors know your company wants to help. And if you have time left over, entertainment in the form of magazines, wall art, or a television set are necessary to occupy guests until they're called.

Break Room

- Table Sets
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
- (Coffee Machine)

Finally, we get to the break room. Unfortunately, the favorite room in the office is often the most looked over in terms of style. However, as the place where most everyone sits down for a bite to eat, even this room has some basic requirements. Obviously break room table sets are a must. Where else would you hear about all the office gossip if not in the break room, right? Additionally, a refrigerator and microwave for the bag-lunchers are a must have too. Shop by bargains, and you may still have enough cash left over for some plastic utensils and the most non-optional of all office supplies - the coffee machine.

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Budget Interiors: Cost Effective Furniture for the Executive Office

Looking to redesign your office space on a budget? Well, you're in luck! In today's post, we'll be highlighting some excellent cost effective furniture with enough style to make your executive office pop. Here you'll find desks, chairs, storage solutions, and great brand names to add to your interior design project. Enjoy!

Amber Collection by Cherryman

If the industrial look is what you're going for, the discount Amber collection by Cherryman is definitely the way to go! An appealing modern desk is the focal point of almost every executive office, and Cherryman has long been an expert at achieving eye-catching executive appeal. This line tends to make use of the popular dark wood look. The showcase finishes tend to be either a rich black cherry or mahogany, but if lighter woods are what you're going for, maple and cherry finishes are available too. Desks like the AM-407N U Shaped Wall Desk by Cherryman are incredibly cost effective when compared to other brands, and just about every workstation is modular for convenience and productivity. Perfect for interior design, the Amber collection also features reception desks, storage, guest furniture and conference tables to unite the look of the whole workplace!

Mayline Brighton Collection

The pretty Brighton Furniture Collection by Mayline is a lot like the Amber collection in many ways. Despite being from two different brands, both lines boast superior modern style for executive office everywhere. However, the Brighton collection boasts a bit of a homier touch, making it ideal for home and business offices alike. This series fits perfectly with other mid-century modern furniture. It offers a wide array of desk styles, from small single units, to large modular workstations. Most items are featured in either a soft mocha or cherry finish. Reception desks, cabinets and wood bookcases for storage, conference tables, lecterns, and presentation boards are all offered with this line. There is even a line of affordable Mayline task chairs and seating to compliment this look. Decorate your office under the Brighton style, and it will have all the head-turning charm a business owner could ask for.

Offices To Go Superior Laminate Casegoods Series

And finally, for a slightly more traditional style, nothing says "classic" like Superior Laminate Casegoods by OTG in the office. Vintage styling with a touch of contemporary appeal, the Superior Laminate line offers excellent desks of all shapes and sizes. While most products are single unit desks, there are also reception stations and modular workstations available for sale. Items are featured in plenty of finish options, including cherry, dark cherry, espresso, and mahogany. Conference tables, meeting tables, bookcases, and furniture sets complete the look for a low, low price that's simply unfair to competitors - but we aren't complaining! Superior Laminate Furniture offers perfectly blended style, bringing past and future together to make any executive space into a budget interior worth bragging about!

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Office Showcase 2014: Modern Interiors That Rock

Thinking of pursuing an office makeover? Well, you're in luck! In today's post, we'll take a look at some amazing modern office interiors and describe what makes them so appealing. From colors, to materials, to textures, and more, learn what makes office interior design so spectacular in 2014. Here's an interior for every office situation to help inspire you. Enjoy!

Cool Conference Room

The Asian inspired look of this serene conference room instantly dissipates any tension that could possibly arise. This interior space makes use of all the checkpoints that mark smart industrial design. With dark wood furniture, a glass tabletop, chrome accents and comfortable conference chairs with modern style, this conference room has enough contemporary appeal to hold up with the most high tech  of modern spaces. Yet it offers a wonderful natural touch in the plants and earth-themed wall installation that make this conference room a perfect blend of technology and nature!

