For many of us, the kitchen is the heart of the home – but at work, this space can often be a source of frustration and friction. If you’ve worked where an office kitchen has created problems with noise, smells and mess, you’ll know how important it is to get right.
Here are five office kitchen design ideas to keep in mind when planning your ideal workplace.
1. Durability is Key
An office kitchen is typically used by many more people than a domestic one – and typically treated with less care. Surfaces, storage solutions, furniture and flooring should all be hard-wearing and easy to clean and maintain, to ensure longevity of use.
And opting for robust office kitchen ideas doesn’t mean you’ll sacrifice functionality or good looks – the best choices will provide the required combination of all three.
2. Keep it Clean
Whoever cleans your office kitchen – whether you all contribute, have a rota or an external contractor – make this task easier with smarter design choices.
Stain resistant surfaces and handleless cupboards may cost more initially but are easier to keep clean and less likely to require replacing sooner.
You can also ensure fewer problems with mess and odours by providing the appropriate waste and recycling options and training staff on correct separation and disposal.
3. Create Communal Spaces
Space permitting, incorporating a shared seating and eating area is a kitchen office idea that could benefit both your staff and your business.
Away from their desks and with minds off work, team members may sit with colleagues they wouldn’t typically talk to during the working day.
This could lead to conversations that create new working relationships, idea sharing and collaborations that deliver improvements in your organisation.
4. A Welcoming Environment
Your office kitchen should be a reflection of your organisation and this can be achieved with subtlety, through correct use of colours, textures and furnishings.
But most important is that people want to use it – a kitchen nobody goes in is a waste of your time and money, so plan wisely.
Consider how you use light, ventilation and comfortable seating options to ensure people don’t just head out for a depressing meal deal every day.
5. Keep it Down
Of course break times are when people relax, catch up with colleagues, prepare food and drinks and generally create a bit of a buzz.
And that healthy hum may mean a happy workplace – but could prove a distraction for some staff trying to concentrate on tasks or talk to colleagues and clients.
Sensible glass screening solutions and noise absorption options (such as glass partitioning) can result in the right volume for everyone, even in open-plan office kitchens.
Office Kitchen Ideas to Suit You
While these kitchen office ideas can apply to any workplace, every organisation is different, with particular needs. To ensure the best use of your communal space – from office kitchenette to large, open-plan area, you should engage with an experienced professional.
For an informal discussion to talk about your office kitchen design requirements with a specialist, please contact us today!
