The two years of the pandemic have taken a lot out of us, but they have nevertheless brought something that could perhaps be considered a definite advantage, namely a changed perspective on the approach to work. Employers have been forced to trust their employees more and have found that working from home has its advantages.
Although the pandemic is thankfully over many people are still working from home, others have returned to their offices, if only for a few days a week.
It is important that the workspace is properly designed, whether it is a room at home or an
office. An interesting and well laid out space contributes to positive thinking, a better mood and also
can contribute to greater efficiency, effectiveness and creativity in getting the job done.
What’s “IN” right now and trending in office interior design will be the focus of this article.
People don’t want to be bored of looking at bare walls and beige, nondescript furniture anymore. The trend of 2023
will be personalization of space. Designers predict that people will want to bring more fun into their interiors and where they are most often found. Spaces decorated with interesting wallpapers or spruced up with a striking piece of furniture such as a colourful sofa or armchair.
The trend for colour and texture, layering colours and materials on walls, floors and furniture is coming. Aiming to create a space that entertains, conjures up a smile and a good mood, that doesn’t get boring.
Pine wood and other natural materials
During his presentation, interior designer Jonathan Adler suggested that pine wood is making a big comeback and is on the rise, as are all other natural materials – stone, jute, wood itself, as well as plant-based elements. Designers will be very happy to work with them in the coming year 2023.
Bamboo is one of the fastest growing plants on earth, it is a natural raw material, sustainable and ecological. Bamboo has great advantages, it is naturally resistant to both moisture and wear and tear such as scraping, it is a hard and strong material that has considerable use in interior design.
Bamboo is fire resistant and hypoallergenic. It can be used for flooring, as a piece of furniture and also as a wall panel.
Personality and individuality are at the forefront
New York-based designer David Frazier revealed that many of his clients are changing their preferences. They are bored of perfect interiors, boring offices, neutral colours and cool materials.
Cozy, unconventional, a space adapted to the personality of the occupant is coming to the fore. She talks about the importance of maintaining individuality and personality with the use of layers, personal collections, textiles, art such as sculptures and paintings.
In 2023, the trend of combining the old with the new is also coming when it comes to furniture. Minimalism has been prevalent in recent years, but now there is a big turn with an emphasis on depth, cosiness, warmth and character.
Structure and use of layers
While the trend for plain, clean walls has prevailed for the past few years, now is the time to layer and create textures. Plain plaster is boring, it’s time to create art.
The use of artistic effects on wet surfaces, Venetian plaster or wood, stone or brick cladding is the trend. Interesting 3D wallpapers or oversized ornaments will also do no harm and create a dominant element in the space.
Wellness at home, wellness at work
Several designers say that in the coming year , wellness corners could even replace gyms in private and work spaces. Instead of hiding an elliptical trainer at home in a corner of their office, clients are asking for the creation of such an immersive quiet place to unwind. (According to Sherrell Neal, founder and principal designer at Sherrell Design Studio).
Since many of us are now spending significantly more time at home, we want a space to escape, to think on our own. A thoughtful space for meditation, spa, yoga or other exercises to satisfy body and soul.
Plants indoors continue to be in high demand and also necessary, providing us with several health benefits. They improve air quality and oxygen flow, reduce airborne toxins and even noise. Large moss walls or paintings remain a trend, as well as living plant walls created by a mosaic of different green plants.
Sustainable materials
Many designers agree that 2023 will be the year of “sustainable design”. Consumers are becoming more and more concerned about choosing environmentally friendly options. People are becoming more and more interested in where a product or material was made and how it was made.
Customers increasingly understand the meaning of “sustainability” and will be willing to pay a premium for quality that will stand the test of time. Antiques are coming to the fore over cheap particleboard, solid albeit more expensive but more durable furniture that lasts for years is timeless and gains in value over the years.
The Game of Light
Time to play around with mood lighting! House of Leon co-founder Jordan Neman says lighting will take center stage and the era of light in design is upon us.
People are starting to see how important it is for them to have plenty of light in the spaces where they are most often found. Light affects a person’s mood and overall mental functioning. Proper lighting of a space will give it the right touch, the right atmosphere. When designing spaces, it is essential to think about how they will be lit, what the space requires.
In addition to ample overhead lighting, which is key and essential, it’s a good idea to use mood lighting that is dimmed. Proper lighting in the office helps to motivate and keep morale up. Natural light is one of the best options and also one of the other trends that companies should be emphasizing on. Large panoramic windows that allow employees to work in daylight most of the day are still a trend.
