Bringing some plants into an office is all perfectly fine but the full benefits of interior landscaping are only enjoyed when plants work in unison with a number of other design aspects. After all, there is more to decorating a living room than the choice of wallpaper.
In fact, the overall impact of a well designed modern office comes from the mesh of furniture, color scheme, use of light, aroma and use of art work, as well as the choice of plants. Experienced commercial interior designers address office space from these different angles to form an overall design concept. It is not just a matter of filling the interior space of an office, but also making use of the peripheral space and even the air within the office.
While office plants are a key element, some of the additional aspects used in creating the overall effect include the choice of art hanging on the walls, the use of flowers and floral arrangements, and even the use of scent in the air. The influence that each specific aspect has on office workers and visiting clients can be hugely beneficial.
Floral Impact
There is a vast range of flowers that can be added to an otherwise largely green selection of potted plants to provide a splash of color. Many have just a subtle flower, such as the varied colored hearts of the different species of Bromeliad, or the tropical Arthurium Lady Jane with its delicate long stalked pink flowers. Even the orchid, in its array of vibrant colors, can be an effective feature of office decor.
Exactly which flowers are chosen, and indeed the arrangement of combined varieties is dependent on the overall effect sought after by the designer, as well as the desired image that the company itself is after. For example, the offices of a graphic design company may prefer to give a more artistically creative impression, which can be provided by a delicately arranged display of orchids.
Scent
Scent, or aroma, is known to have a significant effect in business and marketing. Think of the real estate industry, for example, when agents advise home owners selling their property to make fresh coffee or bake cookies a few hours before a prospective buyer visits. This is because both have aromas that create a greater sense of home, a sense that can spark a subconscious childhood memory and thereby build a positive association with the property.
The advantage of such a marketing method is equally useful in other industries, and can play no small role in enhancing office interior designs. Because our sense of smell triggers memories, it is an emotive sense that can establish strong emotional links almost immediately. So, the right scent can create a happy environment, which in turn can improve communication, teamwork and overall productivity.
Works of Art Art encompasses quite a wide range of styles, from landscape to abstract. What particular type of art is used as part of a design depends greatly on the company itself and what image they wish to project. Canvas art, for example, has a traditional quality, especially if the pictures feature floral, coastal or landscape themes. This style can serve to make office workers feel a little more at home, or project to clients a homely quality, which may be suitable for a real estate agency.
But the list of possible art work is almost endless, with branding art manipulating brand names artistically, rare art exuding a classical quality, and eco friendly art reflecting the fresh, modern and environmentally responsible values of a company. Local art, meanwhile, can underline a community focus.
One of the most popular art forms used by contemporary interior designers is custom photography. Its advantage is that the photographs adorning the company walls carry a desired theme that matches the corporate image. For example, a toy company could have photographs of smiling children enjoying their products, images that state the company brings joy to children. There is no doubting the effect that office plants can have on the work place. Plants can bring an understated beauty, improve air quality by removing toxins and releasing fresh oxygen, and brighten the working day for office personnel.
But the art of interior landscaping uses much more to ensure the best possible office experience is achieved, and with it greater productivity and job satisfaction.