Rockin' Reception Area

This rockin' reception area does everything a reception area should! Complete with complimentary colors, cool modern lighting, and plenty of textures to keep the eye interested, visitors will never be without something to look at. Contemporary curved desks for office reception welcome guests from all directions, making this curved welcome desk a smart choice. In addition, it also boasts space saving multi user benefits that allow more than one person to fit comfortably behind the workstation. The calm green coloring of this pretty reception area is accented by a bright burst of colorful flowers. Together, they take a bite out of the fear many experience when entering a dental office, reflecting the desires of the business, and leaving customers at ease.

Elegant Executive Office

This executive office is comfortable, stylish, utilitarian, and very modern. Like the conference room above, it meets all the style needs of any 2014 interior office space. Adding executive desks with dark wood exteriors brings offices like this one down to earth. The chrome and glass accents lift it back up just enough to brighten the space and give a nod toward the future. This elegant modern executive office boasts plenty of storage to save space and also provides contemporary seating for any guests. The cool wall art keeps the eye interested while the area rug prevents scuffs on the floor, providing a trendy useful space to get work done.

Groovy Lobby

Bursting with bright colors, this lobby has plenty to look at. It sets the impression for this office as one which is fun, modern, and creative, and no doubt the looks live up to the business's standards. The amazing lobby guest chairs feature trendy design to compliment the rest of the space. With the complimentary teal and orange create a zesty style that's sure to feel like a vacation all by itself for the vacationers at this stunning hotel!

Wacky Waiting Room

And last but not least, we give you this incredible contemporary waiting room! Featuring all sorts of strange shapes, bright colors, and exquisitely creative lighting, this waiting room will keep guests entertained until kingdom come just on looks alone. With cool modern reception seating and end tables with convenient placements, visitors will always have exactly what they need to stay comfortable and entertained. With a look this drastic, the waiting room definitely reflects the progressive modern look of the business. With crazy shapes and outstanding colors, guests will feel like they've left earth entirely to achieve a new plane of out-of-this-world style!

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5 Key Ways to Show Your Office Design Ingenuity

Showing how modern your office is can be a challenge, especially if it looks a little dated. However, knowing the latest tips and tricks of office interior design can help show off your company's creative side, and help lure in customers. Today, we'll showcase some great tips to help you show off your office design ingenuity with ways to decorate included. Take a look!

Get Organized

Decorating without a plan is like trying to find El Dorado without a map. If you want to get things done, you have to make a game plan that takes all the essentials into account. Furniture can get expensive, and so can remodeling, so plan a budget that will help ensure you won't be drowning in debt by the time your project is over. When you're done, head on over to a presentation board for office use and make yourself a checklist of the changes you want to make. If you don't have one, it's not a bad idea to include one in your new look. Models like the Verte V120LE by Cherryman come complete with a dry-erase board to take notes and keep employees updated when the remodeling is over.

Effective Space Planning

Space planning is an essential part of decorating that requires a lot of attention. Ineffective measuring can ruin the whole project and discourage even the most experienced decorators. Before you go on a furniture shopping spree, get some co-workers to help carefully measure the area you want to decorate. Draw everything out to scale on a piece of graph paper, making note of any doors, power outlets, and windows that could potentially hamper your layout options. All this preliminary work can be a pain, but it's definitely worth the extra effort so you can get the best furniture at the right price and the right size to meet the needs of your space.

Know The Latest Trends

Part of showcasing the ingenuity of your office through design comes from staying up-to-date with modern style. Before shopping, it's never a bad idea to peruse office design magazines or look up trends and spaces online to see what's hot. One of the most recent contemporary furniture design trends that hasn't lost its touch for a while is the industrial look. This style works by enforcing a triple whammy of  wood furniture, glass, and metal. Choosing sleek glass desks with modern features, tables with chrome accents, and contemporary white desk chairs for sale to decorate with all help ensure your office stays on the cutting edge.

