Tag

office space

5 Tips for Managing a Successful Office Renovation

June 15, 2022
Chloe Taylor
0 Comments

Renovating your office space can both be exciting and stressful. In order to avoid having too much stress and keep everything organized, you should have a detailed strategy in place. Before you even start renovating, you should have a list of things to do, a list of materials needed, and all the ideas and people around you to help you realize the goal. Here is a short guide on how you can manage an office renovation with success. 

Create the Right Team

It is a fact that you cannot do this alone, and that is why you should hire project specialists and contractors. Also, look for individuals and companies that have a good reputation and consult with them. This way, you will manage to stay on top of building codes and regulations and get the right assessment of things that need to be done, materials to be purchased, and what you are allowed to change and what you’re not. 

Additionally, you should have your own team with you that will help you. You can appoint internal members of your staff to be involved in the project. Make sure to appoint people with the right skills for this and let them communicate with the contractor and be present for any updates regarding renovation, so the rest of the teams can work without distractions. 

Set a Budget

Of course, you’re going to need a budget for this remodel. However, include at least a 5% contingency cost line in the budget in case you encounter any unforeseen costs. Also, you don’t have to remodel everything at once. It is perfectly okay and maybe even less messy and expensive if you do it in phases. You can appoint a flexible timeframe for the remodel and you may even save some money in the long run. 

Also, make sure that the budget you set is realistic. You don’t have to spend a fortune especially if you don’t have it. If that’s the case, you should focus only on the things that are urgent to fix, remove, replace and remodel, and you can deal with the details later. 

Sustainability and Health

When planning to remodel, you should have sustainability and the health of your employees in mind, too. Think about keeping a holistic approach to this, and encourage physical, mental, and emotional health. For sustainability, you can look into natural materials, less plastic, more plants in the office, and so on. For example, you can consider replacing flooring if it’s old and not sustainable. You can easily find hardwood floor installation in Greensboro, NC, for example, and provide your office with some sustainable and durable materials. 

Also, you can encourage physical health through adjustable sit-to-stand desks, water bottle refill stations, ergonomic equipment, etc. Additionally, you can provide nice and soothing scents, designate a zen area in the office where people can relax, and overall provide a relaxing and stress-free environment.

Limit Distractions

Remodeling projects take time and can be noisy. That is why you should focus on limiting distractions to the rest of your employees. You can appoint them to work from home or another building while you’re remodeling. Also, you can set up additional temporary networks to keep things running smoothly. 

Make sure to be intentional when communicating timelines, and make sure to minimize any interruptions for your teams. Your business still has to continue running while you’re remodeling, so limiting distractions and stress is a must for your employees. 

Contain the Mess

Sounds easier than it is, but you have to do your best to contain all the dust and mess that will occur. Especially if you still have employees in other rooms working. To limit the dust from going everywhere, you should include barriers like heavy plastic sheeting or temporary walls. As for the rest of the mess, make sure to organize the proper disposal of waste and instruct the contractors on how to handle it. Lastly, don’t forget to hire someone to thoroughly clean up after. 

Any kind of remodel can be stressful and messy. That is why you have to make a plan on how you will manage and handle your office remodeling. You have to set a realistic budget, even pick a proper date to do it, and make sure your business can still run smoothly. No distractions or messes should disturb your employees, so make sure to have everything covered and allow people to simply work from home, if possible. And if you get all of that organized, there is no doubt that your office renovation will be successful and stress-free.

Continue Reading

How to Freshen Up an Outdated Office Space

June 8, 2022
Chloe Taylor
0 Comments

The office environment has a powerful effect on employee productivity and creativity. It enhances company culture, affects how customers and clients perceive the business, and can be a great recruiting tool. Dated office space can make employees feel uninspired, unmotivated, and unproductive. It takes a few simple updates to freshen up outdated office space and make it feel new again.

If you’re like most business owners, you’re always looking for ways to improve your office space. However, finding the best place to start may be difficult at times. Maybe your office is starting to feel a little outdated, or it doesn’t have that ‘fresh’ feeling anymore. It is normal – every office space starts to show its age over time and it can just increase the general things that make employees unhappy. But there’s no need to fret! With a few simple updates, you can freshen up your office space and make it feel new again.

Add a fresh coat of paint

Whether you go for a bright, bold color or something more subdued, a fresh coat of paint is always good to refresh your space. It’s an easy and relatively inexpensive way to make a significant impact. Offices are typically pretty neutral spaces, so adding a pop of color can liven things up. Not to mention, it can help boost employee morale and creativity. It can also be an excellent way to freshen up your branding if you’re looking to make a change.

https://www.pexels.com/photo/business-people-sitting-on-the-office-table-while-working-8276132/

Clean windows and mirrors

Another simple way to make your office feel new again is to clean the windows and mirrors. It will let in more natural light and make your office look brighter. It can also make your office feel more spacious. Many companies provide commercial cleaning services that can help you with this. They have the right equipment and the experience to get your windows and mirrors to look sparkling clean. Once you’ve cleaned the windows and mirrors, you’ll be amazed at how brighter your office looks.

