by Sharon Jones

Picture the scene; you meet with a supplier to whom you may award a large and lucrative contract. However, when you arrive at their location, you are asked to wait for your contact in a small dingy room containing a dirty chair and some old filing cabinets. Not much of a reception, is it? It could even affect your perception of the company and whether they can deliver the quality of product that you need. With that in mind, check out the guide below to create beautiful business reception areas so this problem won't occur in your company.

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Desk

The most significant focal point in a reception area is usually the desk. This should be large and imposing but also reasonably low profile. The reason for this is that you want to create an impressive entrance but one that seems inviting to visitors, too.

At the desk, you will need to store practical details such as a signing-in book and professionally made visitor passes. You can even set up a small camera on a tripod to personalize each pass to ensure security is as tight as possible.

It's also a good idea to have someone man the desk at all times; then they can greet visitors, as well as ensure their needs are met. Something that will ensure your guests' first impressions of your business is good.

Flooring

Something else that is vital in an active reception area is the flooring that you install. Reception areas tend to have a high footfall rate, and this means that carpeted surfaces, especially in light colors like cream, can be hard to keep clean.

Instead, why not choose a more modern process for the flooring such as concrete resurfacing, as this can create a decorative finished that is also hardy. In fact, polished concrete floors are very en vogue for commercial buildings right now, and they take barely any maintenance at all, making them a practical and cost-effective choice for an impactful reception area. Before you land on a specific flooring option, it may be best to take a look at the Latest Trends in Commercial Flooring Design so you can see what could look best in your building so that you are pleased with the overall result. Jumping into something before thinking about it properly can lead you to regret your decision a few months later.

Tech

One way to increase your reception area's impact on guests is to include tech items. Flat-screen televisions are a good call, and these can show a mix of company-related adverts and news programs.

Coffee machines are also something that tends to be received with delight by visitors because it means they can help themselves with refreshments as they wait.

Of course, to create the right impression, it's essential to go for a higher-end pod machine that can make a range of coffees at the touch of a button. Something that will minimize the time your guy or girl or receptionist has to spend away from the desk and impress your visitors.

Plants

Lastly, do not forget to include some greenery in your reception area. Fake plants can look good, but if possible, use real ferns and palms to create a more pleasant atmosphere.

Yes, they will require a bit of looking after, but the additional work is worth it as they can help to create just the right first impression as your guest comes through the door.