It is no doubt that most people spend their time at work these days. Americans are working longer hours and are finding that the old-fashioned cubicle farm, stark walls and heavy furniture- the same old traditional corporate design- no longer is a functioning environment for the modern worker. We are living in a time where technological advances, modern manufacturing, and an emphasis of wellness in relation to productivity has many of us disrupting the way we visualize a work space and how we design around an office space. What is happening is spaces are starting to promote the worker in the workplace and reigniting ways to inspire and encourage productivity. Check out these top trends if you’re looking to update your workplace:
“Greening the Office”
When thinking about creating a more holistic space adding plants to keep the space greener and livelier is a must! Studies show that having plants at the office makes workers feel happier, healthier and more calm, making them more productive people. From rooftop gardens to natural elements like bamboo and wood grains showing up in spaces most recently, it is no doubt that the rise of biophilic design elements are here to stay. Some ways you can start incorporating more greenery into the space is having work-friendly plants to activate a desk, a corner, or the lobby area where guests await for their appointment. This large planter by Dimond Home is great for bringing in bigger plants like a fiddle leaf fig or a kentia palm tree. For smaller plants try something like this set of planters by Dimond Home that are convenient for your office desk.
Wall Art
Visual arts can communicate a lot about the vibe you present as a company or a team. Even the less visually incline are still going to be stimulated by the visual and artistic elements that are present within the space. Fashion brands tend to go for more photography to showcase the history or presentation of fashion and the doctor’s office tend to go for more abstract pieces to calm their patients. If you are looking for some photography check out this photo of the Brooklyn Bridge or you can utilize a fun abstract design to redo the office walls like this removable wallpaper here.
Textures
The rise of more clean and minimal design is being able to use less color and bringing other design elements to the space. One of the newest trends we have seen in recent years is bringing in more textures to bring more interest into the space. It brings a heightened sensory experience into the space and will have workers feeling more comfortable in the working environment. Try something like this fibrous, paintable wallpaper. It will be sure to bring that element of texture while integrating it easily into an existing designed space. To give your space a complete overhaul choosing a painted texture for your next wallpaper like this stripe wallpaper in gray will bring a new and modern feel to your space. If you are looking to add a smaller change to the space, adding a new rug is a great way to add minimally to the space yet create a huge impact. We love this wool and denim rug to complete the office space.
With a few tweaks into the space, having lunch at the desk or working that extra hour into the evening can at least be a little more enjoyable and will resonate with the workers getting through the last bits of that deadline.