Example Of How to Set Up a Remote Office? 10 Bonus Tips!

The threat of the recent novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak compelled various businesses to figure out how to set up a remote office for their workforce. Creating a productive and efficient remote office involves careful planning, deliberate effort, and systematic execution. 

What is a Remote Office

By definition, a remote office refers to a work environment that is outside of a traditional office. If you think that remote-office setups are nothing but a fad, think again.

Although an employee can work from a coffee shop or anywhere else, most work remotely prefer to work from home in the UK. Even before the pandemic forced companies to embrace the remote-work culture, more than 5 million employees in the United Kingdom were already working from their homes half the time. 

In other words, gone are the days when most people got on a train, took the bus, or drove to the office to get to work. The usual “morning commute” has drastically changed to getting up from their beds and making a beeline for the home office they’ve managed to set up. Whether you like it or not, remote offices are the new normal.

 

Best UK Home Office Setup for Productivity

With no commuting required and no workplace distractions to deal with, working from home can give anyone a chance to take control of their career. However, did you know that your home office set-up can significantly influence your productivity at work? To help you get the most out of working remotely, you’ll need to consider certain factors as you’re setting up your UK home office.

Find the right space

Placing a desk in one corner won’t be enough to make it a home office. When choosing a dedicated workspace for yourself, you’ll need to consider how you can best steer clear of possible distractions. You’ll also need to come up with ways to maximise the space that’s available for use.  

It would be great to set up your home office in a separate room in your home. Working in a different room will make it easier for you to establish boundaries between your work and leisure time. If you don’t have a spare room and you’re a little tight on space, you’ll need to choose the right place for your workspace carefully.

Also, try to look for a spot where you can get natural lighting. If you’re not aware, natural lighting can help regulate your sleep-wake cycle and boost your productivity. 

 

Get a UK home office plant

Do you like plants? Did you know that incorporating these natural elements into your designated workspace can significantly enhance your productivity? Getting a home office plant will make a beautiful addition to your interior and help reduce your stress levels and improve indoor air quality.

 

Declutter

A cluttered workspace won’t set the stage for increased productivity. Should you decide to add a few decorations to your workspace, make sure that you pick decorative items that won’t eventually turn into office clutter. When you’re setting up your home office, take time to identify the things that you’ll use, those you’ll have to dispose of, or those you need to move to another space.

 

Keep things organised

If your desk is constantly covered with documents or items, don’t be surprised if your productivity reduced. Chances are, you’d be wasting your time looking for something important just because everything in your home office is disorganised. To avoid this, make sure that your documents are correctly filed and stored where you can access them right away and not piled up like a beaver dam. 

 

Set some boundaries

It can be a pain to lose your momentum after your work gets interrupted. If you want to get anything done, you’ll need to give your tasks your undivided attention. Keep in mind that you’re still being paid to work despite enjoying the convenience of staying home.

For this reason, it’s essential to let the members of your household know about your office hours. Also, if you don’t want your productivity to take a hit, stay away from the television and quit checking your Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter accounts.

 

Pick out the suitable desk.

Your UK home office desk can either make or break your job. It greatly influences the amount of work that you can get done. Make sure that you pick out the right one for you.

Think about your home office space when you’re looking to find the ideal desk for you. Do you need more storage on your desk? Considering the size of the desk and if it fits your workspace will help you create a work environment that exudes comfort and inspires productivity. 

If you want to minimise the time you spend sitting down while working from home, you might want to consider using a height-adjustable desk. This will allow you to have standing and stretching breaks throughout the day.

 

Choose the right chair

Once you’ve picked out a suitable desk, the next step is to find the right chair. Make sure that you get one that can provide you with proper support. If you’re not comfortable with your chair, your back will suffer pain, and it would be challenging for you to stay focused while you work.

 

Get the right gear on hand

Setting up a remote office that increases your productivity wouldn’t be possible if you miss the right tools and equipment. This would include a computer, a phone, a paper shredder, a power cable box, a laser printer, your headphone stand, or whatnot. Make sure that you don’t have slow internet that will keep on interrupting your work.

 

Have your own break space

Sometimes, you’ll need to take a breather from work without being tempted to chill on Netflix. You can take breaks without subjecting yourself to other distractions if you set up a break space within your home office. For starters, consider getting yourself a couch and placing it away from your desk.

 

Stick to your schedule

If you don’t plan your day, it doesn’t matter if you’ve managed to set up a remote office that could enhance your productivity. Coming up with a daily schedule will help you become mindful of your tasks. You can stay on track if you keep a bulletin board or a desk calendar pinned on your desktop in your remote workstation. 

Ground Rules for Setting Up Your UK Home Office

Does your idea of working from home mean sitting cross-legged on your couch while hunching over your laptop? Unless you want to wake up aching each morning, you’ll need to establish some ground rules for setting up your home office. Experts recommend the following:

 

Having your dedicated workspace is non-negotiable.

You would want to have your dedicated workstation that’s quiet, near the window, and close to outlets. You’ll thank yourself for setting up a camp where you can have access to natural light. Plus, placing your desk next to outlets will allow you to ditch the need to use those unsightly extension cords.

 

Sit comfortably

You’ll need to sit like a pro if you want to get things right. Make sure that your legs are parallel to the ground and your feet are on the floor. If this isn’t possible, grab a box and use it as a footrest.

 

Mind your monitor placement

Keeping your monitor at eye level and placing it at an arm’s length away is good for you. If you’re using a laptop, you might want to get a separate keyboard and mouse. This will allow you to prop up your screen to the ideal height.

 

Protect yourself from the sitting disease

In case you’re wondering, the “sitting disease” gives place to the ill effects of a sedentary lifestyle. Refuse to be someone who’s constantly chained to their desks. When you’re taking breaks, don’t forget to move around so that your muscles can stretch and relax. 

 

Essential Furniture Types for Your Remote Office

Taking time to choose the furniture types that you’ll use for your remote office is a must. Keep in mind that careful planning is required to maximise your space while optimising workplace ergonomics. Look over these must-have furniture types that you’d want to include in your UK home office.

 

Adjustable standing desktop

Save yourself the time and the trouble of readjusting your laptop, keyboard, mouse, or monitor. With an adjustable standing desktop, you can have the option to instantly raise or lower its height with just a lever’s simple push.

 

Ergonomic desk chairs

Ensure that your chair isn’t hurting your health to steer clear body aches and pains that most desk-dwellers struggle with regularly. Get an ergonomic desk chair that gets you back up and allows you to slide from side to side when you’re trying to reach for specific items on your desk, shelves, and drawers. 

 

Shelving

Aside from being fully functional, shelving can also make your remote workstation look and feel more intimate. Although you can choose to have built-in shelves along your walls, you also have the option to stick with the traditional freestanding bookshelves.

 

Filing Cabinets

You can’t work efficiently if you don’t have proper file storage. Whether you decide to get yourself a lateral file cabinet, a standard two-drawer letter-size file cabinet, or a two-drawer legal-size one, it’s up to you. Just be mindful of the space that you have because file cabinets can be huge space-hoggers.

 

More Seating

Since additional seating is needed for your break space, you may want to get an upholstered sofa. Don’t worry; your extra room won’t require a lot of space in front of it.

 

What About Transformable Furniture

Transformable furniture is ideal for those who live in smaller spaces such as tiny UK homes and micro-loft apartments. If you’re into the micro-lifestyle, the key to enjoying a smaller carbon footprint while having an optimised remote office set up lies in choosing the right transformable furniture. The right pieces can make downsized living seem larger than life.

Since furniture designers embrace the concept of living small, many of them are coming up with pieces that complement this lifestyle. They make it possible for a tiny home office to feature an expandable sofa, a coffee table that flips into a laptop stand, and more!

 

The Biggest Benefits of Working Remotely

When companies across the world adopted a remote-work policy to slow the spread of the coronavirus, the rise of remote work statistics became undeniable at the beginning of 2020. Employers and employees alike have no choice but to navigate their way amidst this time of significant upheaval. Thankfully, the results are positive for both parties. 

 

Employers can hire the best talent.

With virtual employment, companies are no longer limited to specific geographical locations. This means nothing will stop them from hiring high-quality freelancers and specialists from any corner of the world. Creating teams that span multiple time zones allow businesses to respond quickly to customers, enhance the coverage of their vulnerable assets, and progress on their projects continuously.

 

It’s cost-effective

Remote working arrangements won’t require employers to rent or buy an office space or spend more cash to install office amenities. Plus, they won’t have to worry about utility and building maintenance charges to keep their physical office running. Likewise, virtual employment will also cause the employees to save more money because they won’t have to gas up, buy their meals, or invest in office clothes.

