Green Interior Design - More Than a Trend in Today's Office

Description: Green interior design should be a focal point for all offices today as the business world begins to critically examine its effect on the environment.

When we talk about contemporary office decorating, it's likely that our discussions center on the latest color trends, the hippest furniture, and only the most stylish accessories. After all, businesses must exude a look of professionalism that can only come from contemporary design features. And the harsh reality is that the office that looks like it's stuck in the last decade is likely also earning last decade's profits.

However, as we begin discussing decorating ideas for a new and modern office, we have to root our conversations in the contemporary reality that considers the state of our environment. "Going green" isn't just a trend that offices should adopt to attract clients with a good image. Instead, it's a philosophy that companies need to put at the center of many business decisions. When it comes to office design, putting the environment as the focal point for decision making is a must. But, beyond implementing recycling programs, what can offices really do to go green?

Refurbished Office Furniture: It's inevitable that offices need a facelift every few years to keep a modern and fresh look. However, purchasing new office furniture can not only be costly, but can also pose a huge toll on the environment. The more new furniture we buy, the more old furniture we eventually have to dispose of. Although recycling programs and thrift centers will certainly take old furniture, offices can lessen their waste by refurbishing, and therefore reusing, this furniture. Refurbished furniture can give the office a new look that fits the latest trends and styles.

Sustainable Materials: Because green interior design is a positive trend in today's corporate world, many furniture and design manufacturers are creating new and innovative products that are made from sustainable materials. Offices can find furniture made of nearly 100% recycled core materials that not only reduce waste but also eliminate toxic emissions. However, an office's furniture collection is certainly not the only focus for use of sustainable, recycled materials in the workplace. Offices should consider green building when any renovation plans begin. Major projects such as the installation of recycled hardwood floors to minor projects such as adding bamboo cabinetry can all be met with a green eye.

Energy Efficiency: Critically examining an office's energy use is a smart way to not only cut its carbon footprint, but to simultaneously save money. Small changes such as switching to energy-efficient light bulbs will decrease office energy bills over time. But, of course, there's more that offices can do than just changing light bulbs. When it's time to shop for a new break room refrigerator, consider going with an energy-efficient model. Similarly, talk to all employees about the often overuse of common office appliances such as the printer (does that email really have to be printed?).

Green Design Agencies: If going green in the workplace feels a bit overwhelming, take a deep breath and relax. Certainly, there is a lot to know when it comes to green interior design, but there are also professionals who make this subject their career. For a number of reasons, offices should leave remodeling or new design projects to the professionals. And, in today's contemporary office, professional design agencies should have some green experience on their resumes. The very first planning meeting that an office has with its green interior design agency should establish the overall environmental principles that a company wants to implement. To accomplish these goals, a design company will help determine just how a company needs to change its existing behavior to conform to its contemporary image.

The failure to go green in today's business world can be compared to the inability to begin using email in the office years ago. In only a few short years, those companies that neglect to critically examine their environmental impact will be left in the dust as green businesses quickly jump into the lead of the business world.