Invest in new furniture

One of the most rapid and straightforward ways to make your office feel new again is investing in new furniture. If your office chairs are starting to show their age or your desks are looking old, it might be time to replace them. New furniture will make your office look nicer, but it can also be more comfortable and functional for your employees. It can be a little bit of an investment, but it’s worth it in the long run.

Bring in some plants

Another great way to freshen up your office space is to bring in some plants. Plants not only add a touch of nature to your office, but they can also help improve air quality. They can help boost employee morale and productivity. If you don’t know where to start, succulents are always a good option. They’re easy to take care of, and they look great. They can also make a great addition to your office decor.

https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-in-pink-shirt-sitting-on-brown-wooden-armchair-4098151/

Add some artwork or photographs

Another simple way to make your office feel new again is to add some artwork or photographs. It is a great way to personalize your space and feel more at home. It can also be an excellent way to add color and personality to your office. If you’re unsure where to start, try looking for local artists or photographers whose work you like. You can also find artwork online or at art fairs.

Reorganize your space

If your workplace is beginning to feel crowded, it’s time to clean up and reorganize. It is a great way to declutter your space and make it more functional. It can also help you get rid of old furniture or decor that you don’t use anymore. Cluttered areas can be very distracting and can make it difficult to focus. It impacts employee productivity and affects the overall vibe of the office.

Get rid of old equipment

If you have old equipment taking up space in your office, it might be time to remove it. It can include old computers, printers, or fax machines. It will free up some much-needed space, but it will also make your office look more modern. You can donate old equipment to charity or recycle it.

Add lighting

Adding lighting to your workplace is a wonderful method to brighten it and make it feel more inviting. It can also help improve employee productivity. Natural lighting is ideal, but you may consider utilizing light fixtures or lamps if you don’t have a lot of it. Lighting can make a substantial difference in the feel of your office. It will give your employees the perfect workplace environment and make your office look more professional.

Sort wires and cables

Wires and cords can also be a huge eyesore. Not only do they look messy, but they can also be dangerous. If you have wires and cords running all over your office, it’s time to get them sorted. You can do this by labeling them, using zip ties or velcro to keep them together, or getting rid of them altogether. You can recycle the cords and wires if you have old equipment that you’re no longer using. It will declutter your space and make it look neater. You can update the electric sockets and install new ones to give your office a more polished look.

https://www.pexels.com/photo/round-black-wooden-table-with-4-chairs-245240/

Redecorate your space

One of the most effortless ways to make your office feel new again is to redecorate. It doesn’t mean you have to buy new furniture or paintings. Sometimes, all you need is a new wallpaper or some new curtains. If you’re unsure what you want, try looking online or in magazines for inspiration. You may also employ the services of an interior designer to assist you in designing your new workplace. Whatever you select, make sure it reflects your company’s brand and culture.

Conclusion

So, whether your office space is just feeling a little stale or you’re in the market for a full-blown overhaul, we hope these tips have given you some good ideas to freshen things up. A well-designed office can help inspire and motivate employees while also impressing clients and customers—not to mention boosting morale. Are you ready to get started?

Continue Reading

5 Home Office Trends to Expect in 2022

January 26, 2022
Chloe Taylor
0 Comments

By now, many of us have switched to remote work for the better. A survey conducted by Owl labs revealed that 59 percent of the working force would rather opt for an employer who supports work from home than on-site operation. Upwork estimates that 36.2 million Americans will switch to complete remote work by 2025, and freelance writers and digital nomads are just the pioneers.

With such a great inclination towards WFH, people are developing choices and preferences for their remote work environment. We’re at a point now where working from no more means working from bed. Instead, people are opting to create proper personalized and customized workspaces at home to facilitate themselves.

Here are some of the trending choices and preferences for home offices in 2022:

Functional, Space-Saving Furniture

Since home offices do not have massive covered spaces or multiple rooms, they ought to have lots of functionality within the limited space. And for that, we need compact but functional furniture.

Functional furniture refers to furniture that lets you do more with little space. For example, consider an L-shaped desk. It saves loads of space and helps you make the most out of the corner of your home office. The desk’s top is such that it combines the covered area of two desks at once without occupying much of your room space. So, you’ve plenty of space to place multiple monitors, printers, papers, stationery goods, etcetera atop this desk.

Ergonomic Office Furniture

Along with functional and practical home office furniture, ergonomic office chairs and tables are also becoming popular. Since the users will be spending their day and night at the same spot with minimal movement here and there, they ought to have a work environment that doesn’t damage their physical health.

