TL;DR
Your reception area is often the first impression people get of your company. In this post, we explain how smart design choices in your reception space can reinforce your values, create confidence, and set the tone for clients, new hires, and visitors before a single word is spoken.
First impressions matter. But in business, they often happen before a handshake is ever exchanged. For most visitors—clients, new hires, suppliers—that first impression is your office reception.
A good reception area isn’t just a holding space. It’s an opportunity. It’s a chance to say something about who you are, how you work, and what people can expect from the rest of your business.
At WOWVI Spaces, we’ve designed plenty of reception areas—from minimalist entrances in modern offices to warm, character-rich welcomes for heritage buildings. And while no two receptions are the same, there are key things every business should be thinking about.
It’s a Mirror of Your Brand
Your reception area should instantly reflect what your brand stands for.
A creative agency might opt for bold colours, playful furnishings, or oversized graphics. A legal firm might go for natural finishes, muted tones, and a sense of calm professionalism.
The design of your reception should say something about your identity—not just to impress outsiders, but to remind your own team of the values they represent every day.
What does your reception currently say?
Comfort and Practicality Go Hand in Hand
A good reception feels easy to navigate and comfortable to wait in. But that doesn’t mean it has to be overly corporate or boring.
Think about:
- Where do people check in?
- Is it obvious where to go or who to speak to?
- Are there enough seats, and do they look and feel right?
- Is there space for a quick chat or phone call?
- What do visitors see, hear and smell as they wait?
Reception is one of the few areas that mixes public-facing and internal culture. It needs to feel controlled, but also welcoming.
Design Isn’t Just About Looks
It’s about layout, flow and function. For example:
- Does the reception lead into the main office, or is it closed off?
- Can deliveries be received discreetly?
- Is there clear signage for toilets, lifts, or meeting rooms?
- Can the space be used for impromptu meetings if needed?
The best receptions are multi-functional. But they never feel chaotic.
It’s Where the Tone Is Set
The atmosphere of your reception speaks volumes about your business.
Lighting, materials, colour, and acoustics all play a part. Natural finishes tend to feel more welcoming. Harsh lighting can feel cold or clinical. Softer palettes and sound-absorbing materials can reduce stress for visitors.
Additions like greenery, a branded coffee station, or curated reading material can elevate the space without shouting about it.
A Reception Should Evolve with the Business
Just like your team and your processes, your space should evolve. If you’ve grown, repositioned your brand, or changed how you work—it might be time to rethink the space that introduces you to the world.
We always encourage clients to look at reception as a living part of their office, not a static one-off project.
Reception Design Without the Fuss
At WOWVI Spaces, we know reception areas can feel like an afterthought—but they shouldn’t be. We help businesses design entrances that are functional, on-brand, and genuinely welcoming.
We take care of:
- Layout and flow
- Furniture and materials
- Joinery and reception desks
- Lighting and signage
- Branding integration
- Coordination with building management
From a light refresh to a full transformation, we’ll guide you through what makes sense.
Call us or send an email via our contact page and let’s design a reception space that says the right things before you say a word.
