Office re-decorating - faux window

Lobsterlady

Hi,

I've been asked to redecorate a large office that has no natural lighting.
I was thinking of putting in some sort of 'faux' window that is back lit to create the illusion of a window. Has anyone seen/tried to do this sort of thing? Any suggestions would be appreciated as to how to go about this.

It has currently plain white walls, with a royal blue carpet. Was also thinking of painting it to soften the starkness.

Look forward to some feedback,
Thanks!

firlodge

Have a look at this http://makotohirahara.com/en/portfolio/Bright%20Blind/
It is pretty cool & I'm sure crazy money but you could try it yourself!

Lobsterlady

firlodge wrote: »

Have a look at this http://makotohirahara.com/en/portfolio/Bright%20Blind/
It is pretty cool & I'm sure crazy money but you could try it yourself!

Hi there,

Thanks for your suggestion, I already came accross this, but it was only a design idea as far as I know and isn't available to buy. Having said that, it looks like a venetian blind and some strip lighting above it, not too difficult to recreate:-)

firlodge

How about this? An LED glass wall?

Lobsterlady

firlodge wrote: »

How about this? An LED glass wall?

That is totally amazing, I love it, but the cost!!!

firlodge

Hi yes - costly if you do exactly like photo.
So depending on budget... How a bout this:
A multiple of standard size glass splashbacks at €85 each within a painted timber frame & LEDS internally - if done well could look amazing!

Lobsterlady

firlodge wrote: »

Hi yes - costly if you do exactly like photo.
So depending on budget... How a bout this:
A multiple of standard size glass splashbacks at €85 each within a painted timber frame & LEDS internally - if done well could look amazing!

That's a great idea, actually I have a splashback just like shown in the picture in my own house (in aubergine). I'm waiting to meet a builder friend there next week to discuss options.

I'm currently working on colour schemes too, I'm allowed take up the current carpet and put down carpet tiles...so thinking of colour schemes to brighten the place up. There is room for a 'seating area' so i'm going to put in a modern Ikea sofa, maybe this http://www.ikea.com/ie/en/catalog/products/00118702/#/60227312
as is reasonable price and I love that colour or the one in the red.

Also if I go for this green sofa, would it team up well with some red/fuschia splashes of colour - they want a modern bright look, not dowdy greys and office navy...
They like these desks combinations, need corner ones -
http://www.ikea.com/ie/en/catalog/products/S89807037/#/S19896739

Your input is greatly appreciated,
Thanks!

Zimmerframe

large led tv (in a window frame if you wish) with hd camera pointing outside somewhere.

summat like this, but cheaper

http://www.tuaw.com/2010/04/16/winscape-apple-powered-fake-windows/

firlodge

Hi
I absolutely love Zimmerframe's idea!

It is important to consider the clients industry, & as designer to discuss with them it what is suitable for them from the point of view of their clients.
An over the top example: they may not want dowdy grey & office navy, but if they are undertakers the red/ & fuscia may not be the best choice (I'm sure you get the point, but sometimes it needs to be said to clients....)

That said your choices seem to be fine as stand alone pieces, but it is the combination of them which is the critical issue.
one small observation, that green on sofa, in an area with no natural light could be mightily depressing...me thinks.

But back to Zimmerframe's idea - depending on their industry, they may be able to make use of plasma screens at other times for other functions - also is innovation part of their business ? (what industry would not benefit from it!) so maybe it is worth spending to impress......
Hope it goes well for you :-)