Running a business out of own home is a great way to reduce overhead and increase revenue. You’re not responsible for an additional rent payment, and your work is close by, which is a huge benefit for a startup owner who will probably have to work around the clock.
But a home office has disadvantages, too — especially if you’ll be entertaining clients. Having to wait for an appointment in the typical living room can be off-putting for the client who doesn’t feel comfortable in a stranger’s home.
In addition, you may want to keep your family living spaces separate from your client waiting area. This may call for a few updates to certain parts of your home.
You might outfit a section of your garage, a spare room of the house, or the parlor near the front door to suit the needs of waiting clients. If you decide to do this, think about these updates.
1. Add a Fireplace
A fireplace effortlessly dresses up any space, particularly if it has a modern design with clean lines. It also provides additional heat so you keep your reception area a comfortable temperature throughout the year. If you are seeking inspiration, I recommend viewing Regency-Fire.com’s product videos showcasing their modern electric fireplaces. These truly beautiful designs feature minimalist details and finishes that can easily elevate any living space.
If you choose a vent-free fireplace, the installation is affordable and simple. There’s no need to feed the fire, clean the flue, or worry about fire hazards. It’s the best choice for an office where you hope to reduce costs and limit liability.
2. Offer Comfortable Seating
Avoid plush sofas and chairs that suck the sitter in. Instead, opt for stiff but comfortable chairs and sofas arranged around a coffee table. If you expect to have multiple clients waiting at the same time, create a comfortable distance between sets of chairs, and add enough seats to accommodate everyone.
3. Provide Reading Material
A magazine rack or coffee table covered in magazines, books, and pamphlets can do wonders to make your reception area feel more comfortable. People may feel awkward if there’s nothing for them to do in an unfamiliar space, even in an age when most of us have a phone always handy.
You might include a bookshelf that invites customers to read whatever you place on it. This can double as a trendy décor piece.
4. Decorate with Plants
Indoor plants have a surprising ability to improve one’s mood, productivity, and even your health. House plants remove up to 87 percent of toxins from indoor air. They also have a calming effect that improves the comfort level of your visitors while enlivening the appearance of the room.
5. Hang Eye-Catching Artwork
Including something to look at is also an excellent method of making clients feel comfortable. They can study the art on the wall, and appreciate your good taste. This also helps to create a cohesive look in the room and can dampen sounds.
Avoid controversial or disturbing images. Abstract pieces, nature scenes, animals, and other universally appealing subjects are recommended. You might choose something that reflects your style and the purpose of the business.
6. Mount a Television
Many reception areas today feature a television set playing at a low volume. You might consider this amenity to make visitors feel more comfortable.
A wall-mounted unit is recommended, because a television that sits on a stand could get damaged or become dirty. Mount the set on a wall opposite the primary sitting area or above a fireplace.
7. Stick with Neutral Colors
It’s hard to know which colors will irritate your clients. Some might feel uncomfortable surrounded by bright, eclectic colors.
Neutrals are a safe bet for wall colors and furnishings. If you need to add a little color, choose tasteful artwork, a bouquet of flowers, or stylish throw pillows as an accent for the space.
8. Add Swag Items
Place a few take-home swag items on the coffee table to increase marketing and generate goodwill among your clients. Branded pens, notepads, magnets, mints, or other items are affordable when purchased in bulk, and many customers love them.
9. Let There Be Natural Light
If possible, boost the room’s exposure to natural lighting. You might add or widen a window to make artificial lighting all but unnecessary for most of the day. Natural light is more comfortable for most people compared with artificial lighting; plus, you can save on energy costs.
10. Offer Refreshments
Many reception areas today offer free coffee, tea, or ice water for waiting guests. Depending on the style of your business, you could also offer a light refreshment such as cookies or popcorn.
Avoid offering refreshments that might cheapen your operation, however. Popcorn may come across as unprofessional if you work with high-profile investments, for example.
But with a little ingenuity and the right space, your home business can have a beautiful and highly functional reception area. Remember that this is an investment in your company, so although it’s important to keep costs low, it’s all right to spend a little in this category.
You’ll see the benefits in the form of returning clients.
