Forget the nameless rows of beige or pale grey cubicles, the harsh neon lighting, and the noisy confusion of copy machines and clacking keyboards. Visitors expect more than just a few uncomfortable chairs against a bland wall — they look for plusher settings. The last few years have brought a shift in commercial interior design that shows greater attention to concepts such as wellness, sustainability, and practicality. Here’s a roundup of the latest trends to help you reinvent your work environment.

Commercial Interior Design Styles

While minimalistic and industrial styles have long been popular, the aftermath of the pandemic has encouraged us to reconnect with nature and each other.

Sustainable and Biophilic Design

Growing interest in sustainable materials is evident as builders strive for LEED and WELL certifications to meet client expectations. Accordingly, Formica Group encourages its suppliers to develop strategies to improve its products’ carbon footprint.

The impact of this increased awareness on the real estate market is undeniable. According to the U.S. Green Building Council, LEED-certified assets outperform during recession-recovery periods, with lower vacancies compared to non-LEED counterparts. Additionally, employers in LEED-certified spaces report higher recruitment and retention rates, along with increased employee productivity.

While more complex and less tangible to assess, biophilic design also has a profound impact on commercial environments. This approach incorporates natural and nature-inspired elements into the workplace, helping building occupants reconnect with fundamentals. This can be achieved with plants, organic materials, and green spaces, though manufactured materials may also play a role. For example, our DecoMetal® metal laminates are available in an array of soothing and earthy colours, such as Oxibronze and Copper Patina, acting as a spectacular visual complement to greenery.

Human-Centric Design

Many companies face a talent shortage, and providing a dynamic and appealing workplace can be a powerful tool in their hiring and retention strategy. Design beautiful, productive spaces that surpass anything possible in a home office and help foster a sense of community. Flex spaces – such as a café, lounge, meeting room, or outdoor terrace – offer ideal locations for relaxation or a change of scenery.

There’s also greater awareness of accessibility and inclusivity in commercial interior design. Environments are expected to welcome every person regardless of age, gender, mobility, ability, and unique challenges. Essential measures like wheelchair-accessible entrances and spacious restrooms with adequate features are obvious, but thoughtful design benefits truly everyone. Providing adjustable desks and flexible workstations allows each person to tailor their environment for maximum comfort, while designated quiet zones can help people focus on demanding work or enjoy a respite from sensory overload.

Strategic Interior Design Components

Other elements of commercial interior design are more tactical. Any workplace aiming to meet standards should consider the following:

Flexible and Adaptable Lighting

Smart lighting design uses temperature and brightness variations to set the mood and achieve specific objectives. For example, bright and crisp white light enhances focus and productivity, while warmer and softer conditions are more suitable for relaxation in shared spaces or waiting areas. Design different zones according to each space’s purpose and the desired atmosphere.

Playful and Soothing Colours

Neutral and muted palettes, always in style, can be dramatically enhanced with a splash of colour. A predominantly white, beige, or light gray environment can act as a blank canvas supplemented by dynamic elements of more vibrant nuances.

Depending on the desired atmosphere, two sub-trends are worth pointing out:

• Bold, bright colours provide a welcome boost of energy in creative surroundings and appeal to consumers in commercial or retail spaces. This approach may involve an accent wall, statement artwork, or a lustrous surface such as Formica’s DecoMetal® laminates in fabulous Copper Veil or Woven Brass.
• Alternatively, softer tones are also in vogue. Rival paint manufacturers have both named a blue/grey hue as their respective colour of the year for 2024, while Pantone® has picked a rosy peach for its own. This reflects a widespread preference for calm and comforting colours. For 2025, Pantone® has selected Mocha Mousse, a warm brown inspired by chocolate and coffee. Other manufacturers introduced rich and versatile tones like a deep blend of red and blue tones, a bold ruby red, and a soft heathered plum with brown undertones.

Bold, Yet Low Maintenance Textures – Such as Metal Laminate

In recent years, the importance of balancing aesthetics with practicality has grown. This has driven a shift toward materials that combine visual appeal with functionality, making metal laminate panels an ideal choice for creating impactful yet easy-to-maintain designs.

This is where metal laminate panels such as Formica’s DecoMetal® truly excel. Metals can be polished, brushed, oxidized, or buffed to achieve various finishes, from Woven Argent’s textile-like appearance to the mesmerizing patterns of Aluminium Crush II. They add visual depth and interest while being easy to clean, requiring nothing more than an occasional quick wipe.

Whether you take inspiration from nature or your fellow humans, what matters most is acknowledging the bond between every interior space and its occupants. Create an environment where workers feel valued and empowered to deliver the very best of themselves.  Need inspiration? Look at this stunning gallery featuring DecoMetal® panels for ideas on making your workplace shine.