Modern Workspace Design: 2025 Trends in Commercial Interior Design

The landscape of commercial interior design continues to evolve in 2025, reflecting the dynamic needs of modern businesses. The past few years have seen significant shifts in how we work, leading to an increased emphasis on flexibility and adaptability in workspace design. 

Many organisations are adopting hybrid work models, the demand for spaces that accommodate both remote and in-office work has surged. Other businesses have implemented return-to-office mandates, further driving the need for environments that foster collaboration and community while ensuring employee well-being.

In response to these broader trends, commercial interior design is focusing on creating workspaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional, sustainable, and inclusive. 

At MKDC, we pride ourselves on staying at the forefront of these trends, ensuring that our clients benefit from cutting-edge design solutions. In this article, we explore the key trends shaping modern workspace design in 2025, highlighting how they address the evolving requirements of today’s workforce.

Bold Colour Palettes and Colour Drenching

In 2025, bold colour palettes are making a significant impact in commercial interior design. Designers are moving away from neutral tones and embracing vibrant hues that create a striking visual impact and leave a lasting impression.

The use of bold colours are used to energise spaces, stimulate creativity, and enhance the overall atmosphere of the workplace. One particularly prominent trend is colour drenching – where the same or complementary shades are applied across various surfaces, including walls, ceilings, and fixtures.

Rather than just using colour to promote a single feature or area, colour drenching creates a seamless and immersive environment that can transform the mood and perception of the entire space.

• Creating Cohesive Environments: By using the same colour across various elements, businesses can create a cohesive and unified look that enhances brand identity and communicates a strong visual message.

• Psychological Impact: Different colours can evoke specific emotions and behaviours, making it a powerful tool for influencing mood and productivity. For example, blue tones can promote calmness and focus, while vibrant reds can energise and stimulate creativity.

• Versatility and Flexibility: Businesses are using colour drenching to define different zones within open-plan offices, create focal points, and even to delineate areas for specific activities, such as collaboration or relaxation.

At MKDC, we have embraced colour drenching in our projects, using it to create dynamic and engaging work environments that not only look stunning but also support the functional needs of modern businesses.

Adaptability and Flexibility in Workspace Design

The demand for adaptable workspaces has never been higher. In 2025, businesses are seeking multi-functional spaces that can easily transition between different uses. 

This flexibility allows companies to optimise their real estate and accommodate changing needs without extensive renovations.

Activity-Based Working (ABW)

Flexibility is a core tenet of Activity Based Work (ABW), and it continues to be a major trend in commercial interior design in 2025. 

As ABW emphasizes flexible and adaptable environments tailored to different tasks, allowing employees to choose the most suitable space for their current activity, it’s a perfect match for modern businesses with a diverse workforce.

• Diverse Work Zones: ABW involves creating different zones within the office to support various activities, such as focus areas for individual work, collaborative spaces for teamwork, and relaxation zones for breaks. This approach allows employees to choose the environment that best suits their tasks and preferences.

• Enhanced Mobility: By providing a variety of work settings, ABW encourages movement and flexibility, allowing employees to shift between spaces as needed throughout the day. This can lead to increased productivity and job satisfaction.

• Modular Furniture: Modular furniture plays a crucial role in enhancing the flexibility and space efficiency of ABW design. These versatile pieces can be reconfigured to suit various activities, from collaborative meetings to individual work. 

Flexible Layouts

With the rise of hybrid work models, designing spaces that cater to both in-office and remote work arrangements is essential. There is a strong trend towards incorporating flexible layouts with integrated technology to support seamless transitions between physical and virtual workspaces.

Incorporating both open-plan areas and enclosed rooms provides employees with the choice to work in a setting that best suits their needs, whether they require privacy for focused work or open spaces for collaboration.

Another part of this trend is the concept of “Reconfigurable Spaces”: movable walls and partitions that can be easily reconfigured to accommodate changing needs. This flexibility allows companies to adapt their spaces for different team sizes, project requirements, or events without major renovations.

Integration of Smart Technology

Smart technology is revolutionising the way we work, and modern businesses are making sure their workspaces are taking advantage of the latest and greatest tech. 

