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After the Second World War, designers and architects sought to create ideas that echoed the environment and technology invented at that time. These ideas starkly contrasted the hard times and focused on what people needed to raise a family and look forward to a brighter future. In addition, these ideas gave birth to designs that hailed function above aesthetics, settling on clean lines and furniture pieces with unique legs. Today, mid-century aesthetic style is finding its way into commercial space furniture, producing eye-catching designs that make a business environment warm and welcoming.

Here are the best commercial space furniture options that you can use for your office.

1. Teak Wood

Teak is a close-grained hardwood from South Asia. The original color is gold with a smooth texture. Because it’s high in natural oils, it’s naturally water resistant and stays longer than most wood types.

You’ll also find rosewood, another durable hardwood with a rich color array featuring brownish hues and dark veining. It spots attractive wood grain, polishes excellently and can achieve a high sheen.

Alternatively, designers will go for oak wood. It spots most of the features in teak and rosewood: close-grained and can achieve a high sheen.

2. Clean Lines

The all-time furniture icon, the Eames chair, is an excellent depiction of the shapes that rule in mid-century design. Moreover, you’ll find curved and almost round sofas and geometric shapes that promote clean and sleek angles.

For shelving, modular wall units and shelving systems work great at imitating how mid-century folks created shelving.

These shapes are ideal for providing snug comfort in an office and forgoing the stiff furniture that makes office spaces feel cold, corporate, and impersonal.

3. Peg Legs

Peg legs in the mid-century era were utterly utilitarian. However, we have to admit they are a great swap to the typical round, square or rectangular legs.

In addition, you can have them on any piece of office furniture –from desks that look like plain wooden boards propped on peg legs to seats with soft round corners and cushions, and waiting room and boardroom tables with crisscrossed peg legs.

Peg legs also make it easier to have functional, fluid and slim furniture pieces that make the office look roomier.

4. Vibrant Colors

The overlapping minimalist theme doesn’t negate the use of loud colors, especially those that dominated the 1950s to earthy colors in the 1960s.

Use bold accent colors such as burnt orange, mustard yellow, teal, olive, rust, pops of fire engine red, etc. You can also match two colors: brass and blue, pink and teal, and green and beige.

Because these colors stick out, you can tone them down with timeless neutrals such as pale pink, gray, and soft browns.

Moreover, the other way to make these colors work is to choose how to use them in different places. The reception area could do with a colorful display of seats toned down by the table or reception desk.

For tiny office spaces, a roll-top secretary desk can work as a shelf, and you can skirt the seat to warm up the reception area.

5. Organic Influences

The heart of organic influences is staying connected to nature. It emphasizes the use of fluid lines and natural materials. Mid-century people highly esteemed nature and brought nuances of it into their homes through plants, natural materials, and light.

Except for having furniture largely made of hardwood, the use of other natural materials such as jute, stone, bamboo, clay, and linen provides an earthy feel. Hence, you’d do well to stick to simple silhouettes and pared-down furnishings. Next, introduce organic shapes with soft curved lines to invoke more interest.

To let in lots of light, go for window types that help you mimic this style in your commercial space. The first is floor-to-ceiling windows. These interrupt a series of walls to immerse a room with light.

Also, you can choose sliding windows. These only have frames on the four sides of the window, leaving the middle glass uninterrupted for a maximum flow of light.

Lastly, is the picture window. Picture windows don’t offer much in aeration since you can’t open them, but they let in large amounts of light, especially if situated at a location with a great view outside.

6. Layering with Accessories

Because simple largely wooden furnishings accessorizing is vital for livening up the place and making it look lived in.

Small throw pillows in some sections -waiting bays and reception -next to a wall with abstract art, or crystals and stones.

Also, you can go for a large sculptural piece standing over a cluster of smaller items. It’s sure to invoke lots of interest.

The rule of thumb is to always have fewer, slimmer furniture so that the room looks spacious and airy and the accessories become hard-to-miss drawcards.

7. Open Shelving

There are two options here: floating shelves or standing shelves with peg legs. Whichever you choose, the idea is to create dynamism, variety, and visual breaks.

If you’d rather have floating shelves, floating trapezoids with multi-tiered units attached to the wall beautify the plainest walls. It’s even better if they come in a teak or oak finish.

Remember to create interest with how you arrange books. The best way is to alternate between stacked and lined, large and small, or filled and sparse. These variations draw the eye but also give them a break as they move through the shelves.

More importantly, you keep the shelve from looking heavy and uninteresting to a beautifully designed convenience for organizing your business space.

Final Thoughts

Choosing pieces with a low profile is safest when looking for mid-century commercial space furniture. Tapered legs and lower backs are a good place to start.

Also, look for curves but with clean lines. Lighting fixtures like lamps or other metal finds tied to the period will help you tie the decor together.

Worried that you’ll never get it right? Acacia Originals can help you incorporate the mid-century allure into your commercial space to make it stand out. We are custom millwork and furniture experts, with years of experience and a long list of happy clients. Contact us to get the design want.

As a commercial architect or designer, you understand the importance of information security for your clients’ offices. But did you know that custom millwork and furnishings can play a surprisingly significant role in protecting sensitive documents and personally identifiable information (PII)?

At Acacia Originals, we specialize in crafting unique, custom millwork designs that not only elevate the aesthetic of commercial spaces but also improve their functionality and security.

In fact, here are just a few ways that our custom furnishings can enhance information security in your clients’ offices:

Breaking Up Sight Lines

By strategically placing furniture to block sight lines to desktops and work areas, we can limit the visibility of sensitive information to visitors and employees who don’t need to see it.

