How to

6 steps to designing a workplace that reflects your brand

Bring your brand to life in the office

Want people to recognise and connect with the essence of your brand the moment they enter your office? Designing a space that speaks to your brand’s values and personality takes more than simply choosing the right furniture – it’s about making design choices that reinforce your identity in every corner.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to bring your brand to life in your workspace, from picking the perfect colours and textures to creating a cohesive look across all locations. By the end, you’ll be equipped to shape a space that feels unmistakably “you”.

Photography by Escandi

1. Identify core brand elements to work with

You’ve got the space, the lighting, the desks and the co-workers. But if the office still feels a bit empty or lacklustre, it’s time to bring in the essence of your brand. Designing a workspace that goes beyond the basics means capturing your brand’s unique identity in a way that resonates throughout the space.

Look beyond the logo

Creating a branded workspace involves more than just placing your logo on the wall or using company colours. Start by diving into your brand guidelines (most companies have these tucked away somewhere) for clues. These guidelines often outline not only colours and fonts but also the textures, tones, moods, image styles and even copy tonality that define your brand. Use this as a foundation to think about how your brand identity can come to life in a physical space. For instance, if sustainability is a core value, consider using natural or reclaimed materials. If innovation is central, opt for clean lines and modern finishes that convey a forward-thinking vibe.

Define your brand’s atmosphere

Consider the feeling you want to evoke. Should your space feel welcoming and warm, sleek and modern, or creative and collaborative? The atmosphere should mirror your company culture and support the experience you want for your team and visitors. Ask yourself: What should people feel when they step into our office? How can the space reflect our values in a way that feels authentic – and unique to you?

Taking the time to define these elements will set a clear direction for all your design choices, making it easier to create a workspace that feels cohesive, intentional and uniquely aligned with your brand.

Colour is one of the most powerful ways to convey your brand’s identity.

2. Ensure colour consistency across the space

Colour is one of the most powerful ways to convey your brand’s identity, and getting it right can make a huge difference. By choosing a cohesive colour palette, you’ll create a workspace that feels unified, no matter how large the space or how many locations you have. Consistent colours subtly connect each area to your larger brand identity, reinforcing brand recognition and familiarity.

In this article, we’ll use our work with Advisense – a forward-thinking consultancy that specialises in data-driven solutions – as a continuous example for each step. You’ll see photographs from Advisense’s offices, showing how cohesive design choices can bring brand values to life across different spaces.

Keep the palette simple and intentional

Start by selecting a primary colour palette that aligns with your brand’s look and feel. Choose a few main colours that reflect your core values, whether that’s the calmness of muted greys and greens or the energy of vibrant blues and yellows. If your brand is known for innovation, crisp whites and cool tones can give a modern feel. For a brand centred around warmth and community, earthy shades or soft neutrals might suit best.

Use accents strategically

Accent colours can bring personality to the space without overwhelming it. Think of subtle touches like coloured cushions, artwork or even painted walls in break rooms or meeting spaces. Accent colours help highlight areas of the office, guiding people’s attention and making the environment feel dynamic.

In our work with Advisense, we selected a cohesive palette of muted greys, natural greens and warm neutrals. These colours were chosen to reflect Advisense’s focus on calm, clarity and connection, providing a grounded yet sophisticated backdrop across all areas of the office. This palette ties each location to Advisense’s brand values, helping employees and visitors immediately recognise and connect with the space.

Consistency is key to creating a unified look that flows naturally through each area.

3. Select finishes and textures to reinforce brand identity

Once you’ve defined your brand’s core elements, it’s time to bring them to life with carefully chosen textures and finishes. Every material in your workspace – from flooring to furniture upholstery – can subtly reinforce your brand’s personality and values, turning a standard office into a space that truly feels like yours.

Choose materials that match your brand

To bring your brand’s vibe into the workspace, pick materials that feel modern and relevant. If your brand is warm and people-focused, go for light woods, matte finishes and soft fabrics. Imagine a reception area with oak tables, boucle or linen chairs and a wool rug in earthy tones – creating an inviting feel that puts people at ease.

For brands that emphasise creativity and originality, lean into textures that feel fresh and a little unexpected. A creative office might include cork panels, soft suede accents or playful tile patterns in social areas – details that add personality without overwhelming the space.

If your brand is tech-driven and sleek, go with polished, minimalist materials that convey precision. Picture concrete floors, black steel accents and seamless glass partitions, along with matte black or metallic finishes. These choices create a clean, streamlined look that feels innovative and forward-thinking.

Keep it consistent

Consistency is key to creating a unified look that flows naturally through each area. If you’re using light wood in one part of the office, carry that theme into other areas. A light oak reception desk could be matched with similar wood accents in meeting rooms, with dark metal details adding some depth. This repetition creates a subtle continuity that feels intentional and on-brand.

For Advisense, we selected a range of natural finishes that reflect their focus on clarity and connection. Light oak tables, soft textiles and natural fibres create a welcoming and grounded feel, while subtle stone and matte accents add sophistication. This cohesive choice of materials ensures that Advisense’s brand values are echoed throughout the space, reinforcing an environment of calm and focus. By matching textures to the brand, we created a workspace that feels both professional and authentically Advisense.

