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OPENUU
In Blog, Renovation Resources

Open Concept Office Renovation: Is It Right for Your Office?

One of the most popular trends in both home and office renovations is the so-called “open concept.” From HGTV shows to McMansions, from Fortune 500 companies to small mom-and-pop shops, contractors are knocking down walls to create an open space that everyone can enjoy.

But is this “open concept” the right renovation for your office? Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of the open concept office renovation:

The Pros of Open Concept

  • It’s keeping with the current office environment trends. According to Ken Wilson, a principle architect at Perkins & Will architectural firm, the office culture of the 21st Century focuses less on managerial hierarchy and more on collaboration. With an open concept office renovation, the spirit of collaboration will be encouraged.
  • It’s less expensive to build & furnish. How difficult is it, really, to knock down some walls and put in some big tables? This is especially beneficial for smaller, mom-and-pop type offices that have a limited budget.

The Cons of Open Concept

  • It doesn’t work for every office environment. Some studies suggest that productivity actually decreases in open-concept office environments, because of the noise factor. In addition, these same studies suggest that older, and more introverted, employees prefer to work in a private space, and could actually be deterred from working in an open concept office.
  • The aforementioned noise factor is a concern. When you’re undertaking an open concept office renovation, you need to incorporate “quiet pods” and other private spaces for employees to go into as they need them.

We can help you with your open concept office renovation. Contact us today for a quote and a consultation.

OPENUU
In Blog, Renovation Resources

How to Style Your Home’s Interior Design for Long-term Use

When you want to update your home decor, you may be tempted to jump in and redesign for the current trends and your most recent preferences. However, if you’re looking to stay in your living space for a while, and get the most return on your efforts, you’ll want to upgrade your interior design to get the best long-term investment. Follow these time-tested tips to create a space that will become a long-term haven:

  • Vary dimensions. Create a room with flow, one that keeps the eye moving naturally through the space. To do this, you must be aware of the size and shape of your furnishings; they can’t all be the same. Be sure to have a variety of heights and shapes to your lamps, photos, and more, while sticking to a complementary color/design theme to tie the look together. The varying heights and shapes will create negative space (the area where there’s no embellishment), which is just as important as the areas where you add decor: it will keep from cluttering your room and keep focus on the important design aspects. Being aware of your decor dimensions and heights will create a cohesive, but visually intriguing, look that you’ll never grow tired of.
  • Display embellishments and unique decor in arrangements. Your brightly colored accessories and small decor items shouldn’t be scattered throughout your room; what you may not realize is that similar small items and colors will look best grouped together. For a timeless layout, group similar pieces together to create one dynamic display area. If you haven’t heard the “rule of thirds,” consider this: items will appear balanced and appealing in odd numbers. Group your light-hued candles in one spot on a side table, or place three small photo frames together on a shelf.
  • Create focal points. Each room should be anchored by a focal point to draw the eye immediately in right away; use your statement furniture as the center of the room to design around, or, if in an open-concept floor plan, define your spaces by creating a layout originating from your chosen focal point (or decor item). Typically, in a segmented room, your focal point will be across from the entry, so consider hanging a stunning piece of artwork on the wall, or placing your statement furniture at that end of the room.
  • Design for light. Lighting can make or break a room. Choose the level of lighting and ambiance that you want for each room in advance, and move forward with your lighting choices from there. Natural light is a widely appealing feature, so in rooms with plenty, create a layout for maximum exposure, seating, and views of the light. In other rooms, experiment with layering lamps to vary your decor heights, and to provide multiple options for actual room usage. In living rooms, for example, you’ll want to have various heights of lamps (floors, tables, side-tables), to light the majority of the room while allowing for reading or enjoyment in a variety of ways. Use chandeliers or hanging lights to point to your focal pieces, and watch as your space becomes a classically enjoyable interior.
  • Decorate for your personality. No matter what, you’ll want to love your space. Do you have a photograph you love? A statement piece that speaks to you? Include it! You’ll need an inspiration and mood for each room, so design for your own style and life preferences (for example–inspiration: an exotic elephant statue; mood: worldly, whimsical).

For more expert tips on home interior design and renovations, contact us today.