Office Makeover Tips: 5 Ways To Improve Your Interiors In 2018

Creating cool and up to date office interiors doesn't have to be a hassle. You just have to obtain a little product knowledge and research the latest trends. That's where we come in! In this edition of 'Office Makeover Tips' we'll provide you with 5 ways to improve comfort and corporate appeal in the new year. From articulating office chairs to light wood furniture finishes, the tips and suggestions provided today are sure to help you design impressive work environments.

1.) Articulating Chairs

First things first, you've gotta strive for a combination of comfort and appeal. Articulating office chairs are the perfect way to do just that. Essentially, articulating office chairs minimize the ergonomic learning curve by reducing the need for constant adjusting. A chair like the Arti from Global will automatically respond to your body movements to ensure a healthy sit. While a few basic adjustments will still be required, "smart chairs" like the arti will help you reach the cutting edge of comfort. As an added bonus, these modern ergonomic seating solutions also look incredible!

2.) Universal Power Modules

Purchasing powered office furniture is great. That said, it can be really expensive. If you're looking to improve collaboration and streamline productivity on a budget, universal power modules are the way to go. Popular options like the FlexCharge9 from ESI are available for well below $200.00. The benefits of having surface level USB and AC inputs during conference and training room sessions should not be overlooked in 2018.

3.) Sit To Stand Attachments

Are you still spending all day working in an office chair? It's time for a change! Integrate a sit to stand computer workstation into your space in 2018 to improve posture and reduce fatigue. As we sit for long periods of time, even good posture habits start to suffer. A few minutes of stand-up operating every hour will go a long way towards boosting productivity levels throughout task filled work days.

4.) Lively Accents

Accents go a long way in the quest for improved office interiors. Simply opening up your blinds and letting in some natural light will make your space feel more alive. In addition, you might consider kicking those faux plants to the curb. Exchange them out for something real. A succulent arrangement can be create for less than $20.00. They require very little maintenance and they'll make for a more relaxing and visually appealing interior. The ways to improve office interiors with plant life are truly endless. Social sharing sites like Pinterest and Instagram will help you get creative.

5.) Light Wood Finishes

In 2017 gray and white office furniture finishes were the latest craze. In the new year, light tones will be taking over. Take a look at the all new Autumn Walnut finish available on the components from the Superior Laminate Series by Offices To Go and you'll see what we mean. Light finish options like Autumn Walnut will help you create interiors that blend the best of modern and traditional vibes. If you're looking to avoid the overly modern trends without going totally old school, light finishes will help. With light wood tones you'll be able to create open, visually appealing, and well rounded interiors that positively impact your valued visitors.

Office Makeover Tips: Keep It Simple!

We fully understand your desire to create an impactful office interior. That being said, there's nothing wrong with keeping things simple. Those who over-do-it throughout the makeover process typically wind up with a case of office remodeling remorse. Alternatively, those who stick to well rounded furniture and seating are often rewarded with clean, classy, and tasteful interiors that are ready to make a lasting impression on valued visitors.

When you're ready to give your interiors a facelift, start with effective space planning. Run a tape measurer around the perimeter of your workspace and write down your measurements. If you can, make a simple sketch of your space on paper and make a few copies. This will allow you to draw in layout ideas.

While measuring your office interior, be sure to take note of all entry ways, windows, power outlets, and room obstructions that will affect the way your furniture is positioned. This space planning step doesn't need to be complicated. Just take your time and double check your measurements.

Don't stress yourself out trying to find old blue prints or trying to draw your space out on paper perfectly. In the long run, you just need accurate dimensions you can rely on.

Once you've got your space properly measured and plotted out, get a little design inspiration. Trust us, a little goes a long way! You don't want too many office remodeling ideas bouncing around in your head. This will make for a confusing makeover that lacks direction.

To stay on track, visit a professional office furniture showroom in your area. You'll be rewarded with helpful tips and product suggestions to keep your makeover simplified. 

With a few furniture finish samples and a little project literature, head out from the showroom and visit a paint store. Here you'll want to grab a few more samples to take back to your office.

Once you've settled on a furniture finish and paint combination, go ahead and paint your interior. It's best to do it now before new furniture arrives. Those who overcomplicate things and try to paint around installed furniture are susceptible to unwanted spills that can derail and project.

Now it's time to order your furniture. You can shop for affordable office furniture and seating while simultaneously finding reliable product reviews by using a comparison shopping engine like Google Shopping. This will expedite the purchasing process and keep things simple.

Before you checkout online with a cart full of new office desks and chairs for your space, contact your dealer of choice directly. Be sure to inquire about any current specials they may be running and about expected product lead times. If a product is out of stock, you'll want to know now before making a purchase and wasting your valuable time.

Once your furniture is purchased, wait about 2 days and contact your dealer again. Inquire about ship times and tracking information to give you a prep window. Having furniture arrive unannounced when you're unprepared is complicated to say the least. Obtain all the information you can to keep things simple and on track.

The day before your new furniture arrives, ensure your space is properly cleared and cleaned. If you can, create a staging area outside of your interior to avoid taking all of your new office components into your interior at once. This makes for an overcrowded assembly process. Brining pieces in one at a time for assembly is far more simple and efficient.

