Office Design: Trending Reception Desks of 2014

If you're looking to create a stunning guest welcoming area for your business, then you don't want to miss this article! This year, the industries top office furniture manufacturers have introduced a variety of trend setting reception desks that are sure to take your business entry over the top. Check out the popular models for your office makeover project!

1.) Zira Reception Desks

It's hard to top the incredibly cool new Zira reception desk solutions from Global Total Office. The blending of metal, glass, and laminate materials combine to form some of the most cutting edge stations the world has ever seen. This full service casegoods collection offers rectangular, U shaped, L shaped, and multi user reception desk configurations to meet the specific needs of any business welcoming area. As an added bonus, the Zira line also includes a ton of modular office desks, conference room tables, and versatile office storage solutions to makeover additional office areas with a cohesive look!

2.) Amber Reception Desks

Those looking to stretch their office design budget will love the affordable new reception desks from the Cherryman Industries Amber line. This professional grade collection is the best way to upgrade your office welcoming area without spending a fortune! The Amber line offers rectangular, L shaped, and 2 person reception desk models available in 5 popular laminate finish options. Amber reception desks are available with glass transaction counters for an even more upscale look. Basic models come in well below $400 and ship for free from Cherryman. Choose from a variety of matching desks, tables, and even chairs for accenting office areas.

3.) Verde Reception Desks

Another trend setting line of reception desks to consider from the Cherryman Industries brand is the Verde collection. These rectangular and L shaped reception desk models offer high end modern appeal that's simply unmatched by the competition. Verde stations are affordable and customizable in 2 finish options. These modern welcome desks feature curved side walls, ample worksurface space, and an ultra contemporary white accented transaction counter piece.

4.) Napoli Reception Desks

The perfect combination of modern and traditional design characteristics! Mayline Napoli series reception desks define the term trend setting. Available in rectangular and L shaped models, these modular stations can be configured with a left or right hand entry. Napoli stations are available in a choice of 3 popular wood veneer finish options to compliment the glass transaction counters and metal accents. Add a Napoli reception desk to your office waiting room and enjoy the daily compliments!

5.) Superior Laminate Reception Desks

The Offices To Go Superior Laminate Casegoods Collection has been making major waves in 2014. This line of affordable office furniture includes desks, tables, welcome stations, and storage solutions available in 5 cool finishes. This year, the espresso tone has been a huge hit! Offices To Go espresso reception desks are available in a choice of L shaped and rectangular designs. Priced at $735.99 the L shaped model is an excellent value and includes 2 storage pedestals to help keep any receptionist well organized. These trending reception desks typically ship within 2 business days, a great attribute for those looking to meet tight project deadlines!

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September 2014: Popular Conference Table Trends Revealed

September has come with a ton of exciting new conference room design trends that we just had to share! From powered tables to elliptical tops, this month is shaping up to be a big one in the office furniture community. Check out today's article and take your boardroom to the next level!

Powered Conference Tables

This year we've seen awesome new advances in the world of powered conference tables. Once thought of as an expensive luxury, power modules are now becoming the industry standard. Brands like Mayline, Lesro Industries, and Global Total Office are offering high tech boardroom tables that are ready to meet the demands of any modern meeting. Tables like the new Z48144BE Zira model are available with a seemingly unlimited offering of inputs that include HDMI, HD, phone, USB, and more. If your considering a conference room makeover this year, you've gotta add power!

Glass Conference Tables

If you're looking to make a statement with your boardroom, a glass conference table is the only way to go. Brands like OFM are now offering quick shipping glass conference tables in a variety of sizes to meet the needs of any space. These stylish meeting area solutions feature contemporary metal legs that provide an industrial feel that's quite impressive. Glass conference tables are great for areas limited on space as the clear meeting surfaces provide a neutral look that makes any work environment look bigger. This trend is here to stay!

Dark Wood Conference Tables

Finishes like cherry, mahogany, and maple will always have their place. However, this year darker tones are in! Finish options like espresso, black cherry, and mocha show minimal wear and offer high end appeal that's hard to beat. If you're purchasing a new conference table in 2014, consider a darker finish and stay up to date with the hottest design trends.

Modular Conference Tables

Modular conference room tables are just plain cool! These versatile boardroom solutions help to create multi purpose work environments that can reconfigure easily when needed. Brands like Global Total Office offer out of this world modular conference tables from collections like the Bungee and Junction series. These fully functional table sets can form a variety of neat layouts to help maximize your various work environments.