 

It boosts employee retention.

Did you know that three-fourths of the respondents said that remote work arrangements are one of the most significant nonmonetary ways for companies to boost employee retention? Those who work remotely claim that they enjoy a much greater sense of work-life balance with this kind of arrangement. With higher retention rates comes lower employee turnover, as well as fewer misfires.

 

It enhances productivity 

Employees who work in traditional offices fall prey to several distractions that take up a lot of their time. These distractions could include extra minutes spent gossiping with a co-worker in the break room or getting pulled into office politics. These distractions can add to work-related stress that will ultimately result in lower productivity, morale, and higher leaves.

On the other hand, those who work from home are compelled to take extra steps to demonstrate transparency in their daily tasks. Since remote workers tend to manage their day-to-day work, employers can do away with micro-managing. Thanks to the teams of productive remote workers, there would be a much lesser need for regular checking in calls or useless meet-ups.

 

Employees enjoy the flexibility.

Since no commuting is needed, they won’t have to sit through heavy traffic on their way to or from their workplace. This means that they can get to spend more time with their families. What’s more, the flexible work schedule allows them to take much-needed breaks that could involve a quick meeting with a friend or a visit to the gyms.

Conclusion

Remote workers can be more innovative, engaged, and productive if they know how to set up a remote office that’s ideal for them. Creating the right remote working environment may take a lot of careful thinking, but the benefits are all worth it. 

Are you looking to find an expert who can help you set up an effective and efficient dedicated workspace? Get in touch with us at Mila Design. We specialise in designing and manufacturing high-quality office furniture, cabinet furniture, and other individualised projects. 

All these new added bikes

How to Store Bicycle Outside? 4 Free Tips!

Whether it’s to improve your health or reduce your carbon footprint, bicycling could be one of the best things you can do for yourself. If you already own a bicycle, then you know that it’s a considerable investment. It’s essential to learn the proper care methods and storage to keep your bike in tip-top shape for years to come. You need to know how to store bicycle outside, store during winter, and keep them from rusting. 

Different Types of Storage Spaces for Your Bicycle

One of the most significant drawbacks of owning a bike is finding proper space to store it. Some people in the UK have spacious garages or sheds, but not everyone has that luxury. If you’re looking for various ways to store your bikes, here are some of the options you should check out:

 

Shelves

Putting a bike on a custom-made shelf is perfect for people in the UK who want to store their bicycles inside their homes tastefully. A shelf allows you to hang the bike on the wall, making it a statement piece in your kitchen or living room. 

Bike shelves come in various colours, sizes, and designs. Some shelves even let you store books and other items, like keys or wallets. You can choose a smaller and less obtrusive shelf for minimalists that only has enough room to store your bike. The drawback of bike shelves is that the handlebars and pedals often stick out, but if this is the only way you can keep your bike, then it’s a compromise you have to make. 

 

Bike Covers

This storage option is one of the cheapest ways to store and protect your bike from outside elements. You can keep your bike outside without worrying about rain and snow. The only problem with covers is that it doesn’t come with a lock, so it isn’t protected from thieves. You can also use covers even if you store your bike inside the house or in the garage. This keeps your bike clean and free from dust and more. 

 

Locking Storages

If you’re worried that someone might steal or damage your bike, you can invest in locking storage. This is best for people in the United Kingdom who don’t have enough space to store their bikes inside their homes or garages. Rather than relying on a small bike lock and chain to keep thieves away, high-quality locking storage keeps your bike safe and protected from the elements, as well as from people with ill intentions. While safety and security are essential for any bike, locking storage comes in handy if you have very expensive or custom-made bikes. 

Storage Stands

Storage stands look identical to the bike racks found in many parks and cities. It’s ideal for the UK people who own multiple bikes, and you need to store them all at once. All you have to do is wheel your bike into the stand, and it leans into position until you use it again. However, storage stands take up a lot of space. This might not work for people without enough floor space in their porches or garages. 

 

Tents

If there’s a tent for camping, there’s also one for your bike. Tents keep your bike protected from rain and snow, especially if you’re spending a lot of time outside. However, this isn’t a permanent storage solution unless you already store your bikes inside your home or garage. It comes in handy when you’re out hiking or camping. Bike tents have a pop-up frame and a thick, waterproof material that can stretch over its frame to keep your bike clean and dry. You can use bike tents to store your bike at home, as well as outdoors. 

 

Factors to Consider When Choosing Storage for Your Bicycle

With several bike storage options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to choose one that fits your space. If you’re looking for ways to store your bike, here are a few factors you need to consider:

 

Storage Space

You can’t possibly choose storage without considering your space. Ideally, the best bike storage option depends on your available space, whether it’s your UK garage, porch, house, apartment, or storage shed. 

Each option has different applications, but you can store your bikes vertically against the wall or hang it on your ceiling if you’re short on space. As mentioned, shelves work well if you have enough wall space. If you mount your bike high enough or if your ceiling is high, a bike on the wall might not interfere with other living room décor. If you have more than one bike, taller vertical racks that lean against the wall or freestanding are other options. Most racks allow you to stack two bikes at a time.

 For cyclists with larger houses, gear sheds, or garages, you can benefit from more elaborate options, such as locking sheds, bike tents, and storage stands. 

Additionally, don’t forget to consider the clearance space you need to walk around the bike or open doors. You can choose mounts with brackets that fold flat against the wall so it doesn’t stick out when it’s not in use. It’s a great way to save space in close quarters.

 

Bike Weight

If you choose to mount a rack to your wall or hang it from the ceiling, take note of the weight of your bike, as well as the quality of your wall. Otherwise, your bike might be too heavy, and you’ll risk ruining your walls and harming the people living in the house. 

If you’re a tenant, you may need to ask permission from your landlord. Some landlords don’t allow tenants to hang something on the ceiling or walls. If this is the case, you may need to look for other ways to store your bike. 

 

Security

Where will you store your bike? Will other people have access to it? Wall mounts, bike tents, lock storage, and racks often come with a lock for added safety. This is especially important if you store your bike in a spot where it’s more vulnerable to theft. 

 

Protect Walls and Floors

If you store your bikes in your living room area, you might want to consider storage options that offer some level of protection for your walls and floors. Bike dirt and grease can easily stain your floors and walls, especially in wet weather. 

You can choose racks that come with miniature plastic housings to cover both wheels. Bike tents are another storage option that will keep your walls and floors clean from bike dirt.  

 

Wheel Size

It’s essential to ensure that the storage option you choose can accommodate your bike’s wheels. If you want to store your bike on a floor stand, check if the wheels fit perfectly in the rack. It should be able to accommodate your tire width. The same goes for 29er wheel bikes. Whether you use a wall or floor racks, be sure to consider the size of your wheels before buying one. 

 

Material

There are two main types of material used in bike storage: metal and wood. 

If durability is more important than aesthetics, a metal bike rack or storage is the better option. Storage options made out of metal are very durable and can withstand wear and tear without being damaged. However, the metal may look out of place if you’re going to display your bike in your home unless you have an industrial-themed house. In this case, the metal will fit perfectly with the rest of your interior. 

Wooden bike storage is more aesthetically pleasing than its metal counterpart. If you’re placing it inside your home, your bike rack and your bike are going turn into a piece of art. Wooden bike storage options are typically handcrafted. This means that every piece is unique, and it will look beautiful in any home. However, it’s essential to choose where you source your wooden storage. Only choose high-quality ones and make sure that it is durable enough so your bike won’t fall or tip with you mount it. 

How to Prepare Your Bicycle for Storage for Winter

Nobody wants to go biking in freezing weather. As a result, many bicyclists make the mistake of leaving their bike outside during winter. Leaving your bike out for a few days isn’t a big deal. But after a week or two, you’ll start to see visible changes – the chains begin to rust or colours begin to fade, especially if you live in a place with extreme weather. With that said, it’s essential to prep your bike for long-term storage.

If you’re planning to store your bike throughout the winter season, you need to follow proper storage methods to extend its longevity. 

 

Find a Storage Spot

The first step to storing your bike for the winter is finding a spot to store it. Whether it’s in your garage, basement, or living room, make sure that there’s enough room for your bike. If you’ve exhausted all options and you still can’t find a place to store your bicycle, there are bike shops that are willing to store it for you at a price. 

Storing your bike for winter takes a lot of work. It’s tempting to cover it with bike covers and let it sit outside, but this will only cause more problems when the spring season comes. For instance, you may need more maintenance and repairs due to internal or external rusting. 

