Office that Works

While working at &co may not be a home office where you can wear slippers to work, it delivers on personalized appeal. Gone are the days of Office Depot desks adorned with stackable files that have the charm of an airport terminal. Designer Rebecca Johnson transformed this 20,000 square foot space into a destination so employees can be inspired and enthused in a styled workplace. “The aim was to create a space where modern thinkers dwell, a sun filled oversized loft, with clean lines for focus in harmony with objects of curiosity to ignite the imagination,” says Johnson.

Xray boxes showcasing art is one of the vintage design elements that characterize &co’s office space with signature appeal.

&co is a work and cultural space in downtown Jersey City created as a hub for young local talent, creatives and entrepreneurs. Johnson, also an upcoming professional, treated the space with a mix of classic, vintage and modern pieces. Highlights include x-ray viewing boxes, chairs, clocks, cabinets and salvaged fire alarms. Finnish lighting by Muuto, and a living green wall give the offices a green, artistic appeal. Johnson’s home design approach to professional environs seeps into office culture, which builds on &co’s mission. She blurs the boundaries between office and home design by bringing in customary elements when creating a home. Wallpaper, wood floors, wall treatments, bright paint, tile and art are all incorporated in the office. “Surround yourself with items that inspire you, display your favorite books, frame artwork and always, add plants!” says Johnson.

A relaxed space may be the answer to productivity and better work. “A great office creates an atmosphere that allows people to focus, yet energizes. Using primarily neutral grays with blue and green hues reduce stress and create an atmosphere of calm that is easy for communication,” Johnson says.

Accessories customary in the home extend to the office. Potted plants cater to the calming atmosphere of the Wellness Room.

Johnson’s Principals to a Styled Space

Style with Accents:

Unexpected details make a workspace engaging, as seen in the rug, vintage furnishings, accessories and lighting.

• Upgrade to a stylish task chair to brighten a room.
• Swap the dull side chair for a lush accent seat.
  Add an eccentric throw pillow.
• Eccentric details charge the space with imagination; like the intricate patterned wallpaper, and modern light fixtures.
• 1950’s re-purposed antiques and artifacts have become unique conversation pieces and aid the natural flow of conversation.
• Chairs that are equal parts stylish and comfortable are key to plugging in for a long day or work or casual conversation.

Light Approach:

The work bar is given added atmosphere with a variety of light sources. A lush Chiavi Segrete Fornasetti motif wallpaper pattern adorns the walls.

• Task lighting is necessary but can be cool and harsh, warm up your space with a modern floor or desk lamp.
• Give due notice to your overhead lights as a way to bring in design and function.

Warm Up Practices:

An attention to lighting creates a mood with a shared style of the space.

• Increase warmth by bringing in a vintage or colorful patterned rug.

Customize for Personality:

Scandinavian brand Muuto, deriving its name from the Finnish word “new perspective,” represents the majority of lighting fixtures.

• Custom made elements in the space include millwork for bar, banquettes and benches, reception desk, steel and glass facades and mirrors.

Mixing Work and Pleasure:

Conferences may go over time in a space that caters to the worker with cozy touches.

• A space can both polished and playful simultaneously. Seeking a balance with traditional and modern shapes, organic and synthetic material, neutral and charged hues. Finding harmony amongst color and texture is important—if you want to incorporate a bright hue use it as a compliment to a neutral base palette. Organization of elements in your space is key.

Synergize Function and Design:

A playful approach to an office gathering place through zozy furnishings and bamboo swing chair.

• The only seat in the space that is not within a few inches of a power source is the lounge and wellness room, which was intentional. Conversation is promoted in the lounge while in the wellness room members are encouraged to disconnect and recharge. In our current screen obsessed worlds it is important to remember to nurture relationships with clients and oneself.

Photography by Patrick McLain and Corey Melton for Gamut Photos

Resources:

Chiavi Segrete Fornasetti wallpaper: http://www.fornasetti.com/collection/living-category/wallpapers/wallpaper-chiavi-segrete

Kate Deedy tile: http://growhousegrow.com/product-category/tiles/

Custom work by Real Antique Wood: http://www.realantiquewood.com/

Photographer Tatsuro Nishimura: http://www.tatsuronishimura.com/

Carlosa Ponte art: http://www.carlosaponte.com/about.html

Kirland Bray art: http://kirklandbray.com/

The Posters Co.: http://theposters.co/collections/all

Poster Child Prints: http://posterchildprints.com/pages/press

Vintage furniture: http://www.kanibalhome.com/

Muuto lighting: http://www.muuto.com/

Smeg refrigerator: http://www.smeg.com/