2024 saw a stronger return to the office motivated by employers wanting to bring teams together in one physical location and boost collaboration. Enticing employees back into the office is no easy feat though, as employers have had to think more creatively about how to create spaces that inspire their workforces back. 

There was, and we suspect that there will continue to be, avid discussion around the forever evolving concept of the office – from open plan to multipurpose spaces to wellness rooms – what do we expect to see more of in 2025? Keep reading to find out.

Top 5 Office Interior Design Trends for 2025

1. A return to nature  

Bringing the outside in and creating spaces focused on employee wellbeing has been growing in popularity over the years and we see no sign of it slowing down any time soon. We do, however, see it influencing design in different ways.

One of which is the incorporation of organic and softer shapes into spaces to create a more welcoming and relaxing environment. Natural textiles and raw materials are also likely to be used more frequently to complement the natural and softer aesthetic.

2. A shift in colour palettes

In 2025, we see a continued interest in neutral palettes – but with a twist. Every year, Pantone, release the colour of the year. In 2024, Peach Fuzz was the winner and we saw that reflected in some of the design choices made in the market with a lot of projects having a ‘cleaner’ and more neutral palette.

This year, Pantone have crowned Mocha Mousse, a rich, warm brown hue, as the colour of the year. This colour lends itself beautifully to being used as an accent colour or even the primary colour if space lends itself to it. We expect to see Mocha Mousse being reflected in wood finishes where darker options, such as walnut, could be favoured over lighter choices, such as washed oak.

3. Mimicking a home office environment at work

As in 2024, we will continue to see the lines between home and work being blurred with sensorial design becoming more prominent in 2025.

The use of textures will be enhanced and sound and scent will become integral to design.

Why the reluctance to return to the office?
Research has shown that when employees compare the home and office working environment, they often conclude that the comfort and flexibility that working from home provides them can not easily be replaced.  

As a result, we expect to see office designs continue to mimic the home office environment even more in 2025 – particularly when it comes to privacy.  

There will be an increased focus on having adequate individual or focused workspaces, that mimic the level of privacy and comfort an employee would have if they were to be working from home.

4. Expanding wellness-centric design

As predicted in 2024, we saw a growing number of our projects being focused on employee wellness. This does not merely revolve around biophilic design, though this is undoubtedly important. We see employers taking more of a holistic approach to this. 

Office design in 2025 will ensure not only the physical environment is adequate and meets the employees’ needs but also focuses on aspects, such as amenities in the surrounding areas, proximity to transport links and more.

5. Accessibility and space for all

As we become more and more aware of the diverse needs of our varied workforces, we understand that not every person will perform a task in the same way.  

Neurodivergent employees can struggle in a traditional office environment and – in order to design and deliver an inclusive workplace – it is essential to analyse the differing needs and approaches of your staff. 

Office design recommendations include;  

• Areas with low-stimulation to help with focus, quiet rooms where concentration or privacy is needed and less populated spaces to help with social anxieties. 
• Social spaces for extroverts and to provide breakout spaces to allow time away from screens and intense work. 
• Well designated areas and cleverly selected furniture to indicate the purpose of a space 
• Access to natural and artificial lighting to denote expected behaviours and support activities within the space. 

In 2025, planning the right office space will be about catering to a variety of needs and making the most of the natural and organic materials to create a space that can rival the home environment. 

Whether it be access to public transport or a dedicated space where they can do focused work, or technological advancements and adoption of artificial intelligence… We expect to see a continued demand for highly tailored, flexible, human-centric spaces.

Katie Oldknow, Head of Design at COEL, commented:

“In 2025 we will continue to incorporate flexibility and enhanced functionality throughout the office landscape.

We will see a strong palette shift towards warmer tones and softer neutrals as a direct influence from the typical home working environment.

Further recognition of a broad range of needs throughout the working day and building on innovative and sensitive ways of incorporating into commercial design.

Lastly, companies will continue to embrace and expand on their environmental responsibility.

Another exciting year ahead!”

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