Glass, steel, and marble dominate the lobbies and exterior of modern office buildings. Inside these skyscrapers, however, are completely different. Commercial interior design trends, from chic Singapore to cosmopolitan Amsterdam, point towards green spaces, comfortable furniture, and accessible workspaces for 2019.
Healthy and Green
Biophilic design is in vogue in commercial interior design. Nature and natural movement, human nature connections are the highlights of biophilic design. It’s an extension of the wellness movement in offices, an attempt to improve the health of workers while they go through taxing duties.
Research on the effects of biophilic design reveal improved health, feeling of well-being, productivity, and engagement among workers in these greener spaces. Workers also reported to work more often.
Potted plants and living walls can be incorporated in offices to literally and figuratively make them green spaces. Biodynamic lighting or lighting that mimics natural sunlight, natural flooring, and furniture made from reclaimed materials contribute to the overall natural feel.
All-In
Another growing workplace concern is how these spaces can be made more accessible. Inclusive workspaces are accessible to persons with diverse physical and mental conditions.
People with physical challenges, such as wheelchair users, require equipment that adjusts to their needs. Height-adjustable desks and multi-height surfaces will make working easier. Installing ramps and lifts, as well as widening corridors and paths, will open up space for them.
Neurodiverse workers and people with anxiety and other mental health problems may also benefit from these additions. Decorating to account for seizure triggers and natural lighting can reduce their stress and improve their job performance. Allowing pets in the office may also boost their morale.
Snug and Spacious
Ergonomic furniture or pieces that give strong body support are not just snug. Chairs and keyboards with ergonomic designs allow workers to sit or type in natural positions. Standing or height-adjustable desks can give more standing time to workers without disrupting their workflow. Back-friendly couches and chairs will also benefit injured and people with disabilities.
Concealed storage units have plenty of advantages. They work in inclusive workspaces as they do not disrupt walkways and yet provide ample space for office supplies and important documents. Built-in storage for individual workstations can also be manipulated in a way that allows for maximum mobility and storage.
The Opposite of Monochromatic
Like footwear for geriatric persons, commercial interiors do not need to be monochromatic or drab. With Pantone picking Living Coral as the 2019 Colour of the Year, interior designers are encouraging the use of bold, warm, and vibrant colours. These colours can bring energy to a workspace and promote collaboration.
PPG’s Colour of the Year, Night Watch, is a darker, lush green. Though less spirited than Living Coral, a subdued rich hue works well with cosy, soothing offices.
Good interior design focuses on visual unity, harmony, and balance. Balanced rooms have focal points placed evenly across the space, so eyes are not overloaded with visual input. Unity in design, detail, and purpose are prioritised when choosing furniture and decorations.
All this effort to make offices look good are not for naught: well-designed offices make workers happy, and happy workers are 12 percent more productive than those who toil away in bleak spaces. Worker’s input and innovative interior design firms can ease the process of redesigning a modern, relaxing office.