 

Brush and Wipe Down the Frame

Spraying down the bike with a hose is another common mistake most bike owners make. Hosing it down can cause water to get into different parts of the bike, causing some metal components to rust. It’s better to wipe them down with a clean cloth. 

You may wonder why it’s a huge no-no to spray water when most people in the UK ride bikes in the rain. When you’re hosing it down, the water can enter from other angles. This means that moisture can get into areas that normally don’t get wet during bike rides in the rain. 

Rain on your bike without proper care can also damage your bike. And even if you don’t hose your bike, you still need to clean it carefully before storing it. You can clean your bike’s wheels and frame using a soft-bristled brush. This is to remove any debris that got stuck in the crevices, like dried mud, grass, dust, and more. 

Brush everything off as much as you can, and once you’ve gone over every nook and cranny, take a damp rag and wipe down your bike. Emphasis on wiping, not spraying. This will loosen the dirt and grime that can’t be removed by brushing. 

 

Check the Frame for Problems Before Storing

Check your bike’s structural integrity while you brush and wipe your bike. Look for cracks, bent frame parts, or anything that looks suspicious to you. Pay close attention to the welded areas (the spot where the metal connects), as well as the bottom bracket. These areas undergo most of the stress when biking, so be sure to check these parts carefully. You wouldn’t want your bike to fall apart when you use it in springtime. 

 

Tire Care and Maintenance

Tire care – cleaning, inflating, and inspecting – is the next step in preparing your bike for storage. Make sure to inflate your tires and see if everything is intact entirely. Check for tire punctures, cuts in the sidewall, as well, as the spokes on your wheels. Do any of them look broken or loose? Next, gently spin the wheel as you watch the spokes and wheel. Is the wheel wobbly? Is it spinning at an angle?

After the wheels, the next thing you need to do is to check if the brake pads are in good shape. It shouldn’t be rubbing up against the wheel; instead, it should be an angle away from the tires. The pads shouldn’t be loose. Change your brake pads if it already looks worn before storing it out for the winter. 

Once everything looks good, brush your tires and give them a good wipe down to eliminate the debris stuck in between the cracks. 

 

Clean and Lubricate the Drivetrain

The next step is where it all gets dirty and greasy. Cleaning the crank, cassette, and bike chain are the least glamorous parts of cleaning your bike, but it’s something that you shouldn’t overlook. After all, the drivetrain is what keeps your bike moving forward. By adequately cleaning these three major parts, you can get rid of leftover debris, which can help keep your bike from rusting. 

It’s time to change your chain if it already looks worn or if you’ve ridden it for two to three thousand miles. At this point, your chain begins to stretch, but this usually depends on the person riding the bike. It also depends on how often you clean your bike, how well you take care of it, as well as your riding patterns (recreational biking, mountain biking, road biking, etc.). 

Some people in the UK continue to use their bikes, even with the chain stretched. But if your chain is worn, it will eventually affect the cassette. It will be harder for you to put on a new chain if this happens. At some point, you may need to replace both the chain and the cassette. 

 

Inspect and Lubricate the Cables

You should also pay attention to the cables because they easily rust, too. You need to inspect the cable and look for frays and other potential issues to keep your bike rides safe. 

If your cables are looking frayed, you can try to repair them, mainly if the frays located at the end of the cable. If you’re unable to do so, you can bring your bike to a shop and have it repaired by a professional to avoid further damage. 

If there aren’t any frays present, you can then lubricate the cables. Lubrication is important in preventing rust from forming ruining the cables. All you need to do is add a bit of lubricant to a rag and rub it on the exposed cable part. Make sure the entire cable is lubricated. 

 

Wipe and Clean Handgrips and Saddle or Replace If Necessary

This part contributes more to the aesthetics of your bike rather than functionality. While you’re inspecting and wiping down your bike, there’s no harm in cleaning the handgrips and saddle seat too. If your bike’s saddle seat or grips are worn, or you want to replace them, it’s best to do it before storing it away. In this way, you’ll have it ready to go when the spring season comes. 

 

Remove Batteries Before Storing Your Bicycle 

It’s essential to take the batteries out of flashers, lights, headlights, etc., to prevent leaks. If you can’t remove the battery, ensure that everything is fully charged before you store your bike.  

Check the Bike Bags and Holders

Clear out and clean the panniers and trunk bags before you store them. The last thing you want is to find a mouldy sandwich or half an energy bar from last year. Otherwise, you might get a visit from ants, mice, and other insects and critters. In addition, make sure to remove water bottles from your bike as well. Keep them tucked away in your cabinet until you ride your bike again. 

 

How to Store Your Bicycle Outdoors

It’s wonderful if you need to leave your bike outside for a few days or lock it outdoors while you’re at work. But leaving your bike outdoors for more than a week will cause corrosion and damage to your bike’s components. Intense heat, snow, rain, and humidity are the most common reasons why your bike begins to degrade. If this keeps up, your bicycle will eventually become rusted and useless. 

Wondering what would happen to your bike if you leave it outdoors for extended periods without protection? Here are some of the common problems you might encounter:

 

Steel Bike Frames

Generally, any frame material won’t do well with rain and moisture. However, rust can form quicker if you have a steel bike frame. Even if the outside appearance seems perfectly fine, the frame can start to rust on the inside, making it less safe to use. 

 

Seals

Seals become less effective after years pass. If this happens, water and moisture will go inside your bikes. This will affect the bearings on your headset and wheel hubs and other parts of your drivetrain, such as your rear derailleurs and shifters. 

 

Bolts

More often than not, the metal used on your bolts isn’t the same as the metal on other parts of your bike. But your bike’s stem and stem bolts are made out of the same metal. If the stem and bolts begin to corrode due to rain or moisture, they will seize up and get stuck, making it challenging to remove whenever you need to replace or remove a particular part. 

 

Cables

If your steel cables are exposed outside the bike frame, water and moisture will oxidise them, affecting your shifting and braking and compromising your safety while riding. 

 

Chain

For more expensive bikes, the stainless steel chains rust slower compared to lower-end bikes. If your finances allow, it’s best to invest in a high-quality bike early on. 

 

Rubber and Plastic

Aside from the seals, rubber and plastic parts are more prone to melt or break from extended exposure to sun and humidity. Cable housing is commonly the one affected by the heat of the sun. This can be a problem once the weather changes to cold and rainy. Additionally, the brake hoods, tires, and the rubber and plastic on the seats can quickly deteriorate under extreme weather. 

 

How to Properly Maintain Your Bicycle If You Store It Outside

While you can’t pinpoint exactly how long it takes for your bike to corrode, it largely depends on where you live. For instance, it may take a month for your components to rust or corrode if you live in rainy or humid climates. On the other hand, it can take several months to live in milder climates, where moisture isn’t present all the time. 

You don’t have to wait until your bike starts to corrode before you do something about it. It’s best to take as many precautions as possible to extend the life of your bicycle. Here are a few tips on properly maintaining your bike should you need to store it outdoors:

 

Invest in a Shed

If you have some space on your patio, you might want to consider investing in a shed to shield your bike from the element. 

 

Use a Tarp

If building a shed isn’t possible, you can try using a tarp. You wouldn’t want to cover your bike in a tarp; otherwise, you’ll create pockets of moisture. Instead, you can create a roof on top of it to protect it from rain and heat. Once you have that installed, you can buy a waterproof bike cover for added protection. 

 

Check Your Seals Regularly

It’s essential to regularly check your bike’s seals, especially if you’ve been using it for more than five years or if it left exposed to the elements. Better yet, it makes more sense to get new seals for your bike. This helps keep the rain from getting inside the frame and other parts. 

 

Remove Rust

If you begin to see signs of rust, don’t delay and make sure to remove it as soon as possible to keep it from spreading to other parts. You can use WD-40 and other oils, or you can scrape the rust off with a thin sheet of tin foil. 

 

Grease Cables and Bolts

Regularly greasing the cables and bolts delays and prevents corrosion, keeping your bike safe to use. 

 

Consider an Indoor Bike Hanger

Indoor bike hangers allow you to store your bikes inside your home, even if you live in a small apartment. You can hang your expensive bike on your walls instead of painting and pictures. 

 

Invest in a Bike Tent

If you have a rack, a kickstand, or a floor stand, you can check out bike tents. These tents are usually compact (slightly bigger than your bike) and portable. This is an excellent option if you need storage both at home, at work, or out in the great outdoors. You can use bike tents anytime, anywhere. 

