It’s the true heart of the home, the kitchen. The kitchen has always been the center of dinners and family gatherings. The kitchen is where we talk about our days, discuss future opportunities and events and share warm meals. Now the concept of the kitchen as a gathering place to exchange discussion and team build is taking over the business world.
Kitchens are becoming the center of the office universe. From Los Angeles to Miami, businesses are turning their once dimly lit, water cooler and microwave only kitchens into inviting spaces with comfortable furniture, multi-functional tables and a warm environment. All kinds of businesses are doing it; it’s not just creative firms like advertising and marketing agencies, even law firms are adding decked out kitchens to their offices, as both an incentive to employees and a new way to impress clients (more on that in a minute).
But first, A lot of my clients are asking for ways to update their office kitchens. Here are some important things to remember:
- LIGHTEN UP – Most office kitchens tend to be painted white or gray and have poor lighting. You can upgrade your kitchen in an instant by adding a bright splash of color to the walls. High contrast is key, so if you don’t want to paint every wall lime green, then just add a pop of color to a neutral tone. You may also want to get rid of bright overhead fluorescent lighting. LED lighting is a big trend right now, because it’s not only better for the environment but cost efficient as well. Remember, the kitchen is a place you want your employees to enjoy. Updating the kitchen could result in employees choosing to stay put in an inviting space rather than taking a longer lunch to get away from the awful environment.
- COLLABORATION & CREATIVITY – Bright colored walls and lights can only go so far, you need to have a space that fosters collaboration and creativity. Think about adding a large work table or two if space permits. Here employees would be encouraged to bring their laptops and their lunch. Banquettes and hi-tops or countertops work too. This year, the trend seems to be lacquered white countertops or rich woods and stools or chairs in bright colors. Office managers say larger kitchens make people want to interact, which could result in team building and idea sharing.
- COMFORT IS KEY – A lot of offices tend to stay away from couches, but comfort is key to taking a break. Consider lounge type seating in your kitchen. Lounge style sofas encourage employees to gather together and potentially brainstorm. The trend also includes large screen TVs, stainless steel appliances, an espresso or coffee machine and of course, the water cooler.
- CLIENT CONNECTION – One last added benefit of an over the top kitchen is you may not only impress employees and future talent, but clients as well. Clients want to know they’re dealing with a company they can trust and that is looking out for them. A warm, inviting kitchen environment is believed to invoke a sense of family. As a way to seal the deal with potential clients, you may want to consider adding a presentation area to your kitchen where you can make your final pitch.
Modernizing and livening up your office kitchen doesn’t have to break the bank. Start your kitchen upgrade by adding some color to the walls, then add in the furniture and accessories. If you need help laying out a new design, don’t hesitate to e-mail me. I’ve been in the office furniture business 40 plus years and have seen many trends come and go, but in the name of collaboration, camaraderie, and family, I hope this one sticks around for a while.