To wrap things up, we'll give you a quick hit list of tips and tricks that encourage a simple office makeover.

1. Always get your own dimensions and double check them for accuracy.
2. A little design inspiration goes a long way.
3. Stick to a single design theme to stay on track.
4. Select office furniture from a full service collection. 
5. Avoid mix-matching components from different brands.
6. Paint and prep your interior before new furniture arrives.
7. Create staging area to avoid an overcrowded build-out.

Office Design Advice: Plan, Furnish, Accent!

When the time comes to remodel your office interior, you'll be met with an abundance of decisions that must be made to get the job done right. That's where we come in. We're here to help you through the design process by providing the advice needed to rock your makeover project. From space planning to accenting, we'll show you how to create the workspace you've always dreamed of.

Planning

All successful office remodels start with effective planning. First things first, you need to obtain some dimensions! Start by measuring the perimeter of your interior. Be sure to take note of all the entry ways, windows, power outlets and room obstructions that will affect the way your new office furniture is situated.

Pro Tip: Once you've got your dimensions, it's always a good idea to double check them for accuracy. Rest assured, there's nothing worse that purchasing furniture that doesn't fit properly upon arrival.

It's always a good idea to set a budget and timeline for your project. Do a little research upfront to determine how much the items you're interested in will cost. If you need help, you can always visit a local showroom in your area.

If you decide to purchase in-stock items for your project, be prepare for a quick turnaround. In-stock office furniture and chairs typically leave the factory within 2 business days of order. Custom furniture and made to order items will give you a little bit more prep time. They usually take around 3 to 4 weeks to manufacture and ship.

Furnishing

Before you rush out and purchase new furniture for your space, spend a little bit of time researching the latest trends and getting inspired. Social sharing sites like Instagram and Pinterest will provide you with a ton of awesome ideas that can be used to make your space stand out from the competition.

Now it's time to shop! You'll need 3 main items to get your space started off on the right foot. The first is a high quality office chair with adjustable features to keep you operating at your best.

Recommended Office Chairs:

• Eon by Cherryman Industries
• Spritz by Global Total Office
• Oroblanco by iDesk
• Ergohuman by Eurotech Seating
• Rave by SitWell

Once you've settled on a comfy chair, it's time to build out the rest of your interior around it. The second item you'll need is a personal computer desk that meets your space requirements. Typically, office desks come in standard lengths of 63" and 72" wide. Always check the dimensions before you make a purchase to ensure it will fit.

Lastly, you'll want to add a storage cabinet, file cabinet, or credenza to help you stay well organized. If you've got the budget and space, there's no harm in adding one of each. You can never have enough storage space. It always goes faster than you think!

When furnishing your office interior, it's always a good idea to select desks and storage components from a full service collection to simplify the process. Unless your a professional designer, do your best to avoid blending finishes and mix matching process. It seldom yields the results shoppers hope for.

Best Full Service Office Furniture Collections:

• Medina by Mayline
• Zira by Global Total Office
• Amber by Cherryman Industries
• Superior Laminate by Offices To Go
• Mesa by OFM

Accenting:

Before your new furniture arrives, you'll want to start prepping your space. Start by removing your old furniture and selling it to recapture a bit of your budget.

With your furniture removed, it's the perfect time to lay on a fresh coat of paint. This year coastal colors like light blues, grays, and greens have been super popular.

Pro Tip: Don't wait to paint once your new furniture has been installed. The risk for spills and accidents goest up significantly!

Wait until your furniture is fully installed before you start purchasing interior accents. The idea in your mind and the end result after assembly may end up differing a bit. Once your loving your layout, you can begin shopping for cool accents to make your space pop.

Accenting your office can be done for aesthetic value, or improved productivity. We highly recommend taking a "productivity first" approach. The integration of a few must have ergonomic products will have you ready to tackle the demands of the modern work day with ease.

Ergonomic Accents:

• Add an articulating monitor arm to increase desk space while encourage healthy typing angles. 
• Integrate a dual screen monitor arm to improve the rate at which you compute while reducing visual strain and the neck pain associated with having your screens on the factory base.
• Purchase a CPU holder that mounts underneath your desk surface to provide you with additional knee space. You'll also have an easier time routing wires and charging devices.

Pro Tip:  If you really want to go next level, consider investing in a desktop riser that promotes sit to stand operating. They're about $300.00, but the benefits gained are second to none. A sit to stand desk attachment will help you fight fatigue, increase blood flow, and reduce the health risks associated with sitting for hours on end.

You'll no doubt want to spice up your interior with a few aesthetic accents as well. They're the perfect way to show off your individual style. Skip the old school motivational posters and get creative with your wall art. Visiting a swap meet, thrift store, or antique shop will provide you with lot's of cool items that can be used to compliment your decor. Vintage lighting fixtures, mid century modern scones, retro wall art, and area rugs can all help you spice up your overall vibe.

