29th March 2022 | IN DESIGN ADVICE | BY SBID ShareTweetPinterestLinkedIn Gone are the days we see rows of identical office cubicles stretching out as far as the eye can see. Studies have shown the design of a workplace is key to the mental health and productivity of workers. Nobody works well in a drab, depressing space, so it’s important to know how to create engaging areas where ideas can flow easily and employees can feel inspired! But how to do this? Read on for some office interior design tips which can help boost productivity. Use Colour The science of colour is well known to have an effect on emotion and behaviour. In an office it is important to use colour to inspire and boost productivity. White is often seen as clean but can also feel clinical and uninspiring, so you should try to limit it in a workspace. In contrast, black can be used to convey authority, but it also has negative undertones, so should be used carefully to avoid being too dark and oppressive. The most productive colour is usually thought to be blue, with it boosting intellectual thought and helping workers to feel relaxed. You might use more green to encourage creativity, yellow for positivity or orange for mental stimulation. Just be careful you aren’t using too many colours within the scheme, as it could be overhwleming and start to become an eyesore – which have a negative effect on productivity instead! Open Space Having small cubicles and lots of dividing walls can make employees feel enclosed and trapped. So when designing an office it’s important to consider space planing and zoning, to ensure each area is designed to serve it’s specific function. You should think about maximising and creating plenty of open space. Keep desks seperate or use either no or low dividers so you can retain an element of privacy between workspaces, whilst opening up the space. However you’re spacing out your desks, ensure there is plenty of room to breathe and create opportunities for movement to aid the traffic flow around the office. Natural Light Harsh, halogen lights can be gloomy and feel artificial. You should instead try to flood your space with natural light where possible, which can help with Vitamin D intake, energy and productivity. If you can’t install more windows to allow more natural light, you can use mirrors to bounce light around the space. You can also purchase lightbulbs that mimic the appearance of natural light! The Society of British & International Interior Design When designing an office space, you should work with a trusted interior designer who has the knowledge to craft a well considered and effective working environment. The Society of British & International Interior Design (SBID) is the leading British member organisation and accreditation body for professional interior design. We don’t just accredit anybody! Needing 3 years of education and 3 and a half years of proven practice, you know any SBID Accredited interior designer has the knowledge and dedication to the field needed to create a space perfect for you. If you’re looking for a professional interior designer, our Designer Directory is full of commercial designers who have met SBID’s high industry standards. You can search by specialisms, location and keyword to find a designer specifically suited to your project requirements. So if you’re looking for the top UK and international interior design practices, check out SBID and explore the Designer Directory today. Cover image credits: Space – Amazon Mexico