We often hear about trends in home decorating. However, commercial interior design proves to be just as important since we spend as much time in the workplace as we do our abodes. While some aspects of interior design might overlap between home and work, commercial design specifically relates to the interior of businesses, such as offices lobbies , restaurants, retail spaces, and other indoor areas that are meant for public use. And because interior designers are also creating a certain atmosphere for visitors and building brands, keeping current with the latest trends is important. We’ll explore the latest trends for 2024.
The Evolution of Commercial Interior Design
Before we dive into the current commercial interior trends, we’ll take a quick look at how commercial interior design has evolved. The profession itself may only be one hundred years old, but the changes that have occurred over the years are just as distinct as their historical eras. The wide open, yet drab, spaces from the Industrial Revolution come to mind with their exposed ceilings. Or you might remember the individual cubicles from the seventies that were a mainstay in office spaces. Regardless of style, we all know that commercial spaces have experienced the most profound evolution in the last three to four years mostly due to the pandemic. Now, it’s not uncommon to see workstations spaced far apart in an open floor plan. Additionally, we’ve also seen a major increase in fulfilment centres and warehouses or even a combination of warehouses with retail space that came about with the rise of e-commerce. Thus, commercial buildings have taken on more modern designs that serve multiple purposes.
Key Factors Driving Current Trends
While productivity, comfort, and efficiency still play a role in commercial interior design, other factors are driving the tide of change for how these spaces look and operate. One mainstay is the presence of technology and how it’s incorporated into a business’s aesthetic and operations. For instance, workstations now have the capability of housing multiple devices in an organised and visually appealing manner. Even wiring and routers can be hidden in such a way that doesn’t require rubber strips on the floor or zip ties. Likewise, board rooms are now designed to facilitate both virtual and in-person meetings.
In addition to technological advances, work culture and the needs of employees as well as clients have factored into commercial design more prominently in recent years. Anymore, offices are modified to accommodate hybrid work situations where desks may be more compact to hold laptops, tablets, or any other device that’s easily transported between home and work. Moreover, with an increased focus on health and wellness, colour schemes either reflect warmth or a sense of optimism. As another illustration, finding a clever combination of break rooms and light workout or meditation spaces wouldn’t be uncommon.
Plus, environmental awareness and sustainability have factored into commercial interior trends as companies look to utilise more recycled or refurbished items for decorative and functional purposes. You can also see evidence in this trend in the increased efficiency of LED lighting and the use of solar panels as a renewable power source.
Current Trends in Commercial Interior Design
Biophilic Design
One popular trend that’s driving a more sustainable design in the workplace is the biophilic movement. This style encompasses natural elements from earth tones to natural shapes and materials. Furthermore, the biophilic motif integrates more natural light using large windows and skylights. You can also expect to see various indoor plants as well as detect an overall sense of tranquillity and organisation. For this reason, this style proves to be versatile, being that you can apply it (or variations) to retail, office, and restaurant spaces.
Flexible and Multifunctional Spaces
Additionally, remote and hybrid work situations are here to stay which translates into a more flexible and modern design for the workplace. The impetus behind this trend relates to the enhancement of productivity, inspiration, and collaboration. Hence, you’ll see more practices such as hot desking, which involves shared workspace for hybrid workers and moveable workstations which consist of modular units that can be arranged to suit employees’ needs while lending themselves to hybrid work solutions.
These same qualities also pertain to the meeting rooms where you’ll have tables that can be elongated for large-group presentations or shortened for a more intimate setting. Along similar lines, you’ll also find mobile or stationary desks clustered together for inter-departmental collaboration or group projects in addition to enclosed workspaces for those who need a quiet spot to focus and/or speak with clients.
Technology Integration
Along with access to devices that would streamline workflow and productivity, commercial interior design has also embraced smart systems and IoT integration. Having a centralised, automated system for climate control, lighting, and security helps to create a more pleasant, comfortable environment. Plus, smart systems promote sustainability by saving energy.
Balancing Trends with Timelessness
While following the latest trends is a smart idea for commercial interior design, you still must balance it out with timeless appeal. For instance, earthy colours may be the hallmark of the biophilic style, but you might consider staying more on the neutral side of things when choosing your tones. The same goes for furnishings. Multipurpose and modular pieces are more versatile and can pair well with almost any design scheme. Also, think about how your customers/clients connect with your brand, and let those factors play into your interior design plan.
Future Predictions in Commercial Interior Design
Even with more companies calling for employees to return to the workplace, the hybrid situation doesn’t appear to be going away any time soon. Along with this change, you can expect to see more technological advances–including the use of AI, which could involve voice activated functions and facial recognition (as opposed to using a key to unlock the door).
Additionally, sustainability will remain in the forefront as more businesses adopt practices that decrease their carbon footprint. While solar panels may not completely replace the grid, more energy efficient means of powering the facility will come into play–thus, more use of natural light. And more commercial spaces might go in the direction of being multi-purpose, like restaurants having a 50-50 capability of serving customers in-person (both indoors and outdoors) while accessing online platforms and having space dedicated to fulfilling carry-out and delivery orders.
Conclusion
Commercial interior design has gone through an immense evolution now that safety, wellness, security, and sustainability have become major factors in determining layout and purpose. Plus, a broader use of technology will pave the way for a multifunctional workplace.
For more insight into commercial interior design trends, contact our experts in the field. Every business has its own distinct needs and requirements, and our designers can create the ideal plan for your commercial space.