2020 Office Design Trends

There are three major forces that are driving dramatic workplace evolution in 2020, with wellbeing as the common thread. Technology affects almost every aspect of our lives today, but there is a growing awareness that it is humanity that is actually at the core of any organization’s success.  

Those organizations that are experiencing the most success have created clarity in terms of the values of their business, with an emphasis on valuing the humanity of their workforce. This is attractive to both customers and employees, and that spells success. The design of the office is the body language of an organization, so today we are going to explore some top 2020 office design trends that can help you refine the language of your office to express a culture of wellbeing.

  • BEING REAL. The consumer mindset is moving away from perfection to embrace a more organic connection with where they work and what they buy. 

    • Transparency is becoming more important. People feel a need to see what is really happening beneath the surface. Designers are curating what is around a space to share those influences, as well as the human connection that is behind a product or service. 

    • Companies and designers are exploring more ways to repurpose used items that were considered waste in years past, which helps people feel good about consumption. 

    • In addition to creating opportunities to reconnect with nature in an office environment, designers are also harnessing the benefits of biology to integrate that in new ways. Think: fabric made of mushrooms, for example!

  • FEELING GOOD. Your workplace is a place that fosters opportunities for building community, and your space is a place where people can enter in and immediately see and experience your values. 

    • Companies are no longer interested in separating customer experience from their cultural values, but are rather putting a stronger emphasis on how people feel. When your workforce is supported holistically, they do better work. Lighting, materials and color, social spaces and other design elements can help people feel great, which will be good for business.

  • COMING TOGETHER. 12,000 retail locations have closed in the last decade, and those that survived have learned to create a theatrical and social environment to attract customers. The focus is on becoming destinations that people want to experience together with friends and family. 

    • Humans are social, and teamwork is becoming increasingly important in the completion of projects. 2020 office design is trending towards spaces that are impactful and tools that enhance collaborative work. 

    • Businesses need to be intentional about how to support the cross-pollination of ideas from individuals and how to enable the team to avoid group-think so that innovation and creativity can be fostered. 


Nashville Office Interiors is your local source for office space planning, design, and furniture solutions. We work with you to specify and supply everything you need to create your ideal office interior. Our team simplifies the procurement process with expert design and planning, installation management, and superior customer service. We’re your partner in creating your dynamic work environment for 2020!