Remodeling Ideas For Conference Rooms

A conference room is often the center of collaborative activities in a business, both internal and external. A remodeling project can bring your conference room up to date and transform it into a comfortable space that is conducive to productivity in staff and client meetings. As you plan, consider ways that you can increase the functionality of the space without sacrificing style. Does this Spark an idea?

Update Technology

Because conference rooms are often used for meetings and conference calls, an important step of a remodeling project is to update the technological capacity of the space. By installing the latest in meeting technologies, you can make a conference room more useful in conducting business online and across the miles. Replace pull-down screens with a wall-mounted flat screen television that is connected to a computer under the table. The screen will lend a feeling of a high-tech environment and will help all team members in the conference room see presentations or view the screen in online meetings. To enable the room to be used in two-way video conferencing, install a simple webcam on top of the television. Use wireless keyboards and mouse to operate the system, and install a multi-directional speaker phone to enable all parties to hear and be heard during phone-based meetings.

Bold Color

If you have a young company, a creative firm or if you are focused on emerging technologies, you can remodel your conference room to reflect a progressive focus. Instead of using traditional design elements and colors, create a bolder, younger feeling. You might paint one wall in a deep, saturated accent color, like purple, gold or crimson, or purchase chairs in a bold color. Choose a conference table in a contemporary, streamlined design instead of going with a heavy, intimidating version. To add light and style to the room, look for hanging lights above the table, add a fresh plant near the window, and decorate the walls with bold, modern pieces of art. In creative companies, you can go with a dramatic and bold design: hang a chandelier, choose bright red carpeting, or use an unusually-shaped table paired with stools.

User-Friendly Space

In old conference rooms, the space can often have a dated, uncomfortable feeling. When you are planning a remodeling project, consider ways you can make the conference room more user-friendly for employees, clients and visitors. Purchase new chairs that will be comfortable during long meetings and that support good posture. Install cord holes on the table and power outlets on the floor so that meeting participants can use their laptops without worrying about battery life. Move in a long, narrow side table with drawers or cabinets to hold basic refreshments. If your conference room is used as a brainstorming area, install white boards on the walls or use paint that won't be damaged by removable adhesive paper.