How To Have Fun With Your Office Remodel

Office remodeling projects can be stressful and tiring, but they don't have to be. We're here to tell you, they can be quite enjoyable and even fun. Today on the OfficeAnything.com blog we'll teach you how to get the most out of your interior without the headaches. From group showroom visits to hosting a big reveal, we'll have you loving each step of the process.

First things first, you need to assemble a team that you enjoy working with. Don't choose more than 3 remodeling assistants because if you do, the input and opinions can become a bit overwhelming. A team of 4 trusted individuals including yourself is perfect.

Now that you're working with people you like, you can sit down and create a plan. A well thought out plan of attack and timeline will help keep your project on track and within budget. Formulating a plan at the beginning of the remodel will most certainly reduce the risk of error and make your project much more enjoyable as each step comes together.

Once you've got a plan, it's time to have a little fun. Get your remodeling team together for an inspiration quest! Visit a local showroom one afternoon with your crew. You'll be rewarded with an abundance of cool ideas on how to make your space efficient, unique, and fashionable. The professionals at the showroom will be happy to tell you about the latest trends from open concept benching systems to self adjusting office chairs the minimize the ergonomic learning curve.

Pro Tip:

If you don't have a showroom in your area, take your search to the web. Check out social sharing sites like Pinterest and Instagram. They're great for inspiration!

With all the inspiration needed to rock your remodel, you and your team are officially ready to shop. Creating a coupon contest will make the process much more fun. Offer up a $20 gift card to the team member that finds the best deal on the office furniture and seating needed to complete your project. Make bulk discounts, free shipping specials, closeout items eligible to win the prize!

Part of having fun during the office remodeling process means not falling victim to the obstacles businesses face that cause headaches due to a lack of shipment scheduling. Once you've purchased your new products, contact the dealer directly. Inquire about estimated ship times and tracking information to ensure you project stays on track.

The week your furniture arrives is the perfect time to prep. To make the process more enjoyable, throw a painting party. Get your crew together and remove all the old furniture in your space. Take pics before if disassembling anything if you're planning to sell it to recapture some of the budget.

Once the furniture is removed, order a few pizzas and start painting while you're waiting for them to arrive. This will allow you to take a break half way through to break up the process. Team painting can definitely be fun! We recommend doing it after normal business hours to eliminate the stress and distractions caused during the typical work day.

When your furniture arrives, create a staging area outside of the office your remodeling. Avoid taking all the boxes into your space at once. It will make for a cramped assembly process that isn't fun at all.

Alternatively, bring in boxes one at a time. Opening them will feel like Christmas morning. You and your team will be excited to check out the ergonomic chairs and desks you've purchased. It's a lot of fun!

Pro Tip:

Make sure to fully assemble each individual desk and chair as you open it, then dispose of the boxes before brining in additional items. They'll build up on you quick, so stay on top of it. Furniture is always well packed and there will be lots of bubble wrap and fodder that requires disposal.

With your space complete, it's time to show off your work with a big reveal. Make sure your interior is fully prepped and ready to be displayed to the rest of the office. Throw a little gathering with some drinks and snacks. Just be ready to receive lot's of compliments on what a great job you guys have done. Then be sure to tell them how much fun the process was so they'll want to do the next one! Then take a few pics of your space to share on social media. Rest assured, there's others out there looking for awesome design inspiration.

Office Design Advice: 8 Tips For A Smooth Transition Into Your New Space

Tackling an office remodeling project can be super fun, or super frustrating! Those who properly prepare and plan enjoy the spoils of their hard work. That being said, those who don't are commonly left with remodeling remorse that could have been easily avoided. Here at OfficeAnything.com, we want you to love your new workspace. That's why we're providing you with 8 tips to help you seamlessly transition into your interior without the uh-oh's.

1.) Use Accurate Measurements

It all starts with accurate measurements. Rest assured, there's nothing worse that having all new furniture arrive on your door step only to find that it doesn't fit properly. Ouch! Avoid this common makeover mishap by personally checking the dimensions of your space. Don't rely on old blue prints. Bust out the tape measurer and get the job done right. As this step is incredibly important, you may want to have a trusted coworkers double check your dimensions before making a purchase. You simply can't be too careful during the space planning stage.

2.) Take Pics Before Disassembly

Before you start breaking down your existing furniture to make room for the new stuff, take a few pics. They'll come in especially helpful if you're planning to sell your old office furniture to recapture some of the remodeling budget. Pictures will also help you remember how your old layout went together. If for nothing more, take pics to show a successful "before and after" of your project.

3.) Paint Before Furniture Arrives

You don't want to be painting around a beautiful office desk you just spent a fortune on. It's super risky! Once you've removed your old furniture, give your interior a thorough cleaning. Patch any thumb tack holes and use a magic eraser to get rid of unsightly scuffs. Next, visit your local paint store to pick up a few swatches and samples. Don't just assume a color will look good without first checking it out on your walls. Once you've decided on a color, go ahead and paint before your furniture arrives. It will make for a much smoother transition.

4.) Enlist A Few Helpers

It never hurts to have a little help during an office makeover. If you're planning to tackle installation internally, you certainly won't want to do it alone. To ensure a seamless transition, ask 3 people to help you throughout the process. It's no secret that office components can be very heavy. Trying to tackle assembly alone can be dangerous to say the least.

