2018 will be here before we know it, and, we’re excited for the New Year. Here are five trends we expect to see in 2018 office designs.
BIOPHILIA FOR WORKPLACE WELLBEING
In our post about 2017 office design trends, we said that nature in the workplace would be one of the major trends to watch, and we expect it to remain very popular in 2018 as well.
Biophilic design is a philosophy based around the principle that humans have an innate need to feel connected to nature for their own wellbeing. One of the most popular ways to accomplish this is by including live plants in designs. Research shows that biophilic design in the workplace increases creative thinking and productivity levels, while live plants help improve air quality by releasing oxygen and removing carbon dioxide and other pollutants from the air. From large dividing walls fully covered in live plants to terrariums placed on tabletops and desks, it’s easy to understand why plants have become a prominent feature in so many workplaces around the world.
RESIMERCIAL COMFORT
Work is a major part of our lives, so it only makes sense for people to crave having some of the comforts of home in the workplace. Think of casual ancillary spaces with comfortable sofas and chairs and finely-crafted tables and rugs. The relaxed atmosphere of these areas, also described as “resimercial,” helps build a sense of community, turning them into the heart of the office by providing a place where people can step away from their desk to work alone, collaborate, or just enjoy a casual conversation with their coworkers.
In addition to the many benefits of ancillary spaces, they’re also an excellent opportunity to reflect the company’s branding and culture. Get creative with custom colors or by mixing and matching textures and materials.
MIXED MATERIALS AND DISTINCT PATTERNS
Speaking of mixing textures and materials, you certainly don’t have to limit it to ancillary spaces. There’s a fine line between cohesive and monotonous, and incorporating a variety of textures, materials and patterns creates a look that’s cohesive, visually interesting and engaging. The right pairing of fabrics can bring new dimension to a sofa or chair, while a combination like wood and stone gives a nod to the biophilic design trend.
DYNAMIC DESIGNS
Flexible layouts are another trend we expect to remain very popular in 2018. Companies grow and change frequently, so it only makes sense to create designs that can grow and change right along with them. Modular furniture, mobile room dividers, and other lightweight pieces of furniture make it easy for workplaces to adapt to businesses rather than force businesses to accommodate the workplace.Season Mini, from the Viccarbe Imports Collection, are small lounge seats on casters. They delighted visitors in our NeoCon 2017 showroom.
CRAFT IN THE WORKPLACE
Say goodbye to bland, utilitarian design. Now that makers have access to technology to assist in the creation process, crafted furniture is more accessible than ever before. The modern craft movement has made it possible for designers to efficiently create pieces that are functional, practical, and sophisticated. Crafted furniture brings humanity and personality into the workplace, inspiring workers and helping them stay engaged.