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Biophilic Design: What is it and Why is it Popular?

You may or may not have heard the term, “biophilic design,” but you’ve probably seen it without knowing its name. And you’re likely to see more biophilic spaces in the future.

So what is biophilic design? Wikipedia defines it this way:

Biophilic design is a concept used within the building industry to increase occupant connectivity to the natural environment through the use of direct nature, indirect nature, and space and place conditions.

To that we would add, “Not just the building industry but interior design as well.”

The theory behind biophilic design is that as the world becomes more urbanized it’s more and more important that we stay connected to the outdoors, and proponents of the trend point out some very real benefits. The term itself is several decades old and translates to “love of life or living systems,” the idea being that we all subconsciously need to connect with other living things.

In real terms as it applies to commercial design, that means any number of things, but think lots of wood, plants as an architectural feature, indoor waterfalls and so forth. Definitions vary as to exactly what does and does not constitute biophilic design, but consider this: an atrium with full-size trees and waterfalls, simulating an exterior setting, is definitely biophilic. A ficus tree in your cubicle, not so much.

And there’s a huge middle ground, of course, but however you define it, there’s a marked trend towards bringing the outdoors to indoor spaces.

Why? Well, if you’ve ever gone for a hike in the woods to clear your mind, or if you’re a camping enthusiast, you understand the positive effects being in the outdoors can have on your psyche. In a commercial setting, proper use of biophilic elements translates to reduced stress, improved cognitive function, better moods and greater creativity. And any business could use some of that, right?

Does that mean you have to tear up your whole building and plant a forest in the lobby? No (although that would be pretty cool!). There are many ways, large and small, to incorporate biophilic design elements into the workplace.

Want to know more? Contact our design professionals.

2018: Office Design Trends

Office Design Trends

Workspace design can have a big impact on workplace culture. In recent years, the traditional cubicle environment has nearly disappeared in favor of more comfortable, collaborative spaces. The following new office design trends are among the most innovative yet, embracing functionality and visual appeal. Read on to discover the biggest office design trends for 2018.

Flexible Workspace

Every person works a little differently. Unique tasks require varying combinations of group and individual work. Thus, designers have keyed in on flexibility as one of the most important office design concepts in 2018. Some of the new office-design trends supporting flexible workspaces are:

  • Lounge areas that can serve different purposes, from meeting with clients to conversations between coworkers. These areas allow for low-stakes collaboration, encouraging creativity and promoting a sense of fun.
  • Fixed layouts are disappearing in favor of moveable, modular components. As the nature of the office changes, the layout can adjust to suit it.
  • Shared space has become a norm in many office environments; the new trend is open-concept work areas that include cubbies and discrete corners to provide a combination of group and individual spaces.

Interested in learning more about making your workspace more flexible? Contact Douron today.

Making the Office More Like the Rest of the World

Another common thread in 2018 office design trends is integrating elements from other kinds of environments into the workplace. These trends run the gamut from bringing the great outdoors into the office to incorporating components of home:

  • Design elements drawn from the natural world are huge, including plant-inspired upholstery patterns, living walls, and recycled wood.
  • Offices are incorporating furniture with a homier look, such as wooden desks reminiscent of dining tables, to create a more comfortable environment.

Technology Rules

The final set of trends in 2018 office design are all related to making technology easier to access and more attractive to use. This emphasis on technology and clean design increases productivity.

  • Wires are an eyesore. New furniture solutions are designed to hide wires from view, making a cleaner and more appealing workspace.
  • Desks are more frequently equipped with USB and Ethernet ports, allowing personnel to focus on work instead of hunting for connections.

Contact Douron today to create an up-to-date and user-friendly office.

Get More From Your Space With Expert Consultation

Expert Furniture Consultation

Compromise may be a fact of life in many arenas, but it doesn’t have to govern your office design. Unlike off-the-shelf retail furniture, commercial furniture dealers are skilled at customizing furniture solutions for each client’s needs. Experts at Douron can find custom solutions for unique spaces, saving you time and maximizing your space.

The Benefits of Working With Experts

Along with the benefit of experience and industry knowledge, working with an expert for customized office furniture solutions has some other advantages. The top benefits of expert consultation include:

  • Office space needs assessment and planning
  • Confidence in high-quality materials
  • Supporting local business

Planning for Productivity

Commercial furniture dealers are skilled at performing comprehensive needs assessments for businesses. Our designers consider each business’ unique needs and plan superior furniture solutions for each individual space. This means the commercial-grade furniture you purchase for your work space will be made to fit. Thus, far less space is wasted. Using off-the-shelf furniture means trying to fit pre-made furniture into existing spaces, which can create a time-consuming puzzle. With expert consultation, however, furniture solutions are designed to fit, saving businesses time and stress. A custom fit creates a more productive environment for everyone.

Materials Matter

Off-the-shelf furniture is cheaper in part because it’s made with cheaper materials. When you work with an expert furniture dealer, you have the benefit of knowing more about each piece of furniture. Douron carries products from vetted commercial furniture manufacturers.

Additionally, working directly with experts means designers can create solutions to suit your material preferences. The reasons businesses prefer to know more about furniture materials include:

  • A desire for durable, reliable products
  • Concerns about sustainable and green building
  • Aesthetic preferences, such as custom finishes; some businesses want their office spaces to reflect their image

Contact us now to learn more about the superior materials used in all our products.

Build a Great Relationship With Your Dealer

Unlike buying from a faceless online retailer or big-box store, working directly with experts at Douron means supporting a locally-based business. We have been in business as an industry leader in the Mid-Atlantic region for more than 40 years.

Reach out to an expert today, and get the benefit of an individual response – no boilerplate or one-size-fits-all solutions.

