work fun
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CONSUMER CONNECT INITIATIVE
THE ECONOMIC TIMES, MUMBAI, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2017 at work,” shares Shailesh Goswami, founder and CEO of an online interior designing company.
TECHNOLOGICALLY SAVVY WORKSPACES
TRENDS IN WALLPAPERS The coming year will see wallpapers and wallcoverings giving traditional paint a good run for its money. “Wallpapers have modularity and so can be changed or replaced without much hassle. They are easy on maintenance within an air-conditioned space. A floral printed
PHOTOS COURTESY: PIDILITE
Technology is invading every arena of our lives and offices will make more room for it in 2017. “Workspaces that integrate aesthetics with technology are a logical design trend that is on the rise. We can expect to see wireless charging of devices become commonplace soon. Instead of the tradi-
ment with materials such as cork board floors, area rugs and carpets, wooden planks and also in indoor garden areas,” reveals Goswami.
Making work fun
OFFICES ARE NO LONGER JUST UTILITARIAN; INNOVATIONS IN FURNITURE, LIGHTING AND DÉCOR ARE AIMED AT ENHANCING PRODUCTIVITY AND WELL-BEING. AND WE SHALL SEE MORE OF THEM IN 2017 Ankita.Shreeram @timesgroup.com ook around you. Chances are that your workstation is not just about work. Moving away from the drab, uninspiring and claustrophobic spaces that they used to be, modern offices have made way for ergonomic chairs, carpeting in warm colours, multipurpose workstations and wallpapers to stir up your creative minds. Offices in 2017 may push the envelope further with furniture and interiors that reflect the
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mobile and dynamic nature of today’s workplace challenges. Here are some trends that will set the tone for working hard and working in style.
FLEXIBLE FEATURES Flexibility will be a key consideration when it comes to office furniture in 2017. “Part of designing flexible layouts is the need for furniture that will adapt to new and changing requirements. Modular soft seating and workbenches, desk pods, meeting tables, collaborative and breakout furniture, and acoustic elements are exam-
ples of smart choices to support a well-designed, high functioning and adaptable workplace. Soft wiring is a simple installation method that saves time, increases safety and allows rewiring,” says Sagar Datta, founder of an interior design company. As interactions with business associates become more cordial, even office interiors are sporting more informal elements. “Informal seating is taking over the erstwhile trend of high back chairs and meeting rooms. These are getting replaced by workbenches, desk pods and col-
laborative breakout furniture. Low seating or informal seating such as stools and beanbags clubbed with bright colours are brilliant spaces that promote collaboration
tional under desk personal pedestal, 2017 will focus on large shared units with secure individual storage spaces. The new range of storage available in a variety of metallic and wood finishes also makes for excellent partitioning without the need for dividers,” adds Datta. With the ‘go green’ mantra picking up, organisations seek to leverage it even more in the corporate world. “Offices will move away from grey and neutral coloured carpets to flooring made out of different materials. There is a rising trend to experi-
Modular furniture with white work surfaces and pops of contrasting colours permits easy customisation.
in intense hues, geometric and abstract patterns are the preferred choices for offices. Walls will start accommodating more writing glass and white boards, and these will be complemented by rustic, earthy wallpapers that take away from the formal environment and give you a feeling of being outdoors,” reveals Goswami.
ERGONOMIC DESIGNS Open-plan offices became a popular concept in 2016, but designers are now realising the need to eliminate distractions as well. “Breaking monotony, creating distraction-free spaces with privacy pods and nooks to ensure people can work in a zone for themselves will be seen as a newer trend. Additionally, with growing awareness about the adverse health impact of sitting for long hours at your desk, focus is also shifting to factors like ergonomic seating to ensure flexibility and enhance posture to avoid undue stress on the spine, neck and shoulders. Modular furniture with white work surfaces and pops of contrasting colours permits easy customisation. Expect to see more features like adjustable arms and headrests as well as the emergence of standing height desks,” says Mahesh M, CEO of a marketplace for home décor and gifting.
BE FLOORED wallpaper can turn a boring meeting room into a very warm welcoming discussion area,” explains Barnita Biswas, Interior Designer and section head of a platform for décor ideas. According to Datta, plain textured options
Appropriate flooring can go a long way in curbing noise, apart from accentuating the aesthetics. “As most offices have open-plan spaces and several floor levels, the need for flooring that offers sound deadening properties is really important to
curb the stress levels caused by constant noise. As a result, there is resurgence in the use of carpets rather than hard floor coverings. Montage carpet tiles reduce noise, while the planked look is also trending. Designers have taken inspiration from timber planks and opted for flooring that replicates this with the comfort and warmth of carpet,” shares Anil Mathur, chief operating officer, of an Indian furniture brand.
LIGHT IT UP Offices will reflect a better understanding of lights and colours, thus creating less stressful environments. “An office with plenty of daylight creates positive energy among employees. At the same time, colours play an important role too; the colour theme can be varied—warm or cool, monochromatic or colourful—but it’s important that it’s used in the right proportions and complements the nature of work and individual psychologies,” explains Biswas. Use of glass can also make spaces appear bigger, with natural light adding economic and environmental value. Moreover, simple structured furniture can provide the right mix of simplicity and sophistication,” adds Dutta. Other trends for 2017 include clever storage devices and multipurpose stations. “With offices going paperless over time, storage requirements are limited to central compactor storage and some personal storage. Pedestal storage options have replaced conventional personal drawers and storage units,” concludes Biswas.
