The Art of Smartworking in an Equipped Wall with Poetic and Functional Design

The Art of Smartworking in an Equipped Wall with Poetic and Functional Design

by | Jul 31, 2024 | IN THE WORLD OF DESIGN, LIVING AREA, LIVING THE HOUSE, PRIVATE APARTMENT

In the heart of the modern home, where every corner is designed to combine aesthetics and functionality, the equipped wall by Officina Idea stands out as a poetic and innovative project that transforms the everyday experience of smartworking into a fluid one.

Equipped Wall

From Design to Realization

The initial renders created by Paolo of Officina Idea illustrated the project in great detail, including color schemes, providing a clear vision of how the unit should look. Thanks to this precise design foundation, we were able to realize the equipped wall as faithfully as possible.

Render Paolo
like Render Paolo

Organized Spaces for Every Need

Imagine a wall that, like a blank canvas, blends seamlessly with the surrounding environment, imparting a sense of order. This is not just a piece of furniture, but a true organizational system that embraces the needs of home working. The spaces have been divided so that one section is dedicated to storing useful materials, another is left open for easy access, and a third is designated for the desk.

front view equiped unit
olive green desk
detail hidden handle

Functionality in an Equipped Wall

The wall, extending up to the ceiling, is divided into carefully organized spaces. The upper section, featuring doors, is dedicated to storing files and books, neatly arranged on shelves designed to accommodate standard-sized containers. The lower section, with drawers and large drawers, holds stationery and equipment, keeping everything within reach. An open compartment is reserved for technology, with space for a printer and other mobile devices, while the desk serves as the central hub of creativity and productivity.

storing books
device in the open compartment
desk detail

The two lateral sections serve the living area, hosting kitchen supplies and, thanks to a hanging bar, some coats. Beneath the desk, an accessible rear compartment hides all the electrical connections and various devices, with switches and outlets available on both the desk surface and the back of the open element. In the desk niche, overhead LEDs provide targeted lighting for the work surface.

Here, we revisit our entire article dedicated to smartworking.

high LEDs
electrical connections
hanging bar

Chromatic Harmony and Style Details

The immaculate white that characterizes the entire structure provides the ideal backdrop for two distinctive elements: the olive green desk and the open compartment in stained oak. These touches of color not only enliven the space but also create a visual balance that lightens the environment while maintaining a refined elegance.

We also find olive green in this kitchen in the Orobic Prealps.

equipped wall open and close
desk detail
detail lamp and connection

Conclusions

In conclusion, the equipped wall by Officina Idea represents the perfect blend of form and function, combining aesthetics, practicality, and innovation in a project that makes smartworking not only more efficient but also more enjoyable. An ideal solution for those looking to transform their workspace into an oasis of tranquility and organization.

equipped wall smartworking

Design Week 2024

Design Week 2024

by | May 14, 2024 | IN THE WORLD OF DESIGN, LIVING AREA, PRODUCT DESIGN, SLEEPING AREA

The Design Week of this year, just concluded, left us with eyes full of wonder and inspiration, eager to share with you all that we have discovered. In this article, we will try to recount our experiences both from the Salone and the Fuorisalone, although the crowd that filled the stands and the streets of Milan prevented us from seeing everything we would have liked.

This year’s Design week was a real magnet for designers, architects, and design enthusiasts from around the world. Every corner of Milan exuded a fascinating mix of cultures, charm, and originality, making the experience even more engaging. The fair at Rho managed to gather in its countless pavilions the production of Italian and foreign design. This year, unfortunately, the luxury sector was absent, but EuroCucina and the Salone del Bagno shone in the forefront.

As in the past editions of 2023 and Design Week 2022, the leitmotif of the event was sustainability, technological innovation, and functionality, themes that also found resonance in the new approach to digital design. Furthermore, the important role of circular economy, reuse, and sustainability of processes and materials was emphasized, underlining the importance of conscious practices that promote efficient use of resources and minimize environmental impact.

