TIRED TO TRANQUIL: 6 office interior design ideas to refresh your workspace

Is your office feeling a little tired? Whether you work on-site, in a shared space with other businesses, at home in your own office or you’re between set-ups, there are some modern interior design tips that can help you make a few subtle – yet powerful – changes to improve your working environment.

We sat down with Fatimah Alhuseini, IKEA for Business Leader, to get some inspiration about the latest interior design trends and how to refresh your workspace overall – making it more modern and functional at the same time.

1. Flexible, multi-functional office layouts

One of the biggest trends in office interior design right now is the adoption of flexible office layouts. Post-COVID, there’s been a massive increase in workplaces shifting to shared desks (or hot-desking) and collaborative spaces that can better accommodate hybrid work styles.

“Flexible office layouts and shared workspaces effectively reduce the need for extensive renovations or additional space,” Alhuseini says.

Modular furniture can give you plenty of versatility. In contrast to normal furniture, modular pieces can be rearranged or come in portable sections so they can be customised to your needs. It’s helpful for businesses that need to adapt their workspaces as they change, without breaking the bank.

2. Comfort, wellbeing and biophilic design

There is a growing focus on comfort, wellbeing and flexibility in office design. Creating workspaces that feel professional yet comfortable and inviting is something many workers want to experience, according to Alhuseini.

“More and more, we see small businesses seek to connect people more closely to nature within a workplace, with live plants and biomorphic shapes [related to natural forms] as an example,” she says.

This is called ‘biophilic design’, which prioritises natural landscape features to create more flow and less stress.

“Research shows that employees in biophilic workplaces tend to be more productive and have lower rates of absenteeism,” says Alhuseini. “Natural light, plants and other elements from nature contribute to a calming and stimulating environment, fostering creativity and innovation among co-workers.”

3. Sustainable functionality

Sustainability is at the forefront of modern office design. “Many of our business customers choose products with sustainability in mind,” Alhuseini says. “They actively ask us about IKEA’s sustainability approach, and this is factored into their decision-making.

“This may involve selecting items made from responsibly sourced materials, recycled materials, production, use, and end-of-life disposal, or recycling practices that minimise environmental impact.”

Ranges like MITTZON are specifically designed with business applications in mind, addressing practical challenges and enhancing workspace functionality.

4. Ergonomic solutions on a budget

Investing in ergonomic solutions doesn’t have to be expensive – and it’s something many employees want in a workplace these days.

“The promotion of employee wellbeing within an office design has been a big trend post-COVID, and introducing ergonomic furniture into a workspace such as sit-stand desks and chairs has become popular as of late, as they are crucial for enhancing the wellbeing of employees,” Alhuseini says.

“Investing in ergonomic furniture can improve employee wellbeing without breaking your budget. Options like modular furniture systems also offer versatility and cost-effectiveness.”

5. Smart furniture and collaborative spaces

Small businesses often need to make the most of limited space. Multifunctional furniture and collaborative spaces can transform a workspace into a fully engaged environment.

Creating specific zones for productivity, meetings and relaxation means the workspace can more easily meets the varied needs of employees.

Alhuseini recommends storage systems that are “customisable, multifunctional and modular” so they can easily adapt to style and functional needs.

Think of sofas with multiple seating configurations you can rearrange based on how small or large your space is, or clever cabinetry systems that maximise your space vertically.

6. Lighting for productivity

It’s easy to forget about lighting, but Alhuseini says it has a vital role to play in crafting a pleasant and highly productive workspace.

“Lighting helps reinforce different zones in an open workspace,” she says. “Casual meeting zones may benefit from softer, moodier lighting, while desks require task-specific lighting for focused work.”

You can avoid harsh lighting and a sole reliance on fluorescents by incorporating softer, floor-level lighting options.

Alhuseini also adds that “integrating smart lighting systems enables adjustments in light intensity and colour temperature, supporting different tasks and moods throughout the day using the one source of light”.

Tweaks like these may feel small in the scheme of things, but put together, they can make a huge difference to your life at work.

Join the IKEA Business Network today

Want to refresh your space? Join the IKEA Business Network, a free loyalty program giving you instant access to benefits, discounts and perks to create a better everyday life at work. Benefits include a free one-hour consultation with an interior designer, plus discounted interior design solutions. Join today.

This article is brought to you by Business Builders in partnership with IKEA for Business. Feature image: IKEA