Modern Furniture - Putting the Fun in Functionality

There are few better things in life than being able to combine that which people need with that which they want.  In the main, these things in life are kept parallel due to the fact often that which is necessary is not always that interesting.  In years gone by this could be said about furniture, it is a necessary commodity which enables us to live our lives in relative comfort, comfortable but not always that appealing.

Luckily, the 21st century has seen an evolution in the furniture industry with a contextual crossover between what is needed and what is desired.  Furniture these days is not only practical and functional but also innovative, creative and fun, it is used as an expression of identity, ingenuity and integrity.  Furniture is now used to make a statement and to invite and welcome people into a space, area or building which would otherwise be without identity.

Over the years, Work Rest Play Interiors have been amongst the first companies to bring new, exciting and cutting edge furniture to the British and Irish market, we fully invest in our motto of creating inspirational spaces.  We work with our clients to identify what they need, what they want and what we can do for them and then provide an integration of all factors. 

We supply furniture which is not only aesthetically appealing and innovative but also furniture which does not compromise on funcationality, but actually enhances it.  This helps to create areas, for example, which encourage social engagement, collaboration or private working and many more aspects of working and social life.

Fun & Functional Top 10:

10. Lobby

Lobby - Recent Installation at Fingal County Council

Lobby is a multi-faceted modular seating system which is available in a range of configurations and a wide range of colours.  We have installed Lobby in places such as Fingal County Council to create welcoming, invitng spaces which encourage user engagement and help people to socialise and work in comfort.

9. Harc

Harc Sofa and Chairs

As far as high quality sofas and chairs go, you will not get much better than Harc, extremely well made, this contemporary, striking range adds aesthetic and functional value to any and all environments.  Harc contributes to a welcoming and inviting space.

8. Shapes





Shapes is a high quality and versatile range of seats and poufs which are available in a wide range of (yes you guessed it) shapes and colours.  Shapes have been used by Work Rest Play to great effect in a number of projects to help create an environment which is comfortable, aesthetically pleasing and has a fun side.


7. Electric Desk

Height Adjustable Desk in the Work Rest Play Showroom

You may think it is hard to make a desk interesting or fun but you would be wrong! One sure fire way of doing so is to make it an electric desk.  A simple up and down switch located at the edge of the desk allows users to alter the height of the desk to a wide variation of heights in a number of seconds. This is not only a central feature in an office but also contributes to healthy working, an area of which we are big advocates.

6. Den

Den Zig Zag

Den serves a number of purposes, dependent on the configuration Den either encourages individual work or encourages collaboration.  Den also helps to create unique office layouts and spaces which help users in a number of ways and is available in a range of colours and configurations.  Work Rest Play have installed Den in a number of places including libraries and offices.

5. Hotbox

Hotbox is a must have for any busy office environment

Hotbox is the ultimate office accessory, it's multi-functional, aesthetic and appealing nature have made it desirable for a large number of companies, big and small.  Hotbox is available in a wide range of colours and can also have bespoke patterns and symbols emblazoned on the fabric cover.  Hotbox provides storage and display facilities for a range of office items as well as easy transfer of office items from one location to another.

4. Innovative Shelving

Functional End Panels with Integrated Technology

As Library Specialists we provide a wide range of innovative, functional and stunning shelving options such as functional end panels with integrated technology.  Shelving has evolved and the range of purposes which shelving now serves has grown exponentially.  Storage, display and easy access have been joined by technology, graphics and much more.  Our modern shelving has helped to create stunning libraries throughout the UK & Ireland.

3. Aircharge


One of our most popular accessories for offices and social spaces is the aircharge, this fantastic device allows for wireless charging and can be integrated into a number of items and surfaces including desks, sofas, benches and many more.  There are few things more irritating than your phone losing battery and this innovative feature helps to negate this problem, making spaces more appealing for users.

