Top 5 Renovation Mistakes to Avoid When Planning a 2026 Office Refresh

To ensure your 2026 office refresh is a resounding success, you need to avoid common mistakes that can derail your project. Workscapes Inc., a certified dealer of MillerKnoll, specializes in helping businesses navigate these pitfalls, providing the expertise and products to create a future-proof workspace.

Mistake #1: Skipping a Strategic Plan

The biggest mistake is diving into aesthetics without a plan. An office refresh isn't just about new paint and furniture; it's a strategic undertaking.

• The Fix: Before you choose a single color, ask the tough questions. Is this refresh meant to support a hybrid work model? Do we need more collaborative spaces or quiet zones? How can the design reflect our brand and company culture? Workscapes starts every project by identifying your business goals and employee needs. Our team can help you map out a design that enhances workflow and aligns with your long-term vision.

Mistake #2: Ignoring Employee Input

Your employees are the primary users of the space, yet their feedback is often an afterthought. Renovating without their input can lead to a beautiful but dysfunctional office that fails to address their real pain points, like inadequate lighting, poor acoustics, or a lack of privacy.

• The Fix: Involve employees from the get-go. Conduct surveys or host focus groups to understand their needs. MillerKnoll's human-centered design philosophy is built on this principle. Their furniture and space solutions are a direct result of extensive research into how people work. We can show you how MillerKnoll products, from their ergonomic seating to their modular collaboration pods, are designed to solve the very problems your employees are facing.

Mistake #3: Underestimating Your Budget and Timeline

Hidden costs and unexpected delays are renovation nightmares. Forgetting to budget for technology upgrades, permitting, and unforeseen issues can cause significant stress and push your project over budget. Similarly, underestimating the timeline can disrupt operations and impact productivity.

• The Fix: Be realistic and plan for a contingency fund of at least 10-15%. Work with a partner who provides a detailed, transparent cost breakdown and a clear project timeline. As a certified dealer of MillerKnoll, Workscapes has the experience and project management skills to keep your refresh on track, from initial planning to final installation. We help you choose durable, high-quality materials that provide long-term value, avoiding costly repairs down the line.

Mistake #4: Sacrificing Function for Style

It's easy to get caught up in a trendy aesthetic, but if the space doesn't support the way your team works, the renovation has failed. A beautiful office is useless if it's not functional.

• The Fix: Focus on a balanced approach. Workscapes leverages the versatility of MillerKnoll's portfolio to design spaces that are both stunning and highly functional. We'll help you create distinct zones for different activities—from focused work areas with ergonomic chairs and desks to vibrant breakout spaces with comfortable, collaborative furniture—ensuring every square foot is utilized to its full potential.

Mistake #5: Neglecting Acoustics and Technology Integration

Noise is a major productivity killer in today's open-plan offices. Similarly, a renovated office that lacks a plan for seamless technology integration will feel outdated before it's even complete.

• The Fix: Prioritize acoustics and tech from the beginning. MillerKnoll offers a wide range of acoustic solutions, from sound-dampening panels and pods to specially designed furniture, that create a quiet and focused environment. We also ensure that your furniture and layout are ready for the latest tech, with integrated power, data ports, and flexible arrangements that support everything from video conferencing to smart-building systems.

   

Ready to transform your workplace without falling into these common traps? Contact Workscapes Inc. today to start planning your 2026 office refresh. We'll leverage our partnership with MillerKnoll and our expert team to help you create a functional, stylish, and future-proof space that works for you.