Adding a few standout pieces to your workspace is an effective way to bring your brand’s personality into focus.

4. Use statement pieces to anchor your brand’s personality

Adding a few standout pieces to your workspace is an effective way to bring your brand’s personality into focus. These elements serve as visual anchors, helping to convey your company’s identity in a bold, tangible way. When chosen thoughtfully, statement pieces create a memorable impression, turning functional spaces into reflections of your brand.

Invest in a bold reception desk

The reception desk is often the first thing people see, making it a prime spot for a statement piece. A custom-designed desk in high-quality materials can instantly convey your brand’s tone. For example, a sculptural desk in wood or stone could highlight a commitment to craftsmanship and sustainability, while a sleek, angular metal desk might reflect a brand focused on technology and innovation. Choosing materials and shapes that reflect your values gives visitors an immediate sense of what your brand stands for.

Read the article on ideas to enhance the reception experience in offices and hotels.

Unique lighting for mood and impact

Lighting doesn’t just illuminate a space; it sets the mood. A large pendant light over the entrance or a cluster of bespoke fixtures in a meeting room can elevate the room while reflecting brand characteristics. For a brand that values creativity, try a striking fixture with an unconventional design or custom shapes that catch the eye. If minimalism defines your brand, consider a streamlined, geometric fixture with clean lines and muted finishes. Lighting with adjustable brightness can also make spaces more flexible, supporting different tasks and enhancing comfort.

Custom artwork that tells your story

Artwork is a powerful way to communicate brand identity. Think beyond standard prints or generic landscapes. Consider collaborating with local artists to create something unique to your brand – perhaps a mural that illustrates your company’s journey or a series of custom pieces that highlight your values, such as sustainability or social impact. For instance, a tech company might feature abstract art that reflects innovation, while a heritage brand might display pieces that echo traditional craftsmanship. Art that’s carefully chosen and aligned with your brand values enhances authenticity and connects employees to the company’s story.

Curate decor that resonates

Decor should go beyond aesthetics to reflect who you are as a company. Books, objects and other decor can tell subtle stories that reinforce your brand. For example, a sustainable brand might display a collection of eco-friendly products or artifacts made from recycled materials. A company with a community focus could feature locally crafted items or decor that represents its region. These items not only add personality but also remind employees and visitors of the values your brand embodies.

Personalise gathering spaces

In spaces where people gather – like lounges, break rooms or collaboration zones – statement pieces can foster a sense of community. Comfortable seating arrangements with standout furniture, such as a unique sofa or handcrafted tables, make these areas inviting and memorable. Adding subtle brand touches, like pillows or rugs in brand colours, reinforces identity without overwhelming the space.

At Advisense, we selected statement pieces that subtly reinforce the brand’s focus on calm and clarity. The custom-designed oak reception desk serves as a welcoming anchor, embodying the brand’s commitment to natural, grounded materials. Sculptural pendant lights in warm tones add an inviting, understated elegance in communal areas, perfectly aligning with Advisense’s identity. Nature-inspired artwork creates a sense of connection to the brand’s story, while gathering spaces feature soft furnishings and accents in brand colours, fostering a feeling of community and comfort.

Simple, well-designed signs should complement your aesthetic rather than stand out separately.

5. Keep the brand experience flowing with signage

Signage and wayfinding are subtle but essential parts of the brand experience. Use consistent fonts, icons and styles that align with your brand’s look, helping visitors and employees navigate the space with ease.

Simple, well-designed signs – like room labels, directional arrows or branded icons – should complement your aesthetic rather than stand out separately.

Escandi’s Brand Interior Manual simplifies decision-making and ensures brand alignment as spaces expand or evolve.

6. Create a manual of go-to design elements

Maintaining a cohesive brand experience throughout your workspace means ensuring that every element – materials, finishes, decor – feels like an authentic part of the brand. Without a clear plan, design choices can become disconnected: one space might feature clashing textures, while another has colours that don’t fully align with the brand. Even small inconsistencies can add up over time, making your workspace feel less intentional and less recognisably “yours”.

Introducing Escandi’s Brand Interior Manual

Escandi’s Brand Interior Manual is a custom-designed guide tailored to each client’s unique brand. Accessible to anyone on your team, this manual provides an organised collection of approved materials, furnishings, decor and lighting options that embody your brand’s identity. It’s designed to ensure that every space feels cohesive and true to your brand, with every detail – from seating textures to wall accents – working together seamlessly.

We created such a manual for Advisense, giving their team a clear, easy-to-follow guide to keep every location aligned with their brand’s focus on calm and clarity. This tool allows Advisense to replicate the same welcoming, intentional atmosphere across all spaces, ensuring consistency as they grow.

Escandi’s Brand Interior Manual simplifies decision-making and ensures brand alignment as spaces expand or evolve. With this guide, maintaining a consistent, on-brand workspace becomes achievable for any team member, making every corner of your office recognisably “yours”.

Ready to create a workspace that feels authentically yours at every turn, but can’t figure out all the details on your own? Reach out to us at info@escandi.se to learn more about our custom-designed Brand Interior Manual.