With a history that spans more than 30 years, Office Gallery International, a Norwood, MA-based leading provider of office furniture and design services for the business community since 1989, has witnessed and adapted to many trends that have come and gone, and returned again, in office furniture and design.

With the latest surge in teleworking, they are returning to their roots, as Office Gallery initially built its business throughout the early 1990s on designing and furnishing the home office.

“People were starting to get home personal computers, but didn’t know where to put them or how to create a working space that was functional but still complimented their homes,” said Michael Troia, CEO of Office Gallery. “We helped them customize these spaces to create a productive and attractive environment.”

Home offices decreased in numbers over the years as many home businesses shifted into corporate office spaces as they grew. Office Gallery was ready for this shift, providing not only furniture but much needed office design services that allowed organizations to improve efficiencies, enhance the working environment, and reflect the company’s culture.

Now, with the sudden recent shift that has sent countless individuals out of their offices and back home, people are starting to realize they’re not as well set up as they could be.

“We’re getting calls from clients who are finding themselves working back at home with little preparation, and realizing that they don’t have a great desk, their chair is uncomfortable, or the lighting is off,” said Troia.

Given that home office design was a core part of Office Gallery’s business for so many years, they’re able to quickly pivot back into prioritizing this service. Additionally, both Erin Curran and Molly Robertson, who have joined the Office Gallery design team over the last two years, have backgrounds in home furniture design, which provide additional expertise in home office design.

Planning a home office, said Troia, should not be that different from a workspace office. “Ergonomics is still first and foremost the number one priority,” said Troia. Ergonomic placement of a laptop or personal computer is key, as is determining a space for any peripheral items. “We offer both traditional and sit-stand desks and other home office needs that feature a homier feel and blend well with someone’s current home décor,” added Troia. The Office Gallery team also uses Project Matrix software that allows them to create 3D images of a space to better plan and visualize the design.

Troia anticipates further trends to develop as a result of current adaptations. “We may see some companies realize they can operate just as effectively with some of their staff members working from home some or all of the time. They may opt for less space, and offer employees a home office furniture and design stipend instead.

“Additionally, the idea of providing as many workspaces as possible will give way to a slightly adapted social distancing stance, with more personal space, and even cubicles and walls made from glass and laminate panels instead of fabrics,” he said. While fabric is typically used to help absorb peripheral sounds, other techniques, such as sound masking, work well to alleviate this issue without the worry of cleaning fabric.

Office Gallery has always designed offices with the users’ overall wellness in mind, whether they be located at home or in a professional space. Now more than ever, they continue to carry out that commitment.

About Office Gallery International

For more than 30 years, Office Gallery International (http://officegallery.net) has been one of Boston’s most trusted office furniture suppliers. With longstanding relationships throughout the community and with furniture suppliers nationwide, Office Gallery helps companies of all sizes with their office furniture and design needs. Founded in 1989, current owners Michael and Hilary Troia, who already had a longstanding history of work experience with the company, purchased Office Gallery International from the founders Allen and Gwen Wluka in 2016. A state-of-the-art showroom features modern, traditional, and custom office furniture for a clientele ranging from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies. In addition to customized office furniture selections, Office Gallery International offers a high-tech approach to furniture selection and visualization, including the Tec Slate interview display screen. Office Gallery International maintains offices at 68 Vanderbilt Avenue, Norwood, MA 02062. For additional information, please call (781) 762-3733 or visit http://officegallery.net