Designing an “Executive” Office - Interior Design Tips

There has been a huge focus on workspaces in the interior design world in recent years. A number of developments have changed the way we look at the typical office and many companies and individuals are now reinventing the typical work environment. 

For one thing, more shared working spaces are opening up with flexible membership arrangements that are enticing freelancers and small businesses. Also, due to more companies going remote, more and more people are setting up their own office right in their own homes.

However, there is still a need for certain businesses to have a flagship executive office where many of the important high-level activities of managers and company leaders take place, such as client meetings. 

In truth, a good office design depends a lot on the type of business and the user’s work habits. Some brands will be more corporate in a traditional way, while others will be more modern and quirky. Nevertheless, these places are key spaces where important visits are received, from partners or customers.  

Therefore, we’ve collected together a few top tips for how companies can develop a great first impression for anyone that steps through the door - whether you’re thinking of redecorating your current office, moving to a new one, or even adapting your home office situation to be more “executive”. 

Qualities of Good Office Space

• The room must balance practicality and aesthetics. You need certain items of furniture and office equipment such as computers, printers, telephones, bookshelves, filing cabinets, among others, but letting these items dominate the space isn’t ideal.
• Offices must have basic facilities built-in or very nearby, such as beverage stations, food preparation rooms, bathrooms, a place to work in silence and somewhere to access all the office supplies you need. 
• These spaces must be client facing and therefore cannot be based too much on the personal taste of the individual CEO or executive who manages the space. For instance, 80s memorabilia everywhere might work at home, but it’s a big risk using this theme everywhere in your office space.
• If you receive large numbers of customers, clients, and walk-in visitors you’ll need a way to separate them from your main workforce and control the flow of people into your core working spaces. A reception room of some kind is ideal here. 
• Executive offices must combine style and ergonomics so that they offer enough character and personality without sacrificing the actual purpose of these spaces, which is to work. 

5 Design Tips 

If you're renewing your workspace, here are 5 fundamental tips to design your executive office and impress more clients and partners. 

1. Functionality Doesn’t Mean Cluttered 

Yes, you’ll need a good desk and all the modern technology that offices run on, but there are so many ways to adapt your layout and furniture so that your room isn’t cluttered or busy. Things like fold-away monitors, moveable furniture, wireless appliances and storage units are great. 

2. Always Choose Ergonomic Furniture 

The types of office furniture can vary in style, material, and usefulness, but all must be ergonomic. An amazingly unique and artistic antique chair just isn’t the right choice when you need to work in it 8-9 hours a day. Also, you’ll want people who visit your office to see that your setup is not just superficial. 

3. Consider Colour Carefully  

It is common that in offices, executives meet with different people. However, the style you choose for your office should match the corporate colours of your company and your brand image, rather than stand-alone from the rest of your company spaces. Neutral colours with splashes of bold accents will work in most cases. 

4. Customise the Design 

If you want to add a visual representation of your brand without sacrificing a truly minimal and sleek colour scheme, consider professional name plaque engraving. This can add authority, credibility and your very own stamp while remaining elegant and in-touch with a simple design scheme.  

5. Good Lighting

Good light is crucial. The executive office must have lots of natural light and the best views, where possible. If needed, you should combine it with artificial light and smart ways to avoid dark spaces, such as using glass walls and artwork to channel light around your office. 

Customise with Culzean Gifts 

If you’re looking for personalised name plaque engraving or glass artworks to create a truly appealing and executive office space, take a look at our vast collection of customisable items online.