Office Space Design // Ways to Style a Beautiful Reception Area in 2022

Office Space Design // Ways to Style a Beautiful Reception Area in 2022

We’ve all heard the expression “first impressions count,” and it certainly applies to office spaces.

Your reception area is where first impressions are made, and you need to make those impressions count.

Designing a reception area for an office space around a company brand isn’t exactly simple, especially for those of us with no interior design background.

But you don’t need a thick brand manual or a deep budget to inject a little personality into your reception area decor.

The space should be beautiful, sure. But that’s not enough. It also needs to reflect your organization’s unique character. Developing a distinctive style means making some choices that evoke the feelings you want to distinguish yourself and stand out from the crowd.

As we start off the new year, you have probably moved offices and wondering how  to set-up your office space reception area, well here are a few tips for you to consider;

Use Appropriate Color Scheme and Branding

While setting up a reception area for your office space ensure that you choose a color scheme that flows harmoniously with your branding. 

While the minimalist, white space dominated look can be very cool, it can also come across as a bit cold and stern. An ideal palette for this style is warm without being too bright.

Normally, an ideal palette would be soothing or neutral colors combined with softer textures with the company logo clearly visible. This can make clients feel at home.

The soothing colors help with creating a relaxed environment in an otherwise chaotic area. 

You can also use the company’s colors if they’re not too domineering, unless that is the effect the client wants you to go for. 

The walls, couches/seating, front desk, and floor color need to work well together to create a beautiful space where visitors can feel welcome without being overwhelmed.

Unique Seating and Furniture

No reception area design is complete without comfortable seating.

There are lots of seating options these days that are a far cry from the standard, wooden-armed furniture that typically lines doctor’s office walls. By choosing a different type of seating, you’ll set your organization apart. 

Offices generally accommodate clients in the reception area, and offering them comfortable seating while they wait is an absolute must. 

You’ll have to ensure there are enough seats available for the company’s needs, that they’re the right size and shape, and that they’re comfortable enough to make visitors feel relaxed. 

Add in Plants and Appropriate Lighting

It is important that you appreciate the role that lighting can play in the design of your reception area, both in terms of drawing attention and sending the right message about company values.

You would want to use some artificial light on your around your company logo, company values and probably around the waiting area.

Add in a few plants as well. Plants are essential, they bring a calm and welcoming feel at the reception area. Set yourself apart by adding tasteful art pieces.

Use Durable materials

The reception area of an office normally gets a lot of traffic throughout the day, which means there’s a lot of potential wear and tear. 

That’s why many offices prioritize sturdy frames and tough stain-resistant materials in their lobby seating. However, if your priority is comfort, look for seating with a bit more cushion and upholstery, at least for accent seating in addition to the sturdier options. A few throw pillows in there can up the comfort level if you think it would work

In all whether it be the seating material, front desk material, or flooring, it’s best to use highly durable materials that will stand the test of time – and heavy usage. 

Feature your company logo

Having your company brand at your reception area is a great way to firmly brand your space and send a clear message or reminder to visitors of where they are and what you have to offer.

Ensure that your logo is clearly visible, preferably from the entrance, and high-quality. It needs to be large enough to be seen but try to avoid going overboard.

It is also a good idea to think of creative ways to feature the logo so that it stands out for all the right reasons such as back-lights, using a usual texture or even high impact support such as Perspex with spacers so that it ‘hovers’ on the wall.

Utilize Technology

This may include things like a digital wall image, which you can use to put those in the reception area at ease with peaceful images, or which you can use to educate customers about your business while they wait and incentivize them to increase purchases with you.

Tablets customers can use to check in on and input valuable information about themselves through platforms like Envoy.  You may also opt to use welcome applications to ease the checking in of your guests.

You can also include charging stations, so customers can stay connected to their own devices while they wait.  Also, include solo kiosks where people can get airtime.

Give it a homely touch

Domestic-style accents like potted plants, lamps, curtains and area rugs in the reception area can all add a feeling of additional comfort to a space.

You could also include a TV in the waiting area, use it wisely. Consider looping a video on your business. Highlight the products and services you offer. Otherwise, tune your television to a channel of general interest to business people like the news or financial information.

Don’t Do it Alone

There is a lot to consider when setting up your reception area– and not only on the design, though that inevitably does consume a big chunk of your time and resources. Consider carefully if this process is really what you want to take on – and if you’re not 100% set on then joining a flexible workspace might be more suited to your needs.

Serviced offices and coworking spaces are set up as turn-key office solutions for businesses that don’t want the headache of setting up on their own. And often they work out to be a lot more affordable, and definitely less stressful!