5.) Schedule Delivery

Don't get caught with new furniture arriving when you're not prepared! Before you purchase the workstations and ergonomic seating needed to outfit your interiors, contact your dealer directly to obtain estimated ship times. After your purchase, contact your dealer again for tracking information as soon as possible. They should provide it, but it's better to call personally to be on the safe side. You'll be far better suited for a smooth transition if you know when your products are scheduled to arrive!

6.) Create A Staging Area

The day before your products are scheduled to arrive, it will help to create a staging area. You don't want to overcrowd your interior by carrying in every box and component. It will make for a frustrating and complicated assembly process. With a staging area, you'll be able to bring in items one at a time, piece by piece. This makes creating a functional layout much easier.

7.) Prepare For Debris

Even a basic computer chair will come extremely well packed to avoid damage during transit. This means, there's going to be a lot of debris to dispose of at the end of your project. All of your desks, chairs, and accessories will come boxed and packaged with a ton bubble wrap and popcorn. Prepare accordingly! Break down boxes to save space and have trash bags on hand to minimize the mess.

8.) Price A Professional Installer

Even if you're planning to handle the assembly process yourself, it's never a bad idea to at least know how much the pros would charge to tackle your project. If you get rolling on your project and find that it's more than you can handle, you'll already be a step ahead if you need to call in some backup. In truth, most find professional furniture installation to be pretty affordable. When sourcing installers for your project, be sure to read reviews first to ensure quality. Make sure they'll be available around the same time your furniture is scheduled to arrive incase you run into problems. If you really want to transition smoothly into your space without a headache, you can choose to go with an installer from the start. They'll be happy to receive your desks and chairs to minimize the need for planning and scheduling on your end.

Office Makeover Tips: Clean, Purge, Enhance!

Are you tackling an office makeover project in 2017? You're in the right place. Today on the blog we'll share a simple to follow 3 step process for remodeling success. By cleaning, purging, and enhancing your interior you'll be on your way to a well rounded workspace that's ready to meet the demands of the modern work day. Enjoy!

Cleaning:

Before you rush out to purchase new office furniture and accessories, start your makeover with a good cleaning. Knock out the basic is like vacuuming and dusting right out of the gate. Next you'll want to move on to more advanced office cleaning and organizing strategies like proper wire routing. It's not difficult, just a little time consuming. When completed you'll be operating at a much higher and more efficient level. Once your interior has been properly cleaned, take pictures for a before and after comparison at the completion of your project.


Purging:

Purging and cleaning are a part of the same family. That being said, there are some distinct differences. Purging involves the removal of old items to free up usable space. You can't fully assess your personal office needs until you've properly purged your interior of unwanted documents.

Start the process by purging your office file cabinet drawers. You'll be surprised how many out dated folders you've been harboring. Reorganize your drawers properly after purging to see how much available space you have for future growth.

Next you'll want to purge your digital files. Do you have old and outdated quotations stored on your computer? What about notes on projects from years gone buy? That stuff needs to be eliminated from your hard drive. If you want to save the information, download it to a zip drive, label it, and store it properly for future use.

Last but not least, you'll want to purge any office storage cabinet drawers currently devoted to stationary. There's likely loose rubber bands and post it notes that can be tossed out, along with old prevention materials and outdated product binders. Most find that once there office interior has been properly purged, their personal makeover needs decrease. This helps maximize the budget!

Enhancing:

Enhancing your office is fun! That being said, many are left feeling a bit overwhelmed by the available product selection. In truth, it's a bit difficult to know what products you'll actually use regularly to become more productive. To help, we've broken down the process into two main categories.

1.) Appeal - Enhancing office appeal means integrating new products that showcase your individual personality and style. With an appealing workspace that's up to date with the latest trends, you'll make a lasting impression on valued visitors and earn your interior the compliments that it deserves.

This year, gray office furniture has been super popular. It's definitely worth considering for your project. In addition, you can't go wrong with updated wall art. It's time to kick those old school motivational posters to the curb. You might also consider integrating a few potted plants and succulents to make your interior feel more vibrant. When it comes to enhancing appeal, the options are truly endless. Don't be afraid to try out a few cool DIY projects to bring your vision to life!

2.) Comfort - A comfortable workspace is an absolute must. While you won't need every ergonomic accessory on the market, a few are considered by professionals to be essential. The first is an articulating keyboard tray. It will help you compute at healthy angles while increasing usable desk surface space. The second is a dual screen monitor arm. It will cut down on the time spent flipping between tables while simultaneously helping you raise your computer screens to eye level to reduce visual strain and neck pain.

You might also consider adding a sit to stand desk top riser to promote continuous movement in the workplace and eliminate the need for unhealthy extended sits. If you can't find the time to take a 10 minute break once every hour, a sit to stand desktop attachment is the way to go. They're rapidly becoming an industry standard.

