If you’re striving for creativity then a well designed office is exactly what you need. If you’re hoping for creativity and motivation then obviously the dull, lifeless office look isn’t going to help you at all. This is why it is important to really think about the design of your working environment. The idea might seem far fetched, but the design of an office does make a big difference, even if its just some furnishings, office partitioning or even just a bit of colour, that little bit of extra time and money can make a big, long term difference. (Just look at the offices of entertainment studios like Pixar, they look like childrens play areas in order to fuel creative thinking and to broaden the imagination.)

A well designed office doesn’t just effect creativity, it can help to maximize the use of space and facilities too. Even if you are only a small company you can still take simple steps to improve your office space, without over extending your budget. These changes will inspire your staff and help boost morale to create a more enjoyable working environment.

These are just a few ways to make a difference to your office:
Creative Layout
By using office partitioning you can divide your space in a variety of ways. It can be used to create new spaces in the office and provide privacy in an otherwise open plan office. This is completely flexible and can be made to perfectly suit the operation of your office. Half height office partitions can be used to provide personal space but also allow for ease of communication, retaining a social atmosphere as well as a level of privacy. Other useful partition types that are avaialable include sliding partitions and curved partitions. They can also be moved around quite easily to stop the space becoming samey.

Colour
Offices don’t have to have white walls; it might be clean, smart and simple but what about something a bit more interesting? In order to inspire creativity in their employees many creative companies choose to have their offices painted with bright, bold colours. The use of artworks and graphics is an interesting way to add a focal point or create a little more interest in a dull area, it also helps to make the space feel more personal. To give the office a more striking appearance try a strong colour scheme within the entire office, including the use of furniture and appliances that fit the colour scheme.

Lighting
If you can provide your office with natural lighting then to it; it is always the best option. Not only will the use of natural lighting save you money, but it is proven to be the best ligthing for working in. Additional lighting is of course practical particularly for winter when natural lighting is not as long lasting or useful, and the use of desk lamps and other such lighting can give the office a whole new tone. If you want to draw attention to certain areas of your space or certain décor within that space then selective lighting would be particularly useful to you. It is always a good idea to avoid the use of harsh flurescent lighting.

Furnishings
There are so many stylish yet comfortable office furnishings available it would seem a waste to just go for a standard black chair and wooden desk. If you want a more interesting office then try different shapes and materials for your furnishings, to vary the look and feel of your office. It is important that the furnishings still fit the overall style of your office and that they are still practical to an office environment. A space can soon start to look cluttered if they are too many shapes, materials and colours clashing. The general rule to follow is that your furnishings appear as an extension of your office’s décor and colour scheme.

Space Allocation
You should always try and make the most out of the space available. Placing furniture and office partitioning effectively is essential to ensuring much needed office space is clear. Always remember that it is an office first and foremost; ensure that effectiveness and productivity are maintained by keeping walkways clear for employees and ensure that they have space for communication. If you were to provide employees with a space in which they could unwind and stretch whenever they become stressed or overwhelmed that would help to secure the productivity and efficiency of the office environment.