Employees have new and increased expectations of their employers and workplaces — craving a new office design dramatically different and better than the one they left.
Recent Steelcase research uncovered those who have been comfortable at home, whether it be because they enjoyed a more relaxed environment or had created a space to work that fits their preferences, are now hoping for that same level of comfort in the office.
HOW TO MAKE THE OFFICE FEEL MORE LIKE HOME
Since employees desire a new office design that supports comfort and inspires creativity, we’ve summarized three ways workplace leaders can get the creative juices flowing through these examples of residential office design. Here’s how you can make the office feel more like home.
1. Bring the outside in
In the heart of Kendall Square, One Broadway reflects its neighborhood hub of innovation. The lower-level area of the commercial retail space, owned by MITIMCo, acts as a gateway to tenants of the building, including members of the Cambridge Innovation Center (CIC). Founded by MIT graduates, the CIC is a coworking space that gives entrepreneurs and startups around the globe a space for collaboration and ideation. The lobby inspires tenants and instills a sense of community by bringing outdoor elements indoors, flooded by natural light and biophilic elements.
Fun fact: This three-phase project and new office design received Honorable Mention in Interior Design/Public Spaces from Architecture MasterPrize™ (AMP).
2. Set an intentional color palette
These South End luxury apartments portray a modern, romantic feel based on the intentional monochrome color palette with deep jewel tones, making it a hip and trendy city residence. This high-end establishment boasts multiple lobbies, conference rooms, co-working spaces, roof decks, fitness center and even a dog washing station.
Fun fact: From the swanky purple suede 30-person Songololo sofa from South Africa, to treasures from Italy, Red Thread worked with over 80 vendors across the world to furnish all the rooms and public spaces.
3. Incorporate fun into the workplace
This mixed-use, smart growth development in Watertown, Massachusetts features a modern design aesthetic and truly embodies a live, work, play environment. The outdoor roof deck, game room, library lounge, work nooks, etc. give residents a variety of options that inspire creativity from an outdoor escape to an indoor sanctuary.
Fun fact: Red Thread and the project partners had a blast collaborating and furnishing this amazing space together. Embracing the vibe, site visits and install days typically ended with an outdoor group exercise or cocktails at a local eatery.
What now?
If you’re interested in transforming your corporate, hospitality or amenity spaces into a new office design, our Red Thread Lifestyle Group is ready to help you.