Last but not least, there's no substitute for a great office chair. We highly recommend considering today's innovative chairs from brands like Global Total Office and RFM Preferred Seating with auto responding adjustment features that minimize the ergonomic learning curve. When selecting an office chair, there's no substitute for a good sit test. Visit a showroom in your area to check out a variety of models that might be right for you. If you don't have a showroom to test chairs in person, you'll definitely want to check out online reviews and demo videos.

5 Ways To Avoid An Office Makeover Disaster In 2017

Your office makeover project should be fun and exciting! By following the simple tips and advice in today's post you'll be able to successfully remodel your interior without a makeover disaster. As with any major project, there will surely be surprises along the way. That being said, with proper planning you'll be able to tackle anything the process has to throw at you.

1.) Make A Plan

It all starts with a great plan. Get the ball rolling by creating a timeline for your project to keep you on track. You'll also want to set a budget for your makeover to help you avoid over spending. With a well thought out plan of attack, you'll be able to avoid mishaps and mistakes along the way that all too many individuals fail to prep for. Wether you tackling a home office makeover or a large corporate remodel, effective planning is an absolute must.

2.) Take Accurate Measurements

We can't stress enough the importance of taking accurate measurements. Rest assured there's not much worse than ordering all new office furniture only to find that it doesn't properly fit upon delivery. Ouch!

When taking measurements of your interior, be sure to take note of all entry ways, power outlets, windows, and room obstructions that will affect the way your office products are arranged. Once you've got your measurements, double check them for accuracy. It never hurts to have a trusted friend check them as well. Your simply can't be too careful during this essential step of the remodeling process.

3.) Request Finish Samples

Finish samples are an absolute must, especially if you're purchasing new furniture sight unseen. Let's say your purchasing a new office desk for an executive you work for. Due to pixilation, the finish you see online may be a bit different in person than it appears on the computer. You don't want the boss upset that you purchased a fancy desk with his valued corporate funds, only to find out that it doesn't look the way he expected it too. Order samples to avoid this makeover disaster. They're typically free!

4.) Inquire About Shipping Times

Don't allow yourself to be caught with new office furniture sitting on your doorstep unprepared. Before buying new items for your project, call to inquire about stock. If an item happens to be on backorder for any reason, it's best to know now. About 2 days after purchase, call your dealer direct again. Don't wait for them to send you tracking information. They'll likely be able to provide you with an estimated delivery date by phone. With an ETA you'll be able to able to properly prep your interior for the arrival of your stylish new furnishings.

5.) Prepare For Installation

Once you know when your new furniture is arriving, you can prep for installation. If you're planning to hire the pros, call them about 2 weeks before your items arrive to ensure they're available. In most cases they'll even be willing to receive your shipment direct from the dealer. While simple, it can be a big help!

If you're tackling installation, make sure to enlist 2 helpers for the job. About a week before your furniture arrives, create a space for it to be placed before taking it into your office. Remove all of your old furniture about 2 days before delivery and lay on a fresh coat of paint. Now is the best time to do it.

On the day your furniture arrives, be ready for some heavy lifting. Place the new items in your designated staging area and bring them into your office for assembly one at a time to avoid an overcrowded installation. Upon completion, you'll be left with a bunch of packing material to dispose of. Be prepared!

The Ins and Outs of Office Design

Office makeover projects can be fun. They can be rewarding. They can be inspiring. Unfortunately, they can also be a big headache if you're not prepared. Luckily, you have us to help! In today's post we'll share the ins and outs of the design process to help you create the interiors of your dreams without the hassle. Enjoy!

Every good office design and makeover project starts with proper space planning. Don't rush out and purchase new furniture assuming it will fit correctly in your space. Take the time to measure out your interiors correctly. Be sure to take note of entry ways, power outlets, windows, and room obstructions that will affect the way your office furniture fits. Then, recheck your measurements for accuracy. Never rely on old blueprints or estimations. Obtain measurements yourself to be on the safe side. You'll be glad you did!

Once you've got the dimensions of your space, it's time to do a cost analysis to determine a reasonable budget for your project. Setting a budget will help keep you from splurging and over extending throughout the makeover process. Do a little research to get the ball rolling. Visit a local showroom, browse for furniture online, and get a good idea of what you'll be comfortable spending. Don't forget to account for the little things like room accents and ergonomic accessories. They will make a big difference in appeal and functionality.

We know you're eager to get out and shop for new furniture, but you need to get a little inspiration before you do! Start by creating a design folder to house ideas for your space. Take pics at your local furniture showroom and visit social sharing sites like Pinterest. You can also visit surrounding businesses to network while you get inspiration. Consider researching the latest office design trends to ensure your space is up to date. Once inspired, select a theme for your project. This year modern, industrial, retro, and contemporary looks are all very popular.

You've waited long enough, it's time to start shopping! We recommend making your furniture purchases online. As of now, online shoppers are not required to pay out of state sales tax on transactions. If you're purchasing a new executive desk configuration, the tax alone can be hundreds of dollars. Shopping online will help you maximize your budget over the long haul of your project. To ensure you get the best value, shop on comparison engines like Google Shopping. Here you'll be able to sort products by brand and price from a wide range of dealers. Find a quality furniture provider with good reviews. Before checking out online, be sure to call your dealer directly. As about free shipping specials, coupons, bulk discount pricing, and any monthly sales promotions they may be running. You'll be surprised just how much money one phone call can save you.

