When we talk about office decoration, it’s easy to become preoccupied with colour and vibrancy. However, there’s a very important dimension to office design that is focused on minimalism and lack of colour. Far from being boring, done right this concept can work beautifully. The ultimate balance of modern and classic, white tones are brave and striking. But how do you avoid the sterile and achieve an office where blank decoration has a big impact?
Whiter than white
What is the best white, then, when it comes to choosing the colour of your office walls? This question is not as simple as you may expect! Often, pure and brilliant white will be the fastest route to make your space feel impersonal. Cool-toned white paint (with grey or blue hints) will bring a sharper focused environment while a softer warm white (with yellow or blush hues) fosters comfort and cooperation.
Keeping it fresh
The key with a blank, white based office concept is to keep it fresh. To maintain a crisp, positive working environment you should implement a regular decorative maintenance programme. The walls of the busiest thoroughfares can become scuffed and downtrodden fairly quickly. When this can counteract the reason that you’ve chosen such a fresh office design in the first place, cleaning and regular redecoration should be high on your list of priorities.
Light and Space
Walls painted in the white spectrum will reflect and diffuse light around your office, making the space feel larger. Enhance this effect by using glass in partitioning, meeting rooms and social areas. Light is a key issue for white-based decorative schemes, as these shades are impacted by the combination of artificial and natural light within the office. So consider using different hues for different areas of the office, for example reception areas and corridors.
Always include greenery
The contrast between green and white really is aesthetically pleasing. So for predominantly blank, white based decoration schemes, increase the amount of greenery around the space. Plant life is great for building a vibrant and collaborative working environment. The contrast in colours has a contemporary feel while maintaining a timeless, down to earth sentiment.
Try including text
Your walls are clear and flawless, but you want to give them an edge and bring the space in line with your corporate branding. Wall graphics and text are a perfect touch in a design scheme to stand out while still maintaining a crisp look. Vinyl or stenciled text can underline a brand or indicate zones of work or collaboration. They can be as subtle or as off the wall as you like, and a huge benefit is that they can be easily amended as your organisation evolves!
Utilitarian Style
If you’re a dedicated follower of fashion, you’ll know that utilitarian style has been big on the catwalks this year. If not, don’t worry – we’re not going to go all “Absolutely Fabulous” on you. However, a utilitarian office look is fantastic for bringing depth to spotless walls. Make the most of exposed features of the building. This could mean concrete columns, utilities pipes or concrete flooring. You must make sure that these parts of the building are properly prepared, sealed and protected. Not just for health and safety reasons, but also to ensure longevity of use.
Deciding on a white toned office scheme is not as simple as it may first appear. However, with the correct planning, consideration and implementation, this concept can offer an effective and striking office environment. Talk to us at HL Decorating to get it right and see your office decoration go from strength to strength.
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