Secured Bookcases and Shelves

We can create bookcases as well as shelving units with lockable doors or drawers. This ensures that only authorized individuals have access to sensitive documents and PII.

Convenient Drawers

By designing furniture with built-in drawers and compartments, we encourage employees to store documents and PII properly. This reduces the likelihood of sensitive information being left out in the open and left unsecured.

Custom Sizing

Our team can create furniture that’s the perfect size for documents and folders. We can help maximize storage space while minimizing the risk of papers left unattended on desks or other surfaces.

At Acacia Originals, we understand the critical role that furnishings and millwork can play in a space’s overall security. That’s why we work closely with architects and designers to create pieces that look beautiful and serve a practical purpose.

Interested in learning more about how custom millwork can enhance information security in your clients’ offices? Schedule a call with me, Will Fuller, founder of Acacia Originals. Together, we can create beautiful and secure commercial spaces that exceed your clients’ expectations!

Designing and implementing millwork in an office can enhance the aesthetic appeal and functionality of the space. Millwork, such as molding, cabinets, and built-in furniture, can be the perfect decorative wooden elements your office is missing to give it the right feel.

When designing and choosing millwork for an office, several factors need to be considered, including the size and layout of the space, the intended use, and the style and design aesthetic of the office.

This checklist guides you through every step of designing and implementing millwork in your office.

1. Determine the Purpose of the Millwork

Determining the purpose of millwork in an office space is a crucial step in creating a functional and aesthetically pleasing environment. In an earlier post, we outlined the differences between millwork and casework, which you can read here.

To quickly recap that post, millwork refers to the decorative wooden elements of a space, including moldings, cabinets, and built-in furniture. The purpose of millwork in an office can vary from adding storage to the space, improving the look and feel of the office, or creating a specific ambiance.

Millwork can be influenced not only by the space and feel of an office but also by the industry or type of business it is intended for. For example, a law firm may want millwork that is elegant and professional, while a tech startup may want millwork that is modern and innovative. Ultimately, you should determine the purpose of the millwork based on the needs and goals of the business and the people who use the space.

2. Measure the Office Space

Measure the space accurately so the millwork fits perfectly and does not obstruct movement in the room. Accurately measuring the office space ensures the millwork is functional and enhances the appeal of the space.

When measuring, ensure you take note of any electrical outlets, windows, and other fixtures that may affect the placement of the millwork. Creating a floor sketch of the office can be a good idea to help you visualize the final product and make any necessary adjustments before implementation.

3. Consider Style and Aesthetics

Choose the style and aesthetic that aligns with the overall look and feel of the office. Consider factors such as color, texture, and materials.

In this step, it’s important to consider the existing style and aesthetic of the office when choosing millwork. For example, if the office has a modern and minimalist look, you may want to choose millwork that is simple and sleek. If the office has a traditional look, you may consider designing and implementing millwork that is ornate and elegant.

4. Choose the Right Materials

Choose high-quality materials that are durable, aesthetically pleasing, and match the style and aesthetic of the office. Some popular materials for millwork include solid hardwoods, engineered wood products, and MDF (medium-density fiberboard).

Consider factors such as durability, stability, and the look and feel of the material before choosing your millwork. Hardwoods, such as oak and maple, are popular for their durability and stability but may be more expensive. Engineered wood products, such as plywood and particleboard, are more affordable, but may not be as durable.

Also, keep in mind the environment in which the millwork will be installed. If the office is located in a high-humidity area, you may want to choose materials that are moisture-resistant to prevent warping and cracking.

5. Install the Millwork

Installing millwork in an office requires careful planning, preparation, and attention to detail. It’s important to follow the detailed plan for the millwork design to ensure the millwork is level and stable. This may involve cutting and shaping the millwork to fit the specific size and shape of the office during installation.

Before installing millwork, it’s important to inspect the piece for proper sealing and finishing to protect the materials and enhance their appearance. With the right care and attention to detail, you can ensure that the decorative wooden elements are functional, durable, and aesthetically pleasing.

6. Hire a Professional

Hiring a professional to design and implement millwork in an office can greatly enhance the look and feel of the space and provide a high-quality, functional product.

A professional millwork company has the expertise and experience to create a detailed plan for the millwork, choose the right materials for the space, and accurately measure and install the millwork in your office. They will also be able to work within the constraints of the space to ensure that the millwork is functional, durable, and aesthetically pleasing.

Hiring an expert team of millwork artisans, like the ones at Acacia, ensures you have a skilled team walking you through this checklist. From conceptualizing the millwork in your office, to perfect installation, hiring the right partner is essential for designing and implementing millwork for your office.

At Acacia, we’re experts in integrated millwork and custom furnishings that fit your budget and design plan. Contact us to learn more about partnering with our expert team of artisans to create and install the perfect custom millwork piece in your office.

Re-designing your office can be an exciting and rewarding process, but it’s important to approach it with a budget in mind to ensure that you stay on track financially. Whether you’re working with a small budget or a large one, it’s crucial to create a budget and stick to it as closely as possible.

A budget will help ensure you don’t overspend and can help guide your tough design decisions. Getting clear on your office re-design budget allows you to start setting design priorities and finding the professional expertise needed to execute an expertly crafted office re-design.

Here are some tips for budgeting for your office re-design:

1. Determine Your Budget

The first step in budgeting for your office re-design is to determine how much money you have available to spend. This will help you set realistic expectations for what you can achieve with your redesign and will help you prioritize your spending.

