Commercial offices: 6/10 - Why it is important to bring residential aesthetics into the workplace
Hello and welcome to my Healthy Interior Design series of blogs for Commercial Offices.
This week, we’re exploring key elements of Resimercial design, which blends residential comfort with commercial functionality, to help make commercial workspaces functional and inspiring and in turn helping to increase staff wellbeing and retention.
FUNCTIONALITY
The traditional office is evolving, and the lines between home and workplace are becoming increasingly blurred. Resimercial design takes the warmth and comfort of residential interiors and seamlessly integrates them into professional settings so as to encourage staff back to the workplace. By incorporating cozy furniture, warm lighting, and home-like accessories, businesses can create spaces that feel welcoming yet remain highly functional.
Soft seating areas, textured fabrics, and natural materials make offices feel less rigid and more inviting. Whether it’s an open-plan lounge with plush sofas or a quiet nook with ambient lighting, resimercial aesthetics encourage relaxation, creativity, and collaboration. This also opens the way to consider Sensory design options for those with sensory processing challenges (stay tuned as I cover that in Blog 10).
PRACTICAL, HEALTHY & SUSTAINABLE CHOICES
Comfort-Driven Seating: Ergonomic chairs with plush upholstery balance support with comfort.
Layered Lighting: A mix of natural light, warm-toned lamps, and statement pendants creates a softer atmosphere.
Natural Materials: Wood or cork flooring and panelled walls adds texture and a sense of the outdoors whilst improving acoustics; natural materials on seating such as linen, hemp or wool along with the man-made fibre felt increase texture and warmth while supporting sustainable design.
Flexible Workspaces: Lounge areas, café-style seating, and breakout zones cater to different work styles and offer staff options in which to work.
Biophilic Elements: Indoor plants and earthy tones bring a sense of calm and connection to nature.
STORAGE & DECLUTTERING
Resimercial design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about creating an organised, clutter-free workspace. Thoughtfully designed storage solutions help maintain a balance between home-like comfort and professional efficiency.
Opt for furniture with built-in storage, stylish shelving, and hidden compartments to keep work essentials within reach without disrupting the relaxed aesthetic. Well-placed accessories such as woven baskets and decorative trays can also enhance the homely feel while keeping clutter at bay.
THE FUTURE OF RESIMERCIAL DESIGN IN WORKSPACES
As businesses prioritise employee well-being and satisfaction, resimercial aesthetics are becoming a staple in office design. By merging residential comfort with workplace functionality, companies can create environments that feel engaging, inspiring, and supportive.
By embracing soft textures, inviting layouts, and warm lighting, businesses can craft offices that feel less like workplaces and more like home—leading to happier, more productive teams.
Stay tuned for next week’s blog, where I’ll dive into Health and Wellbeing—a design approach that puts the health of the occupants first and foremost that helps increase productivity and staff retention.