2020 OFFICE TRENDS
Wednesday, 04 December 2019The office landscape has changed a lot in the past decade. Modern commercial design is about creating a positive experience, promoting health and wellbeing and creating flexible spaces fit for purpose.
With an increasingly flexible and mobile workforce, commercial offices in 2020 are transforming and adapting. They are becoming more sustainable, more interactive and more innovative, with creative ways to utilize space.
Sustainable design
Sustainable design is more than a trend; it’s the future. Sustainable interiors reduce environmental impact by design using renewable materials.
When it comes to furnishings, companies are actively spending more on sustainably made and locally sourced products. Quality furnishings that reduce environmental impact and increase longevity are highly sought after. We will also see an increase in organic and recycled materials being used in office spaces.
Biophillic design
Biophillic design is a trend that will continue to grow in 2020. Nature has proven to have numerous benefits within the office (refer to 2015 Human Spaces Study). This type of design brings the outdoors, indoors, in the form of plants and natural light.
But it’s about more than just adding a desk plant – it’s entwining nature with our interior surroundings. Biophillic design combines the benefits of wellbeing, productivity and profitability in one. From integrated planter boxes to extravagant vertical gardens, incorporating greenery into the workspace is a growing trend (see our post on the benefits of plants in the office here).
Clever design and spatial layout can ensure a good use of natural light through windows and skylights. Outdoor work areas are also becoming more common, with companies utilising an outdoor space and transforming it into a sunny, quiet workspace.
Colour & Form
2020 will see a shift from light finishes and neutral colour palettes. Instead, darker finishes are becoming increasingly popular for a more elegant look. Bright and bold colour palettes are also trending, creating a shift in mood for happier and more productive workspaces.
Biophillic colour palettes, such as greens and blues, are also on the rise.
In addition to colour, curved furnishings are becoming more sought after as opposed to classic geometric or straight angled lines.
Informal workspaces
The separation between work and home life is forever shifting thanks to new technology and working habits established over the past decade. With an increasingly diverse and mobile workforce, informal workspaces are a growing trend in 2020.
Agile workspaces refer to different working areas within one office, giving staff the freedom to work where and when they want. Replacing the sociable open-plan office design, these spaces satisfy the need for quiet and distraction free work areas.
These flexible, multi-functional spaces promote productivity, as well as balance communication and privacy. They are often modular, allowing them to be shifted to best suit a particular task.
Types of areas can include: collaboration, informal meeting, formal meeting, relaxation, break, individual focus, workstations
Other work trends that are becoming more popular include Activity based working and flexible working.
Another rising star is the ‘resimmercial’ trend, which mixes residential design into commercial spaces. Spaces and furnishings have a more ‘homely’ appearance, sporting both comfort and functionality.
Flexible desk systems
Ergonomics are still a huge focus in 2020, with modern workspaces recognising the importance & long-term benefits of staff health & wellbeing.
Implementing a flexible desk system such as a sit-stand desk has been proven to increase productivity, relive fatigue & even lengthen your life span. They also allow flexibility in the way you work, adjusting your desk to your exact requirements for any body or task.
Smart technology
While outdated technology can harm productivity, the latest smart tech can make switching off difficult. Workspaces will see a change in the way we use technology in a more positive way in 2020.
Smart technology will allow users to work from anywhere – in or out of the office. It will help offices to be more energy efficient, increase productivity and efficiency.