Picture this: you're fully immersed in a project, fingers flying across the keyboard as ideas flow effortlessly. The work is getting done, and you're on track to beat the deadline. Then, out of nowhere, someone sneezes. Laughter echoes from down the hall. Sirens wail outside, and an email notification pings nearby. Your focus shatters. The brilliant thought you were chasing slips away, replaced by mounting frustration. Just like that, your productivity screeches to a halt, and you're struggling to regain your momentum.

Sound Softening Solutions

Good or bad, noise is part of life. But in a busy office, noise can become a real problem.

What Is Sound Softening?

When sound travels through a space, it can either be absorbed or bounce around. When the acoustics are balanced, a room is comfortable. But if not, even the most beautiful space can become unbearably noisy (think of your favorite modern gastropub—delicious, trendy, and loud).

Sound softening involves both the design of the space and the items within. Every choice—from the carpet to the drop-down ceiling—affects sound, and an experienced interior designer knows how to use every accessory and piece of furniture to their advantage.

What to Consider When Creating an Acoustic Interior Space

Before making any decisions, ask yourself: What is the goal of this space?

An open-concept office might seem like a collaborative dream, but it can also be painfully loud and distracting—especially when furnished with hard surfaces and featuring exposed ceilings. Would a different layout meet the needs of your organization better?

If your team ultimately needs an open-concept space, consider materials: carpet on the floor and fabric on the walls will immediately help with acoustic issues, preventing your workspace from feeling chaotic and stressful.

Can Sound Softening Help with Existing Offices Without a Full Renovation?

Absolutely. At Rieke Interiors, we create a wide range of solutions, from ceilings to walls, dividers, lighting, artwork, and fabric products to improve noise levels. No matter what you’re trying to achieve, we’ll design a plan to meet the unique needs of your space.

Will Acoustic Solutions Ruin the Aesthetic of My Office?

Style and function are not mutually exclusive.

Acoustic products have come a long way in recent years, with many functional options that are also aesthetically appealing. Beautiful products—like tapestries, for example—are not only incorporated into the overall design but are often a stunning focal point.

At Rieke Interiors, we will never ask you to choose between beauty and noise.

Top Tips for Reducing Noise in a Shared Office

For a quick fix, try the following:

Add absorbing materials
Install an acoustic ceiling application
Add dividers between stations
Remove hard surfaces like porcelain and glass

For the best fix, give us a call!

This piece was written with the expertise of Katie Joyce, Interior Designer. Katie has worked with us since 2022 and enjoys building relationships with clients while creating spaces that reflect their company personality.

Sound Softening: The When, Where, and How for Acoustic Solutions