Orac materials

Clever Lamps by iGuzzini and materials by Orac

BATHROOM

The bathroom appears in a never-before-seen guise: ceramic, traditionally candid and discreet, has transformed into a palette of vibrant colors, embracing pastel shades like delicate pink and refined pearl gray, but also bold colors like seductive bordeaux. The washbasins, true design jewels, oscillate between circular and ovalized shapes for countertop models, while those recessed maintain their elegant rectangular geometry, offering a variety of options. Materials such as fragranite and transparent crystal emerge as undisputed protagonists of the contemporary bathroom, adding transparencies and chromatic plays that confer modernity to the spaces. The plumbing stands out for a variety of finishes and colors, with a decrease in stainless steel in favor of bronze coatings, pale gold, and rose gold. But the real revolution occurs in the sanitary ware, which embraces artificial intelligence and home automation with innovative solutions. Companies like Rocha present automated models capable of anticipating our every need, from the autonomous opening of the lid to the cleaning of the bowl, offering an unprecedented experience of comfort and practicality inspired by Japanese culture. The simplicity of old-fashioned sanitary ware thus transforms into a sophisticated fusion of design and technology, reflecting the evolution of needs and desires.

boredeaux washbasin
stand alone washbasin
intelligent wc

Washbasin Arbi Bathroom, stand alone Washbasin Sanycces e Intelligent Wc by Kolher

washbasin terrazzo
tap finishes
radiators Tubes

Washbasin tops in terrazzo, new finishes of taps and vertical furnishing radiators Tubes

KITCHEN

 

In the kitchen, island and peninsula continue to reign supreme in our favorite environment, the one that indulges our palate and allows us to relax while cooking. More and more space is dedicated to storing utensils, which are proudly displayed or discreetly hidden behind elegant glass doors, revealing both their contents and the intricate details of the kitchen.

modulnova
kitchen shelves displayed
modulnova

Once again, the enthusiasm for terrazzo finishing is palpable this year, with its rich range of earthy tones captivating the senses. However, we still encounter resistance in convincing clients to fully embrace it. Hopefully, it will finally establish itself in the collective imagination.

Kitchen terrazzo rho
terrazzo finish

Solid top or HPL countertops, adorned in uniform hues, and marble, whether natural or reproduced on ceramic surfaces, remain steadfast choices. Additionally, kitchen spaces are enriched with elegant metallic finishes or claddings in satin-finished iron or steel, aimed at infusing the kitchen with subtle metallic reflections.

kitchen metallic finish
interior of metallic finish kitchen

For those nostalgic for the ’80s, the comeback of bullnose kitchen countertops, with pronounced edges, is a joy like no other. Even the snack counter embraces softly, with few linear surfaces and many with rounded forms, enveloping the kitchen with gentleness and harmony. Dining tables follow this trend, with few sharp-cornered examples and many gradually rounding off to become almost oval, making room for round tables, true protagonists of the kitchen space.

calligaris table
rho kitchen rounded
bullnose
kitchen details
wall units glass

Thus, we witness a vintage revival in the kitchen, juxtaposed with increasingly advanced technology, as exemplified by TFK – Technology for Kitchen. In household appliances, new features emerge, with vibrant touchscreen displays allowing us to entrust the oven with selecting the optimal cooking settings for our dishes, all while it cleans itself with remarkable efficiency, as seen in the brand-new Bosch oven. The trending finish for appliances proves to be black stainless steel, a matte anthracite shade so deep it verges on black.

home appliances
black stainless steel

HOME ENVIRONMENT

 

Exploring the world of home furnishings, we encounter a wide range of intriguing options. Sofas, the true protagonists of living spaces, appear increasingly imposing and enveloping, with circular shapes that embrace the surrounding environment, delicately hovering just above the floor without revealing a hint of legs. The bouclé cream upholstery, despite requiring some care in cleaning, remains a beloved choice for its softness to the touch and elegant appearance.

Minotti
Minotti

Living Room by Minotti

Hommes
Hommes

installation Hommés at Casa del Manzoni

As for materials, wood in its natural tones and reeded wood maintain their prominent role, both in their raw and varnished form. Finishes diverge from stainless steel, opting for softer and more vintage tones like bronze and pale gold, imparting spaces with a touch of refined elegance.

Garofoli Group
reeded wood

Living Room by Garofoli Gruop e reeded wood detail

De Castelli
De Castelli
De Castelli

Metallic finishes by DeCastelli

The current trend increasingly favors exposed elements over those hidden behind doors, with symmetrical bookcases alternating with metallic supports and wooden backings.