Elliptical Conference Tables

Tired of the traditional oval, rectangular, and boat shaped conference tables of the past? You're in luck! This year, elliptical conference room tables are taking over. The curved sided design offers a sleek look that works well in contemporary meeting areas. Elliptical conference room tables help maximize square footage with their slimming characteristics.

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Use These Helpful Tips to Select the Right Office Furniture Finish!

Selecting new office furniture for your home or business can have it's challenges to say the least. Between measuring your space properly and finding a good value for your budget, the furniture finish is probably the last thing on your mind. All too often shoppers are eager to find new furniture and end up selecting a finish that doesn't work well with their specific decor. That being said, in today's post we'll highlight our professional tips and tricks to help you select the right furniture finish for your space.

When selecting office furniture, it's important to properly assess your needs before starting the shopping process. Second only to measuring properly, determining a decor theme to suit your personality is of the utmost importance. One key element of the planning process is the finish you choose to incorporate into your work environments. 

Before settling on a furniture finish for your space, consider the paint color, floor finish, and other important factors like the accent furniture and office chairs in your area. Areas highlighted trending paint colors like gray will want to choose more contemporary furniture finish options that include darker tones like mocha, espresso, and black cherry. Traditionally inspired spaces with brown, taupe, and khaki paint tones will benefit from more elegant wood veneer finish options like mahogany, maple, and walnut.

It's important to plan your space and furniture purchase the way an interior designer would. Strive to have all the elements of your work environment work together in harmony to form a cohesive look. If you fall in love with a furniture collection that's only available in a few finish options, consider painting your space to match accordingly. Whether your designing an executive office, reception area, lobby, or conference room, this mentality is a must remember point that will help you choose the right finishes.

When choosing a finish, it's best to let your personality shine as much as possible. Consider using wood tones to set the mood in your workspace. Lighter finish options like maple offer a bright and welcoming feel that works great in both home and business applications. Dark wood finishes like mahogany offer traditional appeal and work great in law and executive offices. If you're going for a more cutting edge look, consider using furniture lines with metal accents, this look is trending in a major way!

Last but certainly not least, when choosing a furniture finish be sure to research the hottest design trends. Don't be afraid to visit a few surrounding businesses to get inspired! Remember, you only get to select your furniture finish once! It's far easier and much more cost effective to paint your space when compared to buying all new furniture due to a poor finish decision. Shop around for full service furniture collections from reputable brands like Global Total Office, Mayline, and Cherryman Industries that go inline with your intended decor theme. Once you've settled on a line, always, always, ALWAYS request free finish samples to ensure your complete and total satisfaction!

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Office Design Trends: Fall 2014

It's been an exciting year in the world of office furniture. The industries hottest brands have introduced an abundance of new products designed to improve aesthetic appeal while make those long days at the office a bit more bearable! In today's post we'll highlight the top design trends as we head into the fall season. Enjoy!

Trend 1: Gray Laminate Finishes

Whether you're making over your home or business work environment, you're bound to run into a wide variety of gray laminate finished desks this fall. Collections like the Mayline Medina line and the Global Total Office Zira line offer a wide range of gray tones that are trending in a major way. Finishes like Gray Steel, Absolute Acajou, and several others are ideal for creating office spaces that stand apart from the competition.

Trend 2: Metal Accented Desks

Desks with metal accents offer a cutting edge contemporary feel that's on a dramatic upswing in popularity. This modern yet industrial look is showcased to perfection on lines like the Napoli collection from Mayline. Additional collections featuring metal accented office desks include the e5, Zira, and Medina lines.

Trend 3: Metal Accented Conference Tables

Like with desks, using metal accents on conference tables has become incredibly popular. Lines like the Alba collection from Global Total Office and Mystic collection from Lesro Industries are sure to impress in professional meeting areas. Conference room tables with metal bases provide a more open feel and are often far less expensive than comparable models with drum and cylinder style wood bases.

Trend 4: U Shaped Reception Desks

In order to maximize worksurface and storage space in office reception areas, U shaped reception desk styles are becoming more and more common. Collections like Amber from Cherryman Industries offer modular U shaped stations that provide plenty of room to operate. Both single and 2 person reception desk styles can be easily configured. The U shaped reception desk design looks great from nearly every angle and is sure to boost your corporate waiting area appeal.