 

Tips to Prevent Your Bike from Rusting

As mentioned, rust and corrosion can shorten the longevity of your bike. Here are some of the things you can do to protect your bike from rust and corrosion:

 

Protect Your New Ride by Installing Fenders and Frame Protection

When you’re biking, the tires throw dirt and rocks against the frame. Mud and grime will also get into the drivetrain and suspension. It reduces the impact your bike receives from the elements during a ride with fenders and frame protection. 

Fenders can effectively deflect dirt and mud away from the sensitive parts of your bike. On the other hand, frame protection can prevent rocks and other debris from hitting the frame. Otherwise, the debris can cause the paint to chip, and when bare metals are exposed to the elements, this can lead to rust. 

Fenders and frame protection don’t cause a lot of money. It’s best to invest in these early on to reduce maintenance costs and extend your bike’s life. 

 

Keep Your Bike Away from the Elements

Aside from rain, heat, and humidity, dirt and sweat can cause rust and corrosion if they stay on your bike for an extended period. Your sweat can cut through the clear coat of your frame, while dirt can damage your suspension and drive train. You should deep clean your bike at least once a month. If you ride in wet conditions, you may need to clean it more often.

Cleaning your bike protects it from rust and corrosion. It also allows you to inspect for signs of wear and tear. Don’t forget to wipe and dry your bike as thoroughly as possible. You can use compressed air to clean areas that are hard to reach.

 

Lubricate Your Bike

The best way to keep rust and corrosion from forming is to keep your bike lubricated. Lubricants keep your bike running smoothly and protects it from the elements. Regularly grease bushings and bearings and keep your chain lubricated if you want your bike to last a long time. 

As you lubricate the parts, inspect them for signs of rust and corrosion. Additionally, continually lubricate your chain every time you finish washing your bike. Your stanchions and shock seals should also be lubricated to prevent them from cracking. 

 

Tune-Up Twice a Year

Tune-ups consist of disassembling your bike, cleaning the parts, and lubricating bushings, bearings, and drivetrain. Ideally, tune-ups should happen every six months to check for corrosion or rust signs and prevent irreparable damage. 

You can do a tune-up yourself, or you can have it done by a trusted mechanic. Either way, make sure to check the inside of the frame and the rims. The alloy and brass nipples can corrode if water enters the rim tape. It can corrode even quicker if the chemicals in some tire sealants are exposed to the nipples. 

Tune-ups take a lot of work, and if you decide to have it serviced, it can cost at least $100. However, it’s a part of being a responsible bike owner. Besides, tune-ups can prevent significant damage to your bike. If you want your investment to last for years, don’t forget to schedule regular tune-ups every six months.

 

Final Thoughts

Biking is a fun hobby many people in the UK seem to enjoy. However, not many people take the time to learn how to take care of their bikes properly. 

As mentioned, bicycles are a considerable investment. They don’t come cheap at all. To preserve your investment and improve its longevity, it’s essential to know how to store your bicycle outside, clean it, and maintain it. It’s a lot of work, but you’ll also enjoy having a well-maintained bicycle. 

You can use the bike parking racks to store and safely lock your bicycle and cover it with a tent with a suitable size. It would give you confidence that your investment is safe and ready to serve you for the next season. 

Architecture for children

Example Of Architecture And Child Psychology The Interconnectivity In Action! Video Download!

The world is continuously moving toward a phase where technology meets architecture. Travelling in the UK and looking around, you see buildings in innovative concepts, astounding consumerism, skyscrapers, commercialism ideologies, and more. You could wander about what’s connecting the concepts of architecture and child psychology the interconnectivity.

Thinking out of the box, art for art’s sake

Sounds very interesting, right? These demands are likewise challenges for architects to beat the norm, think outside the box, and design buildings with limitless creativity. However, because architects are also subject to business deals and commands, they have to adjust and move according to their interests. 

Naturally, human beings are born with senses, and part can appreciate what’s around them. Buildings are, at most times, utilised for practical purposes of shelter or as a place of work, but these must be able to exude true meaning. Architects are known to design based on objectives and not just for the sake of consumerism.  

Basing these designs from children’s psychology will offer beautiful results. Previous studies have revealed how the designs turn out to be better and more appealing when done from a child’s mindset. 

Children are innocent, unaware of many realities in life, and their perception of the surroundings is young, unchanged, immature, and not prone to influences. At the end of this piece, you will be able to: 

 

  • Understand architecture for children
  • The relationship between architecture and human psychology
  • Comprehend what rehabilitation architecture and stability mean
  • See how to design small architecture for children
  • Take a look at the best samples. 

 

Architecture for children

The child’s mind is playful. Architecture for children, in line with architecture and child psychology, may be defined in many ways. First, it may refer to how architects command their tools to come up with designs based on a child’s perspective. Thus, simple, easy-to-understand, and idealistic.

Second, it may also refer to architecture intended for children. How does one design a toy store different from a dress shop for moms? How does one design a family-friendly community versus a community for more mature individuals? How does one create a theme park with concepts attractive to children?

Third, architecture and child psychology can also pertain to outdoor accessories and furnishings that both children and older people will love. These may include dog parks, benches, tables, and pet stations in the UK.

Architecture and psychology

Architecture and child psychology are two broad fields of study, though these two are not very difficult to connect. Previously, you have learned how human emotions change with the changing of the surroundings and how they relate to one another. We’re expounding on this to discover more about the art and its correlation with child psychology.

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a source that has been present since the 19th century, preceding the World Wars, psychology is defined as the science of mind and behaviour. It also refers to the study of the brain and behaviour concerning a particular field. 

Is there value in each other’s concepts? Yes. Know that design could go beyond creativity. Architecture is art, mathematics — and science. 

Buildings and how they look impact the way humans interact and think. People can read patterns, and it is the architect’s work to ensure that the design follows solid principles. One of these is known as the Gestalt principle, duly related to the interaction between architecture and child psychology.

This principle talks about how the human brain mirrors daily surroundings so that it is wired to identify symmetry and balance in line with the general whole, hence appreciating visuals. These principles are founded and grounded on similarity, continuity, proximity, closure, and figure. 

One of the best examples would be the durian-shaped building located in Singapore. Known as The Esplanade, this building officially attributes itself to the popular fruit in Southeast Asia, the durian. However, it is very different in terms of the building’s size, and without knowledge of this fruit, you would not be able to make the identification.

Gestalt principles trick the brain into following illusions, believing that this is what the person can see. Humans have the natural way to deconstruct these into the most direct meaning. The elements of balance, lines, depth, and illusion come together. 

And then, you have the psychology of colour. Did you notice that many food chains and restaurants have a red colour? Red symbolises thirst, hunger, and the need for something. Brands and companies have taken advantage of the colour to attract more customers. 

 

Children psychology in rehabilitation architecture and stability 

Now that you’ve offered a glimpse of child psychology and architecture, we are taking this learning up a notch higher with rehabilitation architecture. Going through the different countries and continent words makes it easy to understand. Recovery through rehabilitation is the end goal, but challenges are conquered, learning curves, and habits must be done correctly and consistently throughout the process. 

Does architecture re-shape and refocus the mind similar to being rehabilitated? Yes. Architecture is also about healing. Spaces that heal have stunning visuals that do not burden the person’s well-being but more of relaxing them. 

In the path toward rehabilitation, healing prevails. The person learns from their previous mistakes, recovers, and makes the change. Architecture has the power to shape human psychology, and utilising the technique to base every design from child psychology, you delve into themes of youth, playfulness, and curiosity. 

In the following parts of this piece, we look at specific samples of these architectural elements for children — from playgrounds to dog stations.

 

Designing small architecture for children

Dominating architecture and design are these small architectural features created for children. These may include playgrounds, dog parks, tables, benches, and dog stations. Creating these pieces takes effort and time, which is why architects are investing time to ponder how they will have them designed, built, and presented. 

Architecture and child psychology are two considerations that come into the scene when dealing with creating these pieces. In 2018, children or those aged 15 years and below comprised 26 per cent of the global population. And, you have been a child at a point in your life, too. 

Children have memories of various spaces. It includes playing around the library in your community or the closest playground to your house. Architects consider these when designing a small architecture for children. They are contributors to moulding perspectives; thus, the need to think and re-think and find ways to feature energy and empathy in the creations. 

“Memories like these contain the deepest architectural experience that I know. They are the reservoirs of the architectural atmospheres and images that I explore in my work as an architect,” Swiss architect Peter Zumthor said.

Universal laws for determining a good design and what’s not should not be confined to strict conditions. Principles from this must be comprehended, though, to encourage discussion, promote learning, and have nature involved along the way.