CONSUMER CONNECT INITIATIVE
THE ECONOMIC TIMES, MUMBAI, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2017 at work,” shares Shailesh Goswami, founder and CEO of an online interior designing company.
TECHNOLOGICALLY SAVVY WORKSPACES
TRENDS IN WALLPAPERS The coming year will see wallpapers and wallcoverings giving traditional paint a good run for its money. “Wallpapers have modularity and so can be changed or replaced without much hassle. They are easy on maintenance within an air-conditioned space. A floral printed
PHOTOS COURTESY: PIDILITE
Technology is invading every arena of our lives and offices will make more room for it in 2017. “Workspaces that integrate aesthetics with technology are a logical design trend that is on the rise. We can expect to see wireless charging of devices become commonplace soon. Instead of the tradi-
ment with materials such as cork board floors, area rugs and carpets, wooden planks and also in indoor garden areas,” reveals Goswami.
Making work fun
OFFICES ARE NO LONGER JUST UTILITARIAN; INNOVATIONS IN FURNITURE, LIGHTING AND DÉCOR ARE AIMED AT ENHANCING PRODUCTIVITY AND WELL-BEING. AND WE SHALL SEE MORE OF THEM IN 2017 Ankita.Shreeram @timesgroup.com ook around you. Chances are that your workstation is not just about work. Moving away from the drab, uninspiring and claustrophobic spaces that they used to be, modern offices have made way for ergonomic chairs, carpeting in warm colours, multipurpose workstations and wallpapers to stir up your creative minds. Offices in 2017 may push the envelope further with furniture and interiors that reflect the
L
mobile and dynamic nature of today’s workplace challenges. Here are some trends that will set the tone for working hard and working in style.
FLEXIBLE FEATURES Flexibility will be a key consideration when it comes to office furniture in 2017. “Part of designing flexible layouts is the need for furniture that will adapt to new and changing requirements. Modular soft seating and workbenches, desk pods, meeting tables, collaborative and breakout furniture, and acoustic elements are exam-
ples of smart choices to support a well-designed, high functioning and adaptable workplace. Soft wiring is a simple installation method that saves time, increases safety and allows rewiring,” says Sagar Datta, founder of an interior design company. As interactions with business associates become more cordial, even office interiors are sporting more informal elements. “Informal seating is taking over the erstwhile trend of high back chairs and meeting rooms. These are getting replaced by workbenches, desk pods and col-
laborative breakout furniture. Low seating or informal seating such as stools and beanbags clubbed with bright colours are brilliant spaces that promote collaboration
tional under desk personal pedestal, 2017 will focus on large shared units with secure individual storage spaces. The new range of storage available in a variety of metallic and wood finishes also makes for excellent partitioning without the need for dividers,” adds Datta. With the ‘go green’ mantra picking up, organisations seek to leverage it even more in the corporate world. “Offices will move away from grey and neutral coloured carpets to flooring made out of different materials. There is a rising trend to experi-
Modular furniture with white work surfaces and pops of contrasting colours permits easy customisation.
in intense hues, geometric and abstract patterns are the preferred choices for offices. Walls will start accommodating more writing glass and white boards, and these will be complemented by rustic, earthy wallpapers that take away from the formal environment and give you a feeling of being outdoors,” reveals Goswami.
ERGONOMIC DESIGNS Open-plan offices became a popular concept in 2016, but designers are now realising the need to eliminate distractions as well. “Breaking monotony, creating distraction-free spaces with privacy pods and nooks to ensure people can work in a zone for themselves will be seen as a newer trend. Additionally, with growing awareness about the adverse health impact of sitting for long hours at your desk, focus is also shifting to factors like ergonomic seating to ensure flexibility and enhance posture to avoid undue stress on the spine, neck and shoulders. Modular furniture with white work surfaces and pops of contrasting colours permits easy customisation. Expect to see more features like adjustable arms and headrests as well as the emergence of standing height desks,” says Mahesh M, CEO of a marketplace for home décor and gifting.
BE FLOORED wallpaper can turn a boring meeting room into a very warm welcoming discussion area,” explains Barnita Biswas, Interior Designer and section head of a platform for décor ideas. According to Datta, plain textured options
Appropriate flooring can go a long way in curbing noise, apart from accentuating the aesthetics. “As most offices have open-plan spaces and several floor levels, the need for flooring that offers sound deadening properties is really important to
curb the stress levels caused by constant noise. As a result, there is resurgence in the use of carpets rather than hard floor coverings. Montage carpet tiles reduce noise, while the planked look is also trending. Designers have taken inspiration from timber planks and opted for flooring that replicates this with the comfort and warmth of carpet,” shares Anil Mathur, chief operating officer, of an Indian furniture brand.
LIGHT IT UP Offices will reflect a better understanding of lights and colours, thus creating less stressful environments. “An office with plenty of daylight creates positive energy among employees. At the same time, colours play an important role too; the colour theme can be varied—warm or cool, monochromatic or colourful—but it’s important that it’s used in the right proportions and complements the nature of work and individual psychologies,” explains Biswas. Use of glass can also make spaces appear bigger, with natural light adding economic and environmental value. Moreover, simple structured furniture can provide the right mix of simplicity and sophistication,” adds Dutta. Other trends for 2017 include clever storage devices and multipurpose stations. “With offices going paperless over time, storage requirements are limited to central compactor storage and some personal storage. Pedestal storage options have replaced conventional personal drawers and storage units,” concludes Biswas.
