The reception area of your business serves as the initial point of contact for both new and returning clients and visitors— it creates the first in-house impression of your brand. As typically this is also a bustling, high-traffic space, it needs to be both attractive, durable and ergonomically efficient.
Knowing how to create a welcoming and attractive reception area while also providing operational functionality is key when it comes to design and décor considerations. An inviting and serviceable office reception space should include the fundamentals of comfortable seating, good lighting and other design elements, and the layout should facilitate the smooth execution of daily operations in this area.
The decor of your office lobby and reception can also communicate concepts that are specific to your organization or that can reinforce your brand values. It can, for example, include features and details that relate to aspects of your business, such as art or photographs that depict the history of your industry or other relevant subject matter.
Brainstorm fresh office reception area ideas for your business or commercial property with these quick and easy tips from the experts at ServiceMaster Clean.
OVERALL CONSIDERATIONS
Carefully consider each element that goes into decorating your office entrance and waiting area, from lighting and layout to floors and furnishings. Choose items with an overall colour palette and coordinating design aesthetic in mind. To avoid clutter, ensure that each piece of reception area furniture fulfills a specific need while also reflecting your brand’s unique style or character.
LAYOUT
Position your reception desk centrally, so it can be seen as soon as someone walks in the door. To ease congestion, create a layout that supports the ergonomic flow of foot traffic. Provide clear, spacious pathways, and define the flow by strategically placing furniture and, if necessary, concise navigational signage. Keep safety and maintenance features of the entryway in mind to reduce the risk of slip-and-fall injuries and to make it easy to clean and maintain.
FURNISHINGS
You don't have to spend a lot on the furniture in your reception area, but it does need to look clean and well maintained. Choose a style for your furnishings that is in keeping with the nature of your business—modern, traditional, contemporary—whatever best suits your brand. ‘Test drive’ potential seating in person before buying to make sure it is comfortable. If you mix and match furniture pieces from multiple style collections, choose coordinating and complimentary colours and patterns to achieve an overall cohesive look.
FLOORING
There is a wide range of commercial flooring options available, including carpet, ceramic tile, hardwood, laminate, vinyl, laminate, hardwood, LVP/LVT, concrete and quarry stone. Before deciding on types of flooring, consider the care required for upkeep, along with the cost and durability. Carpets need frequent vacuuming and occasional deep cleaning, while tiles need regular mopping and the occasional grout cleaning, for example.
WALL COLOUR AND DECOR
Wall colour is a key decor element and can change the entire look and feel of your reception area. Whether you use paint or wallpaper, choose calming or neutral tones to create a serene, relaxing and professional space, or let a bold colour choice help set you apart. Accent colour walls are a great way to incorporate company colours.
LIGHTING
Choose soft, warm toned lighting instead of harsh, cool light or fluorescents for lamps and ceiling fixtures. Warm hued lighting creates a welcoming, comforting ambiance, while cool toned lighting can create a more sterile atmosphere.
STORAGE
For the reception area, cabinets that offer efficient storage and easy accessibility to essential files and office supplies are often a main fixture. Choose storage cabinets that complement or coordinate with the design and colouring of the decor and furniture in the rest of the lobby to create a consistent look.
INDOOR PLANTS
Indoor plants will help brighten up your office reception area and provide visual interest. Having a bit of greenery indoors is also a mood enhancer and has been proven to offer other positive wellness benefits. As a bonus, indoor plants also help improve indoor air quality. Choose plants which are low maintenance and can thrive in lower light conditions. Placing larger plants in a corner can anchor the space, while smaller plants on shelves or end tables can be visual accents.
ADDITIONAL AMENITIES
Keep your office reception area stocked with current magazines, books and informative pamphlets or brochures about your business and industry.
If you want to include music in your waiting area, avoid having a television or blaring radio. To convey a professional atmosphere, play low-level music and create playlists that best reflect the mood and aesthetic of your business and industry.
Once you have created the reception area that best suits your business facility, ensure that it is kept well maintained with professional commercial cleaning services. Learn how regularly scheduled commercial cleaning services from the experts at ServiceMaster Clean can help keep your reception area—and the rest of your facility—clean, fresh and looking its best… every day.