While it may be difficult to land on a hard number at the beginning of your re-design process, keep in mind that your budget may need to be flexible until you have more concrete design and vendor information.

2. Make a List of Priorities

Once you have an idea of your budget, make a list of your priorities for the redesign. This could include new furniture, lighting, paint, flooring, or any other improvements you want to make. Consider what is most important to your business and its success, and allocate your budget accordingly.

For example, if your team is constantly struggling with poor lighting or uncomfortable chairs, those might be areas to prioritize. Prioritizing your spending will help you allocate your budget effectively.

Check out our recent article for the seven things to consider for your workplace design floor plan. We outline the key considerations needed to design the perfect office design.

3. Research Costs

Before you start making any purchases, it’s important to research the costs of the items on your list. Look at various retailers, including custom furnishing experts, and compare prices to ensure you’re getting the best deal and quality. This will help determine how much you can afford to spend on each item and will allow you to make informed decisions about your budget.

Additionally, it may be wise to consider not just upfront costs, but also the long-term costs of any purchases. For example, investing in energy-efficient lighting or custom furnishings that stand the test of time, may have a higher upfront cost, but they can save you money on energy bills and maintenance in the long run.

4. Get Quotes From Different Vendors

Re-designing an office requires the effort of many different vendors. You must get quotes from multiple companies to keep you on track with your re-design budget. This will help you get a sense of the going rate for the work you need to do and can help you make an informed decision about which vendors best suit your needs.

At Acacia, we make working with us easy. Simply fill out this form for a custom quote. Our team will reach out to you right away with all the information you need to decide if partnering with us for your custom furnishings is right for you.

5. Remain Flexible

As you work through the redesign process, it’s important to be flexible and willing to make adjustments to your budget as needed. While keeping track of all your receipts and invoices and regularly reviewing your budget keeps you organized and on track, it’s important to leave room for the unexpected.

If you encounter unforeseen costs or if your priorities change, you may find that you need to reallocate your budget to ensure you’re able to complete the project as planned.

6. Plan for Unexpected Costs

It’s important to anticipate and budget for unexpected costs when planning your office re-design. Things don’t always go to plan, and it’s important to have a cushion in case you encounter any unexpected costs or delays. These could include unforeseen repairs or changes to your original plans. Set aside a portion of your budget for these unexpected expenses to ensure you don’t go over budget.

7. Don’t Skimp On Quality

While it’s important to stay within your budget, it’s also important to remember that quality should not be sacrificed for the sake of saving money. Investing in high-quality products and materials will likely pay off in the long run, as they will be more durable and may require less maintenance.

If you need help navigating the world of different office furniture and design companies, read our guide. Finding high-quality office furniture and designs is a critical component of your office re-design process, but we make it easy to find a high-caliber company to help bring y our design to life.

8. Seek Professional Assistance

If you’re having trouble budgeting for your office re-design or if you’re not sure where to start, consider seeking the assistance of a professional. An office planner or similar professional can help you create a budget and a plan for your office re-design, and can provide valuable guidance and advice throughout the process.

By following these tips, you can create a budget for your office re-design that allows you to make the improvements you want while staying within your financial means. Remember to be realistic and flexible, and to always keep your priorities in mind as you plan and execute your office re-design.

If you need expert advice on how to budget for a custom office re-design, reach out to our expert team today. We can guide you through the custom furnishing process and explain why going custom with your office re-design gives you the largest return on investment while remaining within your budget.

If you’re a budding A&D professional, you may not be familiar with the nuanced differences between millwork and casework. Though you’ve likely encountered both wood-based architectural elements in your job, understanding the differences between millwork and casework hugely impacts your design’s overall budget.

This post walks you through a general overview of both millwork and casework and then outlines the four key differences between the two products. Keep reading to learn more about the differences between these two woodworking elements to better inform yourself and future clients.

What is Millwork?

Millwork is a type of building material made in a factory or mill (as its name implies). Most interior woodwork projects involve some type of millwork, usually decorative in nature. Often, millwork is customized to a client’s preference and fitted to specific dimensions.

You’re most likely familiar with these common millwork products:

Doors
Panels
Crown moldings
Trim

As you can see, millwork is critical to any design. While you can get semi-manufactured millwork, you should be familiar with the nuances of customizing millwork, as many design clients want bespoke pieces that fit a general aesthetic.

What is Casework?

Like millwork, casework is an essential woodworking product in the woodworking and design industry. You will hear several common wood products included in the term casework, including:

Storage Cabinetry (most often built-in)
Kitchen cabinets, islands, and drawers
Bookcases

While casework can be a type of millwork, millwork is never considered casework. You can find casework pre-fabricated in big-box home improvement stores and smaller building production businesses. Most often, companies build casework from a template for shoppers needing ready-to-use materials.

Depending on your design, casework can be a great way to cut costs while still delivering a pleasing design for your clients.

4 Key Differences Between Millwork & Casework

By reading through the general overview of millwork and casework, you’re likely starting to identify the differences between the two woodworking building materials. Even though both elements are produced in a factory or mill, the differences between millwork and casework get more nuanced.

From customization to installation techniques, there are four key differences between millwork and casework you should know.

Customization Process

The customization process is the most significant difference you will find between millwork and casework. Casework is produced in a mass-production factory with template-based production techniques. By manufacturing wholesale products, casework is considered modular and ready-made for the general shopper to install immediately with little, if any, customization. The best example of casework is ready-to-build Ikea products – mass-produced and easily installed.

