So, you’ve finally signed the lease for your new office space – congratulations. Now, it is time for you to transform it into a place where things get done.
But the only BIG question is: How can you create a comfortable, well-equipped space under a limited budget? Well, (a) don’t fret, and (b) we’re here to help you spruce up your new office space without spending a fortune.
When you choose to dive a little deeper into how famous businesses work, you will discover that they care a lot about the way their office’s design is laid out.
Why is that so? The answer’s simple: The design layout of an office plays a pivotal role in the company’s overall productivity.
From offering employees comfortable workspaces to lounges that foster engagement and enable private conversations, an office’s design is imperative to the company’s creativity and quality.
You might be under the impression that souping up your new office will cost you an arm and a leg, but honestly, the amount that flows into office renovation depends on the approach you take.
It’s possible to pimp your workspace without spending thousands of dollars.
So, if you’re a newbie who’s looking to set up an excellent office on a budget and make ends meet, here are some tips that’ll help you to get started:
- Firstly, load the place up with some office essentials
After you’ve taken care of the significant issues (the documentation and leasing), you’ll need to stock your office with smaller office supplies.
This can include copy machines, printers, paper shredders, stationery, and items needed to represent your business, such as promotional folders, portfolios, caddies, dispensers, and so on.
Although it may be tempting to buy in the lion’s share and stock up, doing so can take up a lot of space, and you may not even use everything.
Concentrate on purchasing the necessary office supplies for the first few weeks or months. Also, maintain an inventory of what you have to order new supplies as needed.
- Pay attention to color and shape.
Different colors influence how we perform in different ways. Green and blue aid creativity, while red aids attention to detail.
Other than that, using the circle and avoiding the square can help create a welcoming environment and stimulate brain activity associated with reward and aesthetic appreciation.
Sitting in a circle promotes cooperation and communication as well. King Arthur appeared to be ahead of the game (that’s a pop-culture reference).
- Good furniture is essential.
There’s no need to go all-out right away if you’re trying to cut back on spending as you move into a new office. You only need the essential office furniture if you’re starting fresh.
However, it is worthwhile to consider purchasing long-lasting furniture.
Rather than having to replace it too soon, you can purchase furniture that will still be valuable to you in a few years.
You must consider the essential items your employees will require, such as chairs and desks. Storage and other rudimentary furniture are also provided.
- Prioritize “organization.”
Organize. This is especially true if you’re creating an office in a small space. Consider a desk that has either shelves or drawers or both.
Having storage space in your desk allows you to organize the clutter while keeping everything you need close at hand. Finding a bookshelf that fits is another way to manage and maximize a small space.
A desk calendar is a small investment for organizing daily tasks, helping you be more productive by managing your time better.
You can even get a larger calendar for your employees. Since everyone uses a calendar differently, work out a strategy that makes it more accessible for everyone.
- Outsource your office décor
There are several low-cost ways to spruce up an office. You can always bring family heirlooms and sentimental items to add sculptural details to your spare corners. Then add a couple of bright planters; you can use artificial plants and flowers to save money or grow your own.
You can save funds on wall art by purchasing prints separately and framing them in a lower-cost frame. Perhaps a talented family member or friend could provide the art.
If you have other photo albums you want to frame, add a few in different places to give the décor a theme.
- Invest in good lighting
Is there anything worse than fluorescent lighting in the ceiling? It depletes our color, fatigues our eyes, and can even lower our productivity.
So, shop around for a table lamp or two (even compact fluorescent bulbs will produce a softer, more welcoming effect) and window treatments that make the best use of natural light. While you’re at it, look into other ways to make your workspace more productive.
- Keep the extras in mind.
Now that you’ve taken care of the necessities don’t forget about the extras you’ll need to ensure your employees’ convenience. Is there a kitchen in your office? You’ll need a refrigerator, a water cooler, and a microwave if there is.
How about a coffee maker? Try stocking your countertops with snacks because they’ll come in handy if you’re working long hours at the office. Make sure to account for these when calculating your costs and spending plan.
Conclusion
So, you see, there are lots of cool, inventive, and budget-friendly ways to create an awesome-looking office.
The trick is to create a plan, focus on the essential details and stick to your budget. By doing this, you can reduce the stress and design a successful and productive space that everyone will admire. You don’t necessarily have to go into debt to make your dreams come true; everything will work out if you’re creative and know your finances.