Find Value

Most design projects can get a little pricey, so it's important to find great values when shopping new office furniture for sale. Being proactive on the front end by seeking out great deals, clearance specials, closeouts, and coupons can reduce the overall price of your remodeling significantly. Remember that dealers are there to help you in every way possible, so don't be afraid to call one up with any questions. Chances are, they may even offer you great bulk discount opportunities to maximize your budget and offer recommendations for delivery services. You may be able to get those fancy waiting room sofas with free shipping to boot!

Remember The Details

Now that your space is all but complete, it's time to finish it off with a bang! Remembering the little details that help to make interiors pop is a fantastic way to reel in the visitors. Adding beautiful wall art helps keeps guests occupied until you can get to them. Indoor plants improve air quality and increase cognitive functioning to help coworkers focus. Adding desk lamps and office lighting features helps to brighten up a workspace, shining on all your decorating efforts and leaving everyone in a brighter mood. Finally, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the view!

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Popular Boardroom Design Trends of 2014

Boardrooms are a quintessential part of almost every high end office. Not only are they places where the future of the company is decided, but they must also be stylish enough to play host to visiting executives. In short, boardrooms are a delicate balance of sophisticated style and functionality. To help you design your boardroom space, here are the top boardroom design trends of 2014. Enjoy!

Elliptical Tables

Choosing stylish boardroom tables with modern design is the first step to creating a professional space for meetings. While there is a vast sea of amazing tables out there perfect for conference use, 2014 has shown elliptical tables to be the catch of the day! Unlike rectangular and boat shaped tables, elliptical designs use subtle curves to create the perfect mix of elegance and contemporary appeal. Since circular tables typically only fit small board rooms, ellipticals are a great way to comfortably fit more people while still maintaining the same air of equality offered by round tables. They're offered in tons of colors and sizes for convenience. Just add some cool modern chairs and you're set!

Industrial Style

Like elliptical tables, industrial design has proven to be a big trend this year, and it's no surprise as to why. Businesses everywhere want to show progressiveness and an inclination towards the future. Naturally, going with a high tech style to match high tech ideals is a great way to show them off! Tables like the JUNCTION 1 Modular Table by Global offer a wonderfully industrial style. With a unique elliptical top and a shining tungsten frame, all users have to do is choose an appealing dark wood finish such as tiger mahogany or espresso, and they're well on their way to a high end place to treat guests.

Add Glass for Class

For anyone that really wants to pursue a clean, industrial look, nothing says elegance like glass. Because of its see-through quality, glass seems to have a magic ability to increase the illusion of space in a room, making it an excellent decorating material for small offices. In addition, glass accents and tables have a certain class about them that just can't be ignored. The GT4794 Contemporary Glass Table by OFM features a simplistic style with gentle curves and stainless steel for the ultimate in modern style. The result is a gorgeously effortless look with a light, airy feel that's sure to turn heads in the workplace.

Dark Wood Finishes

Dark wood furniture seems to have become another staple of the industrial look in 2014, and it isn't that hard to figure out why. Pairing dark, stylish wood tables for boardroom use with bright, shiny chrome, glass, and steel makes for a great contrast in any space. Altogether, the look becomes a study in light and dark, with the chrome and glass hinting towards the modern, and the dark wood furniture providing a traditional sense of class. Executives and coworkers alike will love and appreciate the well balanced look. All it needs is one last thing...

White Conference Chairs

White chairs are a beautiful way to complete the industrial style for a new boardroom. All too often, designers stress over what sort of seating to put in a meeting area. Finding a chair that's comfortable enough to sit in for hour long conferences but also has enough class to hold its own against a stunning industrial designed boardroom is no easy task. However, going with white mesh or upholstery like the Hendrix-HB-WH Contemporary Managers Chair by Woodstock helps ensure that everything matches. The white will provide the perfect highlight to any dark wood tables, and it also provides a clean, professional feel that any executive can appreciate!

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Is it Time for a New Reception Desk?

