8 Amazing Office Interior Designs To Draw Inspiration From

Office interior design plays a critical role in the overall look and feel of a workplace. It can impact employee morale, productivity, and even the company's bottom line. When done right, office interior design can create a space that is both functional and stylish. This article will explore everything you need to know about office interior design.

First, let us define what an office is. An office is a place of work where employees perform their duties according to established rules and standards. However, when it comes to interior design, this definition becomes vague at best. Thus, it is important to understand the difference between traditional and contemporary office design.

A traditional office is one that has remained relatively unchanged over the years. It usually features a standard layout with cubicles or desks dispersed throughout the workspace and often includes filing cabinets, storage units, etc. The furniture used in such an environment is typically static and rarely changes from person to person. On the other hand, a contemporary office is much more flexible when it comes to design.

How to Approach Office Interior Design 

Designing an office space can be a daunting task, but with a little planning and creativity, it can be a fun and rewarding process. Here are a few tips to get you started on your office makeover:

1. Define the purpose of your space. What do you need your office to do for you? Is it a place to focus on work? A place to meet with clients? A place to relax and unwind? Once you know what you want your space to be, you can start thinking about how it will look and feel.

2.  This is the time you think about the additional spaces you need in your office. These might be meeting rooms, conference rooms, cafeterias, lounges, branding areas, or play zone. All of this can be incorporated into the planning of the interior spaces. 

3. Select the theme you want to go with. It can be Minimalistic and done in monochrome. You can go bold in colors and style. You might also want to check mid-century modern or just keep it playful. 

4. Choose a color palette. A good starting point is to choose 2-3 colors from your Brand Design Kit that can be carried throughout the space in artwork or furniture. You can also take a look at some of the top brands in corporate design like Apple or Microsoft for their use of bright colors and clean lines in their spaces.

5. Think creatively about how to incorporate all of your needs into one space. For example, If you need to work on a computer and also have meetings with clients or coworkers, consider getting standing desks and a lounge area that can double as a working space as well as a meeting space.

6. Keep it simple. While you want your office space to look professional, too much clutter will make the space feel cramped and uncomfortable. Try to keep your furniture pieces streamlined and in neutral colors so they don't overpower the rest of the space. 

7. And most important, while you're at it, first figure out your budget and let your designer be informed about it before both of you together make the above decisions. 

10 Necessary Elements to Consider While Designing Office Interiors

1.  Layout and Space

Perhaps the most important part to kickstart this discussion is the layout and the spaces that you want to design and execute. Long gone are days when a dense arrangement of opaque cubicles was made to bring out the best of your employees. Adversely they have been observed to have reduced motivation and enthusiasm in the employees. 

The growing trend is to adopt an open plan, with a minimum partition or a flexible and porous partition. This strongly promotes the idea of collaboration, interaction, faith, transparency, diluted hierarchy, and inclusivity. Opaque walls of meeting rooms are now replaced by glass partitions. 

Another crucial point is the ample space for moving around. Do not cram the space up. Breathing space and walking space not only make the functioning efficient but also make the space look bigger. 

2. Plug and Play

No more do old, boring, and mundane traditional office environments work. Your employees have had a taste of working in the comfort of their homes. A lot has already been said and done regarding the flexible and unconventional work setting. After all, variety is the spice of life, and hence, productivity! Nooks and corners, corridors, Terraces, Semi-open spaces, and staircases are certain areas that when can be reconfigured to create multifunctional spaces for collaborative work activities. 

Consider making an area where people can move about, annotate, discuss, collaborate, sit with a whiteboard, or gather to talk over coffee.

With the right furniture choices, it is possible to design spaces that are flexible enough to accommodate a variety of needs. The idea is to empower the employees and offer them the flexibility to work anywhere, anytime, and however, they want, to bring out the best in them without getting exhausted. 

3. Natural and Artificial Lighting 

Alan Hedge, a professor in Cornell's Department of Design and Environmental Analysis, undertook a new study, of employees who received natural light at all times slept longer and better at night. Additionally, these employees claimed to have a higher level of daily activity and a higher quality of life, both of which may help them sleep better. Proper natural illumination boosts productivity and creativity. Try to bring in as much daylight as possible. Keep this in mind especially if you’re yet to finalize the office space you want to invest in.

Even lighting is made possible by floor-to-ceiling windows and skylights, but diffused light gets rid of the glare, hot spots, and harsh shadows that impair sight and productivity. Softboxes, diffuser screens, frosted glass, and angled light beams can all be utilized to produce diffused light. By planting trees and bushes, you can provide shade for ground-level office areas and encourage employees to take breaks outside. This will create a more pleasant working environment and improve employee morale.

