Creating a Home-from-Home Office: The Future of Workplace Design

What Sparked the Change?

So, what has triggered the changing role of office space we hear you ask? It all comes down to that C word… Covid. During lockdown, when everything was closed and people were forced to work from home, they quickly adapted to a more relaxed and personalised way of working. They swapped stuffy suits for comfy clothes, harsh lighting for daylight, and sterile desks and cubicles for cosy workspaces. No longer did people feel ‘tied to their desk’—they enjoyed the freedom of working from the sofa, took lunch breaks in their garden, and experienced a level of comfort and flexibility rarely found in a traditional office.

Adjusting to the Return

Since lockdown ended, many businesses have called their teams back into the office—but not everyone has been in favour of this. After growing used to the creature comforts and flexibility of home working, employees have understandably been hesitant. The thought of swapping a cosy, personalised space and garden lunch breaks for a rigid, one-size-fits-all office environment hasn’t been the easiest pill to swallow.

The Rise of Home-Inspired Workspaces

As a result, more people are now looking for work environments that feel a bit more like home—spaces that offer the same comfort and ease they enjoyed during remote working, while still giving them a chance to connect, collaborate, and grow professionally. This shift has sparked interest in resimercial office design, which blends residential comfort with commercial functionality to create inviting and flexible workplaces, where people feel valued and supported, ultimately fostering better mental health and well-being, because when we feel good, we’re more positive, more productive, and more motivated—FACT. Traditional office setups haven’t always supported this. Harsh lighting, sterile decor, lack of privacy and uninspiring layouts often led to high stress levels and low job satisfaction.

Resimercial Office Design – What’s It All About?

Bringing the Comforts of Home to Work

Resimercial office design is a clever blend of the comforts of home with the functionality of the workplace. Driven by the shift in work culture brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, it has really taken off, and businesses across Bristol and the rest of the world are embracing it.

Picture plush, contemporary sofas to sink into instead of stiff chairs that leave you wanting to book an appointment with the chiropractor. Soft warm lighting replaces harsh fluorescents that make you go cross-eyed, cosy rugs you can sink your feet into, lush plants, and inspiring artwork that make the space truly welcoming. Natural textures like wood and soft fabrics add extra warmth, while flexible seating options create perfect spots for relaxing, catching up with your colleagues, or focused work. This style often overlaps with biophilic office design, which brings nature indoors using greenery, natural light, and earthy materials—further boosting mood, reducing stress, and helping people feel grounded in their workspace.

Key Features and Furniture

Comfortable seating:

Lounge chairs, modular sofas, and cushions that encourage relaxation and collaboration. The Madison Sofa Range by Elite Furniture is a great example — combining stylish design with deep, comfy cushions that invite you to relax and recharge during breaks. It’s perfect for modern office lounges, reception spaces, and quiet corners—anywhere you want to bring a bit of home-style warmth into the workplace.

Warm lighting:

Table and floor lamps from Latitude Lighting create a welcoming, cosy ambiance while combining stylish design with reliable performance.

Versatile furniture:

Coffee tables, dining-style desks, and multi-purpose shelves that blend style and function. The Zen range by Elite Furniture is another great example of style meeting function—bringing warm wood finishes, and a contemporary feel into shared spaces like kitchens and breakout zones. Creating spaces where colleagues can connect, and recharge in style.

Board room:

The Lux Range by Elite Furniture transforms any board room into a plush, sophisticated space. With its luxurious design and comfortable seating, team meetings will never be dull again! This range ensures that every meeting is held in style and comfort, making it the perfect choice for any professional setting.

Break-out areas:

Retreat by Elite Furniture is designed to transform break-out areas into spaces that evoke comfort, relaxation, and well-being. With its warm, inviting upholstery and cushioned seating, this range creates a perfect retreat for employees to unwind and recharge. Alto Canopy Range features bench tables with an added mesh canopy, which can be used to introduce lighting and biophilic elements, creating a more inviting and productive environment.

Office Floor Space – Gianni Range by Hawk

This stunning, modern open-plan office is a perfect example of biophilic office design for 2025 and beyond. Featuring the Gianni desk range by Hawk with its gorgeous Halifax Oak finish and designer sleek black legs. Exposed brickwork and large arched windows flood the space with natural light, while luscious plants add a touch of nature to create an energising yet calming environment.