In contrast, millwork is produced through a highly customized production process. Based on a specific design vision and unique dimensions, millwork artisans collaborate with designers to create bespoke pieces for a particular room or design element.

To reiterate a point we made earlier: casework can be considered millwork, but you must never conflate millwork as casework due to the highly customized nature of its production.

Price Difference

As you may have already deduced, there are significant differences in the pricing of casework and millwork. As casework is almost always mass-produced within a set of measurements, you will find buying casework can help you save money on your design budget. Be aware: while buying casework may save you money, you may spend more trying to get the pieces to work with your overall design.

Conversely, you should expect to pay a higher price for millwork. Not only is millwork highly customized, but it also has a more arduous labor process. A good millwork company will work with you and your design team to expertly install the woodworking elements onsite. It’s important to consider the extra labor in your budget.

Complexity

High customization comes with a higher production complexity. Millwork is distinct from casework in that most designs are complex. If you decide to integrate millwork into your design, be prepared to work hand in hand with a millwork company on precise design drawings.

You and the millwork company should review each drawing carefully for accurate measurements and dimensions to ensure every piece of millwork is perfect for the space. In some cases, casework may also require detailed drawings, especially to meet certain woodworking standards.

Installation

The final key difference between casework and millwork is the installation process. Because casework is mass-produced with standard measurements for each product, installation is relatively straightforward. While you may struggle to make the pieces fit your unique layout, you likely won’t need a professional installation team to get the piece perfectly installed in your space.

On the other hand, installation time and process are widely different for millwork. Due to its specific measurements, millwork needs to be professionally installed. Additionally, millwork pieces should be fitted onsite by said professionals. Because of the custom nature of the millwork, be ready to extend the time you’ve allotted for installation.

Need help designing your bespoke millwork pieces for your next design? Our integrated millwork solutions are the perfect balance between design and purpose. Contact us today for a free quote and design advice.

As an experienced A&D professional, you’re no stranger to juggling a client’s budget with their design expectations. For decades we’ve worked with professional designers and architects on an extensive list of custom furniture and millwork. Often, our partners underestimate how much custom millwork will cost to install into their overall design.

Millwork is a reliable way to pack a punch in any design. Nevertheless, there are several factors many people do not consider before adding millwork to their design plans. Having a serious conversation with your clients about the millwork budget, adding millwork on large-scale design elements, and collaborating with the millwork company to ensure dimensions and design are perfect, are just a few of the key considerations to keep in mind to bring millwork in within budget.

This post walks you through four steps you need to take to incorporate millwork into your design without blowing your client’s budget.

Set Realistic Expectations With Clients

Millwork is an excellent way to enhance the overall aesthetic of a design while ensuring every element comes together perfectly. That’s why many clients want to incorporate some level of millwork into their design. However, custom millwork can be a costly addition to any design.

The first step in bringing millwork in on budget is to ensure you have a conversation with your clients about realistic expectations. While the highly customized nature of millwork is great for architects and designers who want to control the end result of a project, permanent millwork is more costly than other semi-permanent or moveable design elements.

Ensure your client understands the cost of implementing millwork in the overall design.

Include Millwork For A Big Impact

One way to ensure your millwork comes in on budget is to install customized millwork in spaces where it can make a big impact. For example, installing custom wall paneling in a corporate reception area can elevate a space and tie together other custom features such as doors, and stonework.

Custom millwork is an excellent way to elevate a design, but adding millwork to every element of a commercial space might come in over budget. That’s why we recommend adding beautiful millwork to common areas. Coupling wholesale pieces with more ornamental custom millwork makes for noteworthy statement spaces that keep your clients happy while coming in at budget.

Consider the following custom millwork to elevate your design, meet your budget, and make your clients happy:

Custom wall panels
Raised panel doors
Feature-rich displays
Ornamental casings
Statement frames

See these custom millwork examples come to life in our featured partnerships.

Partner With An Expert Custom Millwork Design Company

With over 4.5 decades of experience in the custom millwork industry, we know the only way to bring in millwork on budget is to partner with the pros. Hundreds of millwork projects have taught us that we can bring any design to life. However, not every millwork design will fit your client’s budget.

That’s why we encourage A&D experts to partner with millwork artisans to determine budget restrictions and design expectations. There are many ways we can incorporate custom millwork into a design, but making sure those designs work with a set budget is critical.

For example, if we determine your budget will not accommodate your initial millwork design, our team of expert designers and artisans will work with you on creating a design that works. Incorporating large-scale millwork may seem like a budget-breaker, but you may be surprised to learn that small millwork might be more expensive.

When you’re ready to discuss your millwork preferences, we’re here to help you express your unique design.

Meticulously Review Millwork Design Mockups

Once you work with a custom millwork company like Acacia, you must carefully review all design mockups. While millwork is an essential component of any beautifully designed space, it is also a highly customized element.

Once designed, there is no way to reconfigure millwork. If you don’t carefully review the designs the custom millwork company provides, you may need to have the pieces remade, which will inevitably blow your budget.

Before signing off on your millwork design, make sure you review the following:

Measurements are correct
Wood type and color are accurate for all pieces
Quantities are accurate
Any hardware for specific millwork (e.g., doors and wall panels)

It’s no secret that custom millwork is expensive. However, custom millwork is a design element that can bring your statement to life. The advantages of including custom millwork in your design are vast, making it an excellent choice for A&D professionals looking to elevate their designs.

Now that you know the four ways to include custom millwork in your design within budget, the options are endless. If you’re looking for the perfect partnership to bring your custom millwork designs to life, or simply need a second pair of eyes, contact Acacia now. We’ll make sure your custom millwork design comes in on budget.