Trend 5: Ribbed Back Office Chairs

Ribbed back office chairs offer a sleek modern design with horizontal stitching patterns. This look can be seen in office chairs from brands like Ergo Contract Furniture, Flash Furniture, Offices To Go, and several others. The ribbed back look works great in meeting areas as the space saving designs allow businesses to accommodate more guests comfortably without looking over crowded. Ribbed back office chairs start around $150 for professional quality models and can be purchased in popular color options like black, white, gray, and brown.

Trend 6: Powered Boardroom Tables

Create a high powered multi media boardroom this fall and stay in line with out number 6 trend! Conference room and boardroom tables outfitted with power modules are sure to improve your meeting area effectiveness. Brands like Lesro, Global Total Office, Cherryman Industries, and Mayline are all offering popular conference tables with factory installed power ports. While basic modules with three prong cords and phone inputs are the most commonly used, custom ports can be installed with HDMI, Audio, and USB inputs.

Trend 7: Modular Training Room Tables

Using modular tables is just plain smart. While fixed leg training tables will always have their place, the trending modular styles of today are far superior. The ability to quickly connect tables together, flip tops to save space, and roll tables around to avoid lifting makes this trend one to worth following. If you'd like to see this trend in all it's glory, check out lines like the Sync collection from Mayline and Bungee collection from Global Total Office. You'll be glad you did!

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10 Ways To Rock Your Office

The typical image of an office worker usually involves a bored business person on the phone, trapped in a tasteless cubicles, but that's not at all what work has to be. Many creative people have shared their ideas for making the office, a fun, productive place where everyone gets along. If your workplace could use a change of pace, here are some excellent ways to rock your office for sure!

1. Season's Greetings

Decorating in time with the seasons and holidays is a great way to keep the office feeling fresh as the year goes by. Changing decorations, scented candles, and floral decor provides a nice change of pace that keeps the workplace from getting stagnant or suffocating. It's also a great excuse to provide deals, sales, benefits, or seasonal packages to clients and employees, while also really getting everyone into the spirit of whatever season or holiday is coming up next!

* Here are some fun office decorations for every season:

Spring: 
Flowers, greenery, bright colors, open windows, linen or floral scented candles

Summer: 
Coral, seashells, sun cutouts, ocean photography, paper pinwheels, fruity drinks and smoothies

Fall: 
Autumn leaves, pumpkins, pinecones, cinnamon and spice scented candles, Halloween decorations

Winter:
Paper snowflakes, snowmen, hot coffee and cocoa, holiday decor, ornaments, peppermints

2. Healthy Snacks

Staying healthy at the office is a big problem for many Americans because it promotes such a sedentary lifestyle. However, eating right can do a lot to increase energy, focus, and even weight loss at work. Adding healthy snacks to your list of smart office accessories is sets an excellent example for coworkers and clients alike. Not only will you feel better, but with "brain food" snakes like walnuts and blueberries, you may also increase productivity and output in the workplace.

* Here are some healthy grab-n-go snack recommendations perfect for work:

Dark Chocolates
Blueberries
Veggies with Dip
String Cheese
Pistachios
Bananas
Dried Fruits
Whole Grain Cereal
Hummus
Granola Bars

3. An Awesome Lunch

With snack time taken care of, we can move on to everyone's favorite part of the workday: lunch! Brown bagging it has long been the preferred method for dieters and health fanatics that want to eat their way to a healthier lifestyle. Packing one's own lunch is a much better alternative to fast food, especially since you'll have a much better idea of what's going into your body. Simply pack a lunch and instead of dining on the office break room tables, head to a nearby park for a coworker picnic with some close work friends. This B.L.T.A wrap or sandwich makes a super healthy tagalong!

* B.L.T.A (Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato, Avocado) Wrap Recipe:

Cooked bacon slices (warmed in microwave optional)
A few sliced Roma or baby tomatoes
Shredded or chopped lettuce
Sliced avocado
Whole wheat or flour tortillas (warmed in microwave optional)
Your favorite salad dressing or hummus

Slice up some Roma tomatoes, romaine lettuce, chopped leftover bacon from breakfast, and sliced avocado. Snag some of your favorite whole wheat or flour tortillas and lay them out (you may even decide to warm them up in the microwave for 30 to 45 seconds). Spread some ranch salad dressing, yogurt, or hummus down the center of the tortillas, and lay down the B.L.T.A. ingredients. Roll it all up and take a bite of the goodness!

