[Trends 2020] Do's & Don't for CEO's Office Space Design expert tells us how to make a CEO's office a place of aspiration, confidence, and power

Over the past decade, user experience and brand identity have proven to be driving factors that define a contemporary CEO office. The office needs to be a space that reflects a distinct personality, the mission of the brand and more importantly a tell-tale sign of the times we live in.

Your work den is your home and it needs to be a place that you feel happy coming to. Entrepreneur India spoke to Krish Kothari, the Creative Head and Founder of KKD. Studio – a ultra-luxury design studio known for
ultra-chic, contemporary designs, to understand what makes and breaks a
CEO's office space.

"Making it visually appealing is an essential design mantra. Adding elements that immediately evoke an emotion, and subtly narrate the story of the brand is an absolute necessity to break through the clutter," he said.

Every design element, from colour schemes, patterns, lighting, textures, furnishings, furniture, and fittings are ways of emulating the strength of the highest pinnacle of office within an organization.

The basic design must support and sustain an efficient, happy and healthy environment that boosts the aspiration of employees. Before we tell you, the do's and don't for making the perfect office space, get this simple thing sorted in your mind.

What's Out?

Burly, bulky heavy designs and single colour schemes are out.

What's In & Hot?

Modern, clean-cut lines, symmetry, contemporary patterns, metallic accents- all beautifully fused with cutting edge technology.

1. NEUTRAL COLOUR PALETTE:

Do: Picking a neutral colour palette is the first step. Choose a colour that is subtle yet has a character like a muted grey or a light cappuccino. Don't like experimenting? Stick to beige or classic base palettes.

"If the colour base is good, there is endless flexibility and options to play along with. Bold coloured furniture and accessories add the perfect splash of colour and become the centre of attraction and attention. The neutral colour scheme plays the role of the background and allows the colour to stand out even more," suggests Kothari.

Don't: One should try to avoid mixing too many colours as this gives a cluttered appearance and can become outdated quickly.

2. LUXURY VINYL:

Do: Luxury Vinyl looks like raw wood which gives the natural feel to your office. Easy to install and dismantle, this is a low-cost maintenance installation. It comes at the fraction of the cost with no damage done to the environment.

Suggesting another option Kothari said, "Milliken flooring gives a clean, elegant and chic aesthetic to an office space. This material is aesthetically pleasing, low on pocket and maintenance is effortless."

Don't: A big no to natural wood. Besides the obvious environmental cost, the wood will need to be ripped at the time of refurbishment or uninstallation. Avoid using carpets and tiles as it makes the space look artificial, points out the expert.

3. LIGHTING TECHNOLOGY:

Do: With technology innovating things now and then, it would be a shame if you didn't use it for both contemporary and cost-effective purposes.

"How about trying one touchpad in the CEO's office. For example, connecting one touchpad in the CEO's office to multiple functions in order to adjust the ambiance of the work environment with a simple click of a button. Studies have shown that this has proven to increase the productivity and efficiency of the employees," he said.

Don't: Avoid installing technology that is outdated or not needed in that space.

4. USE TEXTURE:

Do: Once an appropriate base colour is established, adding texture is the next step to add personality, depth and character to a space.

Most importantly textures can either be a dramatizer; to enhance and highlight particular aspects, or a neutralizer; to downplay the role of certain elements.

Giving a beautiful example Kothari said, "You can explore a beautifully carved wall to add the needed drama and life into the CEO's office space. Ensure that the texture has a theme i.e. that it comes back to the central theme of the entire decor scheme."

Don't: Avoid mixing textures and patterns as it will increase the clutter. Try to stick to one kind of texture that complements the rest of the decor.

5. ABSTRACT & GEOMETRIC PATTERN:

Do: Evocative, abstract patterns and geometric forms are the talk of the town. From hallways, meeting rooms to the lobbies of your offices they are making their way.

Explaining why patterns are vital Kothari said, "The idea behind using either a polygonal pattern or any geometrical pattern is to give a sense of depth and symmetry to any space. It also lends a sense of style and uniqueness as opposed to a single coloured wall, that over time may become boring. "

Don't: Avoid a single colour on the wall when a pattern can be used instead. Even though this is a great design tip, it must be selected carefully as there is a risk of garishness when an inappropriate pattern is selected.

6. COPPER AND METTALIC ACCENTS:

Do: Copper accents, along with a mixture of other metal finishes in furniture and office accessories are the hottest trend this season. It provides an earthy hue and offers a much-needed breath of fresh air.

What's makes metal hot selling? "Metallic themes help to outline and create a distinct border. Keep in mind that metallic accents are dramatizers. They are used to highlight objects and make spaces pop," he said.

Don't: Much like textures and patterns, metal accessories are essential yet should be used as minimally as possible.

THE ADD ONS:

While the guide above totally tells you how to have a kick-ass boss office. Few little things can make space look a notch higher.

Look for smaller elements such as potted plants, picture frames, fun gadgets, awards and accolades, installations. Pick modern corporate furniture - it adds life to the landscape. Be open to natural lighting that nature brings in. If all this is done, you are building a spot that has an element of aspiration, confidence, and power in place.