Office Design Trends for 2025 / 26 - Workspaces People Actually Want to Be In!

It is no surprise to many that we love to talk about the interiors of offices when it comes to workplaces. And today the way people want to work in spaces has changed. No longer are the days of boring, grey felted cubicles (remember them?), buzzing bright ceiling strip lights and open spaces where your energy was drained before you even opened your laptop - acceptable.

People want workspaces that feel inspiring. Workspaces that are not just built for function but for mood, creativity and for greater connection. Offices have now become an extension of the business brand, places that impress clients, retain talent and make people proud to show up and work there.

So what do we love over here at Russell Fewins HQ?

In 2025 leading to 2026, here are 10 of our favourite office design trends that we absolutely love and believe are here to stay.

Glass and Natural Light

Natural light and letting it spill into the environment is one of the biggest game changers in any workspace. Large windows, open designs, and glass walls enhance the feels of a space. Different types of light affect people’s productivity positively by increasing energy and creativity while improving the overall atmosphere of the office too. Also the creative use of glass in office designs shows a modern, open and interconnected style. Light, airy spaces eliminate the constricted feeling of the traditional stud wall boxed in office while still allowing the necessary privacy.

Think offices where glass is utilised as a design feature rather than a simple partition, such as decorated glass walls with minimal logos, glass-framed windows, or glass doors which separate areas while allowing the circulation of light and maintaining the openness of the office make us happy.

Biophilic Design and Greenery

Plants in the office space are not just a decorative element.  They can easily accessorise and dominate the design of the workspace. Large planter boxes, flowing walls of plants, or even living walls transform a space architecturally and psychologically by softening cold lines, increasing air ratio and creating a sense of nature that everyone enjoys.  Biophilic designs are popular - they make an office feel more welcoming. They add calm and balance to the atmosphere of even the most chaotic spaces. We always think sculptural planters for trees in busy work zones or strategic planters in lobbies are a great example of thoughtful design in a space.

Branding That Tells a Story

Branding in offices used to be a case of stick a logo on a wall and that’s it - done!  But now the most effective workspaces embed branding elements in every detail of the design -  colours that align with the brand’s identity, textures that echo the brand’s values and art that invites meaningful conversation.  When branding is done properly, it doesn’t feel forced. A feature wall in a bold brand colour, a gallery of client stories and the effortless use of brand accent colours all make the space feel unique. We love stepping into a workspace and immediately feeling whose environment we’re in - because the space possesses character and has a unique story to tell.

Flexible Layouts

Nobody works in one position all day long and offices are finally understanding that.  Flexible layouts are one of the biggest shifts we’re currently seeing. Instead of planting rows of desks side by side, now there are zones such as quiet zones for concentration, collaboration hubs for brainstorming, and informal spaces for conversations. Our favourite spaces are breakout areas that lean towards boutique hotel lounges instead of traditional offices. They have welcoming, soft seating, warm ambient lighting, as well as art that invites people to stay and work in the space. These places also often trigger the best ideas amongst teams.

It’s in the Atmosphere

Speaking about ambience, it dictates emotion and productivity. The right balance of light, sound, colour and texture can turn a bland un inspiring office into a space people want to work in.  We love how the accent of versatile, layered lighting feels. While daylight is necessary, the addition of surrounding warm lighting plus adjustable ambient lighting lets the space change with the day’s condition. The 10am high-energy bright zone feels the same at 5pm when the space becomes welcoming.

Architectural Acoustics

Through structural design vents, the open plan office can have an attractive and chic style all of its own. But they can fail to have the crucial sound dampening design people need, and the office can quickly become a noisy chaotic zone. Too high a concentration of sound ruins focus and can over time add to stress levels - which we want to avoid. So, the current trends in design concepts -  are materials, partitions and panels that absorb sound rather than reflecting and bouncing it around.  We love a design with stylistic acoustic components that merge both the sound and image. For instance, felt panels, with bold and eye-catching colours, echo-reducing wooden slats, and other soft furnitures that add personality and charm to the office . It is the type of design that solves and enhances the aesthetic value of the space whilst staying on brand.

The Move towards Braver and Bolder Colour Choices

Neutrals will always have their place, but in 2026  we will all be braver. Drastic and daring colour choices such as deep blues, earthy terracottas and mossy green colours will become more and more popular. Offices with personality feel far more engaging than sterile beige neutral spaces.Colour drenching is a personal favourite of our team at the moment. Painting a room in a single strong colour adds a dramatic flair.

Wellness Focused Spaces

People have begun to regard wellbeing as a core value. Healthy spaces make people more productive. This means there should be areas for movement as well as stillness, with the use of ergonomic furniture.  Designs can subtly incorporate wellness into the theme, for example, a cushioned nook for respite away from someones workstation, as well as configurations that promote standing desks doe working if needed. Offices focusing on people’s well-being personalise the work environmen and increase productivity.

Personality and Playfulness

Finally, it's important that band 'personality' is attributed to the spaces. Offices that are full of creativity and do not take themselves too seriously are the ones that add a touch of joy and even the most unexpected accessory which turns heads and is memorable too. Odd and fun illustrations, a daring piece, such as a unique chair, or even a cheerful breakout zone that makes people happy.  It's the connections made through those spaces that make an office inviting, engaging and enable the employees to take enjoy working in the office

When someone steps into the offices for an interview or meeting, they will form an opinion within seconds of your business. Does this business feel professional, look inspirational? Does the office paint a picture of the brand? Does the office encourage them to want to work there? You see, offices are not solely about functionality in 2025 and 2026;  they are also about the experiences they deliver too and in the burgeoning world of AI, the brand experience is more important now than ever.

The truth is, people might forget the number of desks or the size of the boardroom, but they’ll always remember how the space made them feel.

Want to learn more about our space planning services and how we can support your next office relocation or refit?

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