Top tips for designing an office reception

It’s no secret that first impressions are highly valuable to a business, since it’s been suggested that visitors form their opinions about a company within the first few seconds of arriving. That’s why it’s important that all businesses think carefully about their reception interiors, creating the right balance of visual attraction and professionalism, whilst avoiding designs that are overpowering and intimidating.

 

 

Brand colours

Before making decisions about lighting and furniture, take some time to think about the colour palette. Whilst plain white walls may seem the most professional and easy option, they likely won’t catch the eye of visitors, or convey anything about your brand. Your aim should be to create the right combination of vibrancy and shades that are true to your brand; this can be achieved by finding complementary colours on a colour wheel.

 

 

If your core brand colour is blue, for example, you may want to make this integral to the design, and add accents of its complementary shade, orange, amongst the furnishings and accessories. It’s important to add your core brand colours into the design, since this adds character whilst creating an atmosphere that’s appropriate to you and your business goals.

 

Logo

Your company logo should be visible from the entrance, and of high quality. Placing it above the reception desk is a popular option, and tends to work well since it easily catches the eye of visitors. It’s important to have your logo on display, as this acts as a reminder to visitors of exactly who you are as a business.

 

 

Try to get creative when thinking about how to display your logo; many companies opt for back lighting with a halo effect, whilst others use supports behind the lettering to create a hovering effect.

 

Accessibility

Whilst thinking about aesthetics is an exciting part of interior renovations, it’s important to keep accessibility in mind. Remember to have clear signs that direct visitors to the reception area, and make ample room for disabled access. Don’t forget that visitors will look for a seating area, especially if they’re asked to wait a little while – so it’s a good idea to place comfortable seating near the entrance, or place signs around the room that point towards the waiting area.

 

 

Lighting

Lighting is an often underestimated, yet highly integral aspect of interior design. When done right, lighting can enhance the aesthetics of a room, forming illusions that create a desired effect on the space. For example, reflective lighting can be used to make a smaller room look larger, and accent lighting can help to highlight specific areas of the room. It’s best to avoid relying on a single light source, and instead create a layering effect that can be altered as needed.

 

The workplace, in particular, benefits from natural lighting – so it’s best to try and maximise this where possible, using artificial lighting as a support. Accent lighting, however, such as wall sconces, can also add to the aesthetic value of the space.

 

Smart storage solutions

Reducing clutter in the reception area is highly important, since an untidy entrance won’t go unnoticed by visitors. Try to keep it tidy at all times, and implement storage solutions – such as under-desk drawers, display cabinets and coffee tables to tuck away unsightly items and organise your accessories.

 

 

Display your products

Displaying examples of your company’s products around the reception area will give your visitors an idea of the work you produce, and will support the brand colours in establishing your company’s ethos and true values. If displaying physical items isn’t an available option, try incorporating your products into the design; perhaps by adding interesting textures.

 

The reception area, when considered carefully, can have a profound positive impact on your visitor’s first impressions. If you’d like some professional advice on how you can re-design your office entrance space, don’t hesitate to contact a member of our team.