Businesses across various industries are increasingly implementing smart technology and automation into their workspace design to enhance productivity, efficiency, and user experience. Here are some ways in which smart technology is being integrated:

Smart Office Solutions

• Automated Systems: Many businesses are adopting automated systems for lighting, climate control, and security. These systems can be programmed to adjust settings based on occupancy, time of day, or specific user preferences, leading to energy savings and improved comfort.

• Smart Desks and Furniture: Smart desks equipped with sensors can monitor usage patterns and provide data on how spaces are utilised. This information helps businesses optimise their layouts and make informed decisions about space allocation.

IoT and Automation

• Internet of Things (IoT): IoT devices are being used to create interconnected office environments where various systems communicate with each other. For example, smart meeting rooms can automatically adjust lighting and temperature based on the number of attendees.

• Automated Booking Systems: Businesses are implementing automated booking systems for meeting rooms and shared spaces, allowing employees to reserve spaces in real-time and reducing scheduling conflicts.

Leading Industries

1. Tech Industry: Unsurprisingly, the tech industry is at the forefront of integrating smart technology into office design. With companies like Google and Microsoft leading the way, these businesses are known for their innovative use of technology to create dynamic and responsive work environments.

2. Financial Services: Financial institutions are also adopting smart technology to enhance security, streamline operations, and improve client experiences. Automated systems and data analytics play a significant role in these transformations.

3. Healthcare: The healthcare industry is leveraging smart technology to improve facility management, patient care, and administrative efficiency. Smart sensors and IoT devices are used to monitor environmental conditions and optimise resource allocation.

Biophilic Design and Sustainability

Biophilic design continues to gain traction as businesses recognise the benefits of incorporating nature-inspired elements into their workspaces. Incorporating these elements, such as natural light, greenery, and organic materials, improve well-being and productivity by creating a connection to the natural world.

As part of this trend to increase natural elements within commercial design, sustainability is a top priority. Businesses are focusing on using eco-friendly materials and practices, along with sustainable construction methods to minimise environmental impact while delivering high-quality designs.

Sustainable design also includes creating energy-efficient workspaces, reducing operational costs and lowering the environmental footprint of the business. Modern designs often incorporate energy-saving technologies and strategies, such as LED lighting and smart HVAC systems, to achieve optimal efficiency.

Creating Inclusive and Comfortable Environments

Another major trend for 2025 is inclusive design: creating spaces that cater to diverse needs and preferences of the people that use them. Businesses are prioritising accessibility, ensuring their workspaces are welcoming and accommodating for all employees.

For businesses that want the best employees regardless of their background, designing inclusive and comfortable workspaces is essential. This design trend aims to foster a diverse and supportive workplace culture, with key considerations for creating environments that cater to people of different religions, genders, ages, and neurodivergence:

• Prayer and Meditation Rooms: Providing dedicated spaces for prayer and meditation allows employees of various faiths to practice their religious rituals in a respectful and private environment. These rooms should be quiet, easily accessible, and equipped with necessary amenities.

• Gender-Neutral Facilities: Incorporating gender-neutral restrooms and changing areas ensures that all employees, regardless of gender identity, feel comfortable and respected in the workplace.

• Ergonomic Design: Providing ergonomic furniture and adjustable workstations can accommodate the physical needs of employees of all ages, reducing strain and promoting comfort.

• Sensory-Friendly Spaces: Creating quiet zones or sensory-friendly areas can help neurodivergent employees manage sensory sensitivities and focus on their work. These spaces should have adjustable lighting, soundproofing, and minimal visual distractions.

• Universal Design Principles: Implementing universal design principles ensures that workspaces are accessible to all employees, including those with disabilities. This includes features such as ramps, wide doorways, and accessible technology.

• Wellness and Relaxation Areas: Providing spaces for relaxation and wellness, such as lounges, quiet rooms, and fitness facilities, supports employee well-being and helps create a comfortable and inclusive work environment.

As we continue to innovate and adapt to the changing needs of the modern workplace, MKDC remains committed to delivering exceptional design solutions that enhance the functionality, sustainability, and inclusivity of commercial spaces. By staying at the forefront of trends in commercial interior design, we help our clients create work environments that inspire and empower their teams now and in the future.