As for artificial lighting, do not forget to get an idea of the adequate lumens of light required for your space before buying the lights. Consult a professional for the best results. Moreover, Lighting can be smartly and beautifully designed for functional as well as aesthetic appeal, it may also complement the wall finishes. 

4. Color

Colors have a deeper psychological effect than what seems on the surface. Some hues are invigorating while others promote feelings of tranquility, and some can even be irritating! Consequently, the selection of colors for an office setting is very important and should not be taken lightly.

Color can well set the mood of your office environment. They can infuse different emotions and thereby influence the work environment among the employees. A play of bright colors makes the work environment playful, on the contrary, an office space done in hues of whites, greys, and black, makes the space look formal and authoritative, while an office done in neutral shades with an accent color gives off a very aesthetic, upscaled, and chique work vibe. 

5. Furniture - Ergonomics, Comfort, and Versatility

On average people spend around 6 to 7 hours sitting at the same desk, using the same chair. The effects of uncomfortable furniture may not be drastic immediately but can be severely damaging to body posture and health in the long run. 

Certain things you should take into consideration while choosing the chairs and the desk are:

• Back posture due to the shape of the backrest of the chair
• Footrest
• Height of desk in proportion with chair and the level at which monitor is placed to avoid neck and cervical pain
• Height at which mouse and keypad are placed, again, to avoid cervical pain

You should also consider investing in seating furniture other than office chairs. These pieces of furniture could be for co-working spaces or other breakout spaces where they could socialize while working or probably just be in a more comfortable and informal arrangement to have a relaxed posture. 

Another core idea behind this is to encourage them to move around for some time. Sitting for long hours affects their mental and physical health, and thereby, their productivity. Accommodating standing desks can also be an amazing idea. 

6. Materials, Finishes, and Textures

Materials, wall finishes, and textures that you pick can supremely dominate the overall vibe and aesthetics of your workplace. While Two things to consider while choosing the materials are the quality of the finishes and their easy maintenance. Use a good grade of ply for your furniture if opting for wooden furniture. Corian can also be a great choice. 

Natural finishes are much in trend as per 2023 design themes for wall finishes. Not only do they have an ingrained beautiful texture, but they also give off a soothing effect. Moreover, the natural earthy colors create a very luxurious and high-end vibe. 

7. Break-out rooms

The idea of making break-out rooms are getting much traction since there has been widespread awareness about mental health, mental fatigue, and top successful businesses valuing quality over quantity. 

These facilities were designed with the premise that psychologically fatigued or exhausted employees are significantly low in productivity. Employees can simply recharge in a room designated for that purpose. This isn't your normal breakout area; instead, it's a much more intimate and private room where staff members may isolate themselves from outside sources. Or, these spaces could have activities for socializing, having some physical activity e.g. mini golf, or some board and card games.  

8. Biophilic Design

The term "biophilic office design" is an honest attempt at integrating the outside inside.  Contrary to popular belief, the biophilic design goes way beyond and is far more complicated than just placing a few plants and bushes. 

The studies show that nature has a healing effect on the human psyche. The fresh green color of the trees is soothing to our tired eyes and mind. A biophilic design approach is adopted keeping in mind the mental well-being of the people working inside. 

Following are certain points to consider:

• Try to bring in as much daylight as possible and give access to the outside view
• Try to utilize whatever open or semi-open space is available
• Use natural materials like wood and stone
• Plants of various sizes

Given the long working hours, Biophilic design has been known to help in following ways:

• Better Concentration levels
• Better productivity
• Less mental fatigue
• Blossoming creativity
• Better mental well-being of employees
• Thus, a better staff retention rate 

9. Decorative and Aesthetic Elements

Elements like sculptures, larger-than-life art installations, designed lights, and many more are a few elements that make for decorative elements that build and enhance the aesthetics of your place. These elements can also be designed to be in line with the subject of your work, or they can also be designed to be interactive. 

10. HVAC

Heat, Ventilation, and Air conditioning, abbreviated as HVAC in technical terms, is probably the most important point to discuss before ending this discussion. Though overlooked by a lot of folks, it can have detrimental effects on your workplace in a lot of ways if done wrong. 

Overheated and suffocated places with bad ventilation systems can take a toll on your and your employee’s health and productivity. It also impacts the customer’s impression of you and your work negatively. All the investment in a visually appealing office is wasted without a good HVAC system. It is highly recommended that you consult the right professionals. 

8 Case Studies To Draw Design Inspiration

1. Upscale Modern Workplace

Flexible curtain dividers

Source: Arch Daily

The Gensler-designed EY Melbourne Project advances the idea of collaborative spaces and how to reimagine the workplace. The project depicts several work settings that demonstrate a grasp of the dynamic workplace and an ambition to promote human interaction by switching between large-scale rooms and smaller, more private places.

