Companies continue to improve work spaces, making them more comfortable and colorful with the hopes of increasing employee productivity. From splashing on a new coat of paint and replacing carpeting, to updating furniture and lighting, there are number of ways to improve the look and feel of an office, says Tom Triplett, vice president of the Triplett Cos. in Urbandale. Triplett, who spoke to the Des Moines Business Record about trends in office design, said his company’s corporate interior design division continues to grow as companies continue to place an emphasis on updating their offices.

Q: What is the trend in office design today?

A: Colors are changing and shapes are changing, but people want to update their offices without spending a million dollars.

Q: What is the easiest and most economical way to upgrade an office?

A: Changing colors, carpet and lighting.

Q: What furniture styles are popular?

A: We don’t see as much of the old, square-shaped furniture. Furniture is becoming more contemporary, more European. People want a more exciting product, so we’re seeing more curves to soften the image. Some people are also changing the surface of their desks, using more glass, for example. They’re looking for things to help them customize their workspace.

Q: How has technology affected design?

A: People used to buy furniture thinking it would last for years, but a lot of furniture doesn’t function with new technology, so they’re looking for disposable furniture they can part with in a few years as computer technology improves.

Q: What is the most common question you are asked?

A: “How can you help me clean up the clutter?” We find out what they use and how they use it – to see if they file or pile. If they file, we help them select an appropriate file cabinet, and if they pile, we get them a nice flat surface they can use.

Q: How big is your home office clientele?

A: It’s a growing part of our business. We see a lot of people who have taken an early retirement but still want to work, so they set up an office at home. We also work with a lot of corporate executives who set up offices at home.

Q: Do home office users spend less or more than companies?

A: People with home offices seem to be willing to part with their money to make their work space a comfortable, productive place while companies are demanding value and are buying items that are a little less expensive.

Q: What other changes are taking place in office design?

A: Since the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act was passed, more people are looking for ways to ensure the privacy of their work so they are installing privacy screens and glare screens.