2. Tryst Media Booth



In terms of modern and innovative furniture, the Tryst Media Booth is an all encompassing masterstroke.  Available in a wide range of sizes, configurations and finishes the Tryst Media Booth combines contemporary seating with integrated desking and technology allowing and encouraging socialising, collaborating and engagement.  Tryst is a prime example of the way in which modern spaces are going, more and more places are using furniture like Tryst to create innovative, fun and functional places.

1. Cocoon Lounge

Cocoon Gaming Lounge

Cocoon Lounge is one of the latest products from Work Rest Play and as you can see from above, it is a magnificent sight.  Cocoon Lounge is, in essence, a room within a room which allows occupants and users to get lost in whatever function they are using.. available as a Gaming Lounge, Kid's Lounge, Working Lounge or Computer Lounge.  Cocoon Lounge comes in a variety of colours, with storage and display capability as well as integrated tecnology, bespoke graphics are also available. 
You can find information on all of our furniture at www.furnitureshop.net or by emailing info@workrestplay.net.

Optimise your WorkSpace with Work Rest Play

Optimising your Workspace

There is no doubt about it, the 21st century is the digital age and with this technology based revolution comes a number of changes to our habits and the ways in which we work.  More and more people are spending longer periods of time sat at desks, working on computers and in long meetings.  This has led to a more sedentary lifestyle which can have adverse effects on our health and wellbeing.
 
As reported by the BBC earlier this year a survey of 2,000 office workers suggested:

• 45% of women and 37% of men spend less than 30 minutes a day up on their feet at work
• More than half regularly eat their lunch at their desk
• 78% office workers felt they spent too much time sitting down
• Nearly two-thirds were worried sitting at work was having a negative impact on their health

The effects of this working pattern are detrimental to both employees and employers.  As well as the negative impact on the health of employees, the employer is also going to suffer from less productive staff and higher adsenteeism. 

To counter these negative impacts Work Rest Play have created a fantastic new concept which allows you to optimise your workstation.  Optimising your workspace involves making your environment more ergonomic, more comfortable and more flexible to negate the effects of sitting in an office all day.  Our Four Step Plan ensures that every aspect of your workspace is optimised, utilised and synchronised making your working life easier and alleviating health issues.

Step 1 - Ergonomic Office Chair


Step 2 - Height Adjustable Desk


We are sitting at our desks too much, we need to get out of our seats more, we need to stand at work to improve our health.. You may think this isn't achievable when you need to be in front of a computer all day.. think again! Introducing the Electronic Height Adjustable Desk from Work Rest Play.  Two simple up and down switches allow you to increase and decrease the height of your desk in seconds. This allows you to stand up at any point during the day and continue to work as normal.  This innovative desk directly addresses this key issue and is a necessity for the modern workplace. 

Step 3 - Ergonomic Accessories


Work Rest Play also offer a number of accessories to increase the ergonomic and flexible qualities of your workspace.  For example, the Aircharge wireless charging system allows instant charging of your smartphone without the need for plugs and wires.  Instead an integrated chargining point provides you with a constant charging facility without the clutter.  Other accessories include the Jellyfish laptop stand which contributes to correct posture and prevents strain injuries such as neck or back.  This three tier stand allows screens to be manipulated so that once you are sitting correctly you can operate your laptop as normal.  These accessories are crucial to optimising your workspace and creating a flexible environment.

Step 4 - Hot Box 2


Hot Box 2 is the latest innvoative addition to our Office portfolio.  Perfect for flexible working and a changing environment Hot Box 2 is a fantastic storage, display and transport system which enables people to pack up their desk in seconds and transfer all belongings to a new destination.  The Hot Box 2 is ideal for office environments which are adapatble and respond to the needs of their employees and their work.

Work Rest Play Interiors are committed to the long term development of healthy working offices which allow for the optimisation of workspace.  Through this we will, as a society, become healthier, more productive and more successful in both work and life.

Healthy Working from Work Rest Play

With your desk and chair established and your environment becoming suitably more health conscious the only thing left to do is surround yourself with the latest in ergonomic, innovative and flexible office accessories.  Work Rest Play offer a wide range of innovative office accessories such as the Jellyfish laptop stand which allows for a higher screen encouraging better posture and a more aligned body when working.

