When you take over a new office space, one of the first questions you're likely to face is, "What are you going to do with it?" Often, this question brings a moment of pause. What sets great reception area designs apart is not just about what’s trendy but about how you want people to feel when they walk into your office.
Understanding the Emotional Impact of Design
Great modern reception area design goes beyond surface-level trends like trendy furniture or popular color schemes. Instead, it's about creating an emotional response. Rather than asking, "Where can I buy trendy furniture?" ask yourself, "Where can I find modern office furniture that will make the biggest impact on how visitors feel?" Instead of focusing on popular colors, consider, "What colors will best convey the mood I want to create for my visitors?"
Designing with Your Visitor in Mind
Your design should resonate with your visitors' values, experiences, and expectations. Think about the mood that will best benefit your business—whether that’s a sense of playfulness, trust, innovation, or environmental awareness. The reception area should be a space where visitors feel thought about and cared for, even before they arrive.
Functional and Thoughtful Elements
The furniture in your reception area should support not just your business but also the staff who will be engaging with visitors. Consider a reception desk that is ADA compliant, with drop-down areas that make communication easier for visitors in wheelchairs. Additionally, think about accessible refreshments, convenient seating options for individuals or groups, temporary workspaces, and informative materials. Live plants or flowers can also breathe life into the space, making it feel more welcoming.
Lighting: The Key to Mood Setting
Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood in your reception area. Natural daylight is an invaluable asset, enhancing mood, sparking creativity, and improving cognitive performance. Where natural light is limited, artificial lighting can be strategically used to create the desired atmosphere. Warm lighting can create a cozy and relaxing environment, while cool lighting is ideal for promoting alertness. Effective designers use these elements to influence how visitors think and feel in the space.
Purposeful Reception Design
The main purpose of a reception area is to welcome and receive visitors. To do this effectively, intentionality is key. By thoughtfully planning your reception area, you can create an environment that not only looks good but also makes your visitors feel good—and that’s the first step in making your business work better.