Ample daylight flooding in; Multiple types of seating; Planters

Source: Arch Daily

A dynamic user experience is supported using curtains as dividers to enable a variety of applications, activities, and scenarios. The workplace combines interaction areas with technology, audiovisual, increased digital activities, and modularity of components to balance live and digital experiences. Users of the area have total freedom to rearrange all of the furnishings to suit their particular preferences and needs. The structure allows for the zoning of spaces, each with its own distinct personality, using a variety of flooring options. The color palette and the style of the furniture create an ambiance of a high-end modern and luxurious workplace. 

2. Unconventional Play of Materials

Unconventional play of Material - internal walls of Cardboard; Art Installation that becomes a decorative element; Usage if spotlights for enhancing the texture of material 

Source: Architectural Digest 

Photo Credits: Hemant Patil 

Located in Pune, the workspace has been designed for a company that manufactures electronic components for companies like BMW and Harley Davidson. The clients, open to being experimental with the materials, briefed the designers with their philosophy of going green and persistent innovation.

Exposed Brickwork, Stone Flooring; Plantation, Diffused light through Skylights

Source: Architectural Digest 

Photo Credits: Hemant Patil 

The designer took advantage of the chance by using an inexpensive material, honeycomb cardboard in place of brick or glass for many internal walls and partitions that would otherwise have needed visible connectedness. In a technical sense, cardboard is just as tough and durable as any hardwood partition. It also doesn't need to be painted or polished. 

It can be kept in its raw natural form. The usage of cardboard in this context has been pedestalized to the level of an art form since it is waste-free, cheap, 100% recyclable, and biodegradable. As a result, there are textured, undulating walls with a come-hither style that appear to be both sculptures and works of installation art.

Diffused light through Screen facade and skylight; Statement table in solid wood

Source: Architectural Digest 

Photo Credits: Hemant Patil

Tapestry in Vibrant Accent Colors

Source: Architectural Digest 

Photo Credits: Hemant Patil 

While the walls of cardboard create a natural-hued background, the color has been infused by the tapestries in bright colors - the sofas, and the carpets. The extensive use of stones for the floor compliments the combination of accent colors of the tapestries and the natural tone of the cardboard. Exposed brickwork and bare concrete slabs and columns render the space with rustic aesthetics. 

3. A story of Sustainability and Adaptive Reuse

Source: Architectural Digest

Photo Credits: Hemant Patil 

While the studio of an architect is the first impression of the architect's expertise that the place portrays for the clients, it is also a space that houses all forms of artistic expression and endures the rigor of model building and material testing. 

The brand-new Studio PKA, tackles both of these difficulties head-on and adds a completely new one: adaptive reuse, historical preservation, and sustainability. A spectacular example of adaptive reuse, "The Loft | Redefined" is Studio PKA's answer to the city's architectural legacy and is housed within the brickwork and wooden walls of an otherwise abandoned Victorian-era structure that has stood the test of time.

Multiple types of seatings; Splash of Yellow and Green 

Source: Architectural Digest

Photo Credits: Hemant Patil 

Its spatial arrangement is one of the most appealing aspects. The inclusivity that an open plan brings on in such an arrangement is beneficial for the smooth functioning of work. The layout offers a variety of sitting possibilities for working individually, brainstorming, presentations, and silent reflection. 

The studio then divides into smaller chambers for solitary work; above is an open mezzanine that resembles a loft and is outfitted with bean bags so it may serve as a relaxed seating space. The front facade welcomes the flooding daylight all day, each day. 

The material palette has so been adopted to reflect the firm's own design language and philosophy. Rich with organic materials, the place has been done in brickwork, timber, stone, Mangalore tiles, and terracotta.

Flooded with Daylight

Source: Architectural Digest

Photo Credits: Hemant Patil 

4. Cool Office Space - Hot in Trend

Splash of Colours, Communal Kitchen

Source: Officesnapshots

This Adobe office space, designed by Gensler, offers a transformative workspace that encourages collaboration, flexible working and learning while providing a setting infused with the company's intrinsic creative character.

Private Working space 

Source: Officesnapshots

Other than the hot desks and meeting rooms, the inclusion of imaginative "third spaces," a variety of participatory communal areas with lounge chairs and booths placed around the kitchen to encourage serendipitous collisions—accidental conversations in social spaces to foster dialogue and interaction between various groups—is an essential component of the design.  

All levels have lounge areas with areas designated for quiet work and meetings, while the top floor has Adobe's User Experience Centre, where the company can show off its latest products to clients and visitors. 