Playground zone and use

The benefits of playgrounds are plenty. These are where your children develop their early motor skills and interact with their school classmates and friends from the neighbourhood. Playgrounds are where children and their parents, relatives, and family members gather in a different space involving nature.

With these playgrounds, they are freer to move, promoting self-confidence and self-esteem. Many community playgrounds are free admission, which increases the chances for these children to utilise the spaces for engaging their imagination in the activities. These playgrounds are also partnered with health-related organizations in the quest to combat childhood obesity.  

What is a playground zone? Playground zones are common signs that indicate you are entering a playground area. This is a minor architectural feature that can be conveyed through the design of open parks and playgrounds. It alerts motorists and drivers to take caution within the area since children frequent playgrounds.

There are various considerations when selecting and building these playground features. These include:

 

  • Safety
  • Play
  • Adaptability
  • Freedom to move
  • Knowledge and learning

 

Safety is number one, which has been the goal of every playground zone installed in the area. Without safety, architecture better be non-existent. It involves the use of quality materials. Then come play opportunities. Being able to play is the children’s right. Spaces conducive to these activities must be abundant in your neighbourhood.

The adaptability of the architectural space means being able to sway according to how they are needed. Are the eco-parks going to be used for teambuilding? Or, will be more about a picnic of the family with children? With these come spaces where people are free to move around. Lastly, they must be conducive to learning. Are the plants you see around child-friendly parks labelled with scientific names?

 

Parks design for children, including dog parks

Children’s parks that allow pets are trendy nowadays. The rising population of pet-owning individuals needs these spaces created exclusively for them since there are individuals who might find themselves not very convenient around these animals.

To design the best of these parks, one must consider the kind of play. It may include active play, sensory play, imaginative play, creative play, reflective play, and social play. For instance, the famous Mind Museum in the trendy area of BGC in Taguig City, Philippines, is an indoor showcase of crafts intended to develop the child’s learning. This leans toward reflective play more than active play.

The second is the sense of place. Parks with the most definite sense of play also talk about the local culture and the “community spirit.” It may include symbols that are native or local to the community. Benches may be painted with colours that tell you about the personality of the locality. 

Multifunctional park features are also getting more popular. Gone were the days when monkey bars were for hanging, slides are for sliding, and so on. Now, some chairs and benches have the dual purpose of where park visitors may sit down to rest and act as the complementary decor of the larger area. 

Then, you can also utilise your artistic skills to feature hideaways and passageways that are not directly revealed on the map layout. The passageway to a lagoon or mazes that lead to a picture spot for taking photographs may be included.

Flow is also a design principle. Visually and along the path, park visitors and children should have continuity of movement that coincides with the design patterns, unless otherwise part of the entire art. Treehouses, hopscotch, or slide features are recommended transition pieces from a particular zone in the park to a different area.

Similar to a high-interval workout in the gym, zones for different energy levels must be designed carefully. It will prevent younger children from trying out a playground facility that may be too huge for them to handle. Then, you may also consider designing according to traffic. Work with nature, work on sustainability, and feel individuals’ movement once the park completed. 

 

Small architecture for children — benches, tables, and dog stations 

Benches, tables, and dog stations are not just about their purposes but also about giving a visual spectacle. Imagine a park without spaces where park visitors can rest. Or, open areas frequented by visitors bringing pets without stations exclusive for pet use. Aside from it being a disorganised affair, it is a step back from aesthetics. 

Great aesthetics involve these small pieces that complement the design, giving a visual break from greenery or lifeless continuity of horizons. Take, for example, a coastal stretch by the beach without accessories like volleyball nets or huts. It will look like an underdeveloped area.

Conclusion

Several groups, institutions, and organisations in the UK advocate for improving architecture for children and introducing them to the field early on. Unless you have relatives who are architects, designers, or urban planners, there are instances you may be unaware of what architecture is.

How old were you when you heard about the term “architecture”? If, for instance, you are in your 30s and were able to discover the in-depth meaning of architecture, will you have a child-like perception of what the field is all about? You have seen how architecture and child psychology go together, and we cannot wait to see how you will implement this in your future projects.

Example Of How Old Office Look Modern? The Explainer For Beginners!

Example Of How Old Office Look Modern? The Explainer For Beginners!

Setting up breakout spaces, getting rid of the clutter, updating your fixture, and some other tricks will make an old office look modern. I will cover all of them in this article.

These simple tricks will not require a lot of time and money, and you will get fast and impressive results.  If you’re trying to discover in the UK how to make an old office look modern, you’ll need to achieve the perfect balance between classic feel and modern appeal. Bridging the gap between the antique and the modern can be a daunting task. However, with a bit of research and a lot of careful planning, you’ll be able to pull off a modern-looking workplace that you and your employees will be proud of.

What is Modern Office Design

With its roots traced back to the early twentieth century, modern UK office design prioritises form and function more than details. It gets rid of unnecessary elements and incorporates metals, crystals, and concrete into its overall style. Modern office design favours strong, clean lines and straight shapes, the pieces of furniture that complement it are steel tables, chairs, shelving, and cabinets.

Moreover, a modernised office uses plenty of neutral colours with vivid accents. It also features whites and greys that you’ll mostly see at the top since the modern workplace tends to feature simple and uncluttered spaces that project comfort and radiate a sense of calmness, closely associated with minimalism. 

 

Expert Tips for Modernizing your UK Office

Since modernising your old office requires redesigning efforts and renovation, getting a few ideas from modern design experts will lead you closer to your goal. Antiquated workplaces can be challenging to remodel. That’s why you shouldn’t be surprised if you feel like there’s not a lot you can do to make it look more modern. However, if you focus on the design elements you have control over, you can successfully modernise your old workplace.

Once you transform your office into a well-designed, functional, and modern workplace, your employees, prospective clients, and visitors will be much impressed. To get you started, check out this compilation of expert tips to help you turn your old office into a modern one:

 

Think about going green

Sustainable living is modern living. Use biophilic design to effectively bridge the old atmosphere of your workplace and your modern design theme. Going green in terms of office design goes way beyond the reduction of your carbon footprint. 

Research suggests that there is a strong link between nature connectedness and employee health and productivity. Furthermore, when you adopt an eco-friendly UK office design, you will not only modernise your office’s look, but it will also reduce your energy bills, improve your brand’s reputation, and establish loyalty with your company’s stakeholders.

One of the best ways to green up your interiors is to place some floor or table plants in your rooms or office cubicles. While you’re at it, you may also want to hang baskets of non-flowering plants. Addling live greenery will lighten your colour palette, balance the mood, and improve your indoor air quality.

Adopting a sustainable office design also involves placing recycling bins around your office to promote waste reduction and using natural light rather than a traditional one. It also means enriching your office interior with lighting systems that are both smart and energy-efficient. These are the ones that have lighting modes and sensors that you can pre-set to save energy.

 

Set up some breakout spaces

Decide to set up casually-designed breakout areas within the UK office where your team members can de-stress. Older office spaces are not comfortable and inviting. Shifting to the modern design would mean putting comfort on top of your list of priorities. 

If you’re not aware, sitting in the same working for long periods can seriously affect your employees’ health.  A breakout area will encourage them to move away from their desks and do their brainstorming sessions or social interactions in a relaxed environment. Since this area designed to reduce stress levels, it also boosts employee productivity and creative thinking.

 

Get rid of the clutter

If you don’t get rid of clutter, any changes you make to modernise your workplace will have little or no effect. Since “clean” is the distinct characteristic of “modern,” a disorganised office will only make the older elements stand out. 

 

Update your fixtures

Your antiquated UK office would look more modern if you ditch your worn-out fixtures and replace them with minimalist accents. Get rid of your fluorescent bulbs and install softer LEDs that will seamlessly complement your workspace. If you want to use your exposed HVAC ducting to enhance your modern office design, consider powder coating. 

 

Roll out your technology upgrades

Nothing screams “modern” than adding technology upgrades! Anyone who steps inside your office would know that it’s inching toward modernisation when they see mounted video screens, a tablet or laptop charging dock, and digital wayfinding. To achieve a full tech effect, consider adding your exposed network cabling overhead.

What’s more, you might want to think about throwing more interactive media into your conference rooms – from whiteboards to plexiglass that can be mounted on walls. Using these tools will enable your employees to express and illustrate their ideas right off the bat freely.

While you’re at it, why don’t you use a digital image wall covering? This will allow you to convey what your brand is all about. For example, suppose one of your company’s main advocacies include sustainable living. In that case, showing digital images of nature at your office’s common areas will give everyone a clear message of what your business believes in.

