Office Design Trends 2026

Share this Article...

Commercial Interior Design Trends for 2026

How we are helping businesses redefine their workspaces in 2026

( 3 – 5 Minute Read )

Office Design Trends in 2026 Natural Materials

What is the Focus of Office Design in 2026?

A technology, markets and employee expectations continue to change, workplaces must evolve to remain relevant. The modern workplace is currently experiencing one of the most significant transformations, the office of today is no longer simply a place to work; it has become a strategic asset that support culture, collaboration, wellbeing and brand identity.

The direction points in one clear direction: workspaces that feel far more human, comfortable and connected.

Sustainability remains a major driver, but the biggest evolution is the rise of resimercial design , the blending of residential comfort with commercial durability and function. As hybrid working continues to trend, companies must learn to recognise that offices must do more than provide workspaces that go beyond task-based work – they must offer an experience that employees want to return to.

How Can Proici Help?

With over 28 years of experience delivering commercial interior design, fit out, and refurbishment projects nationwide, Proici Commercial Interiors are already seeing and helping business adapt to the requirements that will define the workplace in 2026.

Why Human-centric Office Design is Set to Grow in 2026.

Employees increasingly expect workplaces that feel warm, comfortable and welcoming, rather than overly corporate. At the same time, businesses are looking for environments that boost productivity, support wellbeing and help retain talent.

At Proici we have been at the forefront of this shift, designing work environments that prioritise wellbeing, flexibility and culture. Our nationwide projects have had an increasing focus on adaptable spaces, holistic wellbeing and branded environments. The result is workspaces that people genuinely want to return to – spaces which strengthen culture and improve team performance.

Furnishing & Layouts: Comfort, Flexibility and Performance

Traditional office layouts are giving way to more flexible zones design for casual collaboration and breakout spaces. Upholstered seating, lounge settings and coffee tables are becoming central features, transforming everyday interactions into natural opportunity for culture growth and idea sharing.

Bespoke joinery is quickly becoming commonplace within working environments, from custom biophilic feature walls with brand-led signage to agile seating furniture that help communicate brand identity.

Another major shift is the decline of fixed desks. Agile working environment allows employees to choose where they want to work, from focus pods, collaboration tables and meeting booths, through to social lounges and breakout spaces. This not only improves the employee experience but ensures efficient use of space across the entire office footprint.

Workplace Materials and Textures for 2026

Materials and Finishes

Offices in 2025 saw the move towards warmer, more tactile materials such as natural wood, rattan details, soft upholstery and texture fabrics replacing industrial, “magnolia” finishes. These elements remain prominent in 2026 to create spaces that feel more grounded and welcoming.

Soft colour palettes are set to continue to help create wellbeing spaces – muted greens, warn neutrals and deep earth tones combine with organic textures to create sophistication and visual comfort.

Biophilia (Biophilic)

Biophilia continues to grow as a defining element of office design in 2026. Living moss walls, large planters and even small water features are being used to create a restorative atmosphere. Research has consistently shown that biophilic elements help reduce stress, improve cognitive functions and provide a form of non-repetitive visual stimuli within the workspace.

Find out more about how biophilia can improve wellbeing in your workspace here: Biophilic Design

Environmental control: Lighting, Acoustics and Air Quality

Environmental comfort has always been a core element of modern workplace design. Offices in 2026 have a keen focus on optimal light, sound and air quality to further support employee wellbeing and performance.

Maximising the spread of natural light remains a priority, but where this is not possible, tuneable LED lighting is being used to emulate the movement of natural daylight throughout the day. Lighting brightness and hue play a large role in how a space is perceived, with warmer tones giving a feeling of comfort whilst white provide the perception of surgical cleanliness.

Acoustics continue to be the go-to for controlling sound pollution within open-plan environments. From acoustic panelling and sound absorbing materials to quiet focus rooms and open meeting spaces. Future focused business are recognising the importance of protecting concentration without compromising collaboration and agile aesthetics.

AC and ventilation have always been a key component in office design. With the advancement in air filtration technology and smart environment controls bringing comfort at more affordable budgets, more businesses are able to provide healthier, more comfortable workspace for employees.

workplace tea-point design and installation

Hospitality-Inspired Amenities

Tea-points have grown in popularity over the last decade, with café-style breakout area and social hubs becoming the norm for most growing businesses. These not only provide a space for employees to prepare meals or hot drinks, but also encourage social connection and provide a meaningful break away from the desk.

Many wellbeing spaces are also on the rise, with companies investing in dedicated on-site gyms, meditation rooms and booths, quiet zones and even washrooms are receiving attention, with more business adopting residential-style finishes and hotel-inspired layouts that elevate the overall experience.

Why These Growing Trends Matter for UK Businesses in 2026

These workplace trends are not about making offices more informal – they are about designing environments that simultaneously support people and performance growth seamlessly. Businesses that adopt this human-focused approach can benefit from:

Greater talent attraction and retention
Increased employee engagement and collaboration
Higher utilisation of available office space
A stronger, more recognisable brand identity.

Open plan wood based wellbeing office design

Looking to adapt your space in 2026?

If you’re planning an office design, refurbishment or complete commercial fit out project anywhere in the UK, Proici Commercial interiors can help you create a workspace that supports your people, reflects your brand and enhances your operational goals.

Our experienced in-house teams deliver nationwide, providing a comprehensive service from survey and design through to full turnkey competition.

We are here to help, if you need advice in regards to your new or potential office space - be it large or small - we can help you make the most out of your budget.