Your office reception area is the first physical point of contact between your business and the rest of the world. From new and prospective employees to prestigious potential clients, it is the location where any visitor will form their first impression of your staff, your organisation, and your brand.

So it is vital that the design and layout of the reception area is constructed with your specific and unique brand identity in mind, to ensure that the first impression it gives is the right one.

Top tips for creating an exceptional reception area:

Logo – Your logo is the ultimate visual expression of your company, and displaying it prominently in the reception area is an ideal way to brand the space and tell any visitors who you are and what you have to offer.

Colours and decor – Design, decor and accessories can all go a long way toward creating a cohesive aesthetic that completes the brand statement you’re seeking to make. Along with your company logo, consider decorating the area with company colours or accents. This will inject a greater level of originality than plain white walls, and is also an extremely cost-effective way of reenergising the space.

Comfort – Above all, your reception area should be welcoming. If visitors are expected to wait in this space, make sure there are plenty of facilities to make the wait enjoyable, such as refreshments and free Wi-Fi, and of course ample comfortable seating. Consider additional factors such as accessibility and include some chairs with no arms to optimise comfort for all your visitors.

Staffing – Finally, make sure the reception area is well-maintained and well-managed by a selection of expert staff who are on hand to provide a friendly, professional welcome — putting the final stamp of excellence on visitors’ first experience of your company.