If there’s one thing that struck us when looking at the commercial interior design trends coming through for 2022, it’s that they look rather familiar…
And of course this makes perfect sense.
Like every aspect of our lives, the design landscape is still utterly dominated by the after-effects of Covid, with new post-pandemic realities and behaviours taking time to clarify and bed in.
What’s very clear is that we’ve emerged from the pandemic with a real desire to be closer to nature in as many ways as possible.
Sustainability, thankfully, had graduated from the “trend” label long before the virus hit to become key to how the majority of us want to live our lives.
Perhaps its importance has been spurred on in our minds by the past 2 years - our desire for soothing, “resimercial” spaces full of natural elements and planting reflecting our time spent cosseted at home and our anxieties about safety in crowds.
Perhaps it’s just how things were going anyway.
Whichever, sustainability is a driving theme again across most sectors - from the travel choices we make to the clothes we wear to the inside of our homes and the interior design of our offices.
So, it’s where we’ll kick off our roundup of the main office interiors trends for 2022.
Conscious, Sustainable Office Design
Making responsible choices to furnish and fit out our workspaces is easier than ever, with endless options when it comes to eco-friendly materials and furnishings that look great and are built to perform for years to come.
From FSC certified woods to recycled or upcycled fittings, organic fabrics to stunning natural finishes like cork (which offers surprising health benefits beyond the aesthetic), we look to sustainable options and suppliers wherever we can in our commercial office schemes.
And that’s not just because it’s good for the planet. The fact that sustainable products are made to last for a long time means it’s good for your pockets too.
Chat to our team about creating the perfect eco-friendly workspace for the New Year.
The Natural Interior at Work
Harmonising with the sustainability theme, interior schemes are moving strongly towards the use of natural materials, neutral colours and plenty of planting.
Think lots of woods and curved, organic shapes, light, neutral colour palettes with earthy accents, soft, tactile fabrics like velvets, organic cottons and linens and glass or open dividers that let natural light flood through.
Then add lots of greenery for the perfect, calming space for you and your staff to flourish.
Natural Curves
Another nod to the natural trend, organic, curvaceous pieces are on-trend for 2022.
As with all naturalistic design elements, the psychology of curves is that they help us feel calmer and more relaxed in a space by maintaining a soft flow that doesn’t overstimulate the senses.
There are lots of ways you can bring curves into your office design, from mid-century inspired curved furniture to sculptural pieces or ceramics, dividers to desks.
A Touch of Sophistication
All those neutral tones need something a bit punchy to add a little edge and drama.
Enter black as an accent, the perfect colour choice to accentuate a space, adding contrast, depth and interest.
Introduce a touch of the darker side of the spectrum and bring a bit of grown-up sophistication to your overall scheme by using Crittall-style windows, monochrome artworks, dark planters or fabrics for furnishings.
Go Green
Literally.
Already trending for some time, green as a colour choice is another existing trend that’s going nowhere fast in 2022.
This grounded, subtle colour is calming, soothing and versatile - the perfect choice for a workspace. Added via plants or paints or both, it matters not - you and your staff will reap the benefits regardless.
The Versatile Workplace
It’s long been our opinion that the modern, agile office needs multifunctional spaces - places which facilitate the range of tasks that make up our working day.
We all switch from mode to mode as we work - going from quiet concentration and focus, to collaborating with colleagues or meeting with clients to needing somewhere to kickback and recharge our creative or productive muscles.
Each of these modes requires its own type of space.
Our recent project for property specialists Knight Frank is a wonderful example of how design flexibility can help a cutting-edge company fully embrace new ways of working.
With its café-style breakout area that doubles as a mini-conference space, dedicated meeting and Zoom rooms with state-of-the-art connectivity, considered acoustic comfort built into the entire design and wall-free zoning achieved with different levels, the end result is an inspiring and multifunctional space that delivers a futureproof way of working.
