Sitting too long in one place with no change of scenery other than the walls of one’s cubicle can be a drain to some. That’s why collaborative spaces, touch-downs and other options for employees to move around continue to raise in popularity. With recent advancements in technology, a lot of us are going mobile. Why sit at your desk all day if you don’t have to?

Workplace wellness is a hot topic that’s leading to major changes in the workplace and in office design. Companies are learning that an office with proponents like more natural light, sit-to-stand desks, and collaborative areas that foster communication and creativity are attractive to prospective employees. Useful and efficient office amenities make employees happy to be at work, which in turn increases health, wellness and productivity. 

In office design, another major trend that we’re seeing is environments that will make employees feel more comfortable at work. After all, you’re spending hours at work each week, why not make work feel more like home? We’re definitely seeing a casual and corporate mix in terms of furniture and office layout. The trend has earned the term “resi-mercial” by combining the words “residential” and “commercial.” The concept’s all about creating a workplace that is an employee’s home away from home. Its main benefit is to help employees relax and collaborate more naturally. A resimercial vibe in the office creates an ambiance that employees will want to be in and to work in. There’s an element of fun here too, which most certainly helps.

In regards to furniture design, the resimercial trend was extremely popular at NeoCon this year. However, the trend also plays out through office layout and space planning. An office layout that inspires teamwork and breaks down hierarchies can be a healthy change for a company too.

 

Here are some furniture collections that are resimercial ready.

 

 

Indie from JSI Furniture

A contemporary, freestanding lounge collection that embraces the current trend of relaxed sit, with styling toward residential aesthetics. The Indie collection brings the feeling of home into the work environment and yields an inviting sit while withstanding public space usage.

 

 

 

Rowen from OFS

Designer Brian Graham took inspiration from architecture and landscapes to create a graceful, inviting form that evokes a sense of beauty and peace without sacrificing warmth. People need environments that calm and inspire, and Rowen helps create those spaces. The thin, faceted legs create a sense of lightness and poise, while the softer shapes of the cushions provide comfort.

 

 

 

Hinchada from Loewenstein

Hinchada Modular Lounge is low profile, plush seating that is sure to be the place where everyone wants to kick up their feet. Fresh details like contrasting wide welts and slatted platforms enhance a simple statement of line. With a few components you can create a lounge layout to fit your lifestyle.

 

 

 

Zones from Teknion

Zones is a comprehensive series of furniture products that transforms the office, challenging convention and changing the way people experience work. It comprises seating, tables, screens, easels and accessories, as well as semi-private enclosures which can act either as an intimate collaborative setting or as a place of retreat when privacy is desired.

 

 

west elm WORKSPACE

As work and home lives merge, residential sensibilities impact work productivity and wellness. west elm WORKSPACE‘s residential expertise and consumer insight uniquely positions them to humanize the workspace. 

 

We think it’s safe to say that west elm WORKSPACE is the epitome of resimercial design.