BE Furniture

Amazon is the world’s biggest retailer, so it’s no surprise that cities are clamoring to have the new headquarters located in their own backyard. The giant will bring in over 50,000 jobs, investing $5 billion in the construction project and growing in time to equal the status of the Seattle HQ. Here’s some insight into the bidding war. Amazon’s requirements  Only certain cities in the USA and Canada will be able to qualify to make a formal bid, but these restrictions are fairly minimal and include that the city has at least a million residents, an international airport, and a stable, business-friendly environment. These generous terms have led to a huge list of over 238 contenders. Which cities are leading the fight to be Amazon’s next HQ?  Major players in the bidding war stretch far and wide, and include: Boston – With its home-grown talent, transit and great real estate. Atlanta – Focusing on its location as an international air transit hub, affordable housing and g

If you’ve been researching  corporate office furniture  or thinking about redesigning your office interior, you’ve likely come across the phrase “active sitting”. Here’s a quick guide to what it’s all about. Active sitting is also known as dynamic sitting, and it is about keeping the body in motion while seated, rather than remaining in a static position. Products that promote this concept allow for the natural movements of the body, and include a wide range of seating options like balance balls, sit-to-stand desks, and height-adjustable wobbling stools. While these ideas might sound a little strange, there’s a lot of research that supports this idea as a means to remove the health issues that static sitting contribute towards. The Mayo Clinic links long periods of sitting with increased blood pressure, risk of metabolic syndrome, high blood sugar, weight gain, abnormal cholesterol levels, and even increased risk of death from cancer and cardiovascular disease. This is not to

It seems like every day we’re confronted with a new article about what Millennials are doing, thinking or ruining now, but the truth is that this generation is bringing some interesting changes to the workplace. Here’s some insight into the modern office design ideas that are changing the way we work. Office design affects the way we work  The Internet-first generation makes it easier than ever before to collect and analyze data from surveys and studies, and these have shown that there’s a clear link between an environment’s physical design and décor, and the state of mind of the people who work there. In fact, 77% of interviewed respondents on LinkedIn said that art in the workplace makes them feel happier, and that 27% said that good décor made them more productive. It’s true that the workplace changes with each generation, and Millennials are bringing their own brand of flavor to the workplace, including: Non-conventional workplaces: While Baby-Boomers were characteriz

As  contemporary office furniture specialists `, we know that eco-friendly design has become a significant part of the modern workplace, from energy-efficiency and office furniture right to the very architecture and construction process of the buildings themselves. Recently, Bloomberg has revealed its new European Headquarters – known as The Edge – and is setting the standard for sustainable workplaces of the future. Designed by renowned architect Norman Foster, the building offers a massive 1.1 million square feet of office space, including three public plazas, a transportation entrance to the Bank tube station, and a dining arcade featuring bars and restaurants. What makes this building such a landmark for environmental sustainability?  Throughout the design and building process, low carbon, energy, water and resource intensity goals were kept at a priority level. Some features that demonstrate this conscientious approach include: Integrated lighting panels incorporat

Office remodels are an expensive project, and the latest  modern office designs  can quickly push your budget over the edge – but that doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to your renovation. By customizing your project, working with what you have and bringing on an experienced partner, you can get the results you want at an affordable rate. Think outside the box for bargains Bargain-hunting is something that can really elevate an office design, adding character and depth to your company image. For example, cladding an unsightly wall in reclaimed pallet wood gives a warm and rustic feel. Retro art and photographs give a vintage, quality touch, and keeping brick walls exposed saves on paint. Think long-term savings A quality renovation will bring in more than just a new look for your business, it should deliver long-term gains. Using glass architectural walls, for example, allows natural light to penetrate through your office space to create energy savings as well as a

In an effort to increase productivity, company wellness and professional image, businesses are always looking for new ways to revamp their space.  Modern office design ideas  favor the open plan office – but is it really the best option? The pros and cons of the open plan office This design is all about communication and collaboration – bringing even the most introverted employees into the conversation in order to drive problem-solving, creative thinking, and productivity. They are also more affordable to create and maintain, reducing overheads and minimizing equipment costs. Another benefit is that they are easier to manage, as all your employees are out in the open and managers can track the progress and productivity of multiple employees with a single glance. So, what are the cons? Simply put, they’re noisy. More noise from people talking, operating printers and other equipment, and even simply typing on their keyboards. Instead of increased collaboration, many emplo

