After the tumultuous year of 2020, it’s safe to say that everyone’s looking for a fresh start. Now that folks are trickling back into the office, it’s prime time to consider what’s hot and what’s not in designing commercial fitouts.

The following design trends are likely to gain traction this year as we continue to find new ways of living and working.

High-tech innovations

2020 was the year that showed us the true value of technology. As such, it makes sense that the design of many communal spaces – from shopping centres in Paris to commercial fitouts in Parramatta – will strive to adopt the latest digital devices in order to continue simplifying the way we work and live.

A few potential examples include remote monitoring, wireless access points, phone apps, and automatic sensors to control elements such as lighting and air conditioning.

Hot desks and agile workspaces

With many companies introducing a restricted approach to office numbers in order to ensure safe social distancing, the trend of hot desking is likely to catapult. Rather than one area delegated to one person, there’s a good chance that commercial workspaces will adopt a more fluid environment, resulting in shared co-working spaces.

Spaced out meeting rooms

Keeping the above in mind, there’ll be a need to ensure meeting spaces are adequately equipped to meet similar safety requirements. Forget dingy and cramped boardroom tables; meeting rooms this year are most likely to transition to larger, open-plan areas, or even outdoor environments where possible.

Getting back to nature

Speaking of outdoor environments, many people are making a conscious effort to reconnect with nature after the year of lockdown. As such, there’s a current gravitation towards earthy tones and natural materials when it comes to the world of interior design.

In terms of colours, think forest and mint greens, deep navies and duck-egg blues, terracottas and beiges. Beyond your wall colours, however, sustainable design practices are also likely to take the lead, with an increased use of green building materials and energy-saving devices.

Acoustic comfort

Open-plan offices may have been the rage for a while now, but things are changing. Once considered a dynamic environment peppered with ambient hubbub, this type of fitout is slowly declining in popularity as more and more people become aware of the distractions that come with constant noise.

Instead, a focus on ways to minimise noise levels within office layouts is taking centrestage. Nifty tricks such as acoustic panels and ceiling tiles can help create a more comfortable working environment that contributes to – rather than interferes with – overall productivity.

Bridging the home with the workspace

After a year of working from home, employees are yearning for some recreation of the comfort that comes with cosy sofas and cocooning environments. Hence, commercial fitouts are likely to see the creations of zones for more informal work and collaborative tasks.

From a practical viewpoint, this trend towards synergetic spaces means a combination of both relaxation and traditional office furniture, leading to informal yet furnished meeting spaces that will accommodate the movement of employees.