Take a cue from home design and decor when it comes to getting a new office up and running. Not only will a pleasant office space make you feel good when you come into work every day, it will help potential employees and potential clients – as well as current employees and clients – feel at ease. No one wants to do business with a company with nothing but a desk and file cabinet in its office. Emptiness or dullness subtly undermines client confidence in you as a professional because it can come off as not caring. Thinking about design when you open a new office can help you come up with clever ways to personalize the workspace.

Today's Trends

New office design trends call for productivity. Whether getting work done at home or in the office, small study spaces and cubicles are out. Open offices allow workers to connect more easily and to provide thoughtful service to customers because the barriers have literally come down. Personalize an open office with paint. For classy colors that can be updated with accessories instead of new paint as trends evolve, try cream, beige, moss green, light blue or even light orange. If you need a richer hue, magenta gives that creative spark the boost and olive provides a pleasing hue, but when using bold colors, consider painting only an accent wall.

Take your cue from companies that are established leaders at creating great products. Luxury car manufacturer Lexus is a great example. Lexus projects an air of luxury and a sense of relaxation at one of its offices by providing plush leather chairs and a calming water element. Savvy office designers know that the sound of flowing water helps put those waiting at ease. Customized fountains, like the one at Lexus, can even include a company logo. Investing in a piece like this will surely show customers you believe in your company, and indoor fountains have been staples in homes and offices for decades, so you don’t have to fear them going out of style.

Comfort is Key in Offices

As part of the comfort trend, the styled break room or employee lounge is coming back. Just like your living room at home, lounges provide spaces for workers to get rest, nourishment and to connect with colleagues, so don’t just throw in an uncomfortable dining table. The more inviting you make these spaces, the more that energy can return to you in the form of work. Pick elements you’d want at home: a modern yet comfortable couch, adequate lighting and warm inviting colors.

Stocking the lounge with local and national newspapers as well as trade journals helps create a culture of informed, engaged employees. Adding inspiring and tasteful wall art can refresh your staff's creative spirit. At home you might pick coffee table books and wall art that complements your personal tastes. At work, choose magazines and art that focus on your industry.

Unsure where to get started? Think about office spaces you’ve visited that have stood out. If you were impressed with an office space, add some of the elements you liked to your new space. Maybe your car dealership puts out fresh fruit and offers coffee while you wait for your car to be serviced. Maybe the hair salon always has fresh flowers and fun magazines. Find that inspiration and run with it. A well-tailored office gives your customers confidence in you before you even begin a meeting.

This is a guest post by Lindsey from ProfessionalIntern.com.

Image courtesy