The world of office furniture companies is vast. As an A&D professional, you know how difficult it can be to navigate the world of office furniture companies when you don’t know where to start.

Finding the right furniture manufacturing team to partner with is a critical component of any design process, but you should consider other aspects of the office furniture world.

This post helps you understand important process points you should take into account before choosing office furniture, how to find the right office furniture company to help bring your design to life and an overview of what you can expect from the office furniture design and purchasing process.

Considerations Before Selecting Office Furniture

As an expert A&D professional, you know there are key factors to keep in mind in any design. The overall aesthetics of your design must remain intact as you bring in furniture that is ergonomic, multi-functional, and proves itself as an aid to employee productivity. Depending on your client’s expectations, there are four factors you should consider before choosing office furniture for your workspace design.

1. General Vision

The overall client vision for the office design is the most important factor when considering which office furniture fits the layout and aesthetics of your design. From layout and seating arrangements to flow, lighting, and even décor, your design’s general aesthetics and vision will ultimately dictate the type and flavor of the office furniture you select.

Marrying the company’s design aesthetic with the overall layout of the office space will help you determine the type of office furnishings you need. You may consider including working space, seating options, custom lighting and decor features, and workspace retreats to offer employees a space to decompress.

2. Ergonomics

As employees spend more and more time working from their desks, it’s critical to consider ergonomics before choosing office furniture. A good office furniture company will factor in science-backed ergonomics to ensure your design not only looks good but feels good.

Ergonomic office furniture is an important workplace design trend that has seen a dramatic demand increase in the past few years, with more employees aware of the negative effects of prolonged seating. In a recent blog post, we talk about ergonomics as a workplace furniture design trend that is worth trying. You can modify desks, conference tables, reception furniture, and desk chairs to fit ergonomic standards while staying true to your design aesthetic.

3. Productivity

Many factors contribute to a company’s productivity, including office furniture. Ergonomics plays a significant role in boosting office productivity and reducing stressors that might impede workflow. In fact, reducing ergonomic stressors is an important factor to consider before choosing office furniture.

As we recently shared in our post titled Five Ways to Design Your Workspace for Higher Productivity, evaluating where ergonomics will best enhance your productivity is an important first step. A perfectly designed sit-stand desk or a durable, organic fiber desk chair bolsters productivity while meeting your client’s need for a beautifully designed space.

Another productivity factor to consider before choosing office furniture is a well-designed reception area and a separate break room. Comfortable and inviting furniture in these spaces combine nicely with any design or client vision. At Acacia, we can help you determine the best office furniture that not only boosts overall productivity but also works perfectly in your design.

4. Functionality

The age-old debate of form versus function ends here. Office furniture companies know function dictates the form of the overall design plan. Before choosing office furniture or partnering with an office furniture company, thoughtfully consider the function of each space. If you need ergonomic furniture or relaxing retreats, keep in mind the purpose of each piece.

Some spaces will need furniture to boost solitary productivity, while other areas need enough office furniture options to host group meetings. Either way, knowing the functionality of the space and the office furniture you may need to fill the space is an important factor to consider before partnering with an office furniture company.

How To Find the Right Office Furniture Company

Just as the world of office furniture companies is vast, so are the furniture needs of each of our clients. Some companies prefer a more modular and on-demand wholesale purchasing experience. While there are benefits to finding office furniture companies that can deliver this type of furniture within a few days, there are many more benefits to partnering with the right office furniture company to design custom furniture for your project. Ultimately, finding an office furniture company that can deliver furniture that fits seamlessly with your design is the most important factor – no matter the source.

Let’s dive into the things you should keep in mind when finding the right office furniture company for you.

Custom vs. Wholesale Office Furniture

Working with wholesale office furniture companies who can deliver desks, desk chairs, lighting, and even décor within a few days to a week is certainly a relief when facing a looming deadline. Office furniture companies selling their wares on places like Amazon, Ikea, and other direct-to-consumer websites can be a great option for tight budgets and timelines. Stock furniture is also an option for companies who know their leases may be up in a few years and do not want to spend extra money on custom furniture that won’t fit their new office location.

Conversely, working with an office furniture company that works exclusively on custom designs means you can deliver a functional and detailed design to your clients. A custom office furniture company will deliver furniture that fits your layout and design aesthetic down to the most minute details. Plus, if your client is seeking a luxe office design, partnering with an office furniture company that can deliver high-quality custom office furniture is the best option.

Budget

Your client’s budget is likely your greatest concern when partnering with an office furniture company. While it’s true that custom furniture will cost you more than buying wholesale furniture from a place like Ikea, you must consider the long-term durability of the furniture you’re selecting. Budget wholesale furniture is made from low-quality materials to keep costs down for consumers. Over time, that budget furniture will show wear and tear much faster than custom furniture made to last.

Consider reaching out to a custom office furniture company like Acacia to get a quote on the type and quantity of furniture that fits your overall design budget. You may find that your budget can accommodate a cohesive custom furniture approach.

Process

The final factor to consider when navigating the world of office furniture companies is the process each company uses to design, craft, and deliver the final product to its customers. Finding an office furniture company that can work with your timeline is crucial in keeping your design clients happy.

While each company’s process will vary – particularly if the company specializes in custom office furniture there are a few standard practices across the board. As you research office furniture companies that offer the types and styles you’re looking for, carefully consider the partnership process, including:

If you’re interested in custom office furniture, how will the company partner with you to bring your vision to life?
What are the current lead times for the company?
Will you have to implement phases to your project to accommodate shipping and delivery times?

