We’ve come a long way with office design. Cubicles are being phased out and companies are reimagining how design can facilitate productivity at work. We now understand that office design can hinder our wellbeing or enhance it. Whether you’re flying solo in a small office or working with a team in a larger space, there are plenty of ways to make improvements. If your workspace could use a revamp, these modern office design concepts will inspire you to make some changes.
1. Industrial Design
Industrial is a common style of modern office design, especially in coworking spaces. Exposed brick, wood, concrete, and other building materials are a hallmark of this style. Most industrial designs have open floor plans and a ‘chic factory’ feel to them. There is typically less decor and more space, but the decor that is chosen is usually tidy, deliberately-placed, and sophisticated.
This type of design is largely dictated by architecture and less so decor. While you may not have an industrial space, you can still borrow elements from this design style if it suits your taste. For example, choosing modern and minimalist chairs. Straight black lines are a staple in industrial design, so choosing black furniture, light fixtures, or window and door trim will give your space an industrial feel.
2. Mid-Century Design
This design style can be funky and colorful or toned-down and professional. It’s all about incorporating vintage pieces, or modern pieces that are reminiscent of the mid-century. Generally considered to be the 1930s to the 1960s, mid-century was a time when offices and living spaces were relatively simple Some hallmarks of mid-century design include both straight and curved furniture, minimal ornamentation, and natural materials. Warm wood tones were also a staple of this era.
To give your space a mid-century feel, look for quality wood furniture and unique vintage shapes in your lighting. Art can include geometric patterns, earth tones, or bold colors.
3. Bohemian Design
In some ways, bohemian design is about breaking rules. There’s no need to hold back on colors, complex patterns, and ornamentation. Bohemian design often goes heavy on plants and decor. Designers can go with either dark and dramatic colors or light and earthy tones to accomplish this style.
To design your office space with bohemian flair, experiment with patterns and layering. Contrary to popular belief, bohemian design isn’t a free-for-all explosion of unrelated design elements. While there’s lots of boho office decor out there, it’s more about curating a collection of artistic pieces that create a sense of fullness in the space.
4. Traditional Design
Can a modern office design be traditional? Absolutely. For those who aren’t looking to reinvent the wheel, a traditional office layout is perfect. The key to executing a traditional design is to have no surprises. Keeping things simple and tasteful is key. Decor might include books, simple lamps, and landscape art. For a more mature look, consider a chandelier or an ornate rug. Colors should be neutral and calming – nothing that shocks the eye or appears out of place. To add some layers, consider floral, plaid, or striped elements to complete this modern office design look.
5. Urban Jungle Design
Urban jungle design is about blending the indoors and outdoors. Office spaces with this style may have elements of both industrial and bohemian design – think bamboo wood, clean black lines, and patterned planters scattered throughout the space. Living or artificial green walls are also popular here.
This particular office design facilitates both seclusion and spaciousness. The slatted wall dividers provide some privacy for meetings without making participants feel boxed into a windowless space. This modern office design attempts to strike a balance between personal and collaborative space. It does just that with a wide hallway leading out to a dining area and a sequestered seating area for individuals on the right.
6. Minimalist Design
In the quest to acquire less stuff and move away from consumerism, minimalism has exploded in popularity. Minimalist office designs have a unique upside: They’re not distracting. Workers in minimalist spaces may have an easier time focusing because there’s no clutter to distract the eye.
While it’s not required, white is often a hallmark feature of minimalist design. Rather than layering colors or patterns, white on white is perfectly acceptable in a minimalist space. Decor is either non-existent or sparse. To execute a minimalist office design, be very choosy with what you allow into the space. Think about functionality and spaciousness, and let decor be simple and out of the way.
7. Scandinavian Design
Scandinavian design is eclectic and may contain elements of the other styles we’ve discussed.
Like bohemian design, Scandinavian design often plays with light wood, off-whites, and patterned pillows. Like minimalist and traditional design, Scandinavian design typically keeps things conservative and simple. It meshes well with industrial design, and the term ‘scandi-industrial’ was even coined to show how the two can seamlessly blend.
To accomplish a Scandinavian office design, experiment with grays, blues, blacks, whites, or tans. Simple sculptures and natural textiles like wool, linen, and burlap fit this style. Think industrial but with a lot more ‘hygge.’
Modern Office Design for Your Space
Hopefully one or more of these styles stand out to you. Consider your natural lighting and any furniture already in your space to determine what would complement it best.
Regardless of the shape or size of the office, you can borrow design elements from any of these classic styles. There tends to be some overlap between these trends, so don’t be afraid to mix and match a bit. At the end of the day, the right office design is whatever makes you feel comfortable and productive.
About the author
Carl Deña
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