Technology company Postlight tapped Gala Magriñá Design to remodel their New York office, envisioning a space that was more urban loft than traditional corporate environment.
Gala Magriñá, founder and principal of her eponymous firm, utilized a decade of experience in event production and design to create a welcoming environment that fosters socialization for employees and clients alike. “It’s a necessary pivot,” she said. “Clients are thinking about the workplace in a different way. They are hosting events or having parties and they want spaces that are conducive to these interactions. There’s a merging of these two worlds now.”
The reception area sets the welcoming tone, painted a rich burgundy. Yet because it’s not a typical size, Magriñá had the challenge of making the odd section appealing. She employed tone-on-tone layering and added the lush green of faux foliage to create a selfie spot that’s central to the office. “It’s definitely awkward, there’s a column in the middle of it. The custom wallpaper and the plants contrast with simple upholstered benches for this wonderful texture. It gives you that ‘wow’ factor, an Instagrammable area that’s a must-have now.”
The kitchen is not just a utilitarian, tucked away room—it is a community destination. People are meant to gather at the large island, and while it serves as a casual lunch spot, Magriñá explained that the multifunctional zone is one that staff members naturally gravitate to throughout the day. “The kitchen is the heart of a home, and in many offices, it is a place where spontaneous moments happen. And so we wanted to make sure that it was a landing place where people could have their coffee, chat, and enjoy their rituals at work.”
Postlight’s existing color palette of yellow, blue, and red was updated to enhance the feeling of warmth in the interior, providing a counterbalance to the exposed brick and ductwork while retaining the essence of the original visuals. “We used darker versions of the colors in their existing palette,” Magriñá noted. “They have a more sophisticated look, but still speak to the brand and bring it to life within the interior.”
Seating is a key element, with a mix of residential furnishings to accommodate a range of activities and prioritize comfort. From plush banquette seating in the café to the simple bistro chairs, employees can work in the relaxed environment that they are used to. “At Postlight, the staff are programmers, and they like to work on the sofa or sit in lounge chairs,” Magriñá said. “We were thinking about these variable workspaces, but also how they entertain in the office. It was really about marrying all of those elements in the open space.”
She added that the setting actually allows without the need for structured desks or task chairs that are ubiquitous in the corporate world. “The armchairs hug you, and they’re perfect when you want to pull out your laptop and work solo at a table that is a little lower. Everything supports focused work.”
Inspired by a coffee table book with redesigned classic rock posters, Magriñá briefed her graphic designer, who then created contemporary artwork with circles and triangles. The geometrics are playful and complement the shapes in the office: the hexagonal motifs on the backsplash and the singular triangle of the Postlight logo.
By supplementing the new posters with favorite prints already in the company’s holdings, they have a smartly curated, reasonably-priced collection that can be easily changed. With just a few personalized pieces, Magriñá said that any firm can elevate not only their style quotient, but also the user experience. “Who doesn’t want to have custom artwork? It’s a great way to stand out, and it makes the office more unique.”
As a showcase, Magriñá noted that the Postlight headquarters mirrors the city with subtle nods rather than trendy touches. “It has its own New York vibe and there is a modernity, but it really is a reflection of the company’s mission and values.” She added that the project is an example of how workspaces have become more holistic. “We’re past clocking in and clocking out, going to the office every day. We are recreating the best of our home lives to have the same contentment at work, and that will continue to evolve.”