4. Bringing the Outdoors In

Many studies have shown that an outdoor walk on a work break helps to increase both focus and health in the average office worker. But if you can't get outside for lunch, don't worry, there are plenty of excellent ways to bring the outdoors into the office. The best way to start is by adding a little green! In studies done by universities like Rutgers, the University of Hawaii, and even NASA, many plants have been scientifically proven to improve indoor air quality by removing toxic VOCs. The removal of VOCs helps increase focus by clearing out the volatile organic compounds that, when breathed in, negatively affect the brain. By adding efficient office air purifiers like good indoor plants (for example, peace lilies, spider plants, or lemon balms), office workers can drastically improve the air quality of offices in the cities.

5. Craft Contest 

On a slow workday, nothing livens things up like a little craft contest. This can be done with friends or by yourself on a day when you happen to have a little extra time to boost creativity. Just dig around through your retractable desk pencil drawers for some creative tools. Block erasers, pens, pencils, paperclips, binder clips, rubber bands, and pushpins all make excellent equipment for building spaceships, rockets, or little office animal buddies to sit on the desk. Time yourself with some coworkers and judge based on final output for a team-building session everyone can enjoy!

6. Decorated Cubicles

Expressing creativity and personality with cubicles is one of the best parts of working in an office. Empty cubicle walls are boring and can contribute to diminished creativity or even a bad habit of napping on the job. Instead of suffering through a boring space day in and day out, take the initiative to create for yourself a workplace sanctuary. It's usually okay to bring photos of pets and loved ones, but don't be afraid to ask the boss for live things too. Plants and bowl fish like bettas are quiet companions that won't distract or make a ton of noise during phone calls. If that's not your cup of tea, see if it's okay to print out large photos of places you want to visit or art that you like and paste them to the walls. In the end, you'll all have creative, professional cubicles for business that clients will be happy to visit.

7. Office Games

Craft contests are loads of fun to do by oneself or with others when there's extra time, but it does require using materials reserved for work. Office games, on the other hand, provide excellent team building opportunities that can unite the whole workplace. On slow days, lunch breaks, or during office parties and events, taking time for a quick game of "trash-bin basketball" serves as a fun break, and an excellent cleaning opportunity. See who can get the most shots into vertical office file cabinets or cubicle trash bins by balling up old paperwork and tossing from an office chair. Any of the dry erase presentation boards for conference room use will make excellent scoreboards.

8. Go Ergo

It may not be as fun as decorating with flowers or fish, but outfitting your workspace to be more ergonomic is an excellent way to increase work output while also improving health and comfort. Adding devices like ergonomic monitor arms to reduce neck strain, or adjustable high tech office chairs to reduce back pain leave users feeling more at ease in the office. Over time, these gadgets can help force the body into more healthful positions and habits, so the whole workplace can benefit.

9. Privacy Boosters

Not everyone is a talker. For those of you out there who love your coworkers, but are still distracted by Talkative Tim, privacy boosters make excellent solutions. No one likes to be bothered when they're on a really productive streak. To combat contact, check with the boss to see if you can add a folding shoji screen to cover your cubicle entrance (they also double as efficient sound barriers). As an added precaution, noise-cancelling headphones act as the universal symbol for "don't bother me." And for those immune to symbols, a real sign never hurts...

10. Surprises

Surprises are the spice of life. Not always knowing what's around the next bend is a wonderful way rock the workplace, especially in offices that never seem to have a change of pace. See if you can get the boss to agree on an event coordinator to organize potlucks, game sessions, and holiday events after work hours. Movie nights, harmless pranks, funny outfit days, open mic nights, and scavenger hunts provide just the right amount of whimsy to make all the work in the workplace worth it!

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What's New: Offices To Go American Espresso Desking

Offices To Go is poised for major success in 2014. While we all know OTG chairs offer excellent ergonomic features at a price any budget will appreciate, it's time to start considering this already popular manufacturer one of the industries elite when it comes to furniture. The Offices To Go superior laminate desking line has been recently expanded with a hot new American Espresso finish that takes this collection over the top. In today's article we'll show just how impressive Offices To Go's new furniture is and how they are rapidly becoming an industry standard for desking as well as seating!

The Superior Laminate Desking Collection by OTG has been around for some time now. While this line has enjoyed modest success, the addition of the new American Espresso finish option is sure to sky rocket this revamped collection's popularity. With a full line of desk layouts for executives as well as reception stations and conference room tables, Offices To Go has boosted their ability to appeal to corporate design teams everywhere.