What's the first thing visitors see when they walk into your office? The wall? The chairs? For most, it's the reception desk, the most important part of the room. When guests see this desk with a friendly employee behind it ready to help, the welcome area has done it's job, but how do you know when it's time to switch things up? When is the right time for a new reception desk? Well, the good news is that today's post answers this very question. If you're on the fence about your desk, check out these tips!

The First Impression

For most companies, the reception desk is the first thing guests see when they walk into a building. While this is ideal for letting visitors know your company cares about their experience, it can unfortunately leave a bad impression just as easily as a good one. Like anything, shabby, run-down reception desks can turn a great room into a wreck. Sometimes, the only way to fix this is to buy new furniture. There are plenty of affordable stylish desks for office reception use out there just waiting to wow guests. All it takes is deciding to buy.

New or No?

So how do you know if you should buy? Well, first off, it's important to consider the function of the typical reception desk and judge whether yours still meets the right standards. Reception desks embody your business the most since they are often the first thing guests encounter. They judge the company based on how friendly the receptionist is, how stylish the desk looks, how modern it is, and its efficiency. Great reception desks with contemporary design are sure to wow guests on all fronts, but older models may not be equipped to do provide information, ensure the privacy of guests' information, and define the work ethic of your business the way a new desk would. It's important to consider how good the desk looks in the space before buying, but sometimes, the desk's capacity for change and impression is even more crucial.

Functionality

Reception desks have three main functions. To look great, to function efficiently, and to protect information. Consider the needs of your office welcome area before buying a reception desk. What happens when a guest walks up and when they walk away? Most affordable reception desks for salons and restaurants need to have incredible style, but they should also be technologically adaptive to accommodate for computers, telephones, and appointment-making procedures. In doctor's offices, the receptionist desk needs enough privacy to protect the clients' information. Many buyers often forget that the reception desk needs to serve a very important purpose. It is not just a pretty piece of furniture for guests to look at.

Adaptiveness 

Technology is always changing. As it does, it's important to make sure your reception desk can move with the times. Adaptability is hugely important in all aspects of the workplace. Waiting rooms and lobbies are no exception. When searching for a new reception desk, try to make sure it can be freestanding. Choosing small reception desks with modern features helps ensure that your desk will fit into just about any space. See if you can find one with customizable accents and laminate options to better match the look of your workplace as well. All of this will help ensure the guests' impressions that your company is future-forward and headed toward tomorrow.

Beware Buying Mistakes

Unfortunately, there are many desks out there that can trip up a business with no trouble at all. If the layout should ever change, a reception desk that's bulky and not freestanding may require a complete teardown that leaves a gaping hole in the look of a welcome area. Try to think ahead when considering technology. It's most likely that your desk will last a lot longer than the computer system that sits on it, so try to consider what tech will stay around a while. Power outlets haven't changed in quite some time, so a desk that offers power units is a good idea. On the other hand, USB may be on it's way out the door if someone invents a faster data transfer device. Remember, just because the furniture world moves slower than the tech world doesn't mean you can't choose an adaptive desk today that will last you years if careful consideration is given. Also try to consider desk maintenance, avoiding the too small and too large surfaces which can cause problems for the receptionist. Choosing fashionable curved reception desks may look cool, but if they are made of wood or fabric, they can be hard to maintain. All this is a lot to keep in mind, but a balance can be found. All it takes is searching!

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Top 7 Things Every Office Needs

Everyone wants to get as much done at the office as possible, but just like any job, its impossible to get things done without the right equipment. Did you know that using outdated office furniture can actually lower the overall productivity and efficiency of your workplace? It sounds hard to believe, but it can even take a toll on the work ethic, health, and mood of those who use it as well. The good news is things don't have to stay that way. There are tons of amazing, affordable office products out there designed to take any business to new heights. To help you out, here's a few great products that no office should ever be without!