 

Pick an art theme

Your UK office makeover won’t be complete unless you pick an art theme and fill the barren white walls of your workplace. It doesn’t matter if you choose surreal, classical, eclectic, industrial, or modern art – once you put these pieces of art on display, your office will instantly look more modern and stylish. 

 

Knock your walls down

If there’s one thing you need to know about modern workplace aesthetics, it’s the fact that it embraces transparency. You’ll gain square footage, and your workplace will look more stylish if you decide to open up your floor plan and lose the walls.

Instead of using closed conference rooms and cubicles, today’s office features collaborative spaces that are open and friendly to encourage teamwork, honesty, and transparency. To ensure privacy and reduce distractions during your important meetings, you can choose to add removable or permanent glass partitions. 

 

Give window treatments a try

In case you’re not aware, window treatments can add a modern touch to your overall design. You might want to install cellular shades or blinds to make your older UK office look more current.

 

Go the minimalist route

As mentioned earlier, modern design is closely identified with a minimalist theme. This means that you shouldn’t go overboard with your choice of decorative or furniture pieces. 

For instance, when it comes to picking office furniture, choose the modular ones that feature clean lines. Although simple decorative accents are always preferred, you need to make sure that they help you build a cohesive theme that doesn’t feel cluttered. Make sure that the elements of your design aligned with your brand aesthetic and identity.

 

Combine and accent textures

Since old office spaces have a lot of texture, the best way to bridge an old-looking workplace with modern concepts is to combine and accent these textures. Do this by creating focal points with the building’s original features, including exposed architecture or brick walls. For example, you can throw in a subtle carpet pattern to accent brick.

 

Choose colour schemes wisely

Choosing a suitable colour scheme is a significant factor in modernising an older workplace. While you can always choose to integrate your brand’s colours to establish consistency, you also have the option to use an entirely different palette that consists of warm neutral tones and vivid hues that can be used to accent them. To give you an idea, a beige carpet would go well with your blue furniture, and a red art piece on a cream-coloured brick wall would promote cohesion.

Although aesthetic largely influences your choice of colour scheme, keep in mind that the colours you choose can impact your employees’ mood and productivity. For example, green represents balance, growth, and optimism, while yellow emits positive vibes and stimulates creativity. Furthermore, blue hues represent depth and stability while it sets the tones for focus and clarity.

Use different types of flooring

Try a different flooring material in common areas so that you can bring more emphasis to the visibility of your brand identity and culture. For instance, most businesses prefer to add carpet tiles to their reception areas because this flooring solution provides ease in installation and versatility in terms of patterns and designs.

Why Do You Need to Invest in the Right Kind of Furniture

If most of your employees spend a large portion of their time at their desks, you’ll need to get the right kind of office furniture that supports healthy postures while promoting a better safety culture. Furnishing your modernised office requires a careful selection of ergonomically designed furniture.

You’ll be glad to know that modern UK office furniture comes with adjustable features that will help your workers steer clear of musculoskeletal disorders. Check out these examples:

Adjustable desks and chairs

This practical solution to posture issues allows your employees to freely lower or raise their worktops and chairs according to their comfort levels. You can find desks and chairs with adjustable frames that offer both mechanical and electrical features.

 

Filing cabinets and metal drawers

You can maximise your office space using filing cabinets and metal drawers that feature a clean and straightforward look. Aside from the fact that these come with matching central locks, you also have the option to incorporate practical accessories into your drawers.

 

Workbench systems

If you want to maximise your UK office space without spending more cash on additional furniture, then integrating workbench systems into your open space rooms would make a wise decision.  The fact that these systems feature several tops mounted to a large structure will allow you to eliminate the need for more desk frames and legs.

 

Conversational pieces of furniture

Since you’ll be setting up a break space, don’t forget to add conversational furniture pieces that define the area and create a cosy and inviting atmosphere that promotes collaboration.

 

Modernise Your Office Today!

Whether you like it or not, your workplace says a lot about your brand. Its appearance can have a dramatic impact on employee morale, organisational productivity, and your company’s overall bottom line. If you’re still not convinced that your old office needs a major makeover, why don’t you walk around the area to see if you can spot any of these red flags?

It looks outdated

Did you know that an outdated office can seriously affect your company’s image? If you still have those boring beige walls or the pieces of furniture that you purchased in the ‘90s, then it’s about time you modernise your workplace. 

Keep in mind that your prospective customers wouldn’t want to do business with an organisation behind the times. Likewise, your employees would like to associate themselves with a company that’s moving ahead.

Your employees are constantly complaining.

Your office environment can either motivate your team members to succeed or cause well-being issues. If your employees constantly complain about their work environment, don’t be surprised if they quit their jobs anytime soon and seek employment elsewhere. Since you wouldn’t want to lose your skilled employees, you’ll need to redesign and remodel your office space.

Final Thoughts

Determining how to make an old UK office look modern can be overwhelming. However, with a little bit of research and artistic flair, you’ll be able to create a conducive and aesthetically pleasing working environment for your employees.

Mila Design can help you bring your outdated UK office into the modern era. Our expertise lies in designing and creating modular office furniture, cabinets, and other individualised projects that seek to meet our clients’ needs. 

5 Factors to Consider in Choosing the Right Office Furniture

What Are 8 Best Places To Buy High Quality Furniture?

Do you have an idea about the best places to buy high quality furniture? The number #1 on our list is Krostrade.co.uk, of course!

Here, you can find various pieces of furniture that can go with your style and comfort; and they go hand in hand, responsible for improving the efficiency and productivity of your employees, especially when you have to place this furniture in your office.

Just come to think of this:

What if your office had messy chairs and tables or even emptied walls? It’s undoubtedly overwhelming. That’s why as an employer, you should make sure to give your subordinates an excellent environment, considering style and comfort.

I know you would agree that vibrant work areas can help motivate your people in the UK, keeping them productive the entire day. So, if you need to modify the interior of your office, you’re just in the right place. We have only the best, and you deserve these.

Without further ado, let’s dig into the details!

Best Places to Buy High-Quality Furniture

With so much to choose from, looking for the best office furniture can be overwhelming. To help you get started, check out the following stores that sell a wide range of office furniture:

Krostrade.co.uk

We represent Mila design furniture that specialises in designing and manufacturing modern and functional steel legs for working furniture, office furniture, cabinet furniture, restaurant furniture, hotel furniture, and individual projects’ realisation. Our products made of high-quality steel profiles and steel sheets, afterwards are powder painted in fine structure.

Not only that, but the tables, desks, and furniture offered made of steel legs, which means durability. What’s more impressive about this is that the height may be adjustable (electrical or mechanical). The same is true when it comes to the central bases for their tables and desks.

Don’t be awed yet, and there’s more! You can opt for more additional elements such as cable channels, cupboard legs, sliding top mechanism, computer holders, and supports for glass and wooden panels; name it!

You can also find metal and plastic drawers with slides made of Italian and Swedish design, respectively.

Even now, Krostrade strives hard to offer you a wide range of options.

 

Ryman

Ryman boasts an extensive collection of high-quality office furniture, both offline and online. They can assist buyers from layout advice and delivery to installation, cleanup, and liquidation.

Ryman has various warehouse showrooms in the United Kingdom, filling the footprint of more than 34,000 square feet. You can find different inventory in there, such as office chairs, file cabinets, height-adjustable desks, and new and used desks, cubicles and partitions, and conference room tables. They have everything they need for your workplace.

Unfortunately, their online store only sells the chairs you see on their page at this time of writing. 

 

Furniture-work.co.uk

Furniture-work has over 20 years of industry experience. They guarantee that their UK staff of trained experts can help you create your ideal workspace. They also have a great selection of professional office furniture online, including conference room tables, reception area welcome desks, modern waiting room furniture, and modular office desks at competitive prices. Furniture-work collaborates with renowned office furniture manufacturers like OFM, Cherryman Industries, Global Total Office, and Mayline. 

 

 

UKOFFICEDIRECT

If you’re looking for a mix of affordable and high-end pieces, UKofficedirect offers a wide selection of chic office furniture. UKofficedirect has what you need to decorate your office with classic elements, from minimalist desks to vintage office chairs. The price range for their furniture ranges from under £200 to more than £2,000. 

 

Southernofficefurniture

Southernofficefurniture has been in the furniture industry since 2009. With a company valued at £440 million in 2013, Southernofficefurniture has it all – from modern, high-end pieces to vintage furniture and accessories. They offer office desks, desk chairs, bookcases, and storage furniture. 

