There’s nothing like fresh surroundings to motivate us to get organized and make a fresh start, and what better way than to read up on the latest office design ideas for 2017. You don’t have to give your workspace an entire facelift to make some changes, just incorporating a few of these ideas into your interior can help to “freshen up” your space.
If you want to keep your workspace looking current, it’s helpful to be aware of how trends are evolving, and how they can influence your work environment. Here are some modern office design ideas for 2017:
Use Minimal Interior Materials
Architects are adopting the use of minimal material pallets into interiors, achieving a cleaner design through their simplicity. By sticking to just a few materials in your workspace, you can easily achieve a streamlined, minimalistic look.
An example of this style in action is Office Vil, designed by Domaen architecture firm. The office used a continuous surface sheet, which formed a sculpted ceiling that wrapped around two separate offices. Their design created a multi-use space that was extremely flexible.
Go Bold With Colour
The minimalistic design that has become so popular is sticking around, but now incorporating brighter colours. By using brightly coloured surfaces, designers are creating invigorating environment to work and collaborate in.
Bold colours can be used to define spaces, or set the mood in different areas, especially those with open floor plans. Using colour theory in commercial interiors is a great way of increasing output and enhancing the creative way that employees work.
An example of just how impactful bold colours can be, check out the design of the Sugamo Shinkin Bank by Emmanuelle Moureaux. The building uses a combination of shape and colour to give it a different look at every angle.
Design for Participation
Having at least one area designed to encourage collaboration and participation are an asset to any organization.. You can bring your team closer together, open up discussion, and improve brainstorming with some of these features in your office:
- Round tables or circular seating arrangements
- Large whiteboards for group visualization
- Smaller, more comfortable collaboration spaces that get everyone involved
- Plenty of monitors or boards for presenting and testing
When trying to solve problems together or encourage better participation amongst your employees, create spaces that bring everyone closer together. Also, make sure there is an equal level of visibility to monitors or whiteboards.
Connect Your Spaces
Connectivity is another modern office idea for 2017, and the answer to the lack of privacy associated with completely open floorplans. The goal is to create different nooks and work areas that remain connected and easily accessed. You can avoid the fragmented feeling associated with closed-off areas by using spacious halls, glass walls, or cleverly designed partitions and work stations.
Another way of connecting spaces is by including indoor spaces. By visually connecting your indoor and outdoor areas, your work area can benefit from appearing expansive, brighter, and more cohesive.
Experiment With Form and Shapes
Aside from the structure and themes used in your interior, furniture is starting to take on new shapes — creating more interesting and multifunctional spaces. You can use custom furniture to create dynamic interiors that make more of an impression, while giving your employees pleasant and comfortable work spaces.
Another way of experimenting with form is by using different logos or textiles associated with your brand. If your company happens to make a product, you can use it in the creation of your interior design—a great way of showcasing your product and your company’s identity,
An example of using form is this office staircase made from stacked timber beams, by studio Farris. The beams resemble large pieces of the wooden game Jenga, and they include a staircase, mezzanine office, meeting space and bookshelves – making them the perfect example of a multifunctional staircase.
Bright and Open Offices
One of the most effective ways of giving a space a bright and open appearance is with glass walls. The appearance of smooth and reflective glass gives any space a modern and contemporary look, but it also has great practical benefits for workspaces. Glass walls and large windows allow plenty of natural lightening and views that create a more stimulating work environment.
Reflective surfaces are another trend that help spaces feel bright and open. Glass walls offer acoustic privacy while not feeling closed off. When used on exterior walls they reflect their surroundings environment, which is great for buildings surrounded by greenery, or for keeping indoor plants thriving in full sun.
You can see an example of the use of glass walls in our Alterna Savings project and various other projects.
If you’re doing any renovations or remodeling this year, keep these modern office trends on your radar. Even if you’re not doing a complete remodel, some of these features can be used when repainting, installing new flooring, or replacing counter surfaces. Our goal is to be the best office design company in Toronto, and we’re experts at taking trendy elements and creating a office design that will best serve the needs of your organization. Contact us today to see how we can help.