At first glance you'll notice the unique modern design qualities and stylish handle pulls on the Espresso Desks and storage components. Upon closer inspection features like the metal pins and cam fasteners are sure to make the installation process a breeze. Metal brackets are also included and provide additional strength and long term durability.

The box and file drawers feature full extension ball bearing drawer slides for smooth operating and improved functionality. The matching lateral files come equipped with a mechanical safety lock that's sure to keep your important documents safe.

The extensive lineup of interchangeable components makes creating team work environments and custom executive office furniture layouts incredibly simple. Those looking for the ultimate in user friendly design will love the 20 pre configured desk and conference room furniture packages OTG has put together to make your shopping process a cinch.

Here's 3 of the most popular OTG Espresso Desk Layouts:

• SL-B-AEL Espresso Desk Layout
• SL-C-AEL Espresso Executive Station
• SL-F-AEL Espresso U Shaped Desk

Overall, the new Espresso desks from OTG deserve an A+. While this line has been under rated for years, the addition of this trendy new finish is sure to earn this collection the credit it truly deserves. If you're in search of a full service collection designed to meet the needs of any office area, choose the Offices To Go Superior Laminate Desking Collection and save a bundle on your makeover project.

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7 Ways To Improve Any Office Training Area

The office training room is an important business area that was once just an afterthought. In 2014, the training area makeover project is trending in a a major way. Businesses are realizing the potential of these valued areas and are steadily searching for ways to improve training area productivity. In today's article, we'll showcase 7 cool and innovative ways sure to help you do just that. Enjoy!

1.) Flip Top Tables

The most popular office training tables of 2014 feature flip top designs that offer excellent benefits in the workplace. A flip top style table allows for easy nesting when not in use and saves valuable floor space. Units like the Mayline SY1872 Sync Table can be quickly transformed with the pull of a lever when needed and are quite user friendly. The ability to easily store folded tables along walls will help you to maximize your square footage and better accommodate your specific training needs on a day to day basis.

2.) Nesting Chairs

Like with flip top tables, nesting chairs are another must for those taking on a training room makeover project. Don't limit your business capabilities and take up valuable floor space that can be used for other important furnishings. The use of training room chairs that nest will save you valuable space while enhancing your corporate appeal. Models like the Mayline TSH1 Valore Chair are a top choice of industry professionals and should be considered for any project.

3.) Keep It Modular

While flip top tables and nesting chairs offer excellent modular benefits, there are still several great ways to take your space to the next level. As a rule of thumb, if you can outfit a product with wheels... you should! Top selling tables and chairs for the training room are commonly available with locking casters that prevent unwanted movement when in use, but allow for easy reconfiguring when needed. Modular design characteristics like these will ensure optimal levels of efficiency while making for easy to clean spaces.

4.) Unique Finishes

There's nothing wrong with traditional tones like cherry, maple, and mahogany. However, if you're looking to take your space to the next level and impress your valued guests it's time to think outside the box! Hot color options that are trending in 2014 include mocha, espresso, and other dark wood tones. This look also shows minimal wear and is sure to look good for years. Key brands like Mayline, Global Total Office, and Cherryman Industries all offer product lines available with the coolest new finish options that will help you set your space apart from the competition.

5.) Metal Is In

The use of metal in the workplace is a major trend that can be easily incorporated into the training area. This industrial look also ads much desired durability and contemporary flair that will be appreciated by any business. Silver, titanium, and even polished metal finishes are recommended for those in search of cutting edge ways to boost training area appeal.

6.) Power Up

Adding power features in the workplace is just plain smart. Basic modules are available that feature 3 prong outlets and phone cord ports that won't break your budget. In many cases, tables can be linked together and utilized more effectively in group presentations or learning activities. In addition to powered tables, adding wall mounted TV's and other power features will surely help you to create a next level training environment worthy of praise.

7.) Keep It Ergo

These days it's all about ergonomic capabilities. When it comes to the training room there's no difference. The use of ergonomic office products will improve functionality, comfort, and productivity while saving your time in the process. With hundreds of ergonomic office chairs for sale on the market in 2014 you'll be at no shortage of options to meet your specific needs and budget. Additional products like mobile presentation boards, adjustable screen mounts, and multi media accessories are highly recommended by industry professionals. If you want to enhance your appeal and efficiency, you've gotta keep it ergo!

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