The motto of modern homes, especially for those who inhabit them, is order. Orderliness is sought in open bookshelves and increasingly transparent wardrobes with fewer usable shelves.

However, it should be noted that this aesthetic pursuit may sometimes compromise the actual practicality of spaces. Current trends lean towards larger, freer, and lighter homes, which can detract from actual living volumes, inversely proportional to the prevailing trends.

Moooi

Moreover, bold, vibrant colors, along with enveloping textures, transform walls and furniture into true works of art, with daring graphics that stimulate the mind while evoking a sense of dream and wonder.

Pedrali
Driade

Sofa by Pedrali e cabinet by Driade

Magis
Magis

Stand di Magis

Moooi
Moooi
Moooi

Wallpaper and furnitures by Moooi at Salone dei Tessuti

FASHION

 

Fashion is increasingly merging with the world of interior design, creating a unique blend of personal style and home environment. The influence of colors and materials worn is reflected in furnishings, fostering a harmonious synergy between fashion and design. Renowned brands like Hermès and Loewe utilize leather not only for bags and accessories but also for lamps and magazine racks, seamlessly blending fashion and home decor into a singular expression of style. Additionally, raw and natural materials such as bricks, stones, and wood harmoniously coexist with fabric textures and colors. The concept of “vintage” intertwines with the contemporary, creating an intriguing ambiguity between what is past and what is current. Fashion knows no age.

Hermes
Hermes
Loewe
Loewe

Objects by Hermès – Lamps in leather and paper by Loewe

LUXURY

 

The concept of luxury in interior design has evolved to encompass not only elegance and opulence but also a relentless pursuit of exquisite materials and unique craftsmanship. Even though luxury products may originate from industrial processes, they must still embody a spirit and execution of artisanal craftsmanship. Every detail matters, down to the hinge of a wardrobe, which must be custom-made. The more challenging the transformation of materials into forms, the more excellent the result, and the more luxurious the object becomes.

The brands that consistently meet these expectations are the major automotive-associated houses. In Bentley and Bugatti, a synesthetic relationship is formed between the vehicle and the furnishings, creating an almost indissoluble and recognizable bond between the two. The clean lines and bold curves seen in automotive design are translated into furniture, with leather inserts found in both cars and desks, and fluid surfaces echoing the natural world.

 

Bentley Bugatti
Bentley
Bentley
details Bentley
Bugatti
Bugatti
Bugatti library

THE HOUSE BY ELLE DECOR – MATERIAL HOME

 

Exploring the home according to Elle Decor is a sensory journey through seven distinct environments that reflect our vision of domestic life. Among the standout materials, we find cement, lime, and terrazzo, derived from the mixing, cooking, and recomposition of powders, seamlessly blending with metals, woods, and leather. This creates a play of reflections and material illusions that capture the gaze and stimulate the senses. The colors, initially soft and muted, intensify as we move through the different rooms, giving rise to a crescendo of visual emotions.

 

materials elle decor
kitchen elle decor

Within these spaces enveloped by light and shadow, we find iconic design pieces that lend an aura of elegance and sophistication to every area. Light itself becomes a key element, enveloping and delineating the furnishings, giving them dimensionality and depth. The surfaces, transforming, adapt to the surrounding environments, becoming soft and enveloping in the bedrooms, while wall coverings create cozy and relaxing atmospheres.

surfaces
curved surfaces

Finally, a nod to our connection with nature, with walls clad in materials such as hemp, ash, and cotton canvas, prompting us to reflect on the sustainability of resources and the future of construction, inviting us to create spaces that harmonize with the surrounding environment.

Elle Decor
Elle Decor

The restaurant area, a creation by Elisa Ossino, stands out for its creative use of geometries and the thicknesses of hand-glazed lava stone. The walls are adorned with decorated terracotta paneling adorned with circles, harmoniously interacting with a diamond-patterned floor. Refined, tactile fabrics with a suggestive painterly effect are used for perimeter draperies and as upholstery for sofas, poufs, and armchairs. The tableware also stands out for its mix of materials, while the lamps precisely illuminate tables and seats.

