4 tips for a timeless office design

How to create a timeless office environment: 4 tips

When hearing the word ‘timeless’, many immediately think of sober colors and materials. However, it does not have to be traditional or boring. With a few trendy eye-catchers, you can give a neutral interior that little bit extra. Our interior architect Sara Van Geit shares four tips for an office design that never goes out of style.

1. Resist temporary trends

Sara: “Do you want an office design that stands the test of time? Then stay away from fads as much as possible. Especially for fixed interior elements, such as flooring, custom cabinets, and wall panels. Choose a sober and functional base, for example in wood, steel, or concrete, complemented by soft colors such as white, beige, and brown.

Would you like something bolder? You can easily create attractive eye-catchers with loose furniture. You can also indulge in the latest trends for wall coverings, curtains, and accessories. The golden rule is: place accents on items that are easily replaceable. Your interior environment will last longer, and you will be less likely to grow tired of it.”

2. Choose sustainable materials

Sara: “Office furniture is not something you renew regularly. At the same time, it is very susceptible to wear and tear due to daily use. Therefore, it is better to choose solid materials of high quality. While this may be slightly more expensive, it is more cost-effective in the long run.

In terms of quality, you are generally safe with designer furniture. For example, the iconic ‘Eames lounge chair’ by Vitra has been a staple in office interiors for over 50 years, whether new or vintage. Another advantage: true design classics never go out of style and are therefore more than worth the investment. You can perfectly combine more expensive brands with cheaper pieces to keep your budget in balance.”

3. Combine old and new furniture

Sara: “Adapting your interior to the latest trends does not have to be a major undertaking. By reusing existing furniture and materials, you can create a completely new look. The possibilities are endless: replacing cabinet fronts, reupholstering sofas, pimping chairs with spray paint, and so on. The sofa in our Sky Lounge recently received new fabric wall covering. This allows it to last for another few years.

When we design for clients, we do not always start from scratch. We often work in harmony with what is already there. In this way, you can change a lot even with a limited budget. It is certainly worth considering this.”

4. Maximize every space

Sara: “Our way of working is constantly changing. Today, hybrid working is the norm, and technology is playing an increasingly important role. In other words, multifunctionality is a must in the office of the future. This allows you to easily adapt your workplace to new needs. With a few small interventions, you can turn your meeting room into the ideal workshop zone or a flexible workplace, for example.

Or we can go a step further. We once designed a complete, easy-to-disassemble custom office interior for a client. If they move to a new building in a few years, the interior simply moves with them. That is the epitome of future-oriented design.”