Once you've purchase your new furniture, you'll want to stay in close contact with your dealer. Be sure to call 2 days after your order to confirm your order has been processed. During your call, ask about an expected ship date and schedule delivery if possible. One the ship date provided by your dealer, call again to obtain tracking information. This information should be provided without asking, but it's always best to be on the safe side.

Most in stock furniture ships within 2 business days of order. Transit times vary based on carries. That being said, you can likely expect your products to arrive about 5 to 7 business days after order. When your furniture ships out, you'll want to start prepping your space. Clear out old furniture, patch walls, paint, and thoroughly clean. Tackling these simple jobs now will help ensure a smooth transition between work environments.

On the day your furniture arrives, create a staging area to rest furniture before it's assembled. Avoid bringing all products into your office space. This will make for a cluttered and overly crowded installation process that's sure to bring headaches. Before your start breaking into boxes, pull out the shipping documentation just in case you need it later.

When you start the assembly and installation process, you'll want to have basic screwdrivers, sockets, pliers, and cordless drills on hand. For safety reasons, keep a first aid kit handy. As desks and office seating can be quite heavy when packaged, be sure to have a couple helpers available to assist in the process. The best way to handle installation is slow and steady. Follow the instructions, take your time, and take breaks to ensure you don't get frustrated. If you feel like installation and assembly is too much to handle, don't sweat it! Call the professionals about 2 weeks before your furniture arrives to obtain pricing. You'll be able to schedule to have products shipped directly to the installer to avoid receiving products at your place of business.

At the end of the installation process, you'll be left with lots of packaging materials and debris. Plan accordingly! Be ready to break down boxes and clean up lots of bubble wrap. Having trash bags on hand is always a good idea. Once you'e removed all the fodder, take pics of your new interior. Share your success online to help others. You'll certainly get lots of compliments and ideas on how to further improve your space.

Avoiding The Top 6 Office Makeover Mishaps

There's nothing worse than an office makeover mishap! To avoid falling prey to a design disaster, you'll need to properly plan and pay close attention to the advice in today's post. Today we'll share with you the most common makeover mistakes encountered by businesses and how to avoid them effectively.

1.) Didn't Properly Measure

A quality makeover starts with accurate space planning. Start by obtaining the perimeter dimensions of your space. Be sure to take note of power outlets, entry ways, windows, and load bearing members that will affect the way furniture fits. Once you've got your dimensions, double check them! Never, ever, ever, assume furniture will fit without measuring. This is a recipe for disaster that can be easily avoided.

2.) Forgot To Ask The Group

There's a fine line between getting group input and ending up with too many chickens in the hen house! To keep things on the safe side, do preliminary work on your own. Come up with a series of no more than three options per area. If you're taking on private office interiors, provide your coworkers with three full service collections to choose from that include the desk configurations, tables, and storage components needed to complete the areas in questions. On the flip side, you don't want to select products without getting group input. This is sure to leave someone feeling left out and unhappy. Remember, some input is good. Too much can be overwhelming!

3.) Expected Finishes To Match

Mix matching furniture from various brands is dangerous! While two manufacturers may call a finish cherry, it doesn't mean they are exactly the same. Schedule your project far enough in advance to obtain multiple finish samples for the furniture you're considering purchasing. In most cases, fabric and finish samples can be to you in about a week. If you don't have the time to wait for samples, be on the safe side and purchase your office seating and furniture from the same brand. If you have any questions about finishes matching, call your dealer of choice. In the long run, it never hurts to ask.

4.) Didn't Get Tracking Information

Whether you purchase furniture online or from a local dealer, you need to obtain tracking information as soon as possible. Don't delay this important step and end up with thousands of dollars worth of new furniture sitting in your lobby! Tracking information will provide you with the valuable window needed to get your space ready. Let's say you've ordered a new conference table and chairs for your business. If you obtain your tracking number, you'll know exactly how long you have to clear out old furniture from your space, patch walls, paint, and accessorize before your new products arrive. You'll also know when to staff extra workers to help with assembly.

5.) Unprepared For Installation

In most cases, office furniture installation can be handled effectively with 2 to 4 people. That being said, contact your dealer before products arrive to inquire about installation services. They'll typically be able to share tips, demo videos, and advice that will help you tackle the process. In addition, if you feel like installation is a bit much for your business to handle internally, your dealer will be able to provide professional resources in your area. Professional installation should be quoted for any project consisting of 3 or more areas. Basic executive desk configurations, conference room tables, and reception desks take around an hour to put together. Prepare accordingly! You'll also want to have a staging area clearly defined to place furniture when it arrives. Having basic tools on hand is also a must. Last but not least, furniture is packed extremely well. There will be debris! Be sure to have plenty of trash bags and dumpster space available before you begin.

