Office design 2025 – a major mistake to watch out for (and how to steer clear of it)

Ongoing shifts in the job market, the rise of hybrid work models, and growing employee expectations mean the office is no longer just a place to carry out tasks. Today it functions as an environment that should nurture creativity, focus, mental health, and team connection.

In striving for sleek design and minimalist style, many companies fall into a serious trap: they build spaces that look impressive but are uncomfortable for people. Instead of enhancing efficiency and well-being, such offices often amplify fatigue, distraction, and stress.

In this article, we highlight one of the most significant mistakes in office design in 2025 and outline how to avoid it, creating workplaces that not only appear modern but, above all, promote health, focus, and creativity.

 

Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Office design trends for 2025
3. Mistake: overlooking nature
4. The psychology of offices: why nature matters
5. Natural materials in practice
5.1. Wood – a timeless foundation
5.2. Natural cork – the underrated office hero
6. The green office: plants as essentials
7. Summary
8. FAQ

 

Office design trends for 2025

Why workspaces carry more weight now than ever

In 2025, office design continues to evolve. The workplace is no longer defined solely by task execution—it now serves as a driver of organizational culture and a catalyst for team engagement.

Employees increasingly expect their daily environment to be practical, visually appealing, and beneficial to their health. At the same time, companies are realizing that thoughtfully designed offices can elevate performance, improve morale, and support talent retention.

Still, many organizations repeat a common error: prioritizing sleek aesthetics over human needs. In recent years, “sterile offices” became fashionable—minimalist, neutral spaces dominated by glass, metal, and synthetic materials. While initially seen as symbols of modernity and prestige, they are now increasingly recognized as problematic.

 

Mistake: overlooking nature

How the “sterile office” trend emerged and why it is no longer effective

The sterile, minimalist office trend gained traction in the early 2010s. Businesses sought to highlight their innovation, technological edge, and forward-looking identity through clean lines, smooth finishes, and neutral palettes. Glass, metal, and artificial laminates soon dominated, shaping an impression of order and refinement.

Initially, such interiors were viewed as stylish and professional. With the booming IT sector and rapid growth of start-ups, they also conveyed efficiency and progress. Yet over time, it became evident that these environments were… too detached from human needs. The absence of natural textures, warmth, and biophilic elements left employees drained, less focused, and uninspired.

Consequences of neglecting natural materials and elements in the office

For years, workplace experts and psychologists have cautioned that sterile offices not only reduce efficiency but also undermine well-being. The most common consequences include:

• Rising stress levels – spaces devoid of natural textures, hues, and daylight feel less welcoming to the brain. The lack of natural stimuli heightens tension and slows recovery.

• Weakened focus and creativity – monotonous, cold interiors fail to engage attention or inspire new ideas. Tasks demanding concentration quickly become draining.

• Decline in mental well-being – without nature-inspired elements, employees may feel isolated and experience lower moods. Fatigue sets in faster, and motivation decreases.

• Physical health drawbacks – sterile, sealed spaces often suffer from poor air quality, while the absence of natural materials and greenery lowers overall workspace comfort.

 

Office psychology: why nature matters

How natural textures, colors, and patterns influence the brain

Our brains have evolved to thrive in natural surroundings. Exposure to elements like wood, stone, greenery, and natural light shapes our perception and emotions in subtle yet powerful ways. Studies in neuroarchitecture reveal that surfaces and textures inspired by nature activate the same regions of the brain as direct contact with outdoor environments.

Less stress, sharper focus, and a better mood

Bringing nature into the office is more than an aesthetic choice—it has measurable effects on mental and physical health. Research, including findings from the University of Exeter, shows that offices enriched with natural elements improve employee well-being by around 15%. The presence of wood, plants, and daylight:

• Reduces stress – pleasant visual and tactile experiences lower tension, supporting emotional stability.

• Improves focus – nature-inspired environments make it easier to concentrate, boosting performance.

• Encourages creativity – spaces rich in organic forms, textures, and natural colors spark innovative thinking.

• Supports well-being – employees feel more relaxed and experience an uplifted mood.

