| Description: Green interior design should be a focal | | | | furniture collection is certainly not the only focus |
| point for all offices today as the business world | | | | for use of sustainable, recycled materials in the |
| begins to critically examine its effect on the | | | | workplace. Offices should consider green building |
| environment. | | | | when any renovation plans begin. Major projects |
| When we talk about contemporary office | | | | such as the installation of recycled hardwood |
| decorating, it's likely that our discussions center on | | | | floors to minor projects such as adding bamboo |
| the latest color trends, the hippest furniture, and | | | | cabinetry can all be met with a green eye. |
| only the most stylish accessories. After all, | | | | Energy Efficiency: Critically examining an office's |
| businesses must exude a look of professionalism | | | | energy use is a smart way to not only cut its |
| that can only come from contemporary design | | | | carbon footprint, but to simultaneously save |
| features. And the harsh reality is that the office | | | | money. Small changes such as switching to |
| that looks like it's stuck in the last decade is likely | | | | energy-efficient light bulbs will decrease office |
| also earning last decade's profits. | | | | energy bills over time. But, of course, there's |
| However, as we begin discussing decorating ideas | | | | more that offices can do than just changing light |
| for a new and modern office, we have to root | | | | bulbs. When it's time to shop for a new break |
| our conversations in the contemporary reality | | | | room refrigerator, consider going with an |
| that considers the state of our environment. | | | | energy-efficient model. Similarly, talk to all |
| "Going green" isn't just a trend that offices should | | | | employees about the often overuse of common |
| adopt to attract clients with a good image. | | | | office appliances such as the printer (does that |
| Instead, it's a philosophy that companies need to | | | | email really have to be printed?). |
| put at the center of many business decisions. | | | | Green Design Agencies: If going green in the |
| When it comes to office design, putting the | | | | workplace feels a bit overwhelming, take a deep |
| environment as the focal point for decision making | | | | breath and relax. Certainly, there is a lot to know |
| is a must. But, beyond implementing recycling | | | | when it comes to green interior design, but there |
| programs, what can offices really do to go green? | | | | are also professionals who make this subject their |
| Refurbished Office Furniture: It's inevitable that | | | | career. For a number of reasons, offices should |
| offices need a facelift every few years to keep a | | | | leave remodeling or new design projects to the |
| modern and fresh look. However, purchasing new | | | | professionals. And, in today's contemporary office, |
| office furniture can not only be costly, but can | | | | professional design agencies should have some |
| also pose a huge toll on the environment. The | | | | green experience on their resumes. The very first |
| more new furniture we buy, the more old | | | | planning meeting that an office has with its green |
| furniture we eventually have to dispose of. | | | | interior design agency should establish the overall |
| Although recycling programs and thrift centers will | | | | environmental principles that a company wants to |
| certainly take old furniture, offices can lessen their | | | | implement. To accomplish these goals, a design |
| waste by refurbishing, and therefore reusing, this | | | | company will help determine just how a company |
| furniture. Refurbished furniture can give the office | | | | needs to change its existing behavior to conform |
| a new look that fits the latest trends and styles. | | | | to its contemporary image. |
| Sustainable Materials: Because green interior design | | | | The failure to go green in today's business world |
| is a positive trend in today's corporate world, | | | | can be compared to the inability to begin using |
| many furniture and design manufacturers are | | | | email in the office years ago. In only a few short |
| creating new and innovative products that are | | | | years, those companies that neglect to critically |
| made from sustainable materials. Offices can find | | | | examine their environmental impact will be left in |
| furniture made of nearly 100% recycled core | | | | the dust as green businesses quickly jump into |
| materials that not only reduce waste but also | | | | the lead of the business world. |
| eliminate toxic emissions. However, an office's | | | | |