How to design an office to feel like home

Many are returning to the office after years of remote work, having adapted to all the comforts of home. Companies can make the office environment feel warm and familiar with a few key design solutions. These ideas from Emily Mattucci, Office Sales Manager of Ethnicraft’s Contract and Trade department can make any homebody look forward to the return to office life.

OPT FOR WOODEN FURNITURE

An upside of working from home is the ability to surround yourself with comfortable and quality furniture that has been carefully chosen to reflect personal style and taste. A solid wooden desk with a comfortable office chair, for example, is more inspiring than thin cubicle walls. Opening up an office space and filling it with beautifully crafted solid wood furniture can create nice visual interest, foster collaboration and spark creativity. Mixing different wooden tones adds appeal, as well.

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CREATE A COSY LOUNGE AREA

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Another benefit to remote work is the ability to log in from any place in the house, including a cushy sofa. But sofas aren’t just for residences. Designating a space in the office for comfortable lounging creates a relaxed environment, plus it serves as a great open-concept meeting space or a place in which to collaborate with colleagues. A modular sofa can be configured to fit any area.

STYLE WITH PLANTS

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Indoor plants offer many benefits, from cleaning the air to providing a fresh style element. Plants have become a design staple at home, and that trend can easily translate into an office environment. Popular options are often the ones that require the least amount of care, including air plants and succulents, as well as hardy larger plants such as the fiddle leaf and monstera.

MAKE SPACE
FOR A COFFEE BREAK

It’s said that the water cooler is where brilliant ideas
are found. Casual conversations may lead to an impromptu collaboration that changes a business in profound ways. Having a place to take a break away from the desks is crucial, as ideas come from a relaxed state of mind. Furnishing a break room with casual tables and chairs creates places for more personal conversations among smaller groups, which also has the ability to boost morale.

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SURROUND YOURSELF
WITH PERSONAL OBJECTS

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Personal effects layer a home with meaning. Bringing these objects to an office can create a home-away-from-home atmosphere. Framed photos of loved ones and stylish office essentials, plus a cosy throw or cushion, can turn a desk into a personalised extension of the home.

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Get in touch with our Contract and Trade team
or take a virtual tour of our Chicago Showroom, focusing on office design.

How to design an office to feel like home

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