How to Use Textures and Materials to Create a Unique Office Look

Your office design speaks for your business before you even have the chance to verbally say “hello.” Your space welcomes clients and creates an environment where your employees can do their best and most creative work, so it is important for the overall design to reflect your business at its core. The materials and textures you incorporate in the look and feel play a major part in shaping the client, customer, and employee experience.

Color and layout often receive the most attention, but intentionally choosing the right textures and materials around your office brings a new element and life to your space. Playing with smooth and rough surfaces, soft versus hard materials, and different finishes work together to create visual interest and reflect your company’s personality. In this guide from Interior Fusion, we will provide you with some examples and ways to use texture and materials to create a fun and authentic office look.

But Why Does Texture and the Right Materials Matter?

Textures help provide dimension to the overall surface look and feel of your office environment. Some textures are more visual whereas others are more tactical such as natural wood or soft and silky cashmere. Texture helps to add warmth and dimension, improves comfort for your employees and customers, creates a memorable first impression, and helps to reflect your company’s brand identity and personality. 

When an office follows the same cookie cutter design of other businesses, it can feel sterile and incomplete. However, adding fun and complementary materials creates an environment that is fun and engaging, without feeling chaotic and overwhelming.

Lay Down a Strong Foundation

As you begin to play around with colors, materials, and textures, ensure that you have a strong base to start with. This includes the materials used for the flooring, walls, ceilings, and existing furniture pieces that you want to keep. A good rule of thumb is to choose one or two primary materials that will be carried throughout various pieces in the office. This not only helps to create continuity but also gives you flexibility to add accent pieces. A neutral base paired with a bold and fun accent piece creates a strong visual.

Natural Wood Accents Create Warmth

A cold and boring office space is uninspiring for employees and lackluster for customers or potential clients. Wood is one of the best materials in office design and creates a warm and inviting environment while still showcasing professionalism. 

You can play around with different wood finishes such as walnut for an upscale and sophisticated design, reclaimed wood for a more industrial or rustic look, or whitewashed for coastal and beachy vibes. Use wood for desks and conference tables, in accent walls, shelving, and cabinetry design. The possibilities are endless and provide a softer design choice when compared to hard materials such as steel and glass. 

Bring In The Natural Light with Glass

Create an open environment by adding glass to not only allow natural sunlight in, but also to create separation between spaces. Ways to incorporate this include office partitions, interior and exterior windows, decorative pieces and panels, and glass conference rooms. Play around with clear glass to take advantage of natural light or frosted or decorative glass to provide privacy without making a room feel closed off and sterile. 

Add Biophilic Elements Inside

Having an office space that incorporates biophilic elements is still a popular design choice. Bringing outdoor elements inside does not require a ton of effort, but it can help to elevate your overall office design. Adding indoor plants, natural stone, fountains, and living walls helps to introduce texture and create a calmer and more environmentally connected workplace. Incorporating natural elements into the office can help to improve the emotional well-being of your employees by reducing stress levels and increasing productivity. 

Use Soft Textiles for Balance

Having a contrast between harder materials with soft textiles not only provides comfort but also reduces the harshness of hard surfaces. Incorporate soft textiles in seating, area rugs, throw pillows, curtains, and acoustic wall panels. Not only do soft materials help with acoustics by absorbing sound, but they also look great and with regular upkeep, last a long time. Choose quality materials that are durable and stain resistant.

Select Easy to Maintain Materials For A Lasting Design

A thoughtfully designed space can only be properly maintained if the finishes selected are built to last. Ensure that you choose durable materials that are easy to clean, resistant to scratches and stains, have low long-term maintenance costs, and hold up well in high-traffic areas such as entrances and breakrooms. While some materials may look incredible during the first year, they may not have the long-term durability like other comparable materials. Striking the right balance between aesthetics and a functional space ensures that your office looks great year after year. 

An intentionally designed office is more than pretty colors and aesthetically pleasing furniture pieces. Choosing the right blend of textures and materials can help to create an office space that reflects your company’s identity, supports your employee’s creativity and well-being, and leaves a meaningful and lasting impression on your clients and customers. Whether you are looking to incorporate warmth in your space through wood finishes, adding natural elements with biophilic designs, or varying the soft materials in the window finishes and cushions throughout the office, your space will be visually attractive while adding depth, balance, and personality.

If you are looking to complete an office redesign or starting from scratch, an experienced interior designer can help you choose the right materials that balance productivity with aesthetics, resulting in an office design that is memorable and distinctive. Interior Fusion is here to guide you every step of the way. Reach out to us today to get started and create an office that looks as unique as your business!