For example, office chairs with lumbar support are becoming increasingly popular. Similarly, sit-and-stand desks that allow the user to both sit and stand (as desired) are also becoming popular.

Ergonomic keyboards and mouse pads are also some examples of trending ergonomic home office tools. Adding these to your workspace brings a balance between your health and work, and it amplifies your productivity levels.

Balanced & Soothing Environment

Since working all by yourself in a closed environment can build up stress, people are opting for soothing colors for their work environment at home. Colors like white, dusty pink, earthy brown, soft green, etcetera can have a calming effect.

Now, that doesn’t mean you should go for a monotonous workspace. It will become too boring! Choose complementing colors. For example, you can opt for a white office chair with an earthy brown desk.

Eco-friendly Approach

The last two years have taught us a lot about our ignorance towards ourselves and the planet. So, this year, most people are choosing to go with eco-friendly home office furniture.

Eco-friendly furniture options include furniture crafted from materials that last long (preferably natural materials like wood and glass). You won’t be purchasing over and over again. Hence, contributing less to the overall carbon effect on the planet. Similarly, instead of using fancy lights that consume loads of energy, you can opt for natural light.

Set up your home office near a large window that brings lots of light. It will keep you refreshed too.

A Comfy Side Place

Remote work has its benefits, but it also has its downsides. When working from home, you are completely deprived of your social support. At times, you may miss the random conversations you used to have with your fellow employees at the coffee machine. You may miss the mini-break it used to give to your nerves.

So, to tackle that, there’s another ingenious trend we’re witnessing in 2022: the comfy side place! A lot of people are opting to buy a separate super comfortable chair or sofa for their work desk or workplace at home. They choose to place it at a distance from their actual office chair.

The idea is to switch to that seat when the circumstances become too stressful, or you’re too tired and need a break. Instead of calling it a day, quitting work, and going to bed, you can take a mini-break with this comfy side place. In this way, your focus would stay aligned as you return to work.

Final Thoughts

We hope this quick insight into home office trends 2022 helps you plan a trendy and comfy workspace for yourself. Remember, if something’s trending, it can help you. But it need not dictate you. Pour in your creativity and be yourself!

Continue Reading

7 Reasons Why You Need a Home Garden Office

January 15, 2022
Chloe Taylor
0 Comments

A lot of people want to build a garden room in their yards. The garden rooms are different in designs, shapes, and sizes. They can, therefore, suit any property. It is beneficial to build a garden room on your property.  If you have not decided to build a garden room on your property, just know that a garden room can improve the appearance of your home. It can even add value to your property. Here are the top reasons to build a garden room on your property: 

 

Add Extra Living Space 

Building a garden room can help you get extra recreational space and living space. It is difficult for most homeowners to find enough space in their homes. Why? It is expensive to add an extra room to their homes.  You can, therefore, build a garden room to increase the living space on your property. It costs more money to renovate a house. Therefore, a lot of homeowners prefer to build a garden room. 

It is much cheaper to build a garden room. 

In fact, garden rooms are perfect for creating your personal retreat space. If you want to do home extensions, you will have to add a new room to your property. It takes time to extend your home since it is a complex process. In addition, you may not need planning permissions to build a garden room. If you want to build an annexe, however, you may need planning permissions, especially if it is for living purposes. Garden rooms are popular because of their versatility. You can use your garden room for anything. You can even make sure your garden room has all the amenities you need.  If you want extra space on your property or just a place for hanging out with your friends, you can build a garden room on your property. 

Affordable 

If you have elderly family members, you always worry about their safety. Building a garden room can help you keep your elderly family members close to you. They can live in your garden room throughout the year. You do not have to renovate or extend to your home to get extra space. Therefore, it is affordable to build a garden room. In this website you will find a range of garden rooms to suit your requirements. It is now expensive to pay for the care homes for older people. A lot of elderly people cannot afford to pay for care homes. In fact, some elderly people do even want to go to these care homes. The annual average cost of care homes in the past year was around £44,512. It is expensive for most people. The cost is the same as the price of an annexe building. An annex building can provide a permanent living solution on your property. Once you purchase your annexe building, you can position it in your yard. 

The annex building comes with the basics. So, you do not have to spend a lot of money on a care home. Some annexes are built to last. That is why they usually have a 10-year structural guarantee. If you can get an annexe building, your elderly family members can live near you. It can save you money since you do not have to extend your home or even build a new home.

It is Easy and Simple to Install 

It takes time and lots of effort to extend your home. Once you get the planning permissions, you may spend several months extending your home. You will never have some peace in your home for several months.  If you want to build a garden room to increase your living space, you can complete installing your garden room in one week. It, however, takes 4 to 6 weeks to install an annexe, depending on the size of the annexe. If you want to add extra living space to your property, do not extend your home. Build a garden room. It is easy and simple to install. The site surveyors can even handle the job. Once you decide to install a garden room, you just call professionals. The professionals will come to check your garden space. Then, they can help you pick a garden room that suits the available space. 

