I just watched a video where a self-professed ‘organisation guru’ demonstrates how to get your life in order using milk crates. She has this whole filing system figured out that’s set to revolutionise my life, or so she says. All I need is 16 cable ties, some plywood, a hot glue gun, an old table cloth and a bit of elbow grease, and I’ll soon have myself the perfect filing cabinet that doubles as an attractive ottoman or bench seat. What could be simpler?
Well, a few things spring to mind – for example, hiring a professional office designer. Melbourne isn’t lacking in that department, and they don’t make you mess around with cable ties, as far as I understand. The only reason I haven’t done this already, and also the reason I’m watching videos like this, is that it’s a very small office I’m dealing with. I thought it might be worth cutting a few corners, but I’m increasingly convinced that I should just hire a pro.
To be fair, this video probably isn’t aimed at those seeking commercial office fitout solutions. Melbourne, I understand, has a deeply ingrained affinity for DIY milk crate furniture, and that’s great. But there’s a line beyond which this approach just doesn’twork, like when you want to project an impression of being a polished, sober-toned enterprise. I mean, a milk crate bench seat slash storage solution might work in a creative workspace, like some kind of up-and-coming tech startup. They don’t work so well at a corporate accountancy firm, no matter how small the office space may be.
Moral of the story is that I need to find someone who specialises in custom office makeovers for boutique businesses. It’s not as simple as just setting up some boxes that stuff can be chucked into, and hot glue gunning a decorative lid on top. It’s about space efficient layout ideas, integrated technology and truly smart storage solutions.