The Latest Trends in Office Interior Refurbishment

In the last few years, there’s been a huge shift in workplace culture and office interior design, and we think this change is phenomenal. As businesses adapt to new outlooks people have on creating a more positive workplace, office interior refurbishment emerges as a strategic approach.

It aims to create spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functionally aligned with the future of work. Why is that the case, and how can it transform your office space for the better?

Being Intentional with Colour

The strategic use of colour and aesthetics plays a pivotal role in setting the tone and mood of your workplace. Office refurbishments are embracing colour schemes that boost energy, creativity, and calm, using insights from colour psychology to create spaces that positively impact mood and productivity.

For example, incorporating shades of blue into meeting rooms can enhance concentration and calm, making them ideal backdrops for brainstorming and detailed discussions. Similarly, adding vibrant splashes of yellow in collaborative spaces can stimulate creativity and energy, fostering a dynamic environment for team engagement and innovation.

Hybrid Workspaces: A New Norm

The adoption of hybrid working models has necessitated a reimagining of office spaces to cater to both the physical and virtual connectivity of the workforce. Designing areas that facilitate seamless collaboration for on-site and remote participants alike has become a necessity.

Spaces are now equipped with advanced digital tools and flexible seating arrangements to support this blended approach, ensuring productivity remains unhindered, regardless of location.

Prioritising Mental Health and Well-Being

Recognising the significant impact of the workplace on mental health, modern refurbishments are incorporating features designed to support well-being. This includes creating quiet zones for relaxation, incorporating wellness rooms, and designing layouts that encourage movement and interaction, all aimed at fostering a healthy, productive work environment.

Biophilic Design

Emphasising the human connection to nature, biophilic design principles have been increasingly popular in office refurbishments, particularly in buildings located within urban concrete jungles. This might look like plant installations, water features, and maximising natural daylight, creating an oasis of tranquillity in the bustling cityscape.

The psychological effects of nature on our well-being is well understood. Widespread research shows that it can reduce stress, enhance mood, and improve cognitive function. Incorporating these elements into the workplace brings a more productive and mentally healthy work environment through nature’s ability to rejuvenate and inspire.

Use of Technology

Office refurbishments are increasingly focusing on creating tech-enabled spaces that allow effortless connectivity, smart office controls, and ergonomic solutions so that technology enhances the work experience.

This includes incorporating wireless charging stations, automated climate control for optimal comfort, and adjustable lighting systems that adapt to natural light levels, thereby promoting a workspace that is not only efficient but also adaptable to individual needs and well-being.

Resimercial Design

Blending the comfort of residential aesthetics with commercial functionality, widely known as ‘resimercial’ design, is becoming increasingly popular in today’s office refurbishments. It aims to make offices feel more like a home away from home, incorporating soft furnishings, comfortable seating, and relaxed meeting areas to reduce stress and promote well-being.

The adoption of residential comforts, such as cosy lounge areas and kitchenettes, encourages informal collaboration and a sense of community among team members, making it a sought-after trend in the modern workplace.

Green Practices and Sustainability

Sustainability has transcended trend status to become a core component of office refurbishment. Eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient systems, and designs that reduce waste and promote recycling are becoming standard. This shift not only reflects corporate responsibility but also aligns with the growing environmental awareness among employees.

Dynamic Acoustic Design

As offices become more collaborative, controlling noise levels becomes crucial. Trends include sound-absorbing materials, acoustic panels, and even smart sound management systems that adapt to the office’s noise levels, ensuring spaces can be both collaborative and conducive to focused work.

Sound-proof booths are also an increasingly popular addition to office spaces. This allows privacy for one-to-one conversations, team meetings, or those just wanting a quiet space.

Designing for Inclusivity

Inclusive design in office refurbishment ensures that the workplace is accessible and welcoming for everyone, embracing diversity in all its forms. Specific ways to achieve this include:

• Incorporating adjustable desks
• Ergonomic chairs to accommodate different body types and physical needs
• All areas are wheelchair accessible with wide doorways and corridors
• Providing quiet spaces for those who may get overwhelmed by sensory overload or need privacy for personal or religious reasons
• Clear signage with large, readable fonts and Braille

Offering technology that supports various learning and communication styles, ensures that the office environment caters to the full spectrum of employee needs and preferences, fostering a truly inclusive workplace.

Celebrating Local Culture

Incorporating local culture and the essence of the brand into office designs not only strengthens a company’s identity but also fosters a sense of pride and belonging among employees. Whether through art, design elements, or thematic spaces, offices are becoming reflections of the local environment and corporate ethos.