Monitor Arms

Got a computer at your desk? Good. They're fabulous ways of getting tons of work done, and in the digital age, that's no small task. However, leaning over your desk to type and see the screen could be taking a terrible toll on your health. Spending too much time hunched over can cause all sorts of back problems, including awful pain, sciatica, and even a deformation of the spine! Ouch. Just because it happens to thousands of Americans though, doesn't mean it has to happen for you. By adding ergonomic monitor arms to your desk, you can stop the health problems before they even start. These handy little inventions can mount to either walls or desks to support your computer screen. The best part is that they're complete with stretching retractable arms that bring the computer to you, so you don't have to strain yourself trying to get to it!

CPU Holders

Speaking of computers, you may have accidentally kicked the drive that takes up so much space under your desk more than a few times by now. Annoying right? Well, did you know that keeping your computer's hard drive on the floor is dangerous? Not only does it take up all the leg room, but it can also be a recipe for disaster. Anyone whose spilled their morning coffee should easily be able to envision spilling a drink on their computer's hard drive. The flurry of sparks and steam is probably nothing compared to the rages of an angry boss who now has to pay to fix your office computer. Avoid the train wreck before it derails with a simple, inexpensive CPU holder. These nifty little devices mount underneath desks to keep hard drives off the floor. In addition to freeing up desk space, you also skirt tons of potential disasters. You even get much of your leg room back!

Ergonomic Seating

If you waited too long to buy that monitor arm and are paying for it with back pain, never fear. Office furniture manufacturers have recognized the plight of office workers who are plagued with back pain, and they've developed a solution to knock pain out of the park! Ergonomic seating is one of the fastest growing trends in office furniture today. All ergonomic furniture is highly adjustable, designed to improve the comfort and productivity of the workplace. Nowhere is this more evident than in ergonomic office chairs. Just as there is an ergonomic seating solution for nearly every office need, there is also an ergonomic chair for just about every ache. So whether you have back problems, joint pain, leg cramps, or even poor circulation, know that there is an affordable ergonomic office chair out there with your name on it!

Efficient Lighting

Few people realize how important proper lighting is in the workplace. It may seem like a simple thing, but poor lighting in indoor environments can take a huge toll on work ethic, mood, and energy. Studies have shown that employees that work under bad lighting conditions have a much higher propensity to develop eye problems, drowsiness, and even depression. Instead of suffering through it, crack open a window and let the sunshine in. Natural lighting is the best antidote to things like depression because it works wonders on the psychological mind, making individuals feel brighter and more energized to get their work done. However, if your workplace lacks windows, artificial lighting works good too when its sufficient. Instead of living like a vampire, brighten things up with a desk lamp or two. You may be surprised how much better you feel.

Modular Furniture

Ever feel like you're constantly running around the office in search of the things you need? Modular furniture is definitely your answer. The word "modular" refers to the idea that everything should be kept within arm's reach for maximum efficiency. Businesses that have incorporated ergonomic workstations for office use into their practice will certainly attest to their efficiency and superior design. This type of furniture nearly always frees up a ton of space by replacing scattered islands of traditional office desks with workstations for multiple users who can work together comfortably in a more efficiently designed space.

Comfortable Welcome Area

In a public work environment, having a comfortable place for guests is an absolute necessity. If guests are happy and contented, it gives businesses more leeway in relations with them. In order to improve visitors' perceptions of your workplace and earn their respect, make sure your guests are catered to. Incorporating curved desks for office reception use makes guests feel as though your business wants to help them. The rounded design is approachable from all sides, and visitors will certainly notice. Additionally, provide them with comfortable seating solutions such as lounge chairs and sofas; perhaps even some refreshments. Remember, the more comfortable they are, the better their view of your business is. As they say, "the customer is always right!"

Professional Meeting Furniture

Keeping up appearances is valuable in all walks of life, but it is perhaps nowhere more important than in the workplace. Having professional meeting furniture around shows business executives that your business cares about what they think. Always be sure that guests from other companies are comfortable by providing stylish conference chairs with leather upholsteries and modern design. Show guests hospitality by providing refreshments and conversing with them in an elegant, contemporary conference room. It may sound like a lot of work, but putting in the extra effort that other companies may not always do could make a great difference if your workplace depends on company relations. Don't fall behind where it counts!

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