A Fresh Take on Missing the Office
Here’s a potentially unpopular opinion: I find myself longing for the office. In fact, my nostalgic feelings have become so strong that I’ve all but forgotten the dull carpet squares, subpar restroom facilities, and the typical drab ceiling tiles that are staples of corporate buildings. However, reopening office doors and reactivating access cards involves more than just logistics; it raises a deeper question for companies: What is the real value of returning to the office?
For the team at McLeish Orlando Lawyers, a specialized law firm situated in the heart of Toronto, the return wasn’t about reinstating a standard, uninspiring lunchroom. They engaged Studio Ha/Wa to reinvent a seldom-used 530-square-foot break area into a vibrant 685-square-foot lounge accommodating various office activities: sipping morning coffee, enjoying a quiet moment, hosting spontaneous meetings, sharing communal meals, and facilitating after-work socials. This transformation supports the essential social interactions that are challenging to replicate virtually.
Why the 12-5-30 Incline Walking Method Is the Ultimate Fat-Burning Workout, According to Fitness Experts
The ultimate trick to banish mold from your bathroom grout in just 7 minutes—no vinegar or baking soda needed
Located on the 18th floor of a downtown office skyscraper, the newly designed lounge merges a previous lunch area with a neighboring office to form an inviting, multi-layered space that resembles more of a hotel lobby or exclusive club than a typical office amenity. This change comes at a crucial time as workplaces reassess their in-person dynamics, and Studio Ha/Wa’s design provides key insights for organizations aiming to make their office spaces more engaging and less perfunctory.
Creating Spaces People Prefer to Use
Originally, the lunchroom felt impersonal and merely functional, offering little beyond a space to eat. Studio Ha/Wa’s initial focus was on transforming this area from a mere break room into a central social space. The new lounge features cozy seating areas for relaxed discussions or downtime, banquettes for casual meetings, dining tables for group lunches or collaborative tasks, and a central kitchen that acts as a communal hub, reminiscent of home-like rituals.
Designing with Zones in Mind
Instead of segregating the lounge into separate rooms, Studio Ha/Wa implemented an open layout with clearly defined dining, kitchen, and seating zones. This approach maintains open sightlines and fluid movement throughout the space while allowing each area to have its unique flow. Zoning is achieved through strategic placement of furniture, varying lighting schemes, material transitions, and subtle changes in spatial proportions. In this setup, perimeter banquettes optimize space usage, and modular dining tables can be rearranged for larger groups as needed, enhancing the area’s flexibility.
Ceiling Deserves Attention
A significant yet often overlooked element of the lounge is its ceiling. The original acoustic tiles were replaced with beams of rift-cut white oak, which not only adds warmth and dynamism to the space but also neatly conceals overhead mechanical systems. This wooden element not only enhances the ceiling but also extends down to the columns and throughout the kitchen cabinetry, creating a cohesive architectural theme that complements the porcelain tiled floors.
Choosing Durable Materials
The lounge is designed to be a comfortable yet robust environment. Studio Ha/Wa selected materials that combine residential comfort with commercial durability: porcelain tiles, quartz surfaces, leather stools, vinyl-covered banquettes, and high-performance fabrics. The design’s color scheme—neutral tones accented by pops of color like green bouclé armchairs and rust leather stools—adds character while keeping the aesthetic clean and uncluttered.
Functional Kitchen for All Hours
The kitchen area is built to serve dual purposes: operational during office hours and seamlessly integrated into the lounge for evening events. Appliances are concealed behind oak panels, and smaller kitchen tools are stored out of sight to keep surfaces clear. The north wall features a striking installation of Calacatta Gold fluted tiles, creating a visually captivating backdrop that complements the overall design theme.
Styled Thoughtfully with a Personal Touch
In styling the lounge, Studio Ha/Wa treated the space akin to a residential setting, selecting a mix of new and vintage décor, original artworks, and carefully chosen books that reflect the interests of the firm’s staff and lawyers. The overall styling is restrained, ensuring the space feels curated but not overcrowded.
Erin Hannon-Watkinson, founder and creative director of Studio Ha/Wa, emphasizes that the redesigned space aims to be a sanctuary within the corporate environment, catering to the diverse needs of the firm’s employees and lawyers.
Similar Posts
- Discover Atlanta’s Best: A Restaurant That Celebrates Italian Cuisine and Culture!
- Vibrant Hues Transform São Paulo Industrial Space: Inside the FM Apartment Renovation!
- Stunning Brooklyn Loft: Industrial Chic Meets Playful Design!
- Revolutionary Design by Future Simple Studio: Spa Playbook Replaced with Roman Civic Logic
- Stunning Polish Office Blends Scandinavian Design with Superior Acoustics: See the Photos!
Hi, I’m Michael from the Decatur Metro team. I offer you practical tips to enhance your living space.
