Let’s face it: no one really wants to feel like they’re walking into a fluorescent-lit cube farm every morning. Workspaces today are evolving, and the buzzword at the center of it all is resimercial design—a blend of residential comfort and commercial functionality. Think cozy sofas in meeting rooms, warm lighting in open-plan offices, and lush indoor plants that feel more rainforest than corporate lobby. Here are six ways resimercial aesthetics are making offices not just places to work but places you actually want to be.
Biophilic Design: Bringing the Outdoors In
You’ve heard it before: humans are hardwired to connect with nature. That’s the philosophy behind biophilic design, which incorporates natural elements into indoor spaces to boost well-being. In resimercial offices, this often looks like living walls covered in greenery, large windows that flood rooms with natural light, and desk plants that do double duty as decor and air purifiers.
One shining example is the headquarters of Etsy in Brooklyn, which features a massive green wall in its lobby and natural wood finishes throughout. Employees report feeling more energized and less stressed, which might also explain the company’s creative output. Biophilic design doesn’t just look good—it’s scientifically proven to enhance productivity and mental health. Source: Architectural Digest
Flexible Workspaces: No More Assigned Seats
Gone are the days when everyone had a nameplate on their desk. Flexible workspaces let employees choose where they want to work based on their tasks for the day. Need to brainstorm with the team? Grab a seat in the open collaboration area. Craving solitude to focus on that quarterly report? Retreat to a quiet nook with soundproof walls.
Dropbox’s San Francisco office takes flexibility to the next level. They’ve designed zones for every type of work, from casual lounge areas to private booths. Employees love the freedom to pick a workspace that suits their mood and workload, and employers love the increased collaboration and efficiency that result. Source: Dropbox Design
Ergonomic Furniture: Comfort Meets Support
Nothing screams “workplace wellness” like a good chair—and we’re not talking about those clunky rolling ones that give you backaches by 2 p.m. Resimercial design is all about ergonomic furniture that’s as functional as it is stylish. Think adjustable sit-stand desks, supportive chairs with lumbar adjustments, and cushy breakout area seating.
At Google’s offices, ergonomic furniture takes center stage, with chairs and desks that adapt to each employee’s body and preferences. The result? Fewer workplace injuries and a lot more happy, comfortable employees. Source: Google Workspaces
Home-Like Interiors: Make Yourself Comfortable
Imagine walking into an office that feels more like your living room. That’s the idea behind home-like interiors, which use soft textures, warm lighting, and residential-style furniture to create a welcoming atmosphere. Couches, throw pillows, and rugs aren’t just for homes anymore—they’re the new staples of the modern workplace.
The Slack office in Vancouver nails this concept, with cozy seating areas, communal kitchens, and even fireplaces. Employees are encouraged to kick back with their laptops wherever they feel most comfortable, creating a space that’s as inviting as it is productive. Source: Slack Spaces
Collaborative Spaces: Encouraging Teamwork
Gone are the days of stuffy conference rooms. Collaborative spaces in resimercial design are open, adaptable, and designed to foster creativity. These areas often feature movable furniture, whiteboards, and even writable walls so teams can quickly pivot between brainstorming and execution.
Microsoft’s office in Redmond offers an innovative approach to collaboration. Their workspace includes adaptable meeting pods that can be reconfigured in seconds. Want a circular table for a casual chat? Done. Need theater seating for a presentation? Easy. This flexibility encourages dynamic teamwork and creative problem-solving. Source: Microsoft Workspaces
Wellness Features: Work and Feel Good
From nap pods to meditation rooms, wellness features are no longer a luxury—they’re a necessity. Offices that incorporate wellness features see happier employees and better retention rates. And let’s be honest: who wouldn’t want to work somewhere with an on-site yoga studio?
Salesforce’s Tower in San Francisco takes employee well-being seriously. The building includes mindfulness zones, fitness centers, and even quiet spaces for meditation. These features aren’t just nice-to-haves; they’re a core part of the company’s strategy to keep employees healthy and motivated. Source: Salesforce
Sustainable Design: Good for the Planet, Great for the Office
Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a cornerstone of resimercial aesthetics. From eco-friendly furniture to energy-efficient lighting, offices are going green in a big way. It’s not just about saving the planet—it’s about creating spaces that feel good to work in.
The Etsy headquarters, once again, stands out for its commitment to sustainability. The building is LEED-certified and features recycled materials, low-energy systems, and even a rainwater collection system. Employees not only feel good about where they work, but they also feel good about how their work impacts the environment. Source: LEED Certification
Activity-Based Working: The Future of Office Design
Activity-based working (ABW) takes the idea of flexible spaces a step further by designing areas specifically for different tasks. Quiet zones for focused work, social zones for informal chats, and innovation zones for brainstorming—ABW ensures there’s a perfect spot for whatever you’re doing.
PwC’s Experience Center in Sydney is a masterclass in ABW. The space includes everything from soundproof pods for calls to amphitheaters for team meetings. This approach not only boosts efficiency but also makes work feel less like, well, work. Source: PwC Workspaces
Conclusion: When Work Feels Like Home, Everyone Wins
Resimercial aesthetics are more than just a design trend; they’re a revolution in how we think about workspaces. By blending the comfort of home with the functionality of an office, these designs prioritize well-being, productivity, and sustainability. From biophilic design to activity-based working, the tactics driving this movement are transforming workplaces into spaces that don’t just work for us—they work with us. And in a world where the line between work and life is increasingly blurred, isn’t it nice to have an office that feels like home?
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