A great office reception area sets the tone for your business – it influences your employees as they walk in the door, it welcomes clients and guests, and it tells everyone exactly what your business is all about. Here are some of the  best modern office design ideas  to help you achieve this! Proportion and layout:  Plan your reception area to accommodate furniture in proportion to the space allocated, remembering to leave wide passages open for easy flow of people and deliveries. The area between your doors and reception desk should be unobstructed, and your reception staff should be placed in a position where they can easily see the door and anyone walking through it.  Glass partition walls  can be used to create the right sized space and to separate the reception from other office space without cutting out natural light. It can also be embellished with artistic designs or your company logo. Seating:  Comfortable seating is an essential for every business, whether you’re ru

If you work at a desk for a living, chances are that you accept a certain level of discomfort as normal – after all, you’re staying stationary over a computer keyboard for hours at a time, right? Wrong! With a few adjustments and the right  commercial office furniture , you can make your workspace a much more comfortable and healthier place to be. Is an ergonomic workspace worth it? In short, yes. Numerous studies have shown that sitting at your desk incorrectly can cause repetitive strain injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, bursitis or back strain. Even though it might mean replacing some items in favor of ergonomic desks or more modern office chairs, your body will thank you in the long run. Not only will you be healthier, your productivity should increase too! Just follow these easy tips: Invest in adjustable chairs:  Each of us have different length legs and torsos, so it makes sense that a non-adjustable chair just isn’t going to work for everyon

Remodeling your offices is a big job but it does bring great rewards if it’s done correctly. Here are some tips and advice to help you make the most of this investment. Ask the hard questions:  Remodeling is a significant financial and time commitment, so it’s important to be clear with your objectives from the start. Is remodeling definitely better than relocating? What are the objectives behind the remodel? What are the limitations on the project – like budget or time constraints? What ROI is expected for this project? Know your space:  Every building has its own unique set of strengths, limitations, and character. In your planning phase, think about how you can capitalize on unique features (for example, great natural light) and minimize the negatives (for example, a smaller space, or traffic noise), using modern office design ideas and innovations. Strategy, timeline and goals:  Approach your office remodel the way you’d approach any other company project – define your obj

Many employees who spend six or more hours sitting at a desk through their workday suffer from health and comfort issues that can be directly related to their desk chair, especially if they are taller or bigger people. Fixed height chairs make sitting an awkward activity for anyone who isn’t lucky enough to fit into those exact manufacturing specifications, which can result in back, shoulder and neck pain. How do ergonomic chairs work? Ergonomic chairs are simply chairs that can be adjusted to fit almost anyone, and that provide support to your body in the sitting position. With such a simple solution to such a serious problem, there’s no reason why anyone should be working in discomfort. Good ergonomic chairs allow the user to: Adjust seat heights Have a generous range limit for seat height Adjust the vertical and frontward/backward positioning of the back rest Sit comfortably in the correct seat depth Have a stable seating position – a five-point base is recommended

When many of us think about cubicles, our minds immediately go to images of those iconic dull, uniform and drone-like office spaces of the 1970s. Fortunately, these useful office workspace dividers have come a long way since then, with  modern office cubicles  featuring vastly improved designs, additional functionality and style, thanks to the innovative use of color, materials and in-built tech features. Business owners can take this creativity and individuality even further using these tips! Define your décor policy:  One of the easiest ways to achieve a more enjoyable and functional cubicle desk system is to encourage your employees to get involved. This has the dual result of improving your workplace as well as helping your employees take ownership. Simple rules just need to be put in place to ensure that creative ideas stay within the boundaries of your workplace culture and company vision. If you want to make the process even more fun, hold a competition! Plants:  Greener

Boardrooms are one of the most important areas of your office space, at the top of the office furniture hierarchy. This is because it holds important functions for both your executive team and employees, as well as clients, shareholders and committees. As such, it has to not only embody the focus and culture of your business, but also provide a high level of functionality – and achieving this means buying the right  modern boardroom furniture . Here’s a quick, useful guide. Function first through modern boardroom design  While looks are important, they come second to functionality. Boardroom furniture has come a long way from simply being the biggest and most expensive desk in the office, and clever designs now incorporate a wide range of practical functionality into this important furniture. Desks are now available in a huge range of shapes and sizes to allow for more flexible seating and use. A Boardroom table can be a single table or a composite table that can be split up fo

