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Benjamin Moore recently announced what the 2016 color of the year will be, and we’re excited about the versatility of this choice for the upcoming year! The 2016 color of the year is Simply White, and there is so much you can do with this color in an office setting. Contrary to popular belief, white does not have to be boring or stale. Here are some of the ways you can incorporate Simply White into your office for maximum effect.

decorating with simply white

Simply white conference rooms. Rather than sticking with a traditional wood meeting room table with plain black chairs, make a bold statement when you opt for a white conference table. The great thing about white is that it can go with any color, so feel free to make bold choices when it comes to the conference chairs and accent furniture you select.

 
decorating with simply white

Simply white workstations. White desks and chairs will not only look great themselves, but they can actually help make your entire office appear larger. If you really want to make a room look big, try out a white-on-white look by incorporating white furniture, walls and décor. Unsure about being able to keep white upholstery clean? Try a chair with a white frame instead!

 
decorating with simply white

Simply white waiting rooms. If you’re looking to up the style in your reception area, try incorporating white seating into the space. This will help leave a positive first impression on guests, especially when you use small pops of color here and there for contrast.

 
decorating with simply white

Simply white libraries. Your books and décor don’t have to be the only good looking things in your office! Show off your stuff in style with some gorgeous white bookshelves. Sleek, simple shelving will show off all of your office décor in just the right way, providing a striking look without overwhelming the eye.

 
decorating with simply white

Simply white breakrooms. Not only will white furniture in your lunchroom look great, but it will also help ensure that the space is kept as clean as can be. Whereas dirt can be hidden by darker colored furniture, white will show all your crumbs and spills, so you’ll really know if your breakroom furniture is truly clean when it’s white!

More From NBF

How to Decorate with Traditional Décor & Office Furniture

Whether you’re working in a lawyer’s office or just love the rich look of classically styled furniture, traditional offices are a sight to behold and easy to achieve in most workspaces. Take our tips for bringing this high-class style into your office.

Think Warm and Welcoming

Traditional office furniture is typically made from wood in a warm brown color. When it comes to the shade of brown, you’ll have a lot to choose from, including cherry, mahogany, walnut, and dozens more. Just be sure the finished product has a warm look—neutral shades of black, white, and gray won’t give off quite as much of a traditional feel.

Choose Furniture With Elegant Details

Of course, modern or contemporary styles can also feature warm wood tones. The difference is in the details. Traditional office furniture features lavish finishing touches such as picture frame drawer fronts, bun feet, pilasters, parquet panels, and more. You may not find all of these details on a single desk, but at least one traditional element should be present to give off the right look.

Add Luxurious Leather

Traditional office chairs generally feature a wood frame and leather upholstery. This elegant combination creates a regal and refined appearance that complements the case goods in the office. Nailhead trim, button tufting, and scrollwork details are also common in this type of seating.

Get the Look for Less

Traditional furniture doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. If you want to get the look for less, go for furniture made of laminate instead of real wood or veneer, and stick with a faux leather chair instead of genuine leather. This will help you create the same look for a fraction of the cost.

 

How to Decorate with Modern Office Furniture & Décor

Modern office design has a signature look that’s simple and clean. With a focus on minimal silhouettes and bold décor, it’s no wonder this style is the go-to choice for most corporate offices and startup businesses today. Here’s how to deck out your workspace in this luxurious yet understated style.

Keep it Simple

If you’re going for a modern look in your office, it’s best to keep things simple. Although furniture that incorporates the latest technology, such as adjustable height mechanisms, is certainly a step in the right direction, be careful to steer clear of overly ornate design elements such as picture frame drawer fronts or bun feet. These features lean more toward contemporary or traditional. A truly modern piece will include straight lines for a sleek, sophisticated look without overcomplicated design elements.

Think Minimal

Don’t overstuff your office with tons of furniture and accessories. A modern workspace should have an open and airy look. Although this is primarily accomplished via simply designed furniture, an uncluttered work life enhances the look. Keep paperwork filed away, leave walkways unobstructed, and be careful not to fill your walls with too much stuff.

Choose Cool Colors

While warm wood tones are a staple of traditional interiors, cool and neutral shades represent modern design. Gray, black, and white are ideal for wall and furniture palettes because they can be paired with nearly any décor when you want to add a pop of color to the mix. Going with white or light gray for most of your office will also make the space appear lighter and larger.

Add Statement Décor

Whether on the walls or your desk, modern décor should make a bold statement. Choose large wall art that immediately captures attention, or go with metallic lamps and sculptures that stand out against your otherwise neutral workspace. Pops of color are also great additions to your office furniture. Just use them sparingly and don’t overdo it.

Mid Century Modern Decorating for a Mad Men Inspired Office

So, you want a mid-century modern office reminiscent of Don Draper’s private workspace. We don’t blame you! The popularity of this style has grown in leaps and bounds in recent years due to the rise of the hit TV show Mad Men. Also, what once was old always becomes new again at some point or another. If you’re interested in getting this look for your office, read on to find out how to do it.

Furniture Reminiscent of the 1950s and ‘60s

When choosing office furniture in your workspace, go for something that looks retro but sophisticated. Think solid wood desks, chairs with angled legs, and furnishings with funky silhouettes. Many mid-century-inspired pieces that are manufactured today blend 1960s style with modern aesthetics. For example, desks with angled wood legs but a white high-gloss top are commonly found in modern-day mid-century workspaces.

Wall Art That Makes a Statement

More is more when it comes to wall art! Go for loud and in-your-face pieces with bright colors and bold patterns that shout at you from across the room. Mid-century modern décor is all about beauty blended with a ton of fun, and the best way to add that fun is via the accent pieces in the room.

Clocks That Tell More Than the Time

Mid-century style takes pieces that are meant to serve a functional purpose and turns them into works of art. A clock is much more than a clock when you add solid wood sunburst panels and funky face numbers. Clocks in this style are often the centerpieces of the room, taking a place of pride above a fireplace or, in the case of an office, above the desk.

Area Rugs and Throw Pillows That Excite

Bring on the bold! Area rugs and throw pillows are inexpensive mid-century additions that can drastically improve the look of the office. A mid-century modern rug should feature bright and bold colors in a visually interesting pattern. 

Whether you’re decking out your entire office or just adding a few pieces to make the space pop, mid-century modern decorating will help create a space you can truly be proud to work in.

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Nicole Groshek

Nicole Groshek is the social media and content coordinator for National Business Furniture. She helps employees discover the true joy in loving what they do, from working in an inspiring office to having a little fun on the job.