Multiple Design Options 

If you are a creative person, you get the freedom to design the garden room the way you want. If you want to add underfloor heating to your garden room, you are free to add them. In addition, you can decorate your garden room the way you want. Therefore, you can paint the walls and put wallpaper on the walls. You can do whatever you want with your garden room to make it more beautiful. If you are looking for decoration ideas for your garden room, use the internet to find several case studies and an extensive gallery. 

Suit All Properties 

Many homeowners do not rush to renovate or extend their homes. Why? They are not sure if it will fit with their home design. If you have an old property, you will have more worries. Why? It is difficult to combine the traditional with modern design. It is, however, easy to find a garden building that can suit your property. In fact, most of the garden rooms are versatile. So, they can suit any type of property.  If your garden is small, you can build a small garden room. It is cheap to build a small garden room. You can design your garden room to suit your property. 

Increases Privacy 

If you want to have more privacy, you can build a garden room. You can use your garden room to work. You will spend more time in your garden room without any distractions. If you, however, extend your home, some of your loved ones might disturb you. It is much better to build a separate room on your property, especially if you need privacy. In fact, you can watch movies and listen to loud music in your garden room. You can even bring your friends to hang out in your garden room. You will never disturb anyone while having fun in your garden building. You can even soundproof your garden room to prevent loud noises from escaping your garden room.

 

Continue Reading

The Productivity Space: What to Know Before Home Office Remodeling

June 14, 2021
Chloe Taylor
0 Comments

Running a home office isn’t exactly the least stressful way of working, in spite of what many people tend to believe. Whether you are operating a business out of your home or if you are a remote employee for a company, you will have struggled with the multiple distractions and temptations at some point in time. While there are certainly multiple benefits to working from home sometimes, the distractions do take their toll.

For example, Rover wants you to take him for a walk. Or for that matter, your kids and spouse don’t understand the importance of privacy while you are working in your home office. The list of distractions is endless. However, a well-planned home office can help you to achieve that oft-elusive work-life balance. Let us see how you can create a well-planned home office that will allow you to enjoy the best of both worlds.

Location is very important

It is likely that you will spend most of your waking hours in your home office, so it won’t be a good idea to opt for a very small space. Yes, it is possible to squish a very small workstation or desk into a windowless closet but you will also have to consider traffic flow patterns as well as your own innate ability to withstand distractions. Maybe, you can give your best only when there are plenty of people around, or perhaps you can only work in pin-drop silence. Finally, you have to make sure that your office is always tucked away into a very quiet space with plenty of seating arrangements if you plan to invite your clients there.

Functionality Triumphs over Form

It is very important to understand that your shelves, desk, and storage exist to serve you, and it should never be the other way around. You have to plan your daily workflow before remodeling your workplace. You have to understand exactly what items you need permanently at hand and at your fingertips before you consider investing in any furniture or other long-term office supplies. Once you have an idea of everything in your head, you should try to look for highly attractive pieces provided that they are also fully functional. It is imperative that your home office furniture should act as a sort of complement to the other rooms around your office. Otherwise, it will simply scream ‘soulless cubicle’ to every visitor. It is up to you to decorate your working space with your living one. If you have an artistic home, your office can follow suit. Conversely, if you have a modern and metallic outlook then you can do the same for your office as well.

Indulge in your Favorite Colors

There is no need to be hung up on the ubiquitous office beige. You need a color that will help you to max out your creativity and really get your work motor humming. You will have to find out for yourself which color brings out the workaholic in you. For example, it might be a really bright and cheery color such as red-orange or even lime green. On the other hand, many people like to work with a more calming shade such as botanical green or for that matter, even seafoam blue to bring out their very best. You can even use plenty of pictures and multiple shades to break the monotony of staring at the same-colored wall day in day out. It would also help if your new home office has a room with a decent view that will help you to recharge your batteries.

Utilize Extra Space to Create a Home Addition

If your home has plenty of space but is not optimized for a home-based office, you might consider making a few home additions in order to create that perfect custom office. This will save your current living space and prevent your home from becoming cramped.

Conclusion

Making or remodeling a home office to maximize your productivity is not exactly rocket science. You just have to figure out and plan ahead in order to derive maximum mileage from your new and dedicated home-based workspace. Good luck!

Continue Reading

Our topics

About us

Smooth Decorator Logo

Smooth Decorator is a website dedicated to our little sanctuaries from the hustle and bustle of the outside world – to our homes, sweet homes. We believe that the foundation of a quality life needs to be set right there, in the place where we first dream things up, and that only when we organized our homes can we hope to organize the rest of our everyday existence.

Copyright, 2015