Go back 20 years or so, and work/life balance was pretty simple for most office workers. There
were “work hours”, during which people generally did their work. In an office. Because the office
was where the phones and faxes and post were, where your office computer picked up your office email and where messages were taken and relayed to flip-phones, PDAs and Nokias.
Clearly, things are rather different now. For many of the growing chunk of Millenials and Gen Zers
in today’s workforce, work is something you do - not somewhere you go.
In this always-connected world where the separation of home and work isn’t physical, work leaks
(or pours) into home life.
In the interests of balance, it’s only natural then that the home has begun to leak into the office -
and it’s here we find the concept of resimercial design.
What is resimercial office design?
A bit of a marmite term, “resimercial” is a portmanteau of “residential” and “commercial” and just
means mixing residential design elements into commercial spaces.
Originating in commercial architecture, the concept has now hit commercial interior design in a
big way, though obviously its roots can be traced back years in big Tech firms - think Apple Park
in Cupertino or Google’s “Googleplex” HQ.
Though it has been growing in popularity for a while now, the expected post-COVID push towards workplace wellbeing and a hybrid approach to office and home work has provided a real catalyst, driving resimercial firmly to the front of the 2021 commercial design trends.
What makes resimercial such a hot trend right now?
Whether you love the term or not, the productivity and wellbeing benefits of fusing workplace
functionality and a touch of home comfort are undeniable.
With its focus on workplaces that are more comfortable, inviting and approachable, resimercial
design incorporates wellness elements such as:
• Natural materials
• Lush planting
• Visual stimulation through artwork and colour
• Air and sound quality
• Ambient lighting
• Breakout spaces for collaboration and relaxation
The ultimate aim is to create an environment where people are happy to spend their time - where
they find it easy to collaborate and engage with co-workers and which includes elements
designed to spark creativity and reduce stress.
And so, as we prepare to welcome workers back to the office after long periods working from
home through the pandemic, it’s easy to understand why it’s a trend that has gained so much
traction right now.
Check out our other “New Normal” design picks for wellbeing in the post COVID workplace.
Is Resimercial right for my company?
The simple answer is yes. The beauty of resimercial is that it’s versatile enough for commercial
interior specialists (like us *wave*) to tailor a design solution that fits the individual needs of a
business, both stylistically and culturally.
In our opinion, successful resimercial design isn’t about making the office look or feel just like
home - it’s all about crafting a balance.
So furniture should be aesthetically pleasing, tactile and comfortable - but it’s also got to be
functional and practical.
And offering a flexible choice of workspaces is important - but bringing in more relaxed areas for
collaboration or kickback time doesn’t mean there’s no need for individual desks, private offices
or quiet spaces for concentration and focus.
Resimercial design inspiration
We’ve worked alongside lots of our clients to create some amazing, innovative resimercial spaces.
Here are just a few of our favourites:
The Gym: The Property Buying Company
The Breakout: Charlton Morris
The Office & Distillery: Mason’s Gin
Inspired to introduce resimercial into your office? We specialise in creating amazing spaces
for both work and play. Drop us a line today - we’d be delighted to chat about what we
could design for you.
Want to see a little more? View some more of our completed projects here, and find out
what our happy clients say here.
