Modern design and architectural trends are all about a “less is more” minimalistic approach, but how well does this no-frills style adapt to workspaces? Astoundingly well, actually. If you think it’s impossible to have a fully functional (and inspiring) workspace with only the bare bones, let us show you how your own workspace (and everyone using it) can benefit from a clean and simple design.
1. Choose Decor Wisely
Yes, you can still keep decor in a minimalistic environment, the trick is to just keeping a few, quality pieces. This will keep your workspace feeling comfortable and light, rather than sterile and unwelcoming.
When choosing what to decorate your workplace with, go for good-quality, attractive material and let them stand on their own. This could be something like a vase or statue, or even a practical piece such as a lamp or side table.
Sometimes, just using beautiful material for your counters, furniture, or walls will turn them into focal points that require no further embellishment. This kind of design is great for creating clean lines and simplifying your interior while still looking impressive.
2. Simplify Your Colour Scheme
You can create a more streamlined look by sticking to a simple colour scheme with only a few accent colours. This can also be a big help in establishing brand recognition if your company uses a colour signature in their logo. Clients will more easily identify and remember your brand if a particular colour or colour scheme is used.
Too many different colours or patterns in the workspace should be avoided, as it will make your space appear to be clustered. However, it’s fine to give one item in a room a pattern as long as it is turned it into a focal point, such as a large area rug or big piece of art.
3. Go Paper-Free When Possible
How we use and store paper files greatly contributes to clutter accumulation, so switching to paperless is much better for organization and appearance of your office. If you’re worried about losing digital copies, then backing up on flash drives or removable hard drives are a better option than storing endless paper files.
Since most information is shared electronically, it just makes better sense to have digital files ready to be searched and shared right on your computer. Perhaps no other change will contribute more to appearance and office procedures – you’ll free up a lot of time (and space) by making the switch to digital record keeping where possible.
4. Create Clean Lines
A sleek and modern appearance is all about creating plenty of clean lines without knick-knacks or busy motifs visually breaking up your space. You can achieve this by choosing neutral (or monochrome) colours and keeping multiple patterns and colours away from carpet, upholstery, and art.
You’ll also want to make sure that furniture is an appropriate size for the scale of your workspace – too big and your space will feel smaller and cramped, too small and it’ll feel cold and uncomfortable.
5. Get Rid of Clutter
Clutter has a way of creeping in before we even realize it’s happening, and it can grow fast in an office setting. Sometimes clutter accumulates because there aren’t adequate workflow solutions, or old books and equipment haven’t been dealt with, or projects that have been waiting to be tackled.
Aside from interrupting a polished and streamlined appearance, multiple studies have shown that clutter subconsciously (or consciously) nags at us and interferes with work efficiency and our ability to process information.
So, if you can properly store (or get rid of) the needless items currently weighing down your office space, you’ll feel like you have more breathing room, and a far greater ability to focus.
By now, it should be easy to see why so many businesses are switching to a minimalistic approach in their interior designs. By adopting these minimalist concepts in your workspace, you’ll benefit from increased efficiency in a less hectic work environment. Not only that, but you’ll have a more appealing atmosphere that allows visitors to easily see what your company values most. The best part is that these changes can benefit and be brought into every kind of work environment.