 

Natural materials in practice

Wood – a timeless classic

Research confirms that wooden features in the workplace lower stress and sharpen focus. The natural grains and textures of wood soothe the brain while giving interiors character and enduring elegance.

Popular applications of wood in offices:

• Furniture and work surfaces – desks, meeting tables, and shelving crafted from wood bring warmth and a natural touch to interiors.

• Wooden flooring – beyond appearance, it enhances acoustics and adds comfort when moving through the office.

In 2025, mixing different wood species in one design is becoming widespread. Lighter tones like oak and ash are paired with darker walnut or teak, producing a contemporary and dynamic look.

Natural cork – the underrated office hero

With its distinctive qualities—excellent sound insulation, pleasant feel, and flexibility—natural cork is exceptionally well-suited to today’s offices. In spaces dominated by glass, steel, and concrete, cork brings balance, warmth, and a more welcoming atmosphere.

Key benefits of cork in office design:

• a natural, fully renewable material harvested from cork oak bark without felling trees,

• excellent acoustic performance, reducing noise and absorbing sound,

• hypoallergenic and easy to maintain,

• visually neutral yet stylish, making it adaptable to many design schemes.

Examples of cork in office settings

• Decorative wall cladding
  Cork wall panels enhance aesthetics while improving acoustics. They are particularly useful in meeting rooms, open-plan offices, and spaces where sound reduction is a priority.

• Desk organizers and accessories
  Items like coasters, organizers, laptop stands, and containers made from cork bring warmth and a natural vibe to desks. Lightweight and durable, they are especially practical for hybrid work setups.

• Notice boards
  Cork boards, a timeless classic, are making a modern comeback. For 2025 office design, elegant minimalist frames are trending, blending seamlessly with natural materials to create inviting spaces.

 

Green office: plants as a key element

How plants influence focus and well-being

Plants affect our brain on multiple levels: they improve air quality, help reduce noise, and stimulate the nervous system through natural forms and colors. Even a few plants in the office can enhance comfort, leading to better mood and improved team performance.

When selecting greenery for offices, it is best to choose species that are durable, low-maintenance, and effective at purifying the air. Here are some reliable options:

• Sansevieria (snake plant) – highly resilient, tolerates dry air and limited light.

• Zamioculcas – perfect for beginners, easy to maintain, and resistant to irregular watering.

• Peace lily – effectively cleans the air and adds elegance with its distinctive white flowers.

• Dracaena – absorbs airborne toxins, while its slim leaves fit perfectly into modern interiors.

• Golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum) – a climbing plant ideal for shelves and partitions, adding lightness to the room.

 

Summary

Office design in 2025 goes far beyond choosing furniture or wall colors. It requires understanding how space influences people—their health, mood, concentration, and creativity. Modern offices must respond to employees’ new expectations, offering not only efficiency but also opportunities for recovery and well-being.

As highlighted in this article, one of the biggest mistakes in office design is overlooking nature. The once-popular sterile, minimalist spaces that symbolized prestige and modernity now often have the opposite effect: more stress, reduced focus, and feelings of detachment.

The solution is to intentionally introduce natural elements and materials into workspaces. Wood, natural cork, and greenery help create warm, harmonious environments. Biophilic design plays an increasingly important role, merging nature with modern technological and functional solutions.

 

FAQ

1. Why are natural materials crucial in office design?

Natural materials like wood and natural cork create spaces that are more human-centered. They improve mood, focus, and stress management while bringing warmth, balance, and harmony—qualities often lacking in sterile, minimalist offices.

2. What does biophilic design mean?

Biophilic design is an approach to interiors that incorporates elements inspired by nature. This can include natural materials, plants, daylight access, or views of greenery outside. Research shows such strategies enhance well-being, focus, and creativity in the workplace.

3. Is minimalism in offices a bad approach?

Minimalism itself isn’t the issue, provided it is balanced correctly. A modern office can still be simple and stylish if it integrates natural materials, appropriate lighting, and greenery. The key is to balance aesthetics with employee comfort.

4. How can nature be introduced into office spaces?

The easiest way is to start small: add plants, choose natural accessories, or use cork boards and wooden organizers. Over time, larger steps can follow, such as updating wall panels, maximizing natural lighting, or creating green relaxation areas.