How to Design a Conference Room for Creativity

Conference rooms are an important part of any workplace, but are often decorated in traditional, drab or boring styles that are less than inspiring when it comes to creativity. If you want to promote creative thinking in the work place, try designing your conference rooms in a distinctive style that differs from the rest of your office. Creating a comfortable space that inspires people to discuss creative ideas can lead to new innovations.

Instructions

1

Add some color to stimulate creativity. You may not be able to paint the whole room red, but you can add some color to bring a little personality to your conference room. Try choosing a calm, relaxing color such as pale blue, or choose an accent wall to infuse a pop of color. These additions will stimulate thinking and creativity.

2

Use a round table to promote equality and discussion. Rectangular conference room tables feature a hierarchy with the boss at the head; traditional structure and being under pressure to please the boss can stifle creative thinking. Swapping your rectangular or square conference room table for a round one will give everyone an equal opportunity to share ideas.

3

Let in plenty of natural light to keep the mood up. There's nothing like dark, dank lighting to make you feel cut off from the outside world. Choose a conference room with large windows and use white or pale-colored window treatments to let in as much natural light as possible. Add supplemental ambient lighting to create a positive atmosphere.

4

Try an open-space concept. A traditional conference room has the door closed for privacy reasons, but letting go of old notions can inspire creative thinking. Try creating an open-space conference area with a round table or couches in a circle. Changing the way you have your meetings will help you think differently and come up with new ideas.

5

Decorate with inspiring artwork. If you want to spark creativity, supply artwork from some of your favorite creative thinkers to get participants in the proper mindset. Choose several pieces from a series you love--they could be posters, prints, photographs or paintings, as long as you surround yourself with art that inspires.

6

Use comfortable chairs or alternative seating. No people do their best thinking in stiff or uncomfortable chairs. Choose innovative, stylish chairs or unique seating arrangements. Adding benches or couches instead of individual chairs promotes team thinking and will change the overall dynamic of your conference room.