Embracing a Softer, Home-Inspired Aesthetic in Office Furniture Design

Over the past few years, office furniture design has undergone a remarkable transformation, moving away from the purely functional towards a softer, more domestic aesthetic. This shift, accelerated by the "working from home" phenomenon during COVID, reflects a growing focus on blending comfort with professionalism. Frem has been at the forefront of this movement, setting trends with innovative designs that balance functionality and warmth. As a leading UK manufacturer, Frem’s collections embody this evolution, creating spaces that prioritise well-being, adaptability, and style, redefining the modern workplace experience.

This trend reflects the movement towards a healthier workforce both physically and mentally, moving away from stark, impersonal spaces. Furniture has softened around the corners, fostering a sense of warmth, belonging, and adaptability. Let’s explore this dynamic further. 

The Catalysts for Change

There are several reasons why office furniture design has blended into a softer domestic dynamic: 

• Transition to Flexible Work: The COVID-19 pandemic launched a revolution in working hours, when, and where. As many of us now spend time at home, people are demanding office furniture that feels home from home. 

• Employee Wellbeing: Companies are realising that having an open-plan, homely environment improves employees’ mental health, stress levels, and productivity. Furniture can also provide a safe place to concentrate on projects and perhaps have private conversations, so the rise in Pods and Booths, with acoustic sound panels providing a noise buffer, has become popular. 

• Improvements in Office Technology: Mobile and wireless technologies are a big part of remote and hybrid work, and hence, fixed workstations are no longer required. That freedom has enabled casual, home-like arrangements in office spaces, making work more adaptable. 

Key Elements of Domestic Influence on Office Furniture

Domestic design influences have integrated into office settings, making spaces feel more personal and comfortable. 

• Furniture Design and Materials: While traditional office furniture typically uses synthetic materials and metal, domestic-inspired designs incorporate natural materials like wood, fabric, and leather. Softer, more organic seating shapes, as seen in our seating collections, such as accent chairs and sofas, are now common in breakout areas and reception areas, helping to create a relaxed, homely feel.

• Colour Schemes and Textures: Corporate spaces are moving away from sterile, monochromatic schemes in favour of warmer, earthy tones, soft textures, and accent colours that foster comfort and personality, aligning more closely with residential interiors. In terms of colour, think Kelly Hoppen, the godmother of understated elegance and subtle colour, often called the “Queen of Understated Glamour.” Her colour palette exudes warmth and calm, perfect for the office workspace.  To underpin this aesthetic interestingly, Pantone’s Colour of the Year for 2025, Mocha Mousse, radiates warmth and tranquillity—perfectly suited for creating an inviting office environment. This earthy, rich tone effortlessly complements modern interiors, offering a sense of calm and sophistication.

• Modular and Flexible Furniture: Inspired by the adaptable nature of home furniture, modern office spaces incorporate modular elements like moveable office desks, stackable office chairs, flexible storage, and zonal systems. This flexibility allows for multi-purpose spaces that support collaboration, focused work, and social interaction, mirroring the dynamic, adaptable setup of a home environment.
• Biophilic Design:Incorporating natural elements has become a popular design approach, both at home and in the office. Today’s workplaces often include features like greenery, abundant natural light, and organic textures, which not only create a welcoming, natural atmosphere but also help reduce stress and improve air quality, supporting overall well-being. Taking it one step further, Acoustic Sound Accessories made in natural flora and fauna shapes, like Botanica, can help in offering a sound-insulating solution to noisy offices.

The Impact on Workplace Culture and Productivity

• Enhanced Comfort and Morale: Comfortable, home-like environments can significantly improve employees’ emotional well-being and job satisfaction. When people feel physically comfortable and emotionally at ease, they are more likely to engage positively with their work and colleagues.
• Encouragement of Social Interaction and Collaboration: Domestic-inspired office furniture, particularly communal seating and reception areas, can encourage informal discussions and collaborative working styles. This shift has been particularly evident in the UK’s tech and creative sectors as businesses increasingly value open communication and agile work environments.
• Personalisation and Sense of Ownership:When offices feature home-like design elements, employees may feel more encouraged to personalise their workspaces. This practice fosters a sense of ownership, which can improve loyalty and engagement, helping employees feel valued and connected to the organisation.

Real-World Examples and Case Studies

Known for its employee-centric approach, Google’s London campus includes a mix of private and communal areas, soft seating, and natural decor that mirrors the comfort of home. These spaces encourage relaxation and creativity, which are core to Google’s work culture.
Many smaller British firms are also incorporating domestic influences, adding touches like coffee lounges, reading corners, and flexible meeting spaces that reflect the comfort and informality of home.

Chairplan by Frem Group have contributed to this trend by offering modular, adaptable furniture solutions.  Check out Novus Aben and Arrange. 

The Future of Office Design in Britain

Many considerations are being made in the advancement of office furniture design, including eco-friendly products and materials and the desire for more flexible working spaces. 

• Sustainability and Natural Materials: The demand for eco-friendly options has increased significantly, and furniture crafted from sustainable materials aligns well with both the homey aesthetic and environmental goals. The trend towards “sustainable comfort” is expected to continue growing, especially in the UK, where environmental standards are high.
• Customisable, Flexible Workspaces: Personalisation has become a key trend, with employees increasingly tailoring their office environments to suit their unique needs, work styles, and preferences. The use of Pods and booths, for instance, has grown significantly in recent years as employees in larger office settings seek quiet, private spaces for focused work and confidential discussions.
• Ongoing Fusion of Home and Office Spaces: Since COVID, working from home has become a more acceptable model and has left a legacy. Hybrid working will remain a more common theme, and office furniture design will need to evolve towards versatility and flexibility. Furniture that is equally suited to home has increased in popularity, meeting the demands of both corporate and domestic environments.

Conclusion

Over the past decade, domestic and office furniture design has blended significantly, reshaping work environments to become more collaborative, softer, and fluid. This shift reflects a deeper transformation in the workplace culture, especially after COVID, where employee well-being and comfort are taking precedence over how people work. If you would like to find out more about upgrading your office furniture, get in touch today. 
 

Clare Farthing, Head of Marketing - Clare Farthing