GUEST POST | 5 OFFICE DESIGN IDEAS FOR EARTH LOVERS TO EMBRACE IN 2018

Today we are hosting a Guest post from Tiles Direct on the blog. A post looking at how to bring greenery and nature into the office space...

Image source: Pexels 

With more and more people embracing ‘green living’ in their homes and everyday lives in a bid to reduce their environmental impact, it’s no surprise that many forward-thinking business owners are doing the same - exploring office design that ups their eco credentials.

From sourcing sustainable and durable building materials to opting for reclaimed furniture and indoor plants, in today’s post, we’re sharing 5 exciting office design concepts that promote an eco-friendly workplace, packed with style.

Add a natural vibe

Designing a workspace that ticks all your boxes in terms of reflecting your brand and culture can be a challenge, especially if you have an eye on eco-friendly concepts, too. But one way to meet all of your ideals is to hijack one of this year’s hottest office design trends: natural colour schemes.

The use of natural materials and neutral tones in your office space not only creates a calm and serene work environment, but also promotes an Earth-loving message. From natural stone mosaic tiles on walls and environmentally friendly carpet tiles to wooden furniture and accessories, a natural colour scheme delivers a timeless and stylish finish.

Opt for durable materials

Whether you’re going for a complete office refurbishment or you simply want small updates that contribute to a more eco-friendly workplace, the key is to choose materials that are sustainable and built to last. Pairing hard-wearing flooring solutions with long-lasting wall tiles that also offer a harmonious finish is a fantastic way to combine style and sustainability. It also pays to embrace innovative building materials like self-healing concrete or favour natural bamboo and cork that are readily available and sustainable. Helping to reduce your impact on the environment by generating less waste and reducing the depletion of natural resources, you can put your own planet-friendly stamp on your office design in subtle ways

 Bring the outdoors in 

With indoor plants making an increasing impact on office space, you’d be foolish to ignore this interior design trend - particularly if you want to promote your business’s Earth-loving values.

Firstly, indoor plants are known for their air-purifying properties, which all goes towards having a positive impact on the environment. But beyond this and their natural beauty, they boast other potential health benefits, including improved productivity and mental wellbeing, and reduced stress. Whether you go for striking dracaenas or sumptuous succulents, every piece of plant life contributes to lowering your business’s carbon footprint.

Get smart with lighting

Workspaces need to be well lit, but this can be a costly affair for businesses in terms of energy bills and environmental impact. This is, however, an area where technology can help to reduce energy usage and waste within your business. From installing motion sensors in areas that aren’t constantly occupied (such as kitchens and toilets) to replacing your current lighting solutions with LED alternatives - which use significantly less electricity - these small details can go a long way in terms of promoting an eco-conscious workplace culture.

Adopt vintage style

Image source: Pexels

All too often, office environments can lack personality and character - but with vintage still proving to be a popular trend in home interior design, there’s no reason it can’t be applied to office spaces, too. Investing in second hand or reclaimed vintage furniture for workstations or communal areas will significantly reduce your business’s carbon footprint, while also bringing character and charm to the office. From mismatched antique accessories to lived-in lounge chairs, the vintage style is a fantastic way to go green while projecting your business’s unique style.

Whether you’re looking to go completely ‘green’ in the office or simply make a more conscious effort to do your bit, these Earth-friendly office design ideas are sure to give you plenty of inspiration when it comes to making impactful updates.