As we usher in the New Year, the world of commercial design is brimming with fresh, creative, and innovative approaches. Considering the latest materials and products, our Interior Design team has pooled their industry exposure, experience, and knowledge to compile what we believe are the top commercial design trends that will define 2025. These trends reflect a harmonious blend of aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability, aimed at creating spaces that are not only visually stunning but also promote well-being and productivity.
From the resurgence of rich, walnut finishes to the immersive practice of color drenching, each trend encapsulates the evolving needs and preferences of modern workplaces. Join us as we explore these exciting developments and discover how they can transform commercial spaces in the year ahead. While there is never a “one size fits all” approach in how we design, these ideas are certainly ones that seem to have a lot of momentum behind them as commercial clients aesthetics evolve.
Trend #1 – Organic Lighting
In 2025, the trend for soft, organic, amoeba-shaped light fixtures is set to transform commercial design. These fixtures, with their fluid and natural forms, break away from traditional geometric designs, creating a calming and creative atmosphere. Their versatility allows for customization in various spaces, while their eco-friendly materials and advanced LED technology ensure sustainability and energy efficiency. By casting soft, diffused light, they enhance the ambiance, making workplaces more inviting and conducive to productivity.
Trend #2 – Cultivating Well-Being
Workplace design is increasingly focused on fostering well-being, comfort, and a sense of community. The thoughtful selection of colors, textiles, finishes, furniture, and lighting plays a crucial role in reducing anxiety levels and supporting company values. By creating environments that prioritize mental and physical health, businesses can cultivate a strong, cohesive culture. Incorporating elements like living walls or large, low-maintenance plants further enhances this approach, promoting a healthy and vibrant workplace. These biophilic design elements not only improve air quality but also bring a touch of nature indoors, contributing to a more serene and productive atmosphere. This design concept can also support company values, encouraging a sense of strong culture or community in the workplace. Adding a living wall or large, low-maintenance plants are great ways to promote healthy workplace environments.
Trend #3 – Earth-Tones
The evolution of the beiges, creams and off-whites of last year has moved towards muted earth tones. The 2025 color palette in commercial design is characterized by warm, muted earth tones that evoke a sense of comfort and connection to nature. Leading the trend is Pantone’s Color of the Year, Mocha Mousse, a rich, inviting brown. Complementing this are other notable hues such as Glidden’s Brick Red, Sherwin-Williams’ Color Capsule featuring nine harmonious shades, and vibrant tones like emerald green and true red. These colors create serene, natural atmospheres that promote well-being and productivity, while also aligning with sustainable design practices.1
Trend #4 – Space Planning with the Multi-Function User in Mind
Flexible spaces or modular system furniture that support user customization is not a new concept; however, it is more important now than ever; as we aim to design spaces that are multi-functional, collaborative and welcoming for the ever-changing needs of the workplace. Moveable panels or partitions, acoustics and mobile furniture continue to play an important role in these high-performing spaces! This trend is driven by the need for workplaces to be more dynamic and responsive to the diverse and evolving needs of employees. It also supports collaboration, innovation, and productivity by allowing teams to customize their environments on the fly.
Trend #5 – Color Drenching
This year, the trend of using accent colors to define spaces has evolved into the more immersive practice of color drenching. This approach involves extending a single hue across floors, walls, and ceilings, creating a cohesive and enveloping environment. By saturating entire rooms with color, our Designers are crafting bold, dynamic spaces that evoke strong emotional responses and enhance the overall aesthetic experience. This technique not only adds depth and character to commercial interiors but also allows for a more personalized and impactful design statement, moving beyond the limitations of a single accent wall.
Trend #6 – Circularity & Eco-Chic
Circularity, while not a new concept, is taking center stage in 2025 as Designers champion environmentally responsible design choices. This approach emphasizes reducing waste and diverting materials from landfills by reusing furniture and fixtures whenever possible. By specifying sustainable and LEED-certified products, our Designers are not only minimizing environmental impact, but also promoting a culture of sustainability within the workplace. These practices reflect a commitment to creating spaces that are both aesthetically pleasing and environmentally responsible, fostering a sense of stewardship and community in the workplace.
Eco-Chic, a concept originally coined in the residential design sector, is now making waves in the commercial workplace sector. This trend focuses on sustainable, healthy and design-centric work environments that not only contribute to healthier work environments, but also align with the growing emphasis on corporate social responsibility. According to a recent article issued by McKinsey and Company, many Fortune 500 companies are increasingly prioritizing sustainability and circularity.2 They are adopting various initiatives to reduce their environmental impact and promote resource efficiency.3 For example:
- Philips aims to make all its products and services circular by 2025, with programs like “Circular Lighting” that focus on recycling and reusing materials.
- Nike launched the “Move to Zero” initiative, which includes the “Nike Grind” program that repurposes post-consumer waste into new products.
- Walmart is committed to becoming a regenerative company, working towards zero waste in its operations and supply chain.
Trend #7 – Walnut Accents
Our Designers are shifting away from the ‘unfinished, bare’ wood finishes of the past and embracing the rich, neutral tones of walnut. This resurgence of wood accents is making a significant impact in the commercial design world. Thoughtfully integrated into light fixtures, millwork, and flooring, walnut accents complement the year’s earth-toned color palette, adding depth and sophistication. These elements not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also create warm, welcoming spaces that foster a sense of comfort and connection, aligning perfectly with the trend towards more natural and inviting workplace environments.
Trend #8 – The Radial Edge
In 2025, the industry is witnessing a soft revolution with the rise of curved edges and shapes in furniture, millwork and lighting. This trend celebrates the beauty of fluidity and organic forms, moving away from rigid lines and sharp angles. From graceful archways and elegantly curved sofas to ergonomic curved-back task chairs, these design elements create a sense of comfort and approachability. The incorporation of curves not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of spaces but also promotes a more inviting and dynamic environment, fostering creativity and well-being in the workplace.
Trend #9 – Smart & Connected Furniture
IoT Integration is furniture that connects to the Internet of Things to allow for elements such as smart lighting, climate control and occupancy monitoring. For example, interactive meetings with tables and fixtures equipped with touchscreen and connectivity options for seamless in-person and hybrid collaboration and presentations. The workplace of 2025, and the future, considers all forms of users. These innovations aim to create more efficient, comfortable, and adaptable work environments, aligning with the broader trend of flexible and dynamic office spaces.
Thank you for joining us as we explore the top design trends for 2025. At Ware Malcomb, we’re excited to bring these innovative ideas to life in your commercial spaces. Learn more about our innovative interior architecture and design studio.
- Augustin S, Oseland N. To Work! In: Augustin S, Oseland N, editors. The Science of People and Office Design: Planning for Thinking, Discussing, and Achieving. London: Routledge; 2024. p. 239-251.
- More companies commit to nature
- [Social Impact 101] From Waste to Wealth: How Fortune 500 Companies are Embracing the Circular Economy