 

Restaurant elle decor

PALAZZO LITTA AND STATALE

 

Palazzo Litta stands tall as an embodiment of dreams, where dreamlike installations and artistic performances harmoniously blend with design works, transforming this excellent location into a journey through aesthetics and innovation. Its majestic Baroque structure, imposing and captivating, surprises and enchants at first sight, welcoming visitors into a world of wonders. At the entrance, one finds oneself enveloped by a light installation, “Extraordinary,” which evokes the gracefulness of clouds, conveying sensations of air and warmth with suggestive power. In one of the rooms, the gaze is captured by the iconic mouth-shaped sofa, a lively and dynamic work conceived by Gufram and MotionItalia, which seems to come to life and smile like a real mouth. In the subsequent rooms, projects unfold around three fundamental pillars: aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability.

 

Palazzo Litta
Bocca Sofa
Palazzo Litta
interiors palazzo Litta

In the vast spaces of the Università Statale, works by various designers alternate in an artistic and conceptual play, ranging from the luminous spheres by Cyril Lancelin to the chandelier created by Faggini. A particularly evocative installation is “The Amazing Walk,” conceived by MAD Architects studio, which transports the visitor into a world of suggestions, with a mountain reflecting on a water mirror, traversing a suspended path in the void, a metaphorical symbol of journey and exploration of deeper artistic dimensions.

Amazing Walk Statale

CONCLUSIONS ON THE DESIGN WEEK

 

We declare the death of white. No longer its pristine brilliance on countertops, in cabinets, nor even in bathrooms. As a white enthusiast myself, I admit it was a blow to the heart, but I will strive to broaden my perspective and imagine a new universe without white, not even on the walls. Natural colors, like rope or brick, are emerging as the new pillars of contemporary aesthetics, becoming a canvas on which to paint our creativity.
Wood continues to dictate the rules, confirming its eternal dominance in the realm of furniture and design.
We conclude with this reflection: the trend of recent years is moving towards an increasingly green future, with a growing focus on sustainability as the cornerstone of the creative and design process. This will be our guide and our responsibility towards the future.

When a white kitchen with an island becomes a functional element of a youthful two-room apartment

When a white kitchen with an island becomes a functional element of a youthful two-room apartment

by | Jul 14, 2022 | KITCHEN, LIVING AREA, PRIVATE APARTMENT, SLEEPING AREA, STYLE TIPS

In the centre of Milan, a youthful flat is spread over two levels, welcoming a white kitchen with a functional island in the centre. On the upper floor, the elegance of total white is accompanied by a niche wardrobe with mirrored doors that amplify the perception of the sleeping area. Practical elements with linear and elegant aesthetics that define the look of the entire flat. Let’s discover together this realisation designed by architect Stefano Belotti!

Opening doors white kitchen with island

A white central island dominates the kitchen area

Upon entering the flat, with its small but practical dimensions, the view is projected onto the kitchen, the layout of which makes full use of the available height with storage compartments. Acting as a visual filter, but at the same time as a functional element for the cooking area, is the central island that echoes the white aesthetics of the kitchen.

The worktop, in matt white Corian, becomes not only a work surface, but also a convenient snack top for aperitifs and quick meals.
In this respect, the folding mechanism that allows the (future) service stools to be concealed plays a key role.
The front closure panels, in fact, rotate sideways to then be incorporated into the main structure and almost completely disappear.

white kitchen with island oven combination column
white kitchen with island wall units integrated lighting
detail Corian worktop integrated basin aluminium mixer
aluminium chain Corian top
white kitchen with combined oven island hidden door laundry area

The volume of the island consists of front-extension doors with internal drawers of different heights.
A solution that has now become predominant in the recently concluded edition of the Salone del Mobile, as well as clearly recognisable in previous editions.
The main advantage is certainly the more elegant and minimal aesthetics, in which horizontal cuts resulting from the division into drawers are eliminated in favour of a single door.

detail of internal drawers in white lacquered kitchen with island

From the wall unit to the laundry corner: functionality marries total white aesthetics

The adjoining wall unit is made up of multi-level volumetric plays.
The service columns, incorporating the built-in refrigerator on one side and the combi-oven to its right, are accompanied by compartments with hinged doors that extend across the entire upper part of the kitchen.
On the same depth level, matt lacquered doors with a dishwasher in the central area and internal shelves in the surrounding compartments.
The central area, on the other hand, is characterised by a break-out with worktop and sink, upper wall units with vertical partitioning and built-in lighting with a smaller depth.