6.) Went Over Budget

Don't wait until your project is complete to realize you've gone over budget. Work with your team from day one to determine how much you can spend without over extending. Create an excel spreadsheet to track purchases during the process. This will help you keep a close eye on your budget. If you want to keep it simple, provider your dealer with an idea of how much you're looking to spend. They'll be happy to help you select the best products in your price range. Like with most office makeover mishaps, budget issues typically result from assuming and improper planning. Don't fall into this group!

Need More Workspace? Add A Desk Extension!

If you've outgrown your current workstation, you may feel the need to rush out and buy new furniture to meet the current needs of your business. That being said, if you've purchased your current furniture set from a reputable manufacturer, there are other enticing options that will save you money! In today's post we'll highlight popular office furniture collections that include modular desk extensions from brands like Global Total Office, Mayline, and Cherryman Industries that will help you expand easily as your needs increase.

As one of the most popular office furniture collections on the market, the Global Total Office Zira collection is commonly used for workspace makeover projects both small and large. This extensive line of desks, reception stations, tables, and office storage solutions includes the modular components needed to help you expand without purchasing all new furniture. Zira office desks can be extended using a variety of unique desk return options to provide users with additional work surface space. Zira reception stations can also be enhanced with returns available in various lengths. Need to fit more people around your conference table? Don't rush out and buy a whole new table! Add a couple more bases and table sections from the Zira line and you're all set.

Mayline makes creating additional workspace a breeze! With full service office furniture lines like Napoli, users can add curved extensions to either side of the desk. Full length pedestal extensions are available for added storage, as well as smaller extensions to provide you with that little bit of extra space needed to conduct business comfortably. In addition, Napoli includes modular reception desks that can also be extended with 48" wide returns and a number of pedestals for additional organizing space. As Mayline has been one of the number one furniture manufacturers on the market for the past several decades, there's a good chance you may currently be sitting at one of their desks! Most of their best selling collections offer the same great modular benefits as Napoli. No need to refurnish, just add the extension you need and save a few bucks!

If you're sitting behind an OFM desk configuration and need more space, you're in luck! This reputable brand provides the pieces you need to take your layout to the next level. OFM's Mesa desk collection offers matching storage credenzas that can be utilized behind your current desk to provide you with more workspace. In addition, OFM's Venice desks can be extended using 47.25" wide returns. The OFM Marque reception desk collection can also be expanded! ADA compliant sections and even full sized reception desk sections can be added to make your welcoming area the best it can be. The best part, no tools are required for assembly! There's no need to suffer just because you didn't purchase all the pieces you'd eventually need when designing your space.

With 5 full service office furniture collections on the market, there's a good chance you may be sitting at Cherryman Industries workstation. If so, you're in luck! All of Cherryman's top furniture lines like Verde, Emerald, Jade, and Ruby can be added on to with desk extensions. Just a few short months ago, Cherryman took their Amber collection to a whole new level. With new finish options and a wide range of new furnishings, Amber is now in a league of it's own. Perhaps the coolest addition to the Amber lineup was expandable conference room tables. If you're planning a conference room makeover project, give these new tables a look and avoid the need to ever purchase a new conference table again. Amber's new tables can be easily expanded with additional sections to provide your business with the space needed now and in the future!

Last but certainly not least, the Offices To Go Superior Laminate Casegoods line, Margate line, and Ventnor line can all be expanded with universal desk extensions. The desk and reception station returns from this popular office furniture manufacturer are available in multiple finish options and sizes. Need even more space added to your stand alone office desk? No problem! Make it a U shaped desk configuration with the addition of a matching credenza from OTG. How about a little storage? Add an overhead storage hutch on top of your credenza to help you get organized without wasting valuable floor space. OTG's desk collections are about as versatile as you can get. If a makeover project is a must and your current workstation can't be expanded, we highly recommend the affordable furnishings provided by this top notch brand.

Office Makeover Fails: 2014 Edition

Here at OfficeAnything.com, we love to fill our blogs with photos of stunning offices and loads of advice on keeping it that way. But for every pretty post, we know there's an ugly office out there in desperate need of a facelift. For those of you who know the horror of paper avalanches, graveyards of decaying furniture, and the post-it note apocalypse, this article can help! Today, we're highlighting common office disasters, along with great tips on preventing them. Hunker down, and enjoy!

Not In Kansas Anymore...

Paper tornadoes are some of the most common natural disasters to plague an unsuspecting office. In places like medical facilities, where keeping old files on clients is mandatory for at least a few years, papers can stack up fast. Without organization, many people are left with a whirlwind that's enough to make them question whether they're in the office or in Oz. For this, we recommend file cabinets for organization and storage. Available in lateral or vertical cabinet options, file shelves provide a neat, designated space for old records too important to lose in a computer crash.

Bonus tip: Investing in a scanner to go paperless is also effective - just don't forget to "trash bin" the unnecessary stuff every few months to keep the hard drive clear.

Cyber Cyclone

Sometimes the messiest offices can actually look squeaky clean. Desks are clear, furniture's current, everything seems in its place - just don't sit down at that computer, or you may never get up again! Not only can built-up files, unwanted cookies, and never-ending programs slow your system to a crawl, but it can also slow response time to a virus should your computer get infected by a hacker or an unsafe webpage. Regular maintenance is mandatory for a clean, fast-running office. Taking time to delete old files, perform disk cleanups, run security scans, uninstall unwanted programs, and update software can save time and money. Don't forget to shut down your computer when not in use.

