Design trends come and go, but they usually transition from “not” on the radar to “hot” and in high demand early in the New Year. After all, a New Year calls for a fresh, new start! Here’s a sneak peek of the five biggest office trends to expect in 2019.
Top 5 Office Design Trends for 2019
- Spaces that Encourage Employee Experiences at Work
- Open-Concept Co-working Spaces
- Combining Odes to the Past with Cutting Edge
- Going Green in Big Ways
- Walls with Personality
1. Spaces that Encourage Employee Experiences at Work
If you’re smart, you’re committed to doing things to increase the likelihood that your employees are happy employees. Why? Because happy employees are more motivated, invested, and engaged. They’re also more productive. One study conducted by the Social Market Foundation concluded that happy employees are at least 20% more productive than unhappy or indifferent employees. Offering opportunities for your employees to experience fun, health-benefitting, and relaxing experiences will go a long way toward achieving happy employees. Expect to see more companies offer experiences including:
- Massages
- Yoga classes
- Rock-climbing walls
- Game rooms
- Jogging trails
- Even cocktail bars at the office
2. Open-Concept Co-working Spaces
The co-working office arrangement has surged in popularity because it maximizes efficiency and resources. Why commit to a huge office space when a co-working office space allows you to commit to only exactly what you’ll use? In 2019, expect these spaces to be more open (no walls, low walls, communal areas, etc.) This encourages employees to collaborate not just with their coworkers, but also with employees of other companies. This opens up a world of networking opportunities.
3. Combining Odes to the Past with Cutting Edge
One of the most empowering office décor trends to take advantage of in the coming year is not limiting yourself to vintage versus modern. Top designers are combining old and new. This trend probably started with the growing move toward revitalizing old, vacant, historical buildings (warehouses, factories, etc.) in metropolitan areas and turning them into office spaces. Historic, vintage charm can and should be celebrated even when an office’s furnishings, textiles, and artwork are decidedly modern. You can have the best of both worlds!
4. Going Green in Big Ways
You’ve may have heard of biophilic design, which brings the outdoors indoors by incorporating natural elements. Biophilic design was a top trend in 2018. In 2019, expect to see it again, but on a much larger scale. Instead of bringing in plant life by bringing in potted plants, look for more offices with large living walls. For instance, imagine a wall covered in bright green living moss with a company’s logo depicted in colorful flowers planted within the moss. Onsite vegetable and herb gardens are also expected to show up in more office spaces.
5. Walls with Personality
The trend in office design used to be neutral – especially for wall color. Beige ruled. That will definitely not be the case in 2019. Expect to see walls with splashes of bold colors, geometric designs, and eye-catching patterns and textures. These visually exciting elements encourage creativity and help present an image of a forward-thinking company that’s evolving not just in terms of design trends but across all categories.
If your office could use a refresher, we hope you find these trends inspiring! If your office needs new furniture installed or if you’re contemplating a renovation or move, we hope you will contact us at Houston Installation Services