The Flo Arm is a versatile monitor arm allowing the user to avail of a more fluid and accessible work environment.  The Flo Arm can hold multiple screens and can be maneouvred in many ways to alow full functionality.  One of the latest additions to our innovative range is the Aircharge, a wireless charging solution that makes your workstation more innovative, flexible and free of clutter.  The Aircharge has been installed in many places to great effect and can easily be integrated into our wide range of desking and tables.
Practicing What You Preach..
Here at Work Rest Play we like to work healthy also, and we like to do so in a fun, flexible and innovative environment.  Our beautiful Belfast showroom is not only contemporary but thanks to our Healthy Working initiative it is also flexible, health promoting and a welcoming space for all of our clients..  Feel free to drop by anytime!

University Challenge!

Having worked with a number of further education institutions over the years, Work Rest Play are well placed to recognise and analyse the challenges facing the modern day university.  From Queen's University in Belfast to the Institute of Technology in Cork we have worked in conjunction with schools, colleges and universities to help create inspirational spaces within places of study and learning.

A report conducted at the start of 2015 concluded that record numbers of people are staying on in further education with the number of applicants to university also rising significantly despite recent increases in tuition fees in the UK.  This is clearly an opportunity for universities as the more people that apply the more places will be filled.  Conversely, this also puts a strain on universities and the enviornment they provide to staff and students.

Axia 2.0 Ergonomic Excellence & Award Winning Design

The Axia 2.0 Smart chair is equipped with innovative sitting technology. Get greater posture awareness with direct seat feedback, sensors inside the chair let you know when your posture is bad and how to correct it.

Click to view it online!

When Furniture Meets Technology!

True Innovation

In a world full of new ideas and concepts does innovation thrive or become stifled?

Is a different way of doing things necessarily better or is it just a different way of doing things?

Every day we are bombarded with new products, new services and new ideas many of which are a rebrand or reformat of the same facets of our lives we have been familiar with for years.  Some of these ideas are revoluntionary and add value to the lives of those involved, others simply do not.

What can not be doubted is that the best way to improve our lives at work, home and in society is through true innovation, ideas which truly make a difference to our lives.  The problem is identifying which ideas can be classed as truly innovative.


Whether it is innovation in design, conceptual innovation or the amalgamation of seperate components Work Rest Play have a real passion for true innovation.  We are committed to long term innovation of our two main areas of interest: furniture and technology.

For years, we have brought the most innovative furniture to the Irish and British market in terms of design, performance and ergomonics and we will conntinue to do so.  Furniture which is comfortable, stunning, health oriented and makes working and social lives better.

• Create savings for institutions.
• Have short and long term health benefits for users.
• Encourage collaboration.
• Create social hubs and state of the art facilities.

People now expect more from public institutions and organisations, more than ever before.   Offering the basic requirements is no longer feasible, institutions have to be all encompassing or they will not thrive. 

Libraries


A library is not simply a place to lend books anymore, it is a social setting which requires the latest technology, innovative furniture, areas for collaboration, areas for innovation, areas for quiet reflection and spaces for kids to enjoy and learn.

Universities


Universities are no longer simply places for further learning, they are social, technological and innovative hubs which must continue to have state of the art facilities, furniture and ideas.  Students expect more than ever before, a university has to be one of the most diverse places in society and seen to be ever improving.

SME's/Charities/Entrepreneurs

It is no longer just large scale institutions which need to be innovative, even the smallest business on the street must offer more to consumers, service users and prospective clients.  We have worked in conjunction with many local businesses and regional and national charities such as Action Cancer and the Prince's Trust to create innovative spaces, social hubs and areas which can be used effectively and in comfort.

www.furnitureshop.net
 

The Perfect Chair For Your Office!

At the Furniture Shop we supply a wide range of Office chairs to suit any contemporary environment. Our chairs are specifically designed to increase comfort, work product, practicality and versatility.

Our range has everything from a standard Operator chair to an Executive, Smart, Ergonomic chair. We cater for all possible work-spaces.

