Last week’s post about office space planning and utilization concluded with a sentiment that we think is worth repeating to kick off the topic for this week:

Don’t forget, for you and your staff [moving office locations] should be a time of potential and possibility and renewal. Moving locations is often a sign of growth, expansion, success, and new opportunities for the organization. Enjoy it. Lean into it.

With this in mind, we’re shifting our attention to really a corresponding, but far too often overlooked, component of planning your organization’s physical relocation. We’re talking about taking advantage of a unique opportunity to capitalize on the excitement and momentum that a new space can generate for your brand. With a little bit of thoughtful consideration in advance of the physical move to the question: what kind of environment are you looking to create?, not only can you have a new office space that is laid out in a manner which maximizes productivity and collaboration, but one that is a true extension of your visual identity that tells a compelling and maturing story.

What’s most important to remember here is that the process for really infusing the space with your brand identity needs to take place simultaneously with the concepting and configuration planning we talked about previously. In short, how you use your space and what that space conveys are complementary considerations that play off of one another. We all know you won’t revisit how to effectively brand your space, not fully or completely, once you move in. It just never happens that way. You have one very short window where you are starting with an empty workspace, photo-less walls, and no boxes at your feet. It’s a blank slate and you are already in the mindset of creating an office that you and your staff appreciate coming to work in each and every day. We can’t reiterate enough: maintain that momentum, take it that few extra steps further and use that energy creatively. There are a multitude of ways to enhance the vibrancy and narrative of your organization’s vision for everyone who walks through the doors to see and feel.

Here are a few elements we have found that work well, are cost-effective, and pack a visual punch:

Wall Paint

Painting the walls of your new office is one of the quickest ways to infuse elements of your brand into your space. Most paint stores have the ability to scan your brand’s Pantone color swatch to derive the correct paint color. If you don’t happen to have a Pantone color swatch, take your business card into a store that sells Benjamin Moore paint and choose a color from their thousands of options that closely matches your brand color. When applying designate a few high impact accent walls to receive full color, while using a mix of 10% color 90% white for the remaining walls so that the office feels cohesive, but not overwhelming. You could even tape off sections of the wall to create interesting graphic shapes all for the cost of a gallon of paint.

Eye-catching paint application at the Avison Young Offices

Signage

I’m sure you know it’s a good idea to put a sign on the front of your office doors so guests know they’ve arrived at the right place, and signs on your meeting and conference rooms so employees can find their way around, but have you considered using them as a design element? The cost of getting some cut vinyl decals is surprisingly low for the amount of impact they can have on a space. Plus, it’s easy enough for you to install yourself (or with a friend if it’s large) in just a few moments. The signs don’t have to be overly complex, but just a nice layout in your brand’s typeface can add something special to your space.

Bold typographic signage at The Food Bag’s offices

Wall Graphics

Nothing makes an impact in your space like a few key wall graphics, and with the ability to print custom removable wallpaper, posters, and decals easier and cheaper than ever before there’s really no reason why you shouldn’t have something amazing in your space. I like to put large scare murals and photos in places like the reception area, primary conference room, and employee dining area to greet guests and inspire your team on a daily basis.

Photo wallpaper at the entrance of English Heritage

Vinyl decal mural inspires employees at Appboy

In other areas of your office you can put a meaningful quote or, perhaps, the mission and values of your organization. Don’t underestimate the ability of a meaningful quote, nicely designed, in the right space to leave a lasting positive impression.

Quote on the wall of the dining area of Teach for America’s San Francisco offices

Moving quote on the wall at Compassion’s headquarters

Accessories

Once you have applied some new paint and installed a few engaging graphics, it’s time to consider the finishing touches. Accessories are a great way to bring in secondary colors from your brand palette, patterns and textures, and general visual interest. The easiest and most economical way to do that is through throw pillows, upholstery, desk lamps, book shelves and carpeting. Even just a few considered elements that match your brand will go a long way. See what you can find at Ikea or Target. It doesn’t have to come from a specialty office retailer to bring your space to life.

Shelving and textiles at Teach for America

At the end of the day, don’t let the fear of cost get in the way of creating a great space for your team and yourself. You spend the majority of your life at your workplace, make it a place you are proud of and others will be proud of, too.

If you need a a little help getting started, that’s what we’re here for. Let’s talk.

The Space | Installment #4: Branding Your Environment

Wall Paint

Signage

Medley