With the rise of minimalist trends in contemporary media, this aesthetic's stereotypical clean and basic features have garnered mixed reviews, causing it to be pretty misunderstood. Contrary to popular belief, minimalism does not simply refer to bleak environments with dull color palettes and no eye-catching decor or pieces of furniture. It centers on the importance of being purposeful and focusing on your needs. With tranquility and peace at the core of its principle, one of its main goals is to provide people with an outlet away from the high-energy draining factors that riddle their surroundings.
Through this style, simplicity is king!
Not only does it encourage an organized and efficient workflow through neat set-ups, but it also allows for more unrestricted movement with fewer physical hazards from an excessive collection of furnishings.
Thus, incorporating its elements in office design is beneficial in creating a practical and visually appealing workspace that encourages creativity and collaboration.
To achieve this, it's essential to:
1. Utilize natural light
Minimalism is often associated with sustainability. Thus, one way to remain energy efficient is by ensuring that plenty of natural light reaches your office space. This can be done by installing spacious windows and keeping them unobstructed by flashy curtains or blinds. Not only does it emphasize the sleekness of the design, but it also helps reduce eye strain and fosters a brighter environment for employees.
2. Be concise with what you need.
Now is the time to embody the phrase "less is more." Make a list of all the necessary items and furniture for a productive workflow and only incorporate those in the office space. Minimalism is all about taking a step away from excess. However, this does not mean you shouldn't allot areas for storage. It is wise to create hidden repositories that blend well within the environment. This will ensure a clutter-free environment that keeps within the simplistic theme and encourages people to focus on their tasks.
3. Don't just stick to the basics.
Following this aesthetic design choice does not always have to result in spaces that lack personality. For instance, neutral paint or wallpapers shouldn't always be your go-to. It's alright to opt for a color that fits your branding or to add a simple photo of your team instead of an expensive artwork. Making your space look like it belongs in a catalog isn't the only goal. It's all about making it your own.
4. Invest in quality
When furnishing your office fit-out, look for items that have a timeless look and are durable enough to stand years of use. This will help you avoid constantly upgrading and purchasing new things to keep up with the times. Furthermore, it may be necessary to go for more lightweight and less clunky furniture to achieve a more open-plan look with ample room as well as to save time whenever you need to move around the area.
In conclusion, trusting your vision is always the best step. Over the years, minimalism has proved to be more than just a trend. It can even be a strategic choice to improve your business and work circumstances. After all, who says simplicity can't be impactful?
Read more about Neptel's services here and see how you can achieve a sophisticated minimalist look.
References:
Albanese, J. (2015). Four reasons that Minimalism makes for great office design. Inc. https://www.inc.com/jason-albanese/four-reasons-that-minimalism-makes-for-great-office-design.html
Calibre Office Furniture. (2019). The rise of the Minimalist office. [Blog post]. https://www.calibre-furniture.co.uk/blog/the-rise-of-the-minimalist-office
McLaughlin, K. (2023). Minimalist interior design: Everything you need to know about this intentional and pared-down style. Architectural Digest. https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/minimalist-interior-design-101
The Fortunate Investor. (2023). 6 tips for a Minimalist office space. [Blog post]. https://fortunateinvestor.com/6-tips-for-a-minimalist-office-space/