When they first launch, small businesses often have minimal office space. In an effort to minimize costs, it is wise to keep workspaces small and avoid extravagant purchases. At the same time, businesses don’t necessarily need a huge space (or a huge budget) to create workspaces that are functional, comfortable, and attractive.
Often, small business owners will turn to professional interior designers for help in this area. If you have dreams of working as a commercial interior designer, this is where you can really put your skills to work. Of course, successful interior design for small spaces requires an understanding of your client’s needs and how to incorporate an ergonomic workspace design into even the smallest of office spaces.
Understanding the Needs of Small Business Spaces
Ultimately, the needs of a small business space will depend on many factors, including the type of business, the nature of the work performed in the space, and the number of employees working there. In general, all small businesses need to strike some balance between functionality and aesthetics while aligning the overall interior design with the brand’s unique identity.
Balancing Functionality and Aesthetics
While it’s always nice when a space is visually appealing, that doesn’t do much good to a business if that comes at the expense of functionality. Ideally, even the smallest of business spaces will be able to incorporate both functionality and aesthetics.
This can be done by playing around with different small office layout ideas, as well as utilizing modular furniture that can be used for many different purposes. Some designers may also play around with things like natural lighting to create the illusion of more space and clever storage systems to minimize clutter.
Aligning Design with Brand Identity
In handling contemporary office design, interior designers may also want to align the look and feel of the space with components of the company’s own identity. This can be a great way to empower and energize workers each time they step into the office.
There are plenty of things designers can do to achieve this, such as incorporating the brand’s colors into the office design. Likewise, utilizing images and typography that meshes with the company’s branding can elevate workspaces.
Space-Saving Solutions for Small Business Interiors
When working with more compact spaces, interior designers may need to get a little creative with their layouts and their use of storage. This can be done by maximizing small spaces with multi-purpose furniture choices and creative storage solutions.
Maximizing Small Spaces
First, it’s critical for interior designers to play around with small office layout ideas to determine the most efficient use of space. Shopping for multi-purpose office furniture, like extendable tables and adjustable desks, helps maximize space and keeps employees comfortable.
When working with a small office space, it can also be helpful to utilize vertical space as much as possible. Hanging shelves, monitors and other items directly on walls can be an effective way to free up valuable floor space and square footage without sacrificing function.
Smart Storage Solutions
Storage is often a concern for businesses working in small spaces, but the good news is that there are plenty of clever storage solutions to consider. For example, many designers will suggest office furniture that comes with built-in storage space, like desks with their own filing cabinets. Likewise, vertical storage options, such as floor-to-ceiling shelves and filing cabinets, can be a great way to maximize storage while minimizing footprints.
Lighting and Its Impact on the Workspace
The strategic use of lighting is an important aspect of interior design, but this is especially true in a smaller space that may not offer a great deal of natural light. Fortunately, knowledgeable interior designers can get creative and incorporate the right lighting to keep employees feeling productive and energized.
The Importance of Natural Light
Access to natural light during the workday can increase exposure to vitamin D, which has been shown to not only improve moods but to boost productivity and overall health. With this in mind, interior designers may choose to position desks in a small office space so that they have as much exposure to windows and natural light as possible.
Artificial Lighting Tips
Of course, it may not always be possible to flood a small space with natural light all the time. This is where interior designers must also consider artificial lighting techniques to help employees make the most of their time in the office. Using different types of lighting strategically, including task lighting, accent lighting ambient lighting, and positioning lights to prevent unwanted glare can make all the difference.
Furniture Selection for Small Business Environments
Among the most important choices an interior designer will make when helping businesses work with small spaces is that of furniture selection. This includes being tasked with selecting furniture that’s functional and ergonomic, as well as finding versatile furniture that falls within the company’s design budget.
Choosing Functional and Comfortable Furniture
Because office workers often spend the majority of their days at their desks, choosing office furniture that is both functional and comfortable is key. Interior designers should look for chairs and desks with an ergonomic design for maximum comfort, with features including adjustable height, adjustable armrests, and lumbar support.
Versatile and Modular Furniture
Interior designers can also maximize space in a small office by choosing functional office decor and furniture that has multiple uses. Modular furniture in the form of height-adjustable desks, bench-based desks, and even cubicle workstations can encourage employees to collaborate and share spaces productively.
Incorporating Branding into Interior Design
Interior designers may also be asked to incorporate branding into office spaces, which can present some challenges when working with particularly small spaces.
Using Color to Enhance Brand Recognition
Designers often draw upon company colors to incorporate unique branding directly into workspaces. This can be especially useful when company colors are energizing hues, such as reds and oranges. Of course, it’s important to be mindful about using too much of a bold color and overwhelming the space.
Customizing Décor With Logos and Visual Elements
Other branding elements, including logos and other company visuals, can also be incorporated into a space as a form of affordable office design. Large canvas prints of company logos and even customized LED signage can be a great way to personalize a small office space without spending too much money in the process.
Creating a Welcoming Client Experience
For offices where clients may also be visiting, interior designers need to also consider the client experience . This is especially true when making design choices in reception areas and waiting areas.
Designing a Reception or Waiting Area
Designers should pay special attention to reception or waiting areas where clients will likely make their first impressions of the company. Here, it may be wise to incorporate such design elements as a statement reception desk, brand-oriented color schemes, comfortable seating, and ambient lighting to set the mood.
Showcasing Products or Services
Reception areas can also be a great place to showcase the brand’s products or services front and center.).
Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Design
Another emerging trend in commercial interior design is sustainability, where the focus is not just on the look and function of design elements, but also the eco-friendliness of their materials.
Sustainable Materials and Furniture
Interior designers should explore sustainable material options for office furniture and decor, including:
- Wood
- Bamboo
- Aluminum
- Natural fabrics
- Recycled materials
By using sustainable materials, brands can reduce their carbon footprint while enjoying functional and beautiful spaces. Plus, many business owners are surprised to find that eco-friendly materials often cost less than they expect.
Energy-Efficient Design Choices
Similarly, interior designers can promote an eco-friendly office design by making energy-efficient choices in their office designs. For instance, when selecting lighting for a small office, designers may opt for energy-efficient LED lightbulbs instead of incandescent options. Even flooring choices can have an impact on energy efficiency, as options like wood flooring or engineered hardwood flooring may be more resistant to temperature fluctuations.
Elevate Your Design Skills at RMCAD
When space in a small office is maximized with creative office decor and modular furniture for small spaces, employees can work more productively while genuinely enjoying their surroundings. If the idea of helping small businesses discover the most efficient use of space appeals to you, then it may be time to advance your education in commercial interior design.
At Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design, we’re proud to offer a Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design degree that covers the essentials of environmental design, color theory, ergonomics, and much more from highly qualified instructors who are also working professionals in the industry. Plus, this program is offered both on-campus and online, so you can select the format that best suits your unique needs. You can learn more about this program, or any other program offered at RMCAD, by getting in touch with our knowledgeable and friendly team. If you’re ready to get started in advancing your education, you can complete your online application for admission here.