Suppose you don’t see anything you like from their extensive collection. In that case, you can use Palette by Southernofficefurniture to know how a particular piece of furniture would look in different fabric options. You can check out their blog and social media channels for design tips and inspiration. 

 

MSL-Interiors

If you’re turning your office into a bright office, you’re better off buying your furniture from MSL-Interiors. They boast their lines of ergonomic solutions, such as height-adjustable desks, footrests, and more. MSL-Interiors also offers office tables, desks, chairs, lighting, and filing and storage. 

This brand also carries several reputable brands like Steelcase, HermanMiller, Hon, Humanscale, and Knoll. 

 

Verveworkspace

Verveworkspace offers a wide selection of residential and business furniture ideal for every working environment. Whether you’re choosing furniture for your home office or your corporate office, Verveworkspace offers complete desk sets, storage solutions, ergonomic office chairs, and tech-ready furniture. 

 

Ikea

No furniture list is complete without Ikea. They offer a wide variety of desks, desk chairs, storage cabinets, organisers, cable management and accessories, drawer units, and work lamps that will surely suit your preferences and, more importantly, your wallet. They even have coffee and tea accessories to keep your employees awake throughout the day. 

 

Consider Eco-Friendly Office Furniture

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, 8.5 million tons of office furniture are thrown out every year. Think about it; these discarded items will only replaced by new ones that one will again throw out in a few years. 

If you want to help Mother Earth and find sustainable office furniture, the first thing you need to do is to find brands and UK manufacturers that manufacture eco-friendly pieces. 

ANSI/BIFMA e3 Furniture Sustainability Standard ranks furniture by measurable criteria that let you check the environmental and social impacts of a particular piece of furniture. Another one is called Level, which assesses four significant factors in the making of the table: energy and atmosphere, humans and ecosystem health, and social responsibility. 

If a furniture manufacturer has these certifications, they have met the criteria for materials used, recycling methods, renewable material choices, and even social actions, energy, and health impacts. These certifications help narrow down your options when it comes to choosing eco-friendly office furniture. 

 

The Benefits of Choosing Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Furniture

You don’t have to be militant about going green. You can start small. For example, all your chairs are sourced from certified UK manufacturers or your desks, perhaps. 

If you’re not entirely convinced, here are some of the reasons you should consider going green when selecting office furniture:

Prevent deforestation

Thousands of trees cut down to make office furniture. You don’t have to be an environmentalist to know that trees are crucial to maintain a healthy planet. By going green, you’ll help save trees and save the environment. 

 

Improve your work environment

Using organic and sustainable materials can help clean the air you breathe. This use greatly benefits your UK employees with asthma, allergies, and other respiratory illnesses. This attitude can even result in fewer sick leaves, ultimately increasing your company’s bottom line. 

 

Free up landfill space

Even if you throw a couple of broken pieces of furniture away, pieces made from renewable materials degrade more quickly than furniture made from non-renewable materials. This result means it will have a lesser impact on the environment. 

 

Improve social impact

People in the UK patronise companies that support and help better the environment. Suppose you source your furniture from sustainable manufacturers, your company better image customers, investors, and potential employees alike. As a company, this means that you are more likely to attract like-minded customers and employees to your business. 

 

Where to Find Eco-Friendly Office Furniture

There are dozens of furniture companies that sell eco-friendly pieces. Herman Miller is one of the most popular companies that sell sustainable and environment-friendly furniture. Not only are they helping the environment, but their table also features award-winning designs. Herman Miller proves that green products can also be functional and beautiful. The company has minimal packaging to promote minimal waste and recyclability. 

Herman Miller’s Embody chair is 95% recyclable, and the steel and aluminium parts are entirely recyclable. They also assemble this chair using 100% renewable energy. Some of their sustainable designs include the Cells, Cetu, and Mirra. McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry (MBDC), a sustainability consulting and product certification firm, certified these Herman Miller pieces. 

Steelcase is another furniture company that produces high-quality furniture designs and adheres to strict sustainability standards. The company’s Think chairs are 99% recyclable and made out of 44% recycled material. The company received the first Cradle-to-Cradle certification from MBDC. Their Siento, Move, Leap, and Amia chairs are also Silver-certified and made of recycled materials. 

 

Other Eco-Friendly Companies

Other than Herman Miller and Steelcase, other eco-friendly brands include Haworth’s Zody Chair (gold-certified by the MBDC), Keilhauer’s Simple Chair, Orangebox’s ARA chair, and Allsteel’s Acuity Chair.

Another brand called Knoll makes wood office furniture using 100% recycled plywood. The company’s GreenGuard certified products use water-based adhesives and VOC-free sealants. Legare Furniture has a sustainable line that features bamboo-made furniture. Additionally, you don’t have to assemble it using tools, screws, and bolts!

 

Online Eco-Friendly Furniture Stores

If you can’t make a trip to the store, some online retailers sell eco-friendly furniture. 

Weavergreen, Tom Raffield, and Nkuku are some of them. They sell desks, chairs, and storage units from different types of UK manufacturers. As you scroll through these websites, be sure to check the credentials of each piece. You can also order items online from Herman Miller Steelcase and Legare. 

 

5 Factors to Consider in Choosing the Right Office Furniture

Choosing the right type of furniture for your company is essential as it affects productivity and efficiency. Other than that, it also contributes to your employees’ overall well-being. Before you choose your furniture, here are six factors you need to consider. 

 

Aesthetic value

Although comfort should always come before style, it’s not an excuse to buy drabby pieces. Make sure to choose the kind of furniture that contributes to the aesthetic appeal of your office. Good interior design is not only pleasing to the eyes, but it also lightens up the mood and eases stress. 

To get you started, you can furniture using the psychology of colours. For example, the orange colour creates a creative and energetic atmosphere. For tranquillity and wisdom, choose blue. Colourful offices are great, but be sure that the colours do not clash. Otherwise, it’s going to cause a headache to whoever is in your office. 

Aside from colour and design, choose pieces that are in line with your brand and office personality. Choosing the right furniture goes beyond comfort and aesthetics; you should also consider identity and culture. 

 

Flexibility and functionality

As mentioned, comfort should precede style when choosing furniture. There’s no use in buying a beautiful minimalist desk with no storage if you have piles of paperwork to store. If the furniture you buy is chic and comfortable, then you made a wise decision. Keep in mind that furniture with multiple features is a better choice. 

 

Size of your office

Don’t buy furniture if you haven’t seen your office yet. It’s common sense that the furniture your buy should be proportionate to space. Purchasing large pieces will consume a lot of space in your office. Before buying, make sure to know the dimensions of your office and look for ways to maximise the space. 

Additionally, it also helps to arrange your furniture in a certain way to make your office space look spacious and less cluttered. Remember that the right furniture will not overpower the UK room, but instead, it should give you enough room for you and your employees to be comfortable. 

 

Your Needs and Those of Your UK Employees

You and your employees will most likely be working for most of the day. Providing comfortable desks and chairs is the least you can do to make the workday more bearable. Ergonomic chairs and desks are currently on-trend because they make it easier for employees to work. Plus, ergonomic furniture backed by health studies. 

Besides chairs and desks, another thing you should consider is the purpose of the furniture. Do you need a long desk for meetings? Do you want your UK break room to resemble a café? Whatever you want to do, always remember that the goal is to provide a conducive work environment that promotes productivity and efficiency. 

 

Cost

Let’s face it; office furniture does not come cheap. The cost of furniture is one of the most critical factors you need to consider. It’s best to create a furniture budget so you can narrow down your choice of furniture. 

To save more money while being environmentally conscious, you can shop for office furniture at second-hand stores. It would help if you researched online which stores sell slightly used office furniture. 

Final Thoughts

Buying office furniture for your workspace shouldn’t be a headache. Check out the best places to purchase high-quality furniture to get started. 

Selecting the correct type of office accessories is just as important as choosing your furniture. Mila Design specialises in manufacturing furniture based on the steel legs for office furniture. All of our materials are made from high-quality steel profiles and steel sheets to ensure durability. 

Revolving Literature Display Stands - Krostrade

Example Of Revolving Literature Display Stands! 8 Bonus Tips!

Whether you’re looking to find revolving literature display stands or decorative metalwork, you’ll need to do a bit of research before you decide to make a purchase. Several factors must be considered, such as the product’s design, durability, functionality, the quality of its materials, and the manufacturer’s service.

