This year, there are no new trends in the interior construction industry!
Yes, this is written with tongue-in-cheek. There are trends. But they’re more of a continuation of past trends than new ones. An evolution of existing trends. Tweaks to trends.
As the post-pandemic hybrid-workforce concept matures and employees return to the office, we see a maturing of the below five trends, as well:
“Resimercial” Office Design
The idea of combining residential and commercial designs in office upgrades to lure employees back to work… worked! We see a continuation of this trend that strives to create an inviting, comfortable, and productive work environment. We expect to see design elements such as plush seating, warm lighting, and a cozy décor increase this year to make employees feel like they’re working from home while they’re in the office.
Private Offices
As employees return to the office, so does the need for more privacy. We don’t see companies reverting to dedicated offices with nameplates on doors. But we do see a shift from concepts like hot-desks to more traditional offices that are now shared. With more employees at corporate today, individual offices and micro-offices will give employees a quiet space to focus and have private meetings. These shared offices will complement the popular modular work environment while still maintaining the flexibility needed for today’s hybrid workforce.
Outdoor integration
Building on biophilic design in commercial interiors, companies are now creating exterior office spaces to help employees connect with nature. More and more, we are seeing outdoor patios, cafés, courtyards, verandas, terraces, and other types of exterior office space used to allow employees to collaborate, have lunch, or take a break. It’s widely accepted that fresh air, sunlight, and a natural setting improve employee well-being, creativity, and productivity.
Town Hall spaces
Today’s modular workspace can accommodate small meetings by simply rearranging furniture. To accommodate company-wide or department-wide meetings or events, companies are creating Town Hall spaces in their office. These dedicated meeting spaces feature bleacher seating or bench seating, AV for presentations, and network connection to include remote employees. Of course, employees can use the Town Hall space for small meetings and breakout sessions, too!
Sustainability
A company’s motivation for going green has largely been about showing employees and customers their concern for the environment. Sustainable office designs may include furniture made from reclaimed or natural materials, clever waste-reduction and recycling practices, and leveraging natural light. With rising energy costs and tightening emissions, going green now makes financial sense. Companies are taking steps, such as installing energy-efficient appliances, light sensors, touchless faucets, and water-efficient toilets because the ROI is more measurable than ever.
Modular and flexible office layouts will still offer collaboration spaces and open-plan individual work areas. In addition, we see a need for more private offices and company-wide meeting areas this year. For the same employee health benefits that motivated companies to bring natural elements into the office, companies will expand the office outdoors, into nature. And finally, this year, we see companies becoming more sustainable as it can improve their bottom line.