To ensure the best functional configuration, the side wall to the kitchen and the central island accommodates a white lacquered door that covers the entire height of the room.
This conceals inside the laundry area with a washing machine and tumble dryer with columns accompanied by practical shelves for cleaning products.

The linear aesthetics are emphasised both in the choice of lighting, pendant above the white central island and LED strip lighting in the back wall of the kitchen, and also in the joining chain between the Corian top and doors below.
The material detachment through an aluminium profile becomes the horizontal reading element both for the back wall, joining the two side ends, and embracing the central island with kitchenette.

white kitchen with laundry corner island
White kitchen with island pull-out front drawer doors

A wardrobe with mirrored doors embellishes the sleeping area

On the upper floor, accessible via a white painted spiral staircase, a wardrobe with six mirror-covered doors dominates.
The rhythmic vertical division is interrupted by a single horizontal cut at the top, creating an interesting geometric subdivision in the overall aesthetics. The choice of mirrored doors on the one hand amplifies the brightness and perception of the room and at the same time enhances the overall aesthetics.

The division into six doors is reflected internally in a symmetrical composition with double central compartments accompanied by two single compartments at the ends.
Compartments with hanging tubes are favoured, but there are also internal drawers and adjustable shelves for better organisation of clothing.

If for the lower level the kitchen with central island favours a uniform white aesthetic, the sleeping area, on the other hand, marries contrasting aesthetics.
The bright exterior of the mirrored doors is in fact contrasted by the elegance of a matt black whole on which the elegant chrome hanging tubes can be seen.

mirrored door wardrobe
wardrobe mirror doors dark laminate interior drawers
Niche wardrobe with dark interior mirror doors
detail mirror cabinet doors interior lighting
two-room mirror-door wardrobe
detail of mirrored wardrobe doors in niche

The choice of a total white kitchen is always a contemporary and elegant solution. Its simplicity makes it easily adaptable to the surrounding context, whether it has a retro feel, as in this example, or contemporary pop, as in this realisation. It can also be combined with natural wood elements, such as chopping boards and snack tops, thus adding a hint of warmth, here’s an example! Or exploit plays of opacity and shine through different materials, making the room look fresh and bright, perfect for seaside homes!

Gray furniture for a masculine apartment

Gray furniture for a masculine apartment

by | Jul 8, 2022 | LIVING AREA, PRIVATE APARTMENT, SLEEPING AREA, STYLE TIPS

Furniture in shades of gray is spread over the two levels of this modern apartment with a masculine imprint. From the bookcase on the ground floor to the walk-in closet in the sleeping area, the furnishings are developed in an elegant and delicate way. The dark-colored wood chosen for the parquet flooring matches the slate tiles that embrace the kitchen and bathroom areas from the internal staircase.

gray masculine apartment furniture

THE LIVING AREA MEETS THE ELEGANCE OF GREY FURNITURE

In a newly built residential context, this two-level apartment stands out in which the masculine imprint is elegantly softened by the choice of monochromatic furnishings. The floors show character in the combination of smoked oak parquet and slate-effect tiles. The floor is therefore dark, which is chromatically balanced by the walls that are tinged with white and the light furnishings that lighten and brighten the environment.

livingroom gray tones furniture

The lighting of the ground floor is combined with steps on the side of the staircase, these mark a luminous rhythm and accompany the upper floor. To embrace the living area, a full-height bookcase combines anthracite gray backs with light gray shelves in the same shade as the surrounding furniture. The anthracite gray that we find here in the lacquered shoulders can be replaced by black iron, as for example in this apartment with the same masculine soul.

bookshelf in dark gray masculine furniture
step marker
shelves detail

Neutral tones thus become the protagonists of a story that narrates elegance and freshness. Here are some other examples of furnishings in neutral colors. The sofa is a darker gray and moved by velvety fabric, which is positioned laterally at the entrance and hides a lateral extension to allow maximum comfort. Behind it, the stair handrail in anthracite gray painted metal matches the vertical shoulders of the bookcase positioned right in front.

sofa and stairs
velvet sofa detail

THE RECOVERED KITCHEN

The bioethanol fireplace, housed in an open plasterboard structure, acts as a fusion element between the living area and the kitchen. This, recovered from the previous house, is characterized by powder and wood tones and is combined with a rustic table with light aluminum chairs. The wood of the kitchen and of the table, which are a lighter tone than the floor of the living area, recall it on a material level and create continuity between the two areas.

kitchen powder and wood

THE BATHROOMS IN ANTHRACITE GRAY

Accessing the service bathroom, full-height matt white bilaminate cabinets act as a storage room organized into shelves, hangers and drawers. This light-colored anteroom creates a nice contrast and a clear break with the bathroom characterized by dark tones.

white anteroom
details anteroom

In fact, the anthracite tiles rise on the sides remaining at a height of 120cm and is combined with a bathroom cabinet in the same shade with a matte black back lacquered top. Particularly the chosen sink, in transparent glass, which seems to disappear and get lost between the tiles and the top.

service bathroom
detail sink

The second master bathroom, located on the upper floor, amplifies its masculine nature by completely covering the tiles in anthracite gray up to the ceiling beam. The bathroom is very dark but the large skylight on the ceiling perfectly illuminates the room from above. Here too there is a bathroom cabinet in shades, with the top in glossy back lacquered rather than opaque, which goes well with the reflections of the Globo ceramic sink.

master bathroom black furniture
bathroom tiles

FROM THE GRAY FURNITURE ON THE LOWER FLOOR TO THE BLACK AND WHITE CONTRASTS IN THE BEDROOM: A WALK-IN WARDROBE IN THE BEDROOM

Se il piano inferiore si impreziosisce di un arredamento sui toni neutri del grigio, If the lower floor is embellished with furniture in neutral shades of gray, the sleeping area is characterized by a more subdued contrast. The recurring theme of anthracite gray is still found in the small study corner, through a desk with a metal structure and a medium gray linoleum top. Here are some other examples of Smartworking corners where the working sphere is combined with a domestic environment.

bedroom and walk-in closet masculine furniture

Behind this, a walk-in closet develops at an angle creating a limited but at the same time functional environment. Inside the walk-in closet the hangers alternate in height while in the center a central chest of drawers with upper shelves remains available for all the folded items. On the side facing the bed, a small niche remains at the service and serves as an open bedside table useful for supporting small objects.

walk-in closet masculine furniture
inside walk-in closet
details walk-in closet

An office renovation in the center of Bergamo

An office renovation in the center of Bergamo

by | Feb 16, 2022 | RETAIL, CONTRACT AND RESTAURANT

In the center of Bergamo, 130 square meters of offices overturn their configuration and aesthetics with a renovation that mainly involves the architectural setting of the interiors. Open space and management offices communicate with each other in an environment designed to make the flow of users as functional as possible.

office renovation vardo color wall farrow ball entrance

The concept of transparency

Developing the project of working spaces was fundamental the identification of the concept. The latter clarifies on the one hand the message to be conveyed to the public, on the other it becomes a guideline in the choice of materials and finishes. The first step in the renovation was the analysis of the intended use of these offices, reserved for accountants with their collaborators and secretaries, archive areas and meeting points, waiting and conviviality. The definition of different typologies made clear the concept of transparency, the design metaphor of the subsequent architectural configuration. In fact, thinking about the role of the accountant, and his management of sensitive files and documents, the message we wanted to convey is that of transparency, also synonymous with trust and security. This is declined according to the type of interior in different configurations, imagining it as a shade from more to less transparent depending on the degree of “protection” required.

glass walls internal dividers workstations
false ceiling offices open space workstations

Each function has its level of transparency

By entering the space, the client is projected into an open space, where the production part entrusted to the secretaries finds space. To distinguish and separate the various workstations only furniture of different heights and glass walls, which delimit the work area from the corridor. This represents the point of greater transparency where the customer, despite not having direct access to the environment, has full visual control. Moving on to the waiting, conviviality and meeting functions, a greater degree of privacy is required. These functions find space in well-defined environments, limited to rooms, but easy to access. Here the theme of transparency is declined in construction details, one of all, glass doors for the meeting room. Although they are limited spaces, their access is free and they are located near the main entrance. For the third type of function, on the other hand, the management offices of Chartered Accountants, the level of privacy is considerably higher. In opposition to the central open space, the studios are configured in more or less spacious rooms located along the external perimeter of the floor plan. Access is through corridors or secluded doors, which almost tend to disappear or blend into the surrounding furnishings. This is to guarantee total confidentiality, creating a unique and exclusive relationship between professional and client.

