2018 Office Design Trends: An Eye on Commercial Design

The workplace is undergoing a transformation. Gone are the days of over-the-top designs filled with unnecessary frills. Today's office design is focused on creating environments that resonate with individuals' values and experiences, emphasizing emotional and physical well-being. As businesses recognize the importance of fostering creativity and supporting the mental refreshment of their employees, a new era of thoughtful and purposeful design has emerged.

Not Your Everyday Work Area

Office spaces are being reimagined to appeal to the millennial workforce, with open layouts and unconventional furnishings that invite collaboration. This approach often brings in a more residential feel, featuring cozy sofas, bean bag chairs, exercise areas, and bold, bright colors. These inviting, informal spaces allow for spontaneous collaboration and a break from the traditional, structured office environment.

By incorporating elements that encourage interaction and creativity, companies are hoping to not only attract but also retain young talent. This shift away from standard office designs reflects the growing importance of flexibility, innovation, and a workspace that caters to the evolving expectations of today’s employees.

Biophilic Design: Bringing Nature Indoors

Biophilic design—incorporating natural elements into the workspace—gained significant momentum in 2017 and has continued to be a dominant trend. As modern life keeps people indoors for the vast majority of the time, integrating nature into office environments has become a best practice among architects and designers. Studies show that natural elements like plants, wood, and water features contribute to reduced stress, increased happiness, and overall improved well-being.

This trend has grown far beyond simply placing potted plants around the office. Today, biophilic design weaves nature into the very fabric of the workspace, with rooftop gardens, water features, nature-inspired wall dividers, and access to natural light becoming fundamental design elements. This movement is especially prevalent in metropolitan areas where access to the outdoors is limited, helping workers feel more connected to nature despite their urban surroundings.

Resimercial Design: The Comforts of Home Meet Office Durability

A blend of residential comfort with commercial durability, Resimercial Design is gaining popularity as companies strive to create environments where employees can feel at ease. This design philosophy acknowledges the workforce's desire for spaces that feel more like home—comfortable, relaxed, and inviting. These areas are perfect for small group collaborations or independent work away from the formal desk setup.

Sofas, low coffee tables, and natural finishes with pops of bright color define these spaces, offering employees a place to recharge, get creative, or simply work in a new environment. Resimercial design is all about fostering connection, both with work and with colleagues, while maintaining the functionality and durability necessary for a commercial space.

Mixed Materials and Texture: A Sensory Experience

The advancement of manufacturing technology has opened up a world of possibilities when it comes to the materials and textures used in office design. Influenced by the biophilic movement, today's spaces incorporate a mix of materials that wouldn’t have been combined in the past. Woods, plastics, metals, stones, and concrete are now often featured together in furniture and building materials, creating an exciting visual and tactile experience.

This eclectic mix of raw and luxurious materials not only adds aesthetic interest but also helps define different zones within the workspace. It’s an excellent way to emphasize various work areas, ensuring that each space feels distinct yet cohesive. The combination of materials allows designers to experiment with bold and unexpected pairings, turning bland office environments into dynamic and engaging workplaces.

Conclusion

2018 office design trends reflect a growing understanding of the needs of modern workers. From creating collaborative, millennial-friendly work areas to integrating natural elements and mixing materials, the trends of today are focused on more than just aesthetics—they are about enhancing the overall work experience. These thoughtful designs are helping companies foster creativity, boost well-being, and build a sense of community within the workplace, setting the stage for the future of commercial design.