Although most of your interactions will be with clients, vendors, and other associates within the office, your lobby area plays an essential role in developing your company’s reputation to those who don’t work there every day. A well-lit lobby has plants on the window sills and offers comfortable seating tells everyone who walks through the door that you care about their comfort and experience, even if they aren’t there to see you specifically.
While this process can be time-consuming and frustrating, but it can be worth your time if it means elevating your office to clients and customers. There are several ways to make your lobby area more appealing year-round. Check out these six tips for transforming your lobby area:
1) Upgrade to Modern Design
The interior design of your office lobby, even more than its look, can send a message about your business. Staging an impressive lobby presence from day one will make it easier for you to recruit top talent and establish your company as an industry leader.
Go with modern styling for rooms that employees, clients, and partners won’t want to leave. From bold accent walls and art installations to modular furniture arrangements and smart layouts for team meetings, create a fun yet professional space where people in your building are sure to take pride in your company culture. A great lobby doesn’t just impress outsiders; it also provides teams around your building with every incentive possible to do their best work, every day.
2) Perfectly Positioned Reception Desk
As a reception desk is often one of your first impressions, make sure it’s well-positioned so you can meet and greet your clients. Making eye contact with visitors as they walk in sets a professional tone and makes them feel welcome. But, there are more creative things you can do with a lobby area than just sitting behind a desk all day. For example, put out some fresh flowers or decorate your space for special occasions like holidays and birthdays! A homey touch might make all your clients want to come back for more business.
3) Customize the Flooring
A carpet or tile floor can make your lobby feel like home, making your employees comfortable and inviting visitors in. But you don’t have to stick with an ordinary flooring option. Think of bringing a unique touch with marble, slate, or wood planks that reflect personality and sophistication.
Also consider vinyl flooring, which is a great way to create something unique. Many vinyl tile and plank options are water-resistant and can be laid in any direction, making it simple to match up with your lobby’s layout. Visit a trusted flooring store online to find out more choices and colors. Once you find what you want, you can order samples to check out colors before committing to an entire job.
4) Add a Lounge Area
In a world where people are glued to their phones, your lobby area should provide an opportunity for coworkers to connect in real life. This is accomplished by adding a lounge area that isn’t so formal and allows you and your staff time out of the office. It doesn’t have to be big, but it should have soft seating, reading material, and snacks on hand. Some companies even offer access to food trucks in their parking lots! If you do opt for a communal space, ensure everyone takes pride in keeping it well-maintained—leave no trace behind when you leave!
5) Incorporate Natural Light
Incorporating natural light into your office lobby can make it a more inviting and pleasing space. Try placing as many windows as possible near where people will enter your building, and plant flowers outside them if you have an outdoor area. The more natural light there is, the more appealing a space feels. If you work in an office that doesn’t receive much natural light, consider adding skylights or going with an open floor plan so that your office has ample exposure to fresh air.
6) Use Color Wisely
A room’s color scheme sets a tone for its inhabitants, as well as for its visitors. Whether your office lobby is small or large, you can transform it by choosing hues that enhance both your space and mood. When selecting paint colors, think about what you want people to feel when they enter your lobby. For example, if you want a more sophisticated ambiance, consider warmer tones such as reds and browns. Alternatively, cooler tones like blues and greens might make your lobby feel calming and serene. In any case, be sure to use color wisely—it can lift an entire space in an instant!
Your office lobby is one of your greatest assets. When people stop by for a meeting, they don’t want to be greeted by a bland room full of corporate beige. Instead, they want to have their senses stimulated and leave with good impressions with your company. Investing in an attractive design can help transform any lobby into something extraordinary.