Updating  commercial office interiors , moving to a new building or expanding your company usually means one thing – dealing with used office furniture. Sometimes this is more of a challenge than expected, as simply throwing them in the landfill may seem easy, but in reality, is the least profitable and most environmentally-friendly option. Here are some ideas on how to make this process easier, more profitable and more eco-friendly. Recycle, Upcycle and Go Green  Because going Green is such an important focus for many companies, corporate office furniture specialists are offering services to help you  remove office surplus  in a way that gets used furniture off your hands but doesn’t simply bin it. In fact, these services often specialize in upcycling – the process whereby old furniture is broken down and re-designed into new, useful items that can then benefit modern offices and be put to use once more in the workplace environment. Upcycling can take care of many surplu

Every business, no matter the industry, needs a  conference table . These pieces of furniture create a central hub in your workplace that facilitates meetings, brainstorming sessions, formal client meetings, employee interviews and much more, so it makes sense that a lot of consideration needs to go into choosing the right one. Here are some tips from our contemporary office furniture team. The Best Shape Conference Room Table for your Space  The right shape conference table is more than just a design choice – it changes how flexible and easy the table is to use. Round tables are the most flexible as it is easy to add or remove chairs without making the table too cramped or widely spaced, as no one gets stuck on a corner. This is also the best shape for smaller meeting rooms or tight spaces. Square tables work best in smaller spaces too, and provide a larger workspace than round tables. Square tables can also be joined together easily to expand the table surface. This shape d

It’s no secret that first impressions count, and for your clients, your office design and interior has a lot to say. Just think about what Google’s new, innovative Mountain View office design says about their commitment to their employees, clients and community? Or what Apple’s space-age office space says about their commitment to cutting-edge technology and pushing the limits of what’s possible? Now look at your office space and think about what it says about your business. The Office Culture and Perception of Success  The culture of your company is simply the personality of your business – it’s character, values, traditions and behaviors. Essentially, your office space should say something about what your company values and what you do – collaboration and creativity, technical and individual work, private client work, etc. More creative businesses often reflect this in open, flexible workspaces with funky and unusual décor, while more corporate businesses – for example, legal

Google has come a long way since the two founders sat working in their friend’s Menlo Park garage in 1997, and the new office campus in Mountain View – nicknamed the Googleplex – perfectly illustrates this journey. A marriage of architectural design and billion-dollar business set for completion in 2019, the latest plans for this campus are the epitome of modern office design ideas. Futuristic Canopy Roof Design Set in Charleston East, and the first offices that the company has built from the ground up, this futuristic office design is focused around a massive 595,000 square foot, 2-storey building covered with a massive, petal-like tent roof. Not just simply an eye-catching statement, this canopy has been expertly designed to regulate climate and air quality within the building, as well as minimize noise. Integration of Wildlife, Nature and Low-Impact Living Another impressive feature of the campus is the priority placed on natural integration with California’s flora and fau

A chair is just a chair and a desk is just a desk, right? Wrong! In fact, your office furniture has a very real influence on: • How your workspace functions, and • On employee productivity, itself. Here’s how a change of furniture can make a real impact on your company’s bottom line. • Communication: Clear, easy communication is the lifeblood of a productive company: o It supports the sharing of ideas, and o The creative energy that is the hallmark of innovation. Hot-desks assist with collaboration; more casual open spaces promote brainstorming. • Comfort: Being uncomfortable at your desk is a sure way to sink your productivity. Ergonomic desks and chairs not only assist with feeling more comfortable while seated during work hours, but also promote good health – which means less sick days spent at the physiotherapist! • Variety: Everyone is different, so why give all your employees the exact same desk and chair combination? Offering a variety of options may sound expensive,

Commercial office interiors have changed dramatically in the last ten years. One of the main features present in this change is the movable wall. So, what has driven this innovation? And what are the benefits? Here’s what the design specialists say: • Flexibility drives down costs, drives up productivity In many cities around the USA and the world, office space is at a premium. It’s expensive, it’s difficult to come by in sought-after commercial centers and it’s almost impossible to find a space that works for your business in its current state. Simply put, there’s too little space and businesses have too many needs. Old school open plan offices filled to the brim with cubicles just don’t work for many companies: not as a cost-effective option and certainly not as a productive space. This has driven office design companies to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions that allow businesses to expand and change as their needs evolve. One such solution is m