The Biggest Benefits of Using Revolving Literature Display Stands

If you’re ready to take your display advertising to the next level, then you could never go wrong with revolving literature stands. The standard roller banner stands are great, but if you’re looking to generate new sales, boost your brand awareness, teach your customers something, or introduce a new product or service, you wouldn’t want to look dull. Whatever your purpose maybe, you’d like to steer your target clients in the right direction.

The truth is, there’s more to these products than meets the eye.  Since floor stands are versatile marketing tools, your business can significantly benefit from them. Whether you’re in the real estate, food, health, or museum industry, the use of revolving literature display stands can have a significant impact on your retail display systems.

Your business can take advantage of the most significant benefits that these rotating display stands can offer. Check these out:

They make a lasting investment.

Whether you like it or not, people in the UK quickly lose interest in marketing displays that feature old material. However, it can be challenging to keep your customers interested in what you have to offer if they see the same message on your display stands each time they pass by or get inside your store. If you want to engage your prospective clients, you’ll need to keep your advertising materials fresh and relevant.

Unfortunately, the cost of frequently updating your advertising displays can get a little expensive. Unless you’re willing to sink your money into this continually, you’ll need to develop a cost-effective tool that allows you to update your promotion materials without breaking the bank easily. 

A well-made revolving literature display stand can prove to be a lasting investment. You wouldn’t have a hard time inserting your brochures, posters, leaflets, menus, and promotion materials that you’re looking to display. These stands come with visually appealing frames that can protect your informative materials while keeping them attractive and easy to read.

 

They’re eye-catching

In events such as trade fairs and exhibitions where hundreds are competing for the customer’s attention, you’ll need to showcase materials that can easily catch the eye of the folks passing by. Since these products enable you to display your promotional materials at eye level, they’re not very easy to ignore. 

What’s so great about revolving literature display stands is the fact that they’re portable advertising tools. This means that you can position them in strategic locations where they can be most relevant. One of the most popular spots to increase your reach through rotating display stands includes the entrance to catch the UK people’s attention immediately.

Other strategic locations for the placement of your rotating display stands are in queuing areas and waiting rooms. Since the people in the UK in these areas have little else to do, their chances of checking out your promotion material are incredibly high. 

You can maximise this opportunity by adding more advertising material into the point-of-sale systems. You can also feature more information on your upcoming events or new products.

 

They’re customisable

You can find rotating floor stand manufacturers that can design the customised products according to your needs and preferences. Aside from the fact that these can come in various shapes and sizes, they can also go in their modular forms that can allow you to display more of your advertising material without extra space.

Flexibility is one of the most critical factors that need to be considered when displaying stands. It will be a big plus if your display stands provide you with plenty of options as you design your advertising display or booth at the exhibition. If you’re not using them in a tradeshow or a presentation, you can use them in your showroom or your office’s reception area. 

 

They’re professional-looking

Suppose your goal is to make a great first impression, convert potential leads to actual sales, and ensure your event’s overall success. In that case, you need to make sure that everything about your brand, your team, and your display advertising system exudes professionalism. If you’re not aware, nothing else conveys professionalism more than a rotating display stand that’s strategically placed in areas where your sales team can effectively reach your target audience.

 

They boost your brand identity

Did you know that you boost your brand identity when you get the most out of your rotating display stands? As mentioned earlier, it’s crucial to keep your target customers engaged and interested in who you are and what you have to offer. The best way to do this is to showcase your brand and your products and services in an organised manner through visually appealing and informative display stands.

 

They can maximise space

Using rotating display stands is an excellent idea for those who have limited space. If you get in touch with a reputable manufacturer that makes customisable stands, it would be straightforward to maximise the space available for your sales team and display advertising. 

This is a considerable advantage during exhibitions where spaces come at a high price. These revolving display stands won’t take up a lot of floor space; that’s why it allows you to save some money and make room for other valuable items in your booth.

 

They’re easy to transport

Many business owners in the UK out there wrongfully assume that modular systems are complicated and intimidating. What they fail to realise is that these systems designed with the user’s convenience in mind. Aside from being fully functional, modular display stands also make it easier for you to transport these products from one location to another. 

The components of each of these display stand one can quickly assemble and disassembled as needed. Some designs even come with self-locking magnetic arms that work to keep everything as hassle-free as possible. 

 

They’re green

Re-usability is an essential factor in this day and age. Since revolving literature display stands are reusable, using them will not only cause you to save money but also keep your carbon footprint to the minimum. To keep your advertising display appealing to your prospective clients, it’s best to make sure that your graphics won’t easily wrinkle or fade after being used a few times. 

 

The Major Benefits of Using Decorative Metalwork

As the use of metals has become a mainstay in today’s interior design, more and more people are incorporating various types of decorative yet functional metalwork into their bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, and gardens. With the proper manufacturer, you’ll be able to get custom-made, uniquely designed decorative metal products made with surgical precision. In most cases, metals are used together with other high-quality materials such as glass and wood to create a sophisticated collection of products.

If you’re wondering why this decorative side of metals is making a factual statement in interior design, check out its benefits.

 

It comes in individualistic designs

Whether you’re into vintage patterns or the modern, seamless look, your design ideas can easily be translated into decorative metalwork. In other words, these metal products can be fabricated into the specific shape, pattern, and design of your liking. The fact that they can come in individualistic designs makes decorative metalworking a unique option that features your creativity.

 

It commands attention

With custom metalworks that are unique and artisanal, you can be sure that your decorative metal items will stand out from the rest of the crowd. 

 

It’s exceptionally versatile

One of the best things about decorative metalwork is that they’re highly adaptable to various settings – whether private or commercial. Since these metals can come in a variety of forms, the possibilities are endless. One can use metals to create unique designs for wine racks, umbrella stands, candle holders, bases, garden elements, and more!

 

It’s easy on the eyes

When it comes to aesthetics, decorative metalwork will never disappoint. It can quickly transform an otherwise drab-looking space into something that exudes elegance, style, and beauty – without going overboard.  The characteristics of intricate and ornate decorative metalwork can easily blend with pale earth tones to produce a relaxing decorative scheme.

When you add metalwork combined with other kinds of material, including glass, it provides a modern touch to your home or office. This can the best way to make a great first impression on your guests.

 

It’s low maintenance

If there’s one thing you need to know about decorative metalwork pieces, it’s the fact that they’re deficient in maintenance. Unlike wood, metal won’t require much of your attention to make it look good all the time. 

When you need to clean these metal pieces, you have to grab a clean cloth and some warm water. If you’re wondering, you won’t have to do the cleaning every day because it’s perfectly acceptable for you to do it once a month.

 

It’s very durable

To say that metal can stand the test of time is an understatement. Unlike other materials, it can resist corrosion and normal wear and tear. Furthermore, it can also withstand the harshest environmental conditions. 

While ants and termites can cause severe damage to wood, they couldn’t destroy metal. To promote durability, manufacturers apply a protective coating on the metal. This will keep it looking great even after 40 years! 

 

It shows attention to detail

When decorative metalwork is well-designed, it shows attention to the minor details. You can add intricately designed metal products that can serve as umbrella stands, candle holders, wine racks, bases, and garden elements. Best of all, you have a wide variety of metals from galvanised, powder-coated, or stainless steel. 

If you want to add a splash of colour and personality to your surroundings, use decorative metalwork. It can effectively brighten up your home in a snap.

It’s safe and hygienic

Aside from the fact that decorative metalwork is extremely easy to keep clean and maintain, it’s also safe and hygienic. That’s why it’s not surprising to know why metal is the material of choice for countless interior designers and architects across the globe.

 

It’s ecologically-friendly

Another reason why decorative metalwork is taking centre stage in design is that it’s environmentally friendly. You can fully have it recycled without worrying if this would reduce the quality of its performance. Furthermore, using perforated metal enables you to reduce wasted energy while improving indoor airflow.

Metals are considered to be more sustainable than any other material for decorative items.

 

Where to Find High-Quality Revolving Literature Display Stands and Decorative Metal Work

Are you looking to find high-quality revolving literature display stands or decorative metalwork? If so, look no further than Komex – the leading producer of high-quality metal goods to a diverse customer base for over 20 years. 

Our ultimate goal is to develop products that are tailor-made to meet your unique needs and support your brand identity effectively. To achieve this goal, we keep a straightforward production process that involves listening to your vision, ideas, and expectations before we translate these into a unique and creative design that ensures maximum usability. Once the design finalised, we turn your vision into reality as the product goes through a high-quality production process with superior materials and state-of-the-art equipment.

Should you interested in making a significant investment in exquisite-looking display stands and decorative metalwork products that can last for over a lifetime, get in touch with Komex today! We provide our clients with full service, including 3D renders, shipping, and more.

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