When creating a design concept for a busy office, elements of minimalism are often a popular choice. It’s clear to see why: this style is clear, focussed and flexible. However, the danger is that your office tips into the bland and sterile. So how do you balance elements of minimalist design with the character that makes your organisation unique?
Practicality
A key way to achieve a minimalist design is to eradicate clutter. In a modern office, more often than not, this comes down to wires. Removing wires from view allows the space to boast clean lines and clarity of appearance. While there is a certain amount that can be achieved through wireless technology, reliance on power cables means that a design concept must take this into account. Furniture is key here, with the correctly chosen or bespoke pieces of furniture able to accommodate and hide power cables from view.
Colour
Minimalism doesn’t necessarily mean monochrome. Contrasting large blocks of white with colour on ceilings or walls achieves a modern design with the ability to reflect an organisation’s branding. The key is in maintaining distinct lines and quality of finish. A vibrant reception desk looks great against stark walls, and the natural colour of wood floors introduces an element of warmth to an otherwise minimal space.
Glass
Use of glass within a pared-down design scheme can lift the natural light in a space and give depth to the existing minimal design. Wall length windows are increasingly affordable and build the perception of space that is vital within a minimalist concept. Advanced technological glass gives the option to transition between clear to opaque at the touch of a button. Access to natural light is proven to aid productivity amongst office workers, so there is a practical side to using this material in your office design.
Layout
The layout of your office and the space that it offers is a clear consideration when you seek to employ a minimal concept. Gone are the days of packing your workforce into poky cubicles and expecting them to be productive. At the heart of a minimalist concept is the impression of space and the freedom that it generates. This doesn’t mean that every member of staff has to have an enormous desk, of course! The space around your workstations can be increased, and the flexibility of breakout areas will provide a freedom that encourages collaboration among colleagues.
Lighting
A minimalist design makes the most of feature lighting. This suits all kinds of office designs, and in a minimalist space, it can take the form of an engaging centrepiece that draws attention, perhaps within a reception area or simply within a wall feature. Increasingly, office designers are choosing light installations over wall art to lift a pared-down office design. As LED technology makes this far less energy consuming, the possibilities are widened.
The Building
An urban take on minimalism is increasingly popular for office decorative schemes. Using features of the existing building such as concrete columns, utility pipes or original flooring, gritty realism becomes a design feature in itself. However, if this is the way you want to go, ensure that these elements are properly prepared, sealed and protected. Otherwise, your minimal scheme will require maximum maintenance!
The strong virtue of minimalism is that, by its very nature, the concept is flexible. The key is to be clear and clean, but you can still utilise colour, technology and large dollops of attitude. For a concept that requires clarity, such as minimalism, quality of finish is imperative. To achieve this, your most key decision is in choosing an experienced decorator who holds this principle dear. In this, HL Decorating are certainly forerunners.
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