Flexible layouts: This year has been all about having a workplace as adaptive and functional as possible, allowing it to change with the requirements of the company, team and individual. From modular furniture that can be easily moved and rearranged for different purposes to glass architectural walls that can be shifted to change layouts and create open and closed office spaces, flexibility is all about making space work for you and your company. Mother nature: Offices are increasingly integrating themselves with nature, whether they are utilizing recycled or environmentally friendly products and  contemporary office furniture  or creating open natural spaces like gardens and rooftop gardens for employees to enjoy. Future-proofing: Creating an office design that can adapt to meet new challenges is important, not only regarding your company’s agility but also in terms of adapting to and implementing new office technologies. Using soft wiring, for example, is a simple ins

Hot-desking – it’s the buzzword of the year when it comes to  modern office design ideas . But like any other trend, it only works when approached and applied in a considered way. Here are some tips about how to develop and implement this office space configuration effectively from your contemporary office furniture specialists: Understand hot desking concerns: For many employees, having their own, dedicated space in which to work is important. They need: A safe space to store their own things, To keep their seats adjusted to the correct level, and To know that they won’t have to fight for space every morning just to get their work done. Consider ways in which your office can manage these concerns: from having private locker space and sectioned-off office spaces for quiet or more private work, as well as strict cleaning up policies. It’s not just about undesignated desks: While the main attraction of hot-desking is that employees can work wherever it suits them and netw

Collaborative workspaces are known for positively influencing innovation, productivity and creativity, making communication easier and more effective. Creating a workspace like this means bringing two elements together, namely a culture of collaboration and the physical office environment that supports this. Here’s how the right  modern office design  and contemporary furniture can help you achieve this. Flexibility:  Collaborative office environments have a workspace that incorporates a wide range of features that encourage employees to move around and work where it best suits them. This includes easily re-configurable desks or share work tables, private meeting rooms for client calls and stimulating areas for brainstorming sessions. Good lighting:  Closed-in office spaces with harsh artificial lighting are the opposite of what collaborative spaces are all about. Think of ways to maximize natural light through the space with glass partitions, use color for creative stimulatio

First developed in the 1970's,  office cubicle systems  are still the most popular means of designing and planning an office space to accommodate a workforce. In fact, they account for around $2.27 billions of office furniture sales in the USA! It’s not difficult to see why they’re so popular – cubicles are affordable, use space efficiently and modular, making them easy to fit into a wide range of spaces and floorplans. So, what types of cubicles are available? Panel-attached cubicles:  These are ready-made work areas where the walls are attached directly to work surfaces like filing cabinets, shelving and other customizable features. They can also contain their own power outlets to make installing computers and other electronic hardware easier. Free-standing cubicles:  In these models, the cubicle panel stands alone and is not attached to the desk, shelving or cabinets. These are useful for temporary office requirements or where you would like to combine your cubicle walls

In recent years, glass partition walls have grown in popularity as a high-end choice for offices of every size across the industry board. They are an excellent, high-quality option for creating private spaces within the office environment and offer several significant benefits. High-end, elegant aesthetic:  Glass partition wall systems  make a great first impression on clients, not only because they give offices a contemporary, open feel, but because of the design quality and look of the product itself. If you want your offices to look sleek, modern and cutting-edge, this is the product for you. Privacy without disrupting the open plan office: Open plan is still the most dominant office layout in many businesses, but there are times when a certain level of privacy is required. Glass partition walls can create private offices for executives, boardrooms and meeting rooms while still keeping a very open feel, perfectly complementing the rest of your office plan. Natural light: One

When it comes to choosing office furniture for you and your employees, you’re going to be faced with one significant choice: traditional sitting desks or  modern sit to stand desks . Both of these options have their pros and cons for employee health, comfort and productivity, and it’s important to evaluate them fully before making your decision. The benefits and drawbacks of sitting desks Traditional desks offer several benefits for employees. They are ideal for intense, repetitive work where focus is required and tasks are longer. They are also more affordable and often easier to install into your current workspace layout. Unfortunately, they also have their drawbacks. Sitting for long hours in a static position is not good for a person’s overall health and can result in poor posture, back pain and shoulder pain. Too much sitting has also been linked to increased heart failure and disability risks, and even to a reduced life expectancy. How do standing desks measure up? Th