Acacia’s Design And Purchasing Process

Design Development

The first step in working with Acacia is finding the perfect custom furniture that will fit seamlessly with your design. Whether you’re brimming with design ideas or need a pair of expert artisan eyes to determine the best furniture look for you, we’re here to collaborate.

Every project marries aesthetic design with functionality. We include detailing options, material options, technology integration, and durability in each of our designs to ensure you’re getting the aesthetic appeal and physical performance needed to make the project a success.

Design Mockups

Once we’ve determined the furniture you need, we’ll work on design mockups to ensure our pieces integrate seamlessly into the overall design aesthetic. We aim to create a full-scope experience that expresses your design and purpose. Each design mockup we share is highly detailed and scaled for accurate site coordination.

Our skilled artisans will take into consideration material, fabric, millwork, and other unique specifications to ensure design mockups are ready for your review and approval the first time. You’ll also get detailed schedules for materials, finishes, hardware, devices, and equipment during this phase.

Custom Furniture Creation

Once you’ve signed off on your custom furniture order, Acacia gets to work. Our typical lead times as of the posting of this article are 12 to 14 weeks. These lead times are subject to change, and we encourage our clients to confirm manufacturing times with us during our initial consultation.

Orders are delivered by mutually designated order of importance and schedule commitments.

Installation

The most exciting step in the process is seeing your design come to life with custom furniture designed specifically for the space. We seamlessly coordinate receiving and staging of the custom furniture on-site with a team of artisans chosen based on their expert qualifications.

The team focuses on detail-oriented execution, with touch-up and punch work completed immediately after installation to ensure every detail is perfect.

Close Out

After the installation phase is complete, our team follows up with thorough and accurate documentation using industry-standard formats. Once completed, you’ll get document distribution in a timely manner to ensure a seamless end-to-end partnership.

Final Thoughts

Navigating the world of office furniture companies doesn’t have to be difficult if you keep your end goal in mind. Determining your goals before choosing an office furniture company to partner with can go a long way in making collaboration easier for you and the office furniture company.

Acacia strives to make the partnership as seamless and straightforward as possible. Reach out to us today if you need more information on how we stand out in the world of office furniture companies and how we can make your next design project a success.

Productivity in the workplace is the cornerstone of your business’s success. From too many distractions to not enough lighting, many factors can diminish your professional productivity. But if you design your workspace with higher productivity in mind, you’re ensuring more quality work gets done effectively and efficiently.

If you are interested in designing your workspace for higher productivity, check out our five recommendations below.

Boost Workspace Productivity With Custom Ergonomic Furniture

As an expert furniture design company, we know how furnishings impact your workspace. The first way to design your workspace for higher productivity is to select custom ergonomic furniture for your space.

Ergonomics is recognized widely as a productivity booster in the workplace. Reducing ergonomic stressors that impact your ability to focus and get work done is the goal of selecting ergonomic furniture that integrates seamlessly with your overall design. Before partnering with us to create the perfect ergonomic piece, evaluate where ergonomics will best enhance your productivity. For example, a beautifully carved sit-stand desk or durable, natural fiber desk chair can do a lot to bolster productivity – and keep you healthy!

The more custom your workspace furniture is, the more likely you will settle into a productive workflow conducive to getting work done more efficiently.

Sufficient and Varied Lighting For Increased Workspace Focus

We recently posted a guide to creating a lighting plan for your workspace that outlined several steps to consider. In terms of productivity, ensuring your lighting plan is solid is an important component of designing a great workspace.

In our post, we outlined the different lighting you may need in a workspace, including natural lighting, overhead lighting, accent lighting, and task lighting. To boost your workspace productivity, we recommend including a mix of all four types of lighting in your workspace. Natural lighting and LED-based overhead lighting are essential for properly illuminating your workspace, but custom accent and task lighting offer the biggest boost to workspace productivity.

While accent lighting improves the overall ambiance of your workspace and contributes to a better mood, task lighting is not just for aesthetic reasons. Task lighting is an ergonomic tool that offers you complete control over the light required to focus on projects. Consider including several task lighting options in your workspace design to improve productivity.

Design a Break Room for A Boost in Workspace Productivity

Another design element you can use to increase productivity in your workspace is a well-designed refuge. While there’s no getting away from hard work forever, comfortable areas to take a break are well-deserved and essential for boosting productivity.

In fact, a 2018 study found that small breaks throughout the day increased work engagement and productivity. A well-designed break room should include several important elements if you want to increase your workspace productivity:

Comfortable seating with natural fibers and enough support to offer the perfect relaxation perch.
Plenty of eye-pleasing and functional storage for break room essentials, like beverages and snacks.
Entertainment area with custom furniture to match your company’s brand and design aesthetic.
Natural elements like bamboo chairs, large picture windows that frame the natural exterior, or even a custom living wall inspire and encourage deep relaxation.

At Acacia, we can help you determine the best break room element that works perfectly with your design as well as boost workspace productivity. Check out our featured partnerships to see our expertise in action.

Workspace Paint for Productivity

Deciding on a paint color for your workspace design can boost or hinder your productivity. Using less vibrant colors like grey or beige has been shown to negatively affect the mood and productivity of workers. On the other hand, vibrant colors like yellow and blue have an overall positive effect on mood and can boost productivity overall.

Painting your workspace a productivity-appropriate color will depend on other design elements, such as artwork, elements of wood paneling, and custom furnishings. Despite the impact paint has on workplace productivity, it’s important to remember that paint should tie a design together. After all, it’s easier to change the color of the walls than to overhaul an entire selection of custom furniture and accents.

