Every office has its own dynamic and its own way of being productive and friendly. We can learn a lot from the big companies but their strategies can’t always be adapted to suit small spaces. Small and medium-size companies usually have their own strategies when it comes to office interior design and decor. An example that we warmly recommend is the office designed by Nong Studio in Shanghai, China.

This is an unconventional office space organized on two floors, each with a distinct layout and designThe entrance leads into the main creator working space, with a clear view of the bookcase

This is an office organized on two floors which cover in total an area of 180 square meters. The newly designed interior was completed in 2017 and features a very beautiful blend of contrasting styles and elements. On one hand, the architects wanted to bring the history of the space back to life and to let the past inspire the new decor. On the other hand, the need for modern features was not something to toy with. The result was an eclectic style which integrates the old and the new into a very harmonious mix.

A staircase offers access to the second floor work area which is just as welcomingAlthough the main color is white and there are clear industrial elements throughout, the office feels very inviting and cozy

The architects and their clients agreed on an office layout based on interaction rather than on a standardized organization which is characteristic to traditional workspaces. In other words, the layout is custom and the space logic is pretty similar to that of a library. The most important element here was the dynamic between the employees and the manner in which they interact on a typical workday.

The wooden flooring and large support means add a lot of warmth to the officeThe bookcase is a major design element which influences the whole space around it

Creativity was important, both from an aesthetic and functional point of view. The interior design of the office is simple, with a few classic details here and there, some industrial charm, a few modern elements and also a little bit or retro quirkiness. The highlight of the office is a mobile golden bookcase which holds a large collection of Chinese books related to art, some antiques, toys, Lego models and all sorts of other things, all brought back by the company’s founder from over 50 different countries.

The gold bookshelf unit holds a large collection of books and items brought back by the founder from various countriesThe bookshelf unit is the highlight of the entire office, its role being both a functional and a decorative one

Most of the office interior is just a large and open space. Actually, even those areas that have their own separate function still look and feel like a part of the whole. A perfect example is this corner nook which is in fact a multifunctional space. The glass walls help to delineate it but also help to maintain the close connection with the rest of the office space.

A combination os solid walls and glass partitions separate the various areas inside the officeThe glass walls ensure a seamless connection between spaces while allowing each one to have its own identity

The whole office looks and feels very cozy and welcoming and has a homey character. This is ensured by a variety of elements, including all the collectibles, the book collection, the large wooden beams and columns, the comfortable furniture and the friendly ambiance.

Various decorative features are strategically scattered around the office, giving it a very homey feelThe large conference room is on the second floor and is mainly decorated in black and white