10 Easy (and Cheap) Upgrades

Updating office space produces significant benefits: It can create a more professional image to impress current and potential tenants, and boost employee morale and productivity. But what if you have a severely limited budget?

The key is to focus upgrades first in spaces such as reception areas or conference rooms. Here are 10 low-cost suggestions from some top interior designers around the country:

1. Paint. "Applying a new coat of paint is a big improvement," says Steve Turney, a partner in ZGA Architects & Planners, Chartered, in Boise, Idaho. "It's inexpensive, anyone can do it, and it can be done quickly. The one key point to remember is, don't be afraid of color. It can really spice things up."

Melora Parish, an associate with Baltimore-based RTKL, uses colors as accents or in focal areas to draw attention. "Color can help areas stand out or recess back," she says. "It also can help with wayfinding, by highlighting a conference room down a hall or creating zones." Hip, trendy colors can be used if appropriate for the client's image, she points out, because office managers typically anticipate repainting or touching up the paint every few years.

2. Wallcoverings. Fabric and vinyl wallcoverings offer reasonably priced and durable alternatives to paint, says Jennifer Wagner, director of interiors for HKS in Washington, D.C. "I use them primarily for texture rather than for color, so they tend to be neutral shades," she says. "Many companies make synthetic fibers that have the feel of cotton or linen but provide the wear of polyester."

3. Lighting. New fixtures can drastically impact a space's mood and look. "Lighting can really change the character of the space," Parish says. A room that uses fluorescent lighting with a lay-in ceiling can dramatically alter its look with a drywall ceiling featuring recessed downlights or pendants mounted from the ceiling to exploit indirect lighting that bounces off the ceiling.

"Indirect and uplighting is the way to go," Turney says. "It provides better lighting with less glare and improves productivity." He recommends T5 fluorescent lamps, as they provide the most output for the least energy. Sconces also can add mood, working as decorative pieces similar to artwork on a long corridor.

4. Floor coverings. Although more expensive than broadloom carpeting, carpet squares can be changed quickly if office space is altered or a stain needs to be removed. "Seams disappear, and the material looks very good," Turney says. Parish often uses wood, stone or ceramic tile in public areas and carpeting in workstations to provide contrast in textures.

5. Window treatments. "We use a lot of horizontal mini-blinds and mesh rolling shades, and we add mullions between sections for long window expanses to break them up," Parish says. These tend to be neutral colors, including white, black and gray. Turney sometimes uses vertical blinds if the windows are tall, to avoid having long cords on the ground when the blinds are up. "This is any easy way to spruce up a room."

6. Furniture. Updating the furniture in common areas is a quick fix, especially if chairs are upgraded to be more comfortable. "If [furniture isn't] ergonomically designed, changing chairs can be a big improvement," Parish says. "There are a zillion chairs to choose from, and a good chair is worth it, as it eliminates back problems and leg cramps."

7. Storage. "Built-in storage can provide an uncluttered look," Parish says. "It's a simple change, but it can make a space look entirely new." Shelves added around the perimeter of a room or lateral files recessed into a niche with an attractive continuous countertop can create a custom look. "Component furniture can avoid the need for custom pieces to be created."

8. Dividers. Wagner uses glass dividers to add style and impact in conference rooms and similar locations. A plain glass wall can have frosted film applied to it to create a new look. Several manufacturers make these decorative appliqués, avoiding the expense of actually etching or frosting glass.

9. Plants. "Green is great," Turney says. "Plants add character to the room quickly and give it some warmth." Turney's own office features low-growing plants between workstations, vines hanging down from the ceiling area to add interest at that level, and small trees to add variety and connect the high and low spaces. Wagner uses durable cacti in some locations. "They have a very architectural feel to them," he said.

10. Artwork. Canvases or framed art quickly add color and personality, Parish says. Art often is themed, featuring industry-related scenes or local artists. Some companies use investment-grade artwork to create impact. "Tastes vary, but companies tend to be conservative," she says. "Always get the client's input before making selections."