There are several elements to consider when creating an efficient and productive workplace. It can be challenging to set up an office space due to these requisites, so it makes perfect sense to hire an interior designer.
Unlike residential spaces such as HDBs, condominiums, or landed homes, office spaces have different interior design needs. Apart from comfort and visual beauty, the best interior design in Singapore also finds ways to create a space that can enhance productivity, among other things.
When creating an interior design for your office, keep the following basics in mind:
1 Create spaces.
One of the fundamental aspects of office interior design is creating spaces. Traditionally, most offices consist of desks and cubicles. However, you don’t always have to follow suit. This is especially true when said arrangement will not address your employees’ needs.
Consider creating a space for different activities such as meetings, work breaks, etc. Rooms with distinct atmospheres can help boost motivation and promote collaborative working.
Spatial utilisation is also among the top priorities when designing an office space. In this light, consider it wise to discuss your office’s needs, from core functions to employee well-being, so that your interior designer can come up with a plan that accommodates these requisites.
A growing trend in office interiors these days is the open-area setting. Unlike the decades-old cubicle culture, open-office interiors offer more room for collaborative tasks, physical and mental exercises that boost productivity, and to a certain extent, work-life balance.
However, you don’t have to follow an open-office setup just because it is today’s trend. If anything, your primary goal (and that of your interior designer) should be to create an office space that promotes productivity, safety, and comfort.
2 Maximise colour, light, and vertical space.
Aside from creating spaces for specific functions, it is also crucial that you maximise the features of colour, light, and vertical space.
Opt for a colour scheme and lighting that helps enhance mental, emotional, and physical well-being. This may not be common knowledge but the choice of colours and lights can affect people’s mood, which can also impact how they interact at work.
The best interior design in Singapore considers vertical space as an essential part of offices. While vertical areas are often overlooked, they offer benefits that people do not immediately realise.
It is important to bear in mind that it is in a vertical space where light, sound, and air ventilation moves. Some fixtures, when not appropriately positioned, may obstruct their movement directions and affect employee well-being (dimmer light, gloomy sections, draft, and even noise).
You may also want to design vertical spaces in such a way that they break the monotonous atmosphere of the office. In line with this, consider adding visually appealing décors, illuminating spaces using natural light, and positioning air conditioners strategically so they can provide adequate indoor temperature.
3 Understand the importance of ergonomics.
Ergonomics deals with design features that support physical health. Routine tasks, no matter how menial may cause adverse physical effects when done regularly and for a long period of time.
For instance, desktop work can seem harmless but without ergonomic furniture and accessories, they can make employees vulnerable to health issues such as lower back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, etc.
