2019 Latest Trends in Corporate Office Design

At ELCAD Construction, we keep a sharp eye on modern office design trends that promote employee satisfaction and productivity. As the corporate world evolves—with younger generations entering the workforce and tech transforming workflows—office design has become a powerful tool for shaping how people work. In 2019, businesses began shifting from traditional layouts to dynamic, people-first environments that improve workplace culture.

Let’s explore the key trends that shaped corporate office interiors in 2019.

1. Creating Flexible and Unconventional Workspaces

Technology has enabled people to work from virtually anywhere. In fact, IWG’s Workspace Survey revealed that 70% of professionals work remotely at least once a week (source).

To support this shift, companies are adding quiet corners, café-style seating, and lounges to offer alternative settings within the office. Private pods—modern telephone-booth-style enclosures—also became popular, giving employees a space for focused work or virtual meetings.

2. Avoiding Monotony with Diverse Layouts

Rows of identical desks are uninspiring. In 2019, businesses began incorporating resimercial spaces—a hybrid of residential comfort and commercial functionality. Think cozy sofas in lounge areas, home-style lighting, and vibrant artwork. These elements break up visual monotony and make offices feel more inviting.

Try innovative layouts like “labyrinth offices” with informal exhibits or surprise nooks to spark curiosity and prevent the routine from feeling stale.

3. Supporting Collaboration Through Thoughtful Design

Workplace collaboration drives performance. Salesforce once found that 86% of employees blamed workplace failures on poor communication. While open-plan offices attempted to fix this, they often created new problems, such as noise and lack of privacy.

Instead, companies began using focused collaboration zones: long tables near teams, whiteboards for brainstorming, and lounge benches that support casual dialogue.

For creative teams, reimagining meeting rooms with beanbags or couches instead of stiff chairs encourages relaxed, idea-sharing environments.

4. Bringing Nature Indoors with Biophilic Design

Biophilic design—incorporating natural elements into indoor spaces—rose to prominence in 2019. Offices with real plants, natural light, and earthy materials promote wellness and have been shown to boost productivity by up to 15%, according to a study from Exeter University.

You can start with simple updates: wooden textures, live plants, warm lighting, and earthy color palettes. These changes don’t just beautify the space—they help employees feel more grounded and refreshed.

Keep Up with Modern Office Design Trends

Office interiors aren’t just about aesthetics—they shape the daily experiences of your team. Updating your space with these modern office design trends can lead to better performance, stronger team dynamics, and a more enjoyable workplace overall.

Want professional support? Work with ELCAD Construction Corporation, a leading fit-out contractor in the Philippines, to bring your ideal office to life.