Why Choose Commercial-Grade Furniture Over Internet Stock Furniture

Commercial-Grade Furniture

When it’s time to buy new furniture, budget is a factor for most businesses and institutions. There’s almost always a bottom line so affordability is a real concern. Unfortunately, buying lower cost furniture leads to more expenses down the road. Read on to discover why investing in commercial-grade furniture now can save money and provide many tangible benefits in the long run.

Who Benefits From Commercial-Grade Furniture?

Commercial-grade furniture is the superior choice for many industries, including:

  • Corporations
  • Educational institutions
  • Healthcare providers
  • Libraries
  • Government offices

Commercials and institutions have different needs than the average consumer. Furniture in commercial environments sees heavier use, and broken or damaged furniture can create hazards to employees and clients. Buying stock furniture may cost less initially, but it can have serious repercussions for those who rely on furniture to provide a professional, comfortable, and productive environment.

Douron has more than 40 years of experience working in many industries to meet clients’ unique requirements. Contact us now to learn how we can help outfit your business for success.

Top Reasons to Choose Commercial-Grade Furniture

Why is commercial-grade furniture a better option for businesses and institutions?

  • Superior quality products last much longer
  • Customizable options
  • Commercial furniture dealers provide expert advice on maximizing space
  • High quality service throughout a product’s life

Unlike other furniture, commercial-grade furniture is built for workplace use, making it more durable. This translates to savings in the long run because there’s no need to frequently replace items.

How to Purchase Commercial-Grade Furniture

Commercial furniture is also customizable to each user’s unique space and environment. Experienced dealers can help businesses get the most out of their square footage by designing comprehensive furniture solutions. Consulting with a dealer will help you find the products that are the best fit for your business. Dealers can also customize finishes to suit each business’ goals.

When you purchase commercial-grade furniture, you’re building a relationship with an expert who can assist you throughout a product’s lifespan. The best way to purchase commercial furniture is through an experienced dealer. Douron is an industry leader in furniture solutions. We strive to balance affordability with high quality and expertise. Contact us for a consultation today.

Using Color Psychology in Office Design

Using Color Psychology in Office Design

Do you have a favorite color? There’s actually science behind that choice. Colors can affect our emotions in various ways and thus influence our behaviors. This knowledge underscores the importance of office design. If clients and/or visitors are turned off by your environment, they probably won’t want to do business with you.

Keep in mind, however, that the following suggestions aren’t going to be universal. Reactions to colors can be highly individualized due to a person’s past.

Colors and Their Responses

When considering what colors to use in your office space, think about the emotion you want to elicit. While blue is a great color, pink may evoke the emotions you’re seeking for your space. Here are a few options and the emotions they typically carry:

  1. Green sparks creativity. A symbol of balance, green can also suggest growth and calm. Dark green is used to indicate wealth and prestige. Turquoise green is the color of creativity and mass communication, so it’s a good choice for training room walls.
  1. Red reduces analytical thinking. However, it promotes productivity in physical activities. Depending on your industry, red may be a good choice.
  1. Blue denotes honesty, loyalty, wisdom, conservatism, security, and confidence. It also stimulates the mind, so it can increase analytical thinking.
  1. Yellow is the least likely to be a favorite color. It should be used sparingly.
  1. Orange is associated with a good deal.
  1. Pink calms people down. It generally helps settle most people down for about 30 minutes, after which they can remain in a calmer state.
  1. White may lead to boredom. Too much of a monochromatic look can cause people to reflect on their own thoughts or daydream.

Color design elicits emotions, and if it’s used correctly, even a small change can optimize operations. Depending on your industry and use for your space, different colors can be used to help your productivity. Our team of office design specialists can help you choose the right color for your job. Contact us to schedule an appointment with a design expert.

Understanding Carpal Tunnel in Order to Avoid It

Carpal tunnel syndrome causes tingling, weakness, numbness, and other problems in the hands. This condition is exacerbated by repetitive hand motions and can be debilitating, as some workers can’t return to work for long periods of time due to carpal tunnel syndrome. Prevention steps that can be taken by business owners include consideration of ergonomics, and you can contact Douron for an ergonomic assessment.

Preventative Ergonomic Steps

The workstation must be set up in a way to reduce wrist strain and prevent carpal tunnel. Such steps include the following considerations:

  • The top of the monitor should be at eye level.
  • Using headsets to avoid the ear-to-shoulder position when talking on phones.
  • Wrist pads to keep wrists in a neutral position.
  • Adjusting armrests so elbows are close to the body and bent at a 90-degree angle.
  • Chairs that adjust so the height allows feet to rest on the floor.
  • Taking little breaks every 10-15 minutes.
  • Stretching every 20-60 minutes.

Identifying Carpal Tunnel

Many times, carpal tunnel will first be felt in the thumbs. It then progresses to the first three fingers. It is important to discuss this with your doctor to ensure it is not another illness. If it is carpal tunnel, talk with your doctor to identify if it’s stemming from an underlying illness, such as hypothyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis, or diabetes.

Managing Carpal Tunnel

Once carpal tunnel has been identified, there are a number of ways to manage the pain. When typing, wrists should be held a little higher than the hands. A wrist pad can be used to help keep the wrists in a neutral position. Switch hands whenever possible while performing repetitive hand motions, as this may also help manage the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Stop performing any activities that cause pain if possible.

Douron is here to help with all of your ergonomic needs. Schedule a consultation today, and do everything you can to help employees avoid carpal tunnel syndrome. Even initial symptoms may trigger a workers’ comp claim. Contact us to schedule an appointment with an office design specialist who can assess your ergonomic design needs.

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