Things can have a way of being put in place….
and then staying that same way for a really, really long time.
The truth is that oftentimes we don’t know when the time has come for a change. Being comfortable with the way things are –and uncomfortable with change (who isn’t??)– can sometimes keep us from recognizing opportunities for improvement or updates that may be needed. After a length of time, we no longer truly see the space, and most importantly (especially in a place of business), don’t realize what impression it may be giving to our associates and clients.
I was honored to be asked to redesign a prominent local law firm’s reception area over the past several months–a space that had had the same furniture in it since the firm had moved to the building decades ago. Even a large reception desk remained in the room, despite the fact that there had been no receptionist working at it for quite some time. While many exciting things happened in and all around this place of business, this particular room remained stuck, stagnant and not an accurate reflection of the firm it represented.
(I am sorry about the smeary, weird appearance of the “before” pictures. Don’t know what was on my lens that day. Let’s just pretend it is a 80’s dream sequence, okay?)
The vestibule had an old metal rack for coats and the original dusty pinch pleat draperies.
Because this is the first area that clients would see when entering the building, I knew I wanted it to be more welcoming and elegant. AND I knew with some paint and new curtains and accessories, a much better first impression could be gained.
Just inside the door, there are many new pieces–mixed with some of the old–that invite visitors to sit down and hopefully feel quite at home.
Where the unused reception desk was, there is a lovely seating grouping that is now the focal point of the room…
making room in the corner for a secondary seating area.
Are there rooms that you live or work in that have been the very same way for as long as you can remember? Try to look at them with fresh eyes and see how they can be updated and brought to life again. Change can be a very good thing!