office renovation waiting room archive
entrance boiserie reception cherry wood open space
red lamp meeting room chairs detail
meeting-room-table-crystal chairs red wall lamp

Office renovation: architectural development

The initial internal configuration, chosen by the previous tenants, was based on the use of movable walls with an aesthetic that is now largely outdated. Furthermore, on the floor, a faded blue carpet, also used as the covering of some pillars. From the first sight, however, what fascinated the new tenants was the great brightness coming from the large perimeter windows. This represented the turning point in the evolution of the project. Also, from the plant engineering point of view, a complete renovation was necessary, which could equip each workstation with cable connection to the data network, telephone setting for internal switchboard, and connection to a Wi-Fi network for printers. To better manage the large influx of electrical predispositions and at the same time allow an air conditioning system via split, a false ceiling was created in the main corridor, capable of serving all rooms. At the same time, it allows a greater perceptual distinction between public environments and restricted access work areas.

Via Verdi project plan
executive office renovation with light furnishings
studio-accountant classic cherry wood furniture
studio-accountant brings to measure vardo ottanio
furniture recovered blue laminate orange colored walls

The renovation of the offices: choice of colors and materials

The aesthetics of colors and materials are defined in neutral tones, with a parquet-effect floor in bleached oak, ice gray walls interspersed with Vardo-colored surfaces from the Farrow and Ball collection. These define the visual rhythm in the interior scan. The ice gray chosen for the painting of the main walls is made even brighter by the great natural lighting. The result is almost close to white, while giving a touch of additional softness compared to the asepticity of the latter. To see other examples of ice gray in the private apartment context: a contemporary-style tavern and glimpses of antiquity in a contemporary attic. At the entrance, the only trace of the initial layout is a full-height paneling in cherry wood that develops at an angle embracing the access to the meeting room, the archive rooms and the corridor with access to the second archive room and bathroom of the personal. The choice of cherry is also taken up in the furnishings of the reception through a shaped counter with matching closet.

teal-colored walls for prestigious offices
elegant modern office walls color
office renovation-bathroom colored gray tiles wall
vardo color walls farrow ball office renovation
renovation-offices recovery of original wood paneling
full height cherry wood paneling entrance
vardo wooden wall paneling bleached oak parquet

Furniture: from the relocation of the existing to the functionality of “custom made”

The existing furnishings find space within this well-defined color contrast. The main difficulty in a renovation project is knowing how to combine furnishings from different offices, with completely different aesthetics and functionality. For the common areas, the most neutral solutions were therefore opted for, with medium gray elements combined with wood-effect bilaminate tops. To intersperse the different environments, and to distinguish their different functions, furnishings in a darker neutral tone. Each room therefore has a unique aesthetic, which can communicate with general neutrality while expressing the strong intrinsic character of each environment. So also, the management offices vary from a classic décor with cherry wood furniture, to essential interiors in light tones or even renewed furnishings with modern blue laminate tops on a wengé wood structure. The most functional point of the interior is represented by the large custom-made wardrobe in the corridor. This serves as an archive and collection point for paperwork and files, with full-height lacquered doors with an essential appearance. Internal shelves adjustable in height allow the best optimization and management of the internal space. Recessed handles run along the longitudinal development of the door, marking the overall rhythm of the furniture. In the same way, the access doors to two management offices are inserted, in which the neutral aesthetic of ice gray is interrupted by vardo-colored inserts. The presence of the handle thus identifies the access point to each room, while remaining discreet in the general perception of the furniture.

door opening lacquered doors wardrobe corridor

Small tips to renovate offices

An office renovation does not only imply changing the general approach in favor of fresher materials and aesthetics. In the first place it means above all choosing the message to be transmitted and knowing how to translate it from an architectural and communicative point of view. Knowing how to combine the stylistic language of existing furnishings is the next step, in which the uniformity factor often lies in the choice of neutral colors and materials for the common areas.