Choose a paint color that complements the overall design. The big-picture vision of a beautiful design will inspire you to make the most of your time in your workspace.

Keep Workspace Function At the Forefront of Productive Design

As expert artisans and professional design partners, we know function should dictate the form of the overall design plan. When it comes to designing a workspace for higher productivity, the function of the space stands center stage.

Each workspace area should be thoughtfully curated to perform a certain function. Whether you need an ergonomic desk and chair for long working hours or a relaxing retreat for the moments in between meetings, creating a space that anticipates every need is the best way to boost workspace productivity.

The flow of the workspace is just as important in affecting workspace productivity as any other element. How you design and divide these functions will depend largely on the size of the workspace. If you want to boost productivity in your workspace design, consider these function-based questions:

What is the purpose of the space? Will the space be used for solitary work or group meetings?
Where is the natural light filtering into the space? What is the best way to position working spaces and break areas?
How many functions will the workspace need to accommodate? Working space, meeting space, reading space, etc.

Use these questions as a jumping-off point to ensure your workspace adequately addresses the functionality needed to boost productivity.

As always, if you need a helping hand in designing a custom workspace that expresses your design and purpose, ask our founder, Will, a question today. He’ll help you create a productive space that makes a statement.

As more companies and employees shift toward a new normal, workplace furniture designs are also trending in a new direction.

The workforce has demanded a more hybrid working style, encouraging their companies to make changes not only to workspace layouts but also to incorporate workplace furniture designs that accommodate the newfound demand for flexible and adaptive environments.

Workplace furniture design trends are evolving rapidly, from functional and sustainable furniture to offices that feel more like home. This post walks you through the four hot trends you need to look out for before designing your workplace and selecting new furniture for your space.

Workplace Furniture Design Trend #1 – Functional Furniture

Forced to get creative during the pandemic, many workers purchased sit-stand desks, tabletop laptop stands, and new monitors. While many workers tried to replicate their workstations, many others looked to redefine their workspace furniture setup.

As your company looks to cater to the comforts and productivity of their in-office employees, keep in mind functional ergonomic furniture in your workplace design. Ergonomic furniture has been an important workplace design trend for a few years, but the demand for this type of furniture has only increased in our post-pandemic world.

Consider the following functional furniture examples before you finalize your workplace design plan:

Desks that accommodate various seating and standing heights
Conference tables that serve as meeting spaces and private workstations
Reception furniture that offers needed respite after long-haul work sessions
Comfortable chairs to inspire collaboration among the team

Whether your team is coming into the office full-time or on a hybrid schedule, choosing functional furniture that boasts ergonomic support and a unique flair to spice up the tired workplace is a trend worth trying.

Workplace Furniture Design Trend #2 – Multi-Functional Furniture

Gone are the days when the corner office was set aside for just one person. Workers crave space and collaborative environments that facilitate easy dialogue and inspirational touchpoints.

Multi-functional spaces – and the furniture used to fill the space – are a major workplace design trend this year. After a few years of remote work, many employees seek the same shake-up to their work routine as they had in their homes.

Transitioning from a traditional desk to a comfortable club chair, many workers crave the same freedom of movement they’ve now accustomed to having during their work day.

Designing furniture that looks good and feels good is a necessary feature of any workplace design. Make sure to work with a skilled design team to build furniture that can keep up with the functional demands of your team.

Consider the following multi-functional furniture for your own workspace design:

Common area tables for lunchtime laughs that convert to spacious meeting tables for brain dump sessions.
Reception area double-seat benches that serve for quick client meetings and mid-afternoon scenery changes for your teams.
Conference rooms with plenty of seating for monthly team meetings with modular seating and room partitions for solo-work the rest of the month.

As companies reconsider their office footprints, we will continue to see workplace design trends move toward multi-functional spaces that accommodate more flexible working styles. Don’t miss your chance to build an office space that works for your team’s changing needs.

Workplace Furniture Design Trend #3 – Bringing Nature Indoors

Average commercial furnishings often come in dull shades of grey and blue. But for companies looking to provide their team with the best experience, bringing nature indoors is the workplace furniture design trend to try.

Incorporating organic and natural materials such as reclaimed wood for desk spaces or conference tables, recycled aluminum for industrial-style metal furnishings, and natural fabrics such as cotton and hemp for upholstery is sustainable and can also boost morale and productivity.

A beautifully designed space is not just aesthetically pleasing! Now more than ever, employees need workspaces that reduce stress and boost mood.

Incorporating sustainable elements into your workplace furniture design is an easy way to incorporate a story into your company’s footprint. Bringing in reclaimed natural woods and recycled textiles to everyday workspaces elevates the employee and client experience.

Workplace Furniture Design Trend #4 – Make it Homey

After two years of working from home, many employees find it difficult to return to their cold and lackluster offices.

Encourage employee productivity and boost their mood with furnishings that feel a bit more like home. Adding soft textiles to accent chairs, reception sofas, and conference room seating will increase employee satisfaction and boost your workplace design.

You may also consider custom furnishings for common areas that raise the bar for commercial workspaces. Rather than a drab, vinyl table for your team, consider a recycled wood or poured concrete slab to match your company culture and raise your workplace design ante.

Reimagine what your team may need in order to recharge during the day. Create inviting retreats with comfortable but stylish chairs to welcome employees who need a break from their screens.

Workplace design has traditionally followed a cold, cookie-cutter plan, but the last few years have accelerated workplace design trends toward more sustainable, accommodating, and stylish office designs.