Bonus Tip: An external hard drive provides more space for backups of your files. If a disaster, such as a hacker or virus crashes your computer, the drive will have backups of everything. Adding space saving ergo products like CPU holders will keep the drives out of the way, so you don't have to sacrifice visual appeal for practicality!

Walls of Shame

Cluttered walls are pretty easy to come by, especially if you look down. In an office, wires and cables are necessary for most computers, hard drives, and lighting. Without organization, however, the floor of your office can start to resemble the snake pit from Indiana Jones. To save yourself from this predicament, be sure to unplug any wires or cables you don't use regularly and store them away. Wrapping up excess cording with a rubber band helps keep things neat. Many desks, like the desks from Global Total Office or Mayline offer modesty panels, grommets, and other useful features specifically for taming tangles of unruly cables.

Bonus Tip: Not sure which cable to unplug? Bread ties can help you keep track! Write the name of your device on the bread tie and hook them to the right cables so you always know what's what.

Zombie Furniture

"Vintage" is a style choice, not "decrepit." If you like the look of old, classic office furniture from the 40s and 50s, that's great! We love it too... but not enough suffer potential injury. If your desk or cool retro office chairs are falling apart, it's probably time to upgrade - or at least perform a makeover. There are plenty cool retro office chairs out there for sale if you know your furniture can't be fixed. If it can though, there are also tons of great DIY restoration blogs for old furniture!

Bonus Tip: The oldest furniture benefits most from a little TLC. Breaking out the tool box to tighten screws, oil hinges, and pick the gunk out of wheel casters every month or so goes a long way to making furniture last!

The Crumb-Pocalypse

According to a study by British Microbiologist James Francis, a dirty keyboard can have levels of germs five times higher than a public toilet seat - gross! Most people don't realize that the little crumbs from snacking at a desk build up quickly in unseen places like keyboard keys, door handles, and drawer bottoms. These unattended crumbs decay, attracting pests like mice and bugs who leave even more unwanted germs on your office equipment by night. For this, we recommend regular cleaning to thwart the crumb-pocalypse. Hand sanitizer, sanitation wipes, and compressed air dusters can help kill germs, and flush unwanted dirt and debris from those hard-to-reach places!

Bonus Tip: Using retractable keyboard trays can help keep keyboards out of the way when not in use. Rolling them under the desk saves them from the falling dust, debris, and snack crumbs that attract pests.

Reviewing The 5 Hottest Office Design Trends of 2014

2014 was an awesome year for the world of professional office design. This year a variety of key trends emerged that are continuing to change the way we look at our work spaces. In today's post, we'll showcase and review 5 of this years hottest trends. Enjoy!

Powered Conference Tables

If you took on a meeting area makeover project in 2014, the odds are you chose a powered conference room table for your space. Powered conference tables are guaranteed to make your conference room meetings run more efficiently and keep your professional gatherings much more productive. This year, brands like Global Total Office changed the game with there Zira series powered conference table line. In addition, Mayline made huge strides in the powered table realm with collections like Transaction and Medina. Rest assured, this is one office design trend that's here to stay!

Gray Office Chairs

It seems gray has become the new black! This year gray office chairs were the preferred choice of interior design teams and consumers alike. Popular gray office chair solutions like the Joplin and Hendrix series chairs from Woodstock Marketing were incredibly successful in 2014. Much like black, gray upholstery provides a neutral tone that matches nearly any wood or metal finish to perfection. Those not looking to go the traditional route of black leather seating found that gray chairs added the same classy feel without the overly dark and gloomy feel of black in the workplace.

Industrial Furniture

The industrial look was huge in 2014. The blending of metal components into desking configurations and tables alike provides a commercial feel that designers love. Much like with the stainless steel appliance movement in the kitchen, the popularity of silver metal office furniture is growing at a very rapid rate. Brands like Mayline, Cherryman Industries, Global Total Office, and OFM have all expanded there repertoire of products to include metal accented solutions for both professional and home applications.

Ribbed Back Chairs

2014 was the year of the ribbed back office chair! The sleek nature of ribbed back chairs saves space and looks great in both executive office and meeting settings. Best selling ribbed back office chair models like the BT-9826H from Flash Furniture offer high end appeal at an affordable price point. Additional brands like Ergo Contract Furniture, Woodstock Marketing, and Offices To Go have also jumped on board with this growing trend.

Lime Green

It seems everywhere we looked this year, designers where using lime green as the primary accent color for professional office spaces. This vibrant tone is definitely a great way to make any work environment stand apart from the competition. From lime green office chairs to lime green painted accent walls, this popular color was the number one choice of 2014.  As a result, brands like Mayline and Cherryman have added a variety of cool lime green upholstery options for office chairs and reception benching alike. Look for this trend to stay hot in the months to come, but as with all color trends... the lime green movement will eventually shift to the next hot color!