Basic Operator chairs are great for any office environment, but sometimes you need something more extravagant, our range of Executive Seating will provide something suitable for business meetings, corporate meetings, and individual Executive offices.

When buying an office chair there are a few things you must consider:

• The look of the chair; does it match your office style?
• Size; will the chair fit in your space?
• Do you want your chair to have an adjustable back and height?
• How long will you sit on the chair? If you use your chair for an extended period of time you should consider a chair with built in ergonomics to ensure maximum use and comfort without effecting your well-being. 

Libraries: A New Future

Work Rest Play & Libraries

For several years, Work Rest Play have been advising, consulting and collaborating with libraries, librarians and architects to supply and install stunning library environments.  Our knowledge and expertise has allowed us to forge excellent relationships with countless libraries throughout the UK and Ireland.

Throughout this time we have noticed that the needs, requirements and desires of libraries and their users have evolved and changed.  Several reasons can be associated with the changes which have occurred in the library environment such as the emergence and advancement of technology and a greater need for a social aspect.

The Traditional Library

New Providence, NJ Library

Belfast Central Library

In times gone by libraries were often percieved and possibly misconcieved as quiet, old fashioned places which are visited by people for the sole purpose of reading or study.  The appearance, both exterior and interior, of a number of libraries certainly adds credence to these perceptions.  For example, as you can see above the beautiful Belfast Central Library is very much a traditional building while the interior of several libraries is akin to that of New Providence, NJ.  These traditional appearances serve the purposes of libraries very effectively; to a point.  It is argued that in the 21st century that libraries should have a more modern and contemporary feel maybe even to the extent of a coffee shop vibe.

The Modern Library

Wexford County Library  (installed by Work Rest Play) An inviting, modern space

The Futuristic New Library in Calgary, Canada.

Libraries which enhance the community, provide social interaction, have a welcoming and inviting feel, incorporate the latest technological advances and are places people can visit to carry out other activities as well as reading.  This is the remit of the modern library.  Some have gone as far as to say that libraries should be comparable to coffee shops in terms of their facilities and vibe.  Modern library architecture is reaching ground breaking levels on a yearly basis as you can see from the latest library designed in Calgary.  Wexford Library is a fine example of a library which maintains a focus on reading while enhancing the user's expereience through modern, contemporary and technologically advanced surroundings.

Gorey Library  (Installed by Work Rest Play) Libraries are now marketed as more than just a place to read in, they are your space to interact, enjoy and socialise with other users in a welcoming environment.

Potential Pitfalls

Drogheda Library  (Furniture by Work Rest Play)  Immersed in Books

While there can be no argument that advancement in offerings to users, development of technology and the creation of a more social experience have and will ultimately enhance the user experience of each person who enters a modern library, it has been argued in some quarters that this focus can and will detract from the real reason that people have previously and still should visit a library: to get lost in books.  This is an interesting point to consider: should libraries be social spaces which encourage interaction and collaboration or places we go to immerse ourselves in literature and fiction in a solitary sense? Arguments can be made for each and there is no doubt they will be but from our experience and in our opinion, a happy medium between the two is the perfect scenario for a modern library which wishes to retain that sense of magic in visiting the library.

How we achieve the ideal scenario!

                                        Tullamore Library - Installed by Work Rest Play

The libraries we have installed in the past and which we are installing at present are perfect symbols of the point just made.  For example, we provide spaces and furniture which facilitate private and individual reading but also have social areas which encourage interaction and collaboration.  Our modern and contemporary furniture creates an excellent, practical and comfortable environment for all users whilst maintaining the majesty of the library tradition.

2015 & Beyond

The future is an exciting prospect for libraries in the 21st Century.  When you consider the advancements in technology, the potential advancements in technology, the diversification of users' needs and the investment in the industry there is no doubt that the next few years we will see libraries coming to the fore in terms of technology, interior and exterior design, progression in what is offered to users and how a library is able to enhance not only users' experiences but also the local community in which it is inhabited.