Employees have wildly different expectations for office features and amenities today than they did even a few years ago. To keep them on-board, engaged, and performing at their best, employers and designers are going to have to meet those expectations. For many, that means it’s time to get familiar with resimercial design. Below we have outlined what that means, why it’s a “thing”, and how it’s working.
What is resimercial design?
After years of shifting between private spaces and open office floor plans, the office furniture industry seems to have settled on a happy medium. A combination of “residential” and “commercial,” the resimercial approach brings aspects of home into the contemporary workspace.
It’s a layout and furnishing style that brings the homey feel of residential furniture into the workplace. Resimercial design celebrates commercial quality, residential-inspired features over the sterile and standardized feel of corporate furnishings. The style has been growing in popularity in the past couple years as the modern workforce seeks comfortable, inspiring spaces that create a sense of calm and puts people at ease – opening the door for creativity to flourish. To adapt to this shift, forward-thinking companies are increasingly developing offices with a residential sensibility in mind.
Resmercial Office Design
This type of residential-inspired design combines open space, private offices, phone booths, and common areas. When each space has its own unique aesthetic and functional aspects, it provides an environment for employees to thrive. It also creates those elusive moments where employees from different parts of the organization can learn more about each other and the challenges they face in a, “Hey, maybe I can help you!” kind of way.
What makes resimercial design appealing?
The main goal behind resimercial design and resimercial furnishing is to make the workspace a welcoming, comfortable place to spend time. This is something that employees (especially those in the massive millennial generation) are increasingly demanding in offices. From an employer standpoint, making the office comfortable and fun to be in has the added benefit of incentivizing employees to spend more time and be more engaged while at work.
Beyond those benefits, powerhouse companies including Microsoft, Google, Uber, and Yelp are investing in resimercial design to increase employee retention, productivity, and creativity… and it’s actually working!
How can I create a resimercial office space?
The paradox of a resimercial design is the need to balance materials, colors, textures, fabrics, and patterns to create warmth and comfort while not sacrificing productivity and efficiency. No pressure, right? While it can be hard to anticipate a group’s needs at any given time, it is possible to provide a wide variety of rooms and areas that can facilitate a variety of collaboration and communication. Some examples include wide open areas, breakout rooms, traditions conference spaces, and secluded, private areas.
The downside of resmiercial office design
There is also the issue that, in general, residential furniture is not built like commercial pieces. It is not designed for several people sitting on it for extended periods of time. So, it will show wear and tear much sooner than furniture specifically designed for an office environment. However, this may not be an issue, since most companies only look to get three to five years out of an office redesign, which will be when most excessively used residential furniture hits its lifespan.
Fabrics are usually the first thing to succumb to the wear and tear of the office. So, for any fabric-covered residential pieces, it may be worth the investment to reupholster with a high-durable fabric.
Go Beyond the Office Layout
Because a resimercial design is so focused on how the space makes the employees feel, it is essential to think beyond simply the space planning. Paying attention to features that impact the feel of the room, such as office organization, lighting, office noise reduction, and even the ability to adjust temperature adds little touches that go the extra mile.
What are the benefits of resmiercial design?
The resimercial trend has the ability to create a warmer and more welcoming setting that tends to be attracting and retaining workers, as well as increasing productivity. While the definition of the “office” will continue to change, the connection between employee happiness and productivity will remain a top priority in interior design. If you’d like us to take a look at your office space and provide an analysis, CLICK HERE to let us know where your areas of need fall, the experienced professionals here at iSpace Office Interiors are more than happy to schedule a time to come take a look!
Photo Credit: https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-in-gray-crew-neck-t-shirt-and-blue-denim-jeans-sitting-on-white-couch-using-4939658/