Taylor Kathryn Design: {Trend Watch: Corporate Office Decor}

Recently, a job opportunity to design a corporate office for an engineering firm in a converted factory space (think exposed brick) came to my attention. It really got me thinking about corporate design, a once neglected sector of interior design that is now gaining more attention than ever and becoming a highly valued part of business.

With many employees putting in 60plus hour work weeks, the space they spend almost half of their 168 hour week calls for some aesthetics. I am a firm believer that surrounding yourself with visually appealing, clean, organized home decor lifts your spirit, improves your attitude and in turn your daily actions; ultimately elevating your quality of life.

The rules are no different for the workplace. Going to work in an well-designed office that fosters community, collaboration and innovation improves one's attitude. The New York Times recently ran an article on "Why You Hate Work." I imagine you can come up with a few of your own reasons and their list is long but the antidote remains the same for everyone: 90 minute breaks in the workday will improve your attitude about work. So, having a place that supports those breaks within work becomes crucial. You will see below that Facebook mastered creating this space with the area they set aside for games and a DJ booth.

What's driving corporate interior design is the demand for a space that supports the corporate culture of each unique business. In companies where collaboration is highly valued, an open design becomes an asset on a day to day basis. When the design of the workspace is in line with the company values employees are more

productive & effective.

Instead of dark offices with wall to wall cubicles, emerging companies want a more open and vibrant design.

Thoughtful, inspiring and functional decor is now the name of the game in corporate design.

Facebook has long been a leader in the creative design of the corporate office.

Here are some examples:

Facebook's New York HQ features at "Proceed And Be Bold" sign at the entrance. The letters are painted inside the elevators in case they are open so the message is always readable. An inspiring start!

Guest are encouraged to sign the giant wall. A design element that reflects and plays on the company's function such as this transforms the office from sterile to personal.