Book a call with us today if you need help imagining how these trends can help positively influence your workplace design. Our expert artisans and designers can help bring your workplace design to life and prioritize the needs and demands of your workers.

Designing offices or workplace design floor plan takes careful consideration. From defining the functionality of the workplace to designing and purchasing the perfect furniture, there are several things to consider before designing your workplace floor plan.

Whether you are starting from an empty floor plan or working within an existing floor plan structure, your workplace design impacts productivity and overall company culture. Before jumpstarting your workplace floor plan, you must first determine the most suitable layout for the type of work you do, how you plan to grow, the amenities you want to make room for, and the furniture that supports each of these categories.

This post walks you through seven steps you should consider before designing your workspace floor plan.

Design Consideration #1: Functionality

Considering the size of your workspace is an important first step in designing your office floor plan. Considering the functional aspect of the space is essential, regardless of workspace size.

Think about the primary work engaged daily. If your plan requires space large enough for individual desks, you may consider sacrificing other defined areas, such as conference rooms or a reception desk.

However, if your design needs to accommodate a large team with different needs, your functionality considerations will be more critical. To determine the right floorplan for your workspace, list all the functions your space must accommodate. To help get you started, answer the following questions:

What kind of work does the team typically engage in?
What workspace is most appropriate for conducting this work?
Which meeting space is essential to meet client or customer expectations?

Design Consideration #2: Appropriate Meeting Space

By answering the functionality questions above, you likely have a list of essential workspaces for your floorplan design. Does this include a particular type of meeting space? If you are designing a workplace floor plan for a large team, you want to consider appropriately sized conference rooms for larger team meetings.

On the other hand, if your team is small or you work solo, it may be more appropriate to designate areas of your workplace floorplan design specifically for client meetings.

Regardless of the floorplan space or company size, separate meeting spaces are essential for more focused work and one-on-one conversations with clients.

Design Consideration #3: Future Growth

Every company has dreams of growing and scaling its presence. Before designing your workplace floor plan, consider the potential growth strategy. Is the company currently mid-sized but has plans to grow exponentially in the next few years? If so, choose a workplace floor plan that is adaptable for this expansion.

Consider flexible workspace options such as open floorplans or hybrid desk spaces that can accommodate various designs. Unfortunately, you cannot foresee this type of growth, and including this consideration in your design can be challenging.

If you feel stuck in designing a flexible floorplan for a growing operation, download our free guide, How to Make Your Most Difficult Projects Your Greatest Wins.

We’ll walk you through the principles we use to execute multi-million dollar, award-winning projects to turn a challenge into an incredible opportunity.

Design Consideration #4: Define the Work Style

Another component of any well-designed workplace floorplan is determining the most appropriate work style. How workers perform their jobs is rapidly evolving. Some companies switch to open floorplans only to discover their team can’t execute as well as before. Others find that traditional cubicle-style workspaces stifle creativity and collaboration.

Knowing this, it’s essential to determine the correct work style that will not only fit the overall design plan but will be most appropriate for the team’s daily workload.

Consider surveying several team members to gauge the best workspace style that matches the floorplan design, the functionality of the space, and the company’s working style.

Design Consideration #5: Set Your Budget

While the project budget is arguably one of the biggest considerations for designing a workplace floorplan, we’ve listed it as #4 on our list. You can’t scope out a budget without first considering the functional needs of the team, the necessary meeting spaces needed to conduct business, and the team’s working style.

At this point, you have a much deeper understanding of the type of materials and furniture you will need to design the space to fit the client’s needs. It’s easier to scope a project budget when you have nailed down all relevant information.

Armed with the necessary information to design the workplace floorplan, you can begin to inform your client about the various pricing options they have within those categories.

Design Consideration #5: Consider Amenities

Once you set the budget and decide on design elements, you should consider the added amenities the workspace can accommodate.

Determining the size of common spaces, areas for disconnection, and other amenities will largely depend on the foundational considerations we’ve already discussed. Designing the flow of the main workplace floorplan and meeting rooms should give you a rough idea of where amenity-packed areas are most appropriate.

You may consider the activities taking place in each area. For example, it may be more appropriate to separate common areas from reception spaces to maintain the team’s privacy. Additionally, designing meeting rooms near workspaces may add to the overall flow of the workplace.

These considerations impact the productivity and mood of the team, increasing morale and well-being.

Design Consideration #6: Select or Design Furniture

The final consideration when designing a workplace floorplan is the type of furnishings most appropriate for the space. Functionality, work style, and the project budget feed into choosing the furniture for a workspace.

Furniture’s role in overall workplace floorplan design depends on the daily workload and overall design strategy. Carefully consider the following when incorporating furniture into your workplace floorplan design:

What type of functionality do we want to provide for the team? Do they require custom desks, chairs, and conference tables?
Do we have a reception area that needs to make a bold statement for visitors?
What kind of furniture is appropriate for common spaces?
Can the furniture accommodate more team members or expanded working styles as the company grows?

Selecting custom furniture for your workplace floorplan design is the easiest way to fulfill design deliverables while maintaining your client’s satisfaction.

Design Consideration #7: Partner With a Professional

Taking into consideration the six steps we’ve outlined here can be overwhelming, no matter the project size. That’s why we always recommend partnering with a professional team who can help you think through the delicate balance between flow, design, and functionality.

If you already have a design in mind or need help coming up with something that works with your workplace floorplan, reach out to us today. Our experienced artisans are ready to partner with you to create a genuine corporate design identity.