5 Emerging Trends In Office Interior Design

KSL Capital Partners

Office interior design philosophies are constantly changing. At i2 Construction, we’re always keeping up with the latest thoughts and ideas, so we can help execute on these trends better for our clients.

Let’s take a look at 5 trends breaking out in 2018 for office interior design. Get in touch with our team when you’re ready to start your new design.

1. Activity Based Working

This office interior design trend has been popular for a few years, but is really starting to develop. Activity Based Working (ABW) is a combination of open, private, team and breakout spaces. People can choose where and how they work depending on the task and their work style, leading to higher productivity and lower employee turnover.

With ABW, employees don’t have assigned desks – instead there will be a greater focus on the work environment. Letting employees choose where they work requires a rethink of personal storage. Centralised locker systems will become more popular.

Open-plan areas will still exist but will have well thought-out designs. Larger workstations will be in clustered positions rather than row upon row, and will feature screens to create a sense of privacy. Spaces will be separated by panels or meeting and focus rooms.

2. Adaptable Workplaces

Humans change, and so does our technology. The workplace needs to be altered to fit these changes. As the workspace is one of the highest expenses for most businesses, utilising the available space is also essential. Companies want the room to grow and expand but don’t want to pay for space which goes unused. Adaptable furniture will become a popular choice for many offices.

3. Well-Being Design

Well-being has been one of hottest trends of the past few years and will continue to develop this year. Wellness programmes have been around for some time. However, workplaces that integrate well-being into their design aren’t so common. From sit-stand desks to the placement and design of staircases, more architects and designers are trying to encourage movement throughout the day. In 2018, designing for well-being will go beyond the physical aspects and focus more on employee mental well-being.

Social interaction and friendships with colleagues contribute to a positive attitude towards work. Areas where employees can eat together or relax will become more important in 2018. On the other hand, it is also essential that employees have some level of personal space and an opportunity to concentrate. Overcrowded workspaces and lack of privacy are shown to affect mental health.

4. Unconventional Work Areas

This design trend was spearheaded by the millennial generation and their preference for open spaces, collaborative work environments, and the atypical.

When you think of an unconventional work area design, imagine a living room, meditation space, or a dressed-down conference room complete with sofas, bean bag chairs, plants and greenery, yoga mats, a smattering of vibrant colors, and lots of room for activities. Offices all over the world are adopting these new and unorthodox working and meeting spaces to attract young talent and make working spaces more fun and synergistic.

5. Homey, Comforting Design

Employers are either listening to the wants and desires of their colleagues, or they’re figuring out new ways to get them to stay at work longer. This design is all about making offices feel more comfortable or homelike. It includes things such as: