Interested in upgrading the office building this year? If so, the lobby is an excellent place to start. Whether you’re overhauling an expansive commercial space or a smaller area, the aesthetic of the lobby is the first thing visitors will notice. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought significant changes to office culture, so redesigning the entry point of the workplace can help visitors, tenants, and employees feel more at home. If you’re in need of inspiration for modernizing your office lobby furniture, we share the trends that we’re seeing here:
Transitioning From Grandiose to Functional
In decades past, the lobby was designed with opulence in mind. The primary purpose of this trend was to attract high-profile clients who were willing to pay top dollar for rental space. Picture hotel-inspired lobbies: entryways often boasted luxurious details such as marble flooring, soaring ceilings, and formidable reception desks.
Although a lobby still serves the important role of setting a first impression, modern workspaces are moving away from the grandiose and embracing functionality. This is largely because the way we work is different. Even before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, companies began experimenting with more flexible policies. Now that many office buildings have less traffic, lobby design is shifting toward comfort and safety. Think: more room between seating, large windows to provide natural light and improved ventilation, and portable plexiglass screens.
Incorporating Technology
Modern lobbies are increasingly equipped with cutting-edge technology. In addition to sleek and agile furniture, you may notice features such as badge entry, screens to broadcast important information, and occupancy sensors. New tech may help bolster the security of the building and reduce the spread of germs, which is forefront on the minds of many tenants.
Trends in commercial spaces have undergone major changes within the last few years, which have accelerated even more amid the pandemic. While lobby design of the past aimed to wow visitors with flash, modern lobbies often function more as a hub for tenants. Whether you have a vision in mind for the lobby or you’d like to consult with an interior design team, we’re here to help. Our experienced designers can assist you with every aspect of your project, from selecting modern office lobby furniture to sourcing technology solutions. If you have any questions or are ready to learn more about our process, please contact us. We’d love to speak with you and learn more about your needs so we can create a plan tailored to your goals and budget.
Photo courtesy of Kimball International.
