16 Design ideas on how to smarten your reception area

How do you want your business to be perceived by visitors when they enter your space? Your Reception area is more important than you think.  Within 7 seconds of entering your office, potential clients and employees will make up their minds about your company.  From the layout, design aesthetic and presentation of your reception area,  they will instantly decide how trustworthy you are and if you’re good enough to do business with.

First Impressions Matter – Welcome with WOW factor!

• • Is your reception space conveying the right message about your business?  In the world of business, the importance of first impressions cannot be over-emphasized with the reception desk holding a significant  position as the center piece in this space and the first point of contact  for visitors
  • Careful consideration should be given to the materials you choose for your reception desk taking into account durability, easy upkeep and design versatility.  A well-crafted reception desk featuring sleek lines, cutting-edge materials and a minimalist aesthetic can make a significant impact on the overall look and feel of your space. A welcoming ambience can cultivate a sense of friendliness and professionalism, leaving a lasting and positive impact on visitors

 

 

• • Reception areas vary greatly from business to business, but the underlying requirement is always the same – a space that’s efficient, professional, and instills confidence in your businesReinforce Your Brand

Reinforce Your Brand

• • Whether your business is a medical clinic, a financial institution or a legal practice, it is as important to invest time, care and money into your reception space as you would with your website. Your business logo should be visible and dominant on entering the space.  Placing it above the reception desk catches the eye of visitors and acts as a reminder to visitors of exactly who you are in business
  • Don’t forget to provide company-related literature for your visitors to read or take away. Use the opportunity to show visitors what your brand is all about

Spatial Flow

• • An impressive reception area is futile if visitors have to zig zag around  furniture to reach the reception counter.
  • Ensure there  is ample space between the entrance, reception counter and lifts (if applicable)
  • Ensure that your reception area is accessible to all individuals including those with disabilities.   Factor in appropriate entry door widths for wheelchair access and a clear path of travel from the entry door to the reception area and to the seating area.  Make sure that your new reception counter design includes a set down section for wheelchair users

Invest in Quality Furniture

• • The current trend in workplace design is to incorporate “residential” elements to add warmth and an unpretentious feel to a reception space for visitors and employees. Look for furniture and upholstery products that have a commercial rating over residential for durability and quality
  • Replacing uncomfortable and unattractive furniture with stylish and comfortable seating that aligns with the overall aesthetic can make visitors feel comfortable and relaxed. Don’t forget to road test your furniture for comfort prior to purchase and ensure that your furniture caters to a wide range of people including those with disabilities
  • Avoid cluttering the reception area with excessive and bulky furniture and/or decorative elements including toy boxes!

Avoid the Hospital Waiting Room Look

• • Think about finishing touches as they can make a big difference to the atmosphere: plants and other natural elements are calming while artwork is inspiring.
  • Instead of rows of chairs against a wall, arrange single chairs in a circular configuration around a round coffee table so that visitors can sit and talk. Make sure that seating is  positioned away from the entry  door so that visitors don’t get a blast of cold air or rain whenever it’s opened

 

Photo credit: Pinterest

 

Ditch the Mags

• • Your reception space is now looking great but someone in the office is thinking that the coffee table needs a few out of date, well read magazines and newspapers!   Old and worn publications don’t look great in a reception area.  Instead, invest in a couple of well chosen coffee table books that communicate your brand.   They don’t date as quickly as magazines and newspapers  and look more refined.   A reception area doesn’t have to look like a bookshop, no more than a couple of books will suffice

Look at Wall Colour

• • Whilst plain white walls may seem a simple and no fuss option, they’re unlikely to convey anything about your brand or catch the eye of your visitor.  You may choose to make your core brand colour integral to the design of your reception area with accent colours picked up in furnishings, wallpaper, artwork and accessories. Your wall colour should reflect your business brand of trust and professionalism

Visitor Storage

• • As soon as your visitors enter your reception area, they may need to put away their coats and umbrellas. Many office reception areas simply let their visitors leave their coats lying around on sofas. Not only does this look messy, it isn’t a thoughtful way to deal with a basic storage need visitors have. Ample coat storage space is important.

 

Photo credit: Pinterest

Flexibility Should Be Top of Mind

• • Factor in a touchdown space where visitors can use their lap-tops to send off emails or complete last minute work prior to a meeting. The provision of reliable and secure WIFI connectivity along with USB charging facilities for mobile devices is the norm today and projects efficiency and professionalism.

Invest in Durable and Non-Slip Flooring

• • Staff, visitors and delivery people will pass through your reception space many times during the day so it’s fair to say that durable and non-slip flooring should be a major consideration. Options to consider include timber vinyl planks, natural timber flooring, polished concrete and porcelain tile.  Add a floor rug for texture and warmth

Let There Be Light

• • Don’t underestimate the power of well planned and good quality lighting.  Effective light planning will elevate the quality of the reception space  and create a warm and  inviting ambience for your clients and staff.   Have you considered replacing old recessed ceiling fittings with the latest LED models?  Introducing accent lighting with decorative pendant lighting above your reception desk for impact creates high impact and WOW factor
  • The key to an effective lighting scheme is getting the balance right. If you’re fortunate enough to have lots of natural light in your waiting area, capitalise on it by keeping window blinds to a minimum.

 

Photo credit: Pinterest

Go Green

• • Introducing natural plants whether in designer pots or as a vertical garden wall not only add colour and texture to your reception space, they provide clean air benefits. In saying that, don’t overdo with too many plants, your reception space doesn’t need to look like  a jungle!

 

Photo credit: Pinterest

 

Creative Design Solutions

• • When in doubt, consult an Interior Designer for creative design solutions. Depending on the extent of the upgrade, expert advice from an Interior Designer is worth the investment.