OFFICES IN 2020: Micro trends

Those on the front lines of workplace design are working to anticipate the ever-evolving needs of businesses while creating a cohesive brand environment that embraces innovation and a company’s corporate culture and vision.

As is the nature of trends, they change with the times. Although some have more staying power, even the most popular trends evolve over time while others fizzle out entirely. What remains consistent about the trends of 2020 is that they are a reflection of our modern-day business culture. By looking at the trends of tomorrow, you can understand where the businesses are now and where they want to be when the future finally arrives.

In this article, you will discover the office design trends of tomorrow as defined by our team of expert design consultants. By working with thousands of major employers throughout North America, Our Hub’s design consultants see first hand what concepts are emerging, trending, and appear to be here to stay. Our Hub has identified four groupings of macro and micro trends that are driving office design trends today. As businesses continue to define their future plans, these dynamic trends offer opportunities in workplace improvements and design.

As we plan for 2020 and beyond, these trends stand to make the most immediate and significant impacts on the future of our workspaces.

Monochromatic Expression The Oxford dictionary defines monochromatic as containing or using only one color. However, this definition doesn’t quite tell the whole story when used in terms of design. Monochromatic color schemes are the newest iteration of the color explosion that’s been taking place in commercial environments over the past several years. These exquisite color palettes only use one color, but they use the entire spectrum of shades, tones, and hints of that particular color to convey a uniform but still unique and easily recognizable theme.

This purposeful design strategy draws people in through creative expression of color saturation. This helps buildings establish a holistic unified image showcasing key functions and personality.

Hanging Horticulture Plants are more popular in office environments than ever before, with the emergence of living green walls and moss walls as staples of well-being and branding. The public adoption of biophilic design vaulting greenery into a near stratospheric level of popularity. Plants in offices and commercial spaces are nearly mandatory nowadays. With plant design engrained in buildings seeking a sustainable and wellness-forward image, green has become and continues to be an undeniable feature in the future of office design.

It’s safe to say that plants have officially rooted themselves in contemporary office design. With floor space at a premium, designers are turning to new heights to integrate their vegetation: ceilings. The ceiling is the next frontier for those striving to maximize space, efficiency, and incorporate the patterns of nature. Hanging vegetation often promotes the home-styled environments where the lines of business and leisure are blurred.

The Modern Modular trend is an extension of the Dynamic Spaces trend from years past and is focused on the amazing innovations that are emerging in offices, allowing businesses to work smarter, more effectively, and create an environmentally conscious workspace for their employees.

Domesticated Workspaces Furnished kitchens, flower pots and woven baskets, throw pillows and area rugs — no you’re not at home, this is your office’s new accent design. In an effort to create a more comfortable, homestyle working environment, properties are turning to all of the things that make home feel like home. This design’s benefits are twofold for office workers. The amenities create a more welcoming and relaxed environment for employees who frequent the office.

The space is consequently more satisfying overall and conducive to working later than those without household amenities. Workspace amenities such as these attract remote workers back into the office by creating a space with which employees engage and are excited about, strengthening team dynamics and morale.

The Domesticated Workspace trend stems from commercial spaces increased interest in hospitality environments, specifically hotels that cater to business travelers.