Work that workspace! 3 office makeover ideas for under $1000

Sitting among towers of files wishing you had more desk space? Is your meeting room feeling uninspiring? Maybe the reception area could use a little pep in its step?

You can make huge differences to your workspace without having to break the bank. IKEA for Business Interior Design Specialist Rachel McGrotty shares three of her top makeover moves for budget-conscious small and medium businesses.

Makeover idea 1: Give your desk spaces a facelift

Increasing desk space doesn’t have to be costly, with plenty of vertical and desk-adjacent storage ideas to keep your paperwork in its place while maximising your workspace.

Keep clutter at bay with clever storage solutions – think desk organisers, monitor stands, lamps that connect to your screen or desk, and drawer units that sit under the desk.

Bonus points for multitasking or flexible furniture such as monitor stands with drawers or shelving units on castors.

Make the most of your wall space with pegboards that have containers to keep everything visible and within arm’s reach.

“If you don’t want to drill into the wall, opt for freestanding peg boards like the SKÅDIS freestanding peg board. This board also offers add-ons so you can personalise it for your specific needs,” McGrotty suggests.

Some of her budget-friendly picks include:

• ELLOVEN monitor stand with drawer ($39)
• BRÄNNBOLL Shelving unit on castors ($99)
• MITTZON frame with castors ($149)

Makeover idea 2: Breathe new life into a meeting space

When it comes to creating an inspiring and productive office space, McGrotty recommends paying attention to colour, texture and functionality.

“Use warm paint colours, mood lighting and plenty of plants to make people feel more comfortable and work more efficiently,” she advises.

For anyone who’s ever shared a space with a loud talker, her tip for introducing soft textiles – for example, curtains and rugs, has benefits beyond simply making the space more cheerful, helping dampen echoes and office noise.

If this is an area of particular concern, consider portable room partitions or larger plants in pots (pro tip: pop the pot on a stand with castor wheels).

On the flipside, McGrotty recommends avoiding clinical bright lighting and cold colours in office spaces. These design elements can also be brought into your company’s meeting rooms to enhance productivity and comfort.

“Being a multipurpose, communal space, add functional furniture so you can change the room for different types of meetings,” McGrotty adds.

A savvy choice for these hard-working spaces, flexible furniture – think large foldable tables on castors and adjustable swivel chairs which can easily be moved about – enables you to get the most out of the space, depending on the task it needs to perform.

Makeover idea 3: Create a better first impression at reception

Reception and waiting areas are often where clients and customers form their first impression of your business, and they can really set the mood before the first handshake even happens.

As with other spaces, McGrotty notes textiles and soft furnishings can be put to good use in creating the right vibe.

A hot-pink shag is going send a different message about your business, rather than, say, a high pile luxe rug in a rich neutral hue.

Likewise, blinds and light fittings can be chosen to create a specific, cohesive and welcoming style on a budget.

Plenty of greenery is a great way to make your space feel vibrant and fresh, as is plenty of warm and natural lighting, advises McGrotty.

Creating a comfortable space also involves a combination of smart furniture choices and choosing the right finishes.

“Ensure waiting chairs are comfortable for your guests – and give thought to the colours you choose and how they work with the general theme of the room. Conversely, avoid too many hard surfaces,” she says.

Design aside, relaxing quiet music and pleasant aromas can also add significantly to the vibe of a waiting room or reception space – and they are both affordable!

Neither last nor least, McGrotty suggests style and functionality can be added to your reception space without breaking the bank with thoughtful touches.

Think laptop stands for clients, wall or sculptural lighting, using cheerful colours or even a well-chosen feature artwork.

Need helping with redecorating your space?

Join the IKEA Business Network, a free loyalty program giving you instant access to benefits, discounts and perks to create a better everyday life at work. Benefits include a free one-hour consultation with an interior designer, plus discounted interior design solutions. Join today.

This article is brought to you by Kochie’s Business Builders in partnership with IKEA for Business.