Of all of the different design elements that have become prevalent in modern offices today, there are two features that are more noticeable than others. The floor plans of modern offices are very non-traditional, and the materials used are not traditional office materials. The office materials you are accustomed to seeing are ones that are utilitarian, but unremarkable. They’re materials such as vinyl, linoleum, and short carpet. While these are great and useful, they’re not necessarily the most exciting materials out there. They’re definitely not the materials of a cutting-edge office. So, what materials are cutting edge?
Cutting-Edge Materials
There are several different materials that have become common in some of the newer offices. These materials are metal and stone. Metal and stone were previously used only for kitchens and bathrooms. Now they are being used in office fit outs. Metal cabinets and metal countertops are very useful as well as very attractive.
A metal such as stainless steel or aluminium is a great choice for an office because these materials are scratch-resistant as well as stain resistant. They’re non-porous materials that will not absorb moisture, whether that be a spill or just the general humidity. They also will not rust as some other metals might. If you have metal countertops, you will be able to wipe them clean with very little effort.
Stones such as marble and granite are popular as well. However, limestone has become popular for many office applications. It makes great countertops that have many of the same benefits as metal; it is scratch and corrosion-resistant. The material is non-porous and very durable. Stone also comes in a wide range of colours. Limestone ranges from white to dark grey. Granite can be even darker. All of those colour variations make for a pretty versatile office scheme.
Floor Space
The use of floor space is another signifier of a modern office. Older offices were often designed with rows of desks or cubicles and most of the floor space consumed by furniture. Office managers have begun to reduce the amount of furniture and maximise the floor space. Increasing that amount of space makes the office seem more open and more relaxed. There is less of a cramped feel and more freedom for your employees to move around and interact with one another.
That type of design encourages collaboration among employees, which is crucial for some businesses. Furthermore, the open office signals that a company is on the leading edge of some of the newest innovations.
Practicality
All of this about modern office spaces is great, but the office needs to be practical as well. An office is first and foremost a place to do work. That means it needs to be wired with all of the utilities necessary for a hard day’s work. It should contain everything needed to keep your employees comfortable as well, which usually means proper HVAC and proper lighting in the workspace.
That’s why you should call a professional to help you fit your office. They’ll have access to all of the modern materials you want for your office, but they’ll also have the knowledge necessary to make it a functional reality. You have to combine both of them to have a great office.
