
When the stool makes the difference: a guide to choosing an unexpected yet functional element
December 11, 2024Easy Guide to Furnishing a Modern Office

Furnishing a modern office requires special attention as it must balance functionality and employee well-being—since they are the primary users of the space—with design, as the office also serves as a business card for first-time visitors. A well-designed environment not only boosts productivity but also reflects the company’s values. Let’s explore how to create a welcoming and cutting-edge workspace.
1. Flexible Open Spaces: Encouraging Collaboration
Modern offices often adopt open-space layouts to foster communication and teamwork. This configuration enhances employee interaction, but finding the right balance to avoid distractions and ensure productivity is essential. Therefore, when furnishing an open space, it’s crucial to create cohesive areas with shared desks and seating that prioritize comfort.
At Altek Italia Design, the Vertigo LV04 is an ideal choice. This operational chair, available in various finishes (with or without upholstery), is perfect for dynamic environments. It can be easily moved between desks while maintaining ergonomic standards and adjustable height for diverse needs.
A growing trend is the addition of soundproof pods to ensure privacy and provide a quiet space for important calls or last-minute meetings. For such spaces, the Zebra stool is an excellent fit, thanks to its sleek design and adjustable height that adapts to the user’s needs.
2. Common Areas: The Heart of the Office
Just like open spaces, well-designed common areas play a vital role in fostering a sense of community within the office. These spaces—designed for breaks or brainstorming sessions—promote informal interactions, enhancing teamwork and employee belonging.
The Relax Zone
A relax zone serves a dual purpose: as an informal area for exchanging ideas among colleagues and as a waiting room for guests, suppliers, or clients. Comfort is key, so prioritize cozy sofas, armchairs, or low tables. Altek provides everything needed for such spaces, from the minimalist AirWave collection to the eclectic Gallery sofas. These can be complemented by matching items or an original mix-and-match with pieces like the She table, Vertigo armchairs, or Armadillo chaise longue.
And don’t overlook outdoor areas! These can also be utilized during the summer months, offering the uplifting effects of fresh air and sunshine. The Rada collection is the perfect solution, featuring durable, stylish materials and versatile configurations, including stools and lounge chairs that pair beautifully with the Bloom upholstered outdoor armchairs.
The Coffee Room
Kitchens and coffee rooms are vital for employee well-being. Options range from creating a full dining area with restaurant-style tables and chairs to setting up smaller spaces with high tables and stools, such as the He or Re Artù. For larger spaces, the possibilities are endless, drawing inspiration from residential collections. A traditional style like Kore, paired with pops of color or unexpected finishes, is a recommended choice from our interior designers.
Meeting Rooms
Defining meeting spaces can be challenging, as their layout depends on who will primarily use them. For employee-only rooms that may double as conference spaces, stackable chairs like those in the Baba collection allow for easy adjustments based on attendance. For client-facing meeting rooms, aesthetics become even more critical.
In law firms or executive settings, the elegant Armadillo collection offers endless customization options.
For consultancies or offices open to the public, refined solutions such as the Vertigo LV15 or LV20 are ideal choices.
3. Comfort for Employee Well-Being
A modern office must provide optimal conditions for employees’ physical and mental well-being. Thermal, acoustic, and visual comfort are essential for boosting productivity and morale.
Integrating natural light by placing workstations near windows and using adjustable artificial lighting is highly recommended. Desks with thin structures, like the Vertigo LV31, minimize obstruction of light sources, enhancing brightness even in large offices with numerous workstations.
4. Consistent Style and Color Palette
The style of a modern office should reflect the company’s values and create a visually harmonious environment. Consistent color schemes make the space welcoming and professional, not only for clients and visitors but also for new hires eager to join a well-designed workspace.
Beyond choosing a palette that reflects the brand’s identity, our designers suggest combining neutral tones, which inspire calm and focus, with vibrant accents to stimulate creativity. Bright accents can be added through sofas and armchairs, paired with side tables like those in the AirWave collection, customizable in unique colors.
Quality materials such as wood, metal, and glass also play a significant role, lending sophistication and conveying solidity and reliability.
Designing a modern office means combining design, functionality, and sustainability to create an environment that inspires and motivates. Integrating open spaces, comfort, communal areas, and greenery is the key to a successful office. Do you have a project in mind? Contact us to discover how to incorporate our products seamlessly into your spaces.