After a whirlwind week's worth of work, we are thrilled to unveil the stunning transformation of the conference room at The Cottage at Pathways Community Center in partnership with The Life House Women's Shelter. This space will now serve as a warm and inviting haven for homeless women in our community, providing counseling, case management services, financial education, and employment assistance. Let's dive into the unique design ideas and makeover tips that made this room truly special.
How to Design a Conference Room or Office to Feel Cozy
Whether you're revamping your office, conference room, or any other space that needs a touch of coziness, these ideas and tips will guide you in creating a calming and welcoming environment. But first, let's appreciate the stunning before and after shots of this room.
Simply adding the moody teal paint color from our Bless'er House Color Collection, Romabio New Hope, made a world of difference. The transformation was remarkable, and we couldn't be happier with the outcome.
Push Together Small Accent Cabinets to Make a Long Sideboard
Storage space is important in any conference room or office, and we wanted to maximize it without breaking the budget. We found three small reeded accent cabinets and placed them side by side to create the illusion of a long sideboard cabinet. This clever trick can be replicated with small chests of drawers or dressers in bedrooms or living rooms, allowing you to create a cohesive and functional space.
Set Up a Coffee Station
Is there anything more comforting than a cup of coffee? To create a welcoming and cozy atmosphere, we set up a small coffee area in the conference room. This not only adds a touch of hospitality for clients and guests but also provides a convenient spot for a quick caffeine fix.
Coffee Station Supplies & Amenities
- A user-friendly coffee maker (Espresso machines are nice, but simplicity is key)
- Large tray for holding mix-ins
- Canisters for coffee grounds and/or sugar
- Coffee syrup dispensers with flavor labels
- Stirs and/or spoons and spoon rest
- Coffee cups (reusable or recyclable)
- Lidded trash can (motion sensor adds convenience)
- Divided basket for holding tea bag varieties
- Honey straws for tea
- Splenda and half & half packets
- Mini fridge for keeping larger bottles of coffee creamer cold
- Reusable K Cups (to reduce waste)
Use Soft Lighting
Fluorescent lights can often induce stress and discomfort. To counteract this, we recommend using softer bulbs in lamps, pendant lights, and sconces. Not only do they create a more visually pleasing ambiance, but they can also improve emotional well-being.
Best Light Bulbs to Use in an Office
For a productive and alert environment, opt for neutral white or daylight bulbs in the 4000K to 5000K range. However, in settings like counseling services, where a soothing atmosphere is desired, go for soft white bulbs in the 2700K to 3000K range to aid in stress reduction.
Office Art
Art and decor play a crucial role in creating a warm and inviting space. In this conference room makeover, we incorporated various art pieces that added personality and depth to the room.
Make a Memo Board to Look Like Art
A DIY Large Wall Art Magnetic Memo Board adds both style and functionality. Hang a metal sheet on the wall, cover it with a mural or poster, and use magnet clips to organize notes and important announcements. Frame it out with strips of molding for a finished look.
Hang a Gallery Wall
Creating a gallery wall is a fantastic way to add visual interest and personal touch to any office space. Mix and match vintage art prints to create a cohesive collection, or go for a more eclectic vibe by incorporating various art mediums.
Use Mirrors in Windowless Areas
When natural light is lacking, mirrors can work wonders to brighten up a space. They help bounce light and create an illusion of openness, making even small rooms appear larger. A full-length windowpane mirror, strategically placed, can make a significant impact in dark corners.
Set Up a Seating Area
Creating a designated seating area in an office provides a comfortable spot for relaxation, reading, or working on a laptop. Repurpose existing furniture, like bookshelves, and add baskets and lidded boxes for concealed storage. Pair it with a cozy armchair and ottoman for a touch of luxury.
Be Smart About Storage Space
Efficient storage solutions are essential in any office setting. In this conference room, we opted for a secretary desk that provides ample storage and can be folded up during meetings to create more space. Enhance the ambiance with a Bluetooth speaker and a diffuser to engage all the senses.
Add Texture With Textiles
Fabrics and textures play a significant role in adding warmth and depth to a room. From curtains to rugs, these elements create a cozy and inviting environment. By hanging curtains high and wide and utilizing a rug under the conference table, we transformed this room into a space that exudes comfort and style.
Conference Room Decor Sources
Creating a cozy and stylish conference room doesn't have to break the bank. Here are some decor sources we used for this project:
- Wall Color: Romabio New Hope
- Dining / Conference Table
- Dining / Conference Chairs
- Fluted Accent Cabinets / Sideboard
- Secretary Desk
- Armchair
- Ottoman
- Rug
- Curtains
- Pendant Lamp
- Table Lamps
- Floor Lamp
- Wireless Picture Lights
- Floor Mirror
- Ornate Picture Frame
- Antique Gold Picture Frame
- Gold Picture Frame
- Memo Board Art
- Coffee Bar Tray
- Coffee Bar Divided Basket
- Large Faux Plant
- Lidded Basket Set
The conference room makeover truly exceeded our expectations, and we are grateful to The Life House Women's Shelter and The Cottage at Pathways Community Center for allowing us to be a part of this incredible project. If you're interested in supporting their cause or getting involved, please visit their website.
With these design ideas and tips, you can turn any conference room or office space into a cozy and inviting haven. Remember, creating an environment that promotes comfort and productivity is key to building a successful and inspiring workplace.
