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Insight
Home Insights Office design trends for 2026
The pace of workplace change isn’t slowing. After a year focused on refining hybrid strategies and designing more intentional spaces, 2026 is shaping up to push the boundaries even further.
Here’s what to expect next.
Lighting is no longer just about brightness; it’s about biology. Human centric lighting systems will mimic natural daylight patterns, supporting circadian rhythms and improving productivity. Expect tuneable white systems, layered task lighting and micro-zoning that adapts to different activities. Designers will curate lighting “recipes” for deep work, collaboration and decompression, creating environments that energise and restore throughout the day.
Circular principles such as designing for disassembly, specifying low VOC finishes and choosing furniture with reconditionable components are becoming standard. Retrofits that minimise embodied carbon and finishes with recycled content will dominate, expressing material honesty through visible joinery, layered panels and textured ceilings. Sustainability will look and feel like craft, not compromise.
Workplaces are transforming into experiential hubs. Projection mapping, responsive surfaces, acoustic soundscapes and tactile materials will combine to evoke emotion and interaction. These immersive elements should be applied selectively for elegance rather than excess, creating signature moments at arrival points, collaboration zones and client facing areas. The goal is to make every visit feel intentional and memorable.
Flexibility remains a cornerstone of workplace design, but in 2026 it will be expressed through adaptive furniture solutions. Reconfigurable tables, modular lounge systems and fold out collaboration zones will allow spaces to evolve with changing team dynamics. Designers can bring these elements together with statement silhouettes and enduring upholstery, like textured bouclé, soft leathers and velvets, so flexibility feels curated, not temporary.
Artificial intelligence is becoming an invisible layer of design. AI driven personalisation will optimise lighting, temperature and even desk height based on individual preferences. Meeting rooms will suggest layouts based on attendee profiles and predictive booking will reduce friction. The goal is “smart calm”: sensors and interfaces that quietly enhance comfort without overwhelming the senses.
Bold colour palettes are making a comeback. Expect rich tones, wine reds, deep greens, burnt oranges, paired with layered textures and statement elements. These palettes create curated, expressive environments that reflect brand personality and energise occupants. Pair saturated tones with tactile surfaces such as reeded timber, fluted stone and ribbed metals to soften edges and warm acoustics.
In 2026, authenticity will be defined by a mix of old and new. Combining heritage pieces with sleek modern elements adds depth and narrative, creating spaces that feel both timeless and innovative. Restored objects, archival graphics and handmade details layered against contemporary frames tell a story that connects brand heritage with future ambition.
Biophilic design is continuing its shift from visual accent functional design strategy. Living walls will be used more purposefully, helping to absorb sound and improve air quality. Organic shapes and natural, geological materials will create spaces that feel calm and intuitive to be in. When paired with wellness led colour palettes, these environments help reduce stress, improve focus and support better thinking throughout the day.
Get in touch with our team to discuss how we can bring these trends to life in your next project.
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