Additionally, common kitchens on each level and separate lounge areas that highlight materials, patterns, and color to create a playful, engaging, and whimsical concept inspired by the company's most recognizable Creative Suite products to generate additional social spaces.

Play of Colors; Various types of seating

Source: Officesnapshots

5. A winning case of Biophilic Design and True Wealth

“Garden Pods” to replace conventional meeting rooms; These are equipped with acoustic panels and Curved TV Screens

Source: Dezeen

This wealth management facility in Singapore, designed by the firm Ministry of Design, created offices and conference spaces tucked away among tropical flora. Citibank had briefed for developing a wealth management center across the 6th to 9th floor of a Singapore building, specifically for its high net worth clients.

Functional and aesthetic use of lights 

Source: Dezeen

In recognition of the attributes of the site, the studio suggested an office plan centered on a luscious conservatory that would serve as the business's focal point. To provide a variety of perspectives at every level, MOD carefully chose plants in consultation with landscape architects that would adapt well to an air-conditioned atmosphere, flourish even in the shadow, and form four separate vertical strata.

The design team used more opulent materials like walnut and marble for the eighth floor's Citigold Private Clients because of this, and an observation deck provides views of the atrium from above.

High-end opulent Finishes 

Source: Dezeen

Individual work desks while savoring the view

Source: Dezeen

Collaborative work seating enclosed with plants 

Source: Dezeen

6. Meditating in Zen Minimalism

Color scheme and style of furniture for minimalism

Source: Dezeen

On the 11th level of the freshly renovated Smithson Tower, ConForm Architects designed a "homely" workplace for a financial company. The design reflects the modern trend of creating communal workplaces rather than cellular ones.

The sturdy structural grid of the existing structure and its columns divide the area into eight zones. These areas feature casual and cozy working spaces with a homey vibe that are created to accommodate various working styles. The goal, according to the architects, was to provide personnel and visitors a place to call home away from home.

Color scheme and style of furniture for minimalism

Source: Dezeen

The aesthetics of the office confirms with a zen minimalism, eliminating everything that wasn't required for a meditative work ambiance. The style of furniture is kept light and sleek for dark tapestries. While bulky sofas are done in light grey tapestry to maintain an undisturbed balance in the entire space.

7. Plug . Play . Collaborate

Furniture made of salvaged materials; various types of seating offered

Source: Dezeen

The project, Semba Good Ethical Office consists of a variety of minimalist tables, seats, and storage made from materials recovered from prior office demolitions. Semba Corporation explained that to finish the project, it focused on two principles: "ethical" and "hackable" design.

Furniture made of salvaged materials; various types of seating offered

Source: Dezeen

In the capital of Japan, this furniture is arranged throughout a single open-plan area that is well-lit by floor-to-ceiling windows and overhead lighting. A stairway and a designated desk space are combined into a plinth-like centerpiece that was made from boxed arrangements of leftover wood and outdated file cabinets.

Furniture made of salvaged materials; various types of seating offered

Source: Dezeen

The cushioning on the seats that serve as the informal meeting booths was made from reconstituted foam, while the interior's geometric shelves were built from a variety of wood offcuts. While the materials have been plugged and played with to form new furniture, the place has all sorts of furniture to plug and play with and collaborate for work.

Furniture made of salvaged materials; various types of seating offered

Source: Dezeen

Furniture made of salvaged materials; various types of seating offered

Source: Dezeen

8. Go Bold

Beautiful spaces in bold colors 

Source: Officesnapshots

The coworking space Clockwork Time (CWT), based in Russia, offers a variety of space options, including has many open space spaces, private rooms for teams of up to 13, conference rooms, and various common areas. Additionally, there are chill-out areas, informal gathering places, coffee and tea stations, skype booths, a small lecture hall, and a communal kitchen.

Beautiful spaces in bold colors 

Source: Officesnapshots

The CWT design was influenced by the mid-century modernist style and the furniture trends of the 1970s, when coupled with current design components, resulting in a singular room with an aesthetic ambiance. Gentle geometry and arch shapes are used to reinforce the overall concept on walls, glass barriers, and various ornamental items. 

Bold in its approach, the walls are done in combinations of deep tones of blue, dark green, beige, and terracotta. Some of them have glossy mosaic tiles covering them, which also have modernist color, form, and texture.

Beautiful spaces in bold colors

Source: Officesnapshots

Conclusion

Possibilities of design for your offices are just endless. You just have to be decisive enough amidst the numerous options available and be smart about planning your space. We hope the article has left with you new ideas, and answered some of your questions and confusion. Well, that’s it for now. Stay tuned for more such content!