A coworking space can be an office area for the employees of one company, a space for a couple who both do some work from home to share, or an area that is meant to be rented by a diverse group of self-employed entrepreneurs.
Coworking spaces for rent serve an ever-growing segment of the small business and service company owners who aren’t large enough to rent office space but need a professional place to work and meet potential customers.
These coworking locations often have individual desk space to rent as well as comfortable seating areas and conference rooms. A company can take inspiration to furnish their office/workspace for its employees.
10 Interior Design Rules For Coworking Spaces
There are interior design rules to guide business owners who have coworking space to rent or want to improve the design of their own employee workspaces. These same rules can also help homeowners who need a family coworking space.
The interior design can make or break a coworking space, and renters of shared working spaces want a space that is flexible, has an adequate workspace, sparks creativity, and is full of motivation. They want to look forward to going to work there.
1. Work out a realistic budget. This will determine what space to rent, how large it can be, and what amenities can be installed. The budget will drive choices in lighting, furniture, and other essentials needed for a productive workplace. Those on a limited budget can consider shopping online, at used office furniture venues, thrift shops, auctions, and with local makers.
2. Think about the envelope of the space getting it right in terms of electrical power, heating and cooling, walls, and security. No spaces with roof leaks or drafts should be considered. Once the envelope is planned, work on creative design or theme for the coworking space. This design inspiration could be a bookstore/cafe atmosphere, working in luxury, a beachy theme, or other inspiration that is conductive to enjoyable working. Keep this design theme within the budget.
3. Install wifi and wired connections. Everyone renting a workspace will need to hook up their computer, printer, and other electronic devices to work and communicate with customers, employees, suppliers, or contractors. Make sure there are lots of electrical outlets.
4. Plan a flexible floorplan that fits the overall space. A smaller space will call for a more open plan and a larger space can have a combination of open area and different sized offices and meeting spaces. Retractible or movable walls allow for flexibility and better meeting of the individual renter or member needs
Another idea is to have a supply of foldable or stackable furniture for changing needs. A person using coworking space might start out renting a desk in the open area and progress to a small private office and then a larger office. A person getting by with that desk might occasionally need a meeting room space.
5. Include plenty of storage space for movable walls, office furniture not being used, cleaning supplies, and other supplies. Offering additional storage for people renting space, such as lockers, is also important.
6. Create a welcoming and roomy feeling. Think about including some lounging space with comfortable furniture for those who need to take a break from their work and relax for a while. Some people will prefer to work on a laptop computer sitting on a sofa or in a comfortable lounge chair.
There might even be a call for a beanbag type seating from distributors such as comfysacks.com. This type of seating is portable, inexpensive, and comfortable.
7. Make a good first impression with the reception or lobby area where the front desk and check-in functions happen. This is an area to go all out with decors like plants, artistic backdrops, and nice lighting.
This space can include designer couches and chairs to make a great first impression. The design theme should begin in the reception area and continue in the coworking space.
8. Use the correct workspace dimensions to avoid crowding. Study the correct spacing of office furniture and traffic flow. Each person paying to work in a coworking space should have adequate room to function comfortably. At the same time, the space owner needs to fit in as many work stations as possible for income.
There need to be about 40 square feet for each desk. Hiring an architect or a commercial interior designer is a good idea for proper space planning.
9. A good lighting plan is also very important. Hanging lights, ceiling lights, track lighting, and task lighting are all important. Choose the best light bulbs for correct light mood and color.
There should also be natural light from large windows, glass walls, or skylights. The lighting chosen should be low maintenance, energy-efficient, and pleasant to work around. The lighting should be subtle but adequate so no one gets eyestrain while working in the coworking space.
10. Don’t forget sound transmission. There needs to be a balance between silence and noise. Noise can be a distraction that hampers productivity and focus. Too much noise will drive away customers who become frustrated. Install amenities that cut down on ambient noise. These could include soundproofed telephone booths, movable partitions, insulated walls, conference rooms, wall and ceiling finishes that absorb sound, and more.
Make Everyone Feel Welcome
In addition to following established design rules, the new coworking spaces should provide a welcoming, comfortable place for people to work. People who use coworking facilities often hope for networking and social possibilities as well as a private workspace so there should be a mix of private and communal areas.
A cafeteria area might be a good addition to a coworking space. A person might like to take a break from work periodically to get a hot cup of coffee or a sandwich.
Coworking spaces are becoming more common as the need for them rises. When there is competition, it is important to be the space more people choose. That is accomplished by providing the best environment at a competitive price. Every aspect of space contributes to customer satisfaction and return clients.
Pleasant wall colors, comfortable furniture, good lighting, roomy desk areas, sound control, and a variety of use areas combine to make the perfect place to rent workspace.
