Office design is getting more and more intricate, and no doubt some people find it all a bit unnecessary. But these naysayers disguise an important fact: we live in an age of unparalleled technological advancement, and office design is benefiting massively because of it. Innovations in furniture and accessories are helping designers reconsider the spaces they sit within, letting us evolve our idea of what an office should look like. Five key trends are likely to take shape in 2018:

Green is the New Black

Green is in this year. By that, we don’t necessarily mean the colour green – instead, we mean the concept. Sustainability is becoming more and more important to businesses, as environmentally aware CEOs realise that they can care for the planet and cut costs in their business simultaneously. Last year, we saw nature enter the office – with rooftop gardens, nature-based wall dividers, a plethora of foliage – and this year it will grow. Being in nature has proven health benefits when it comes to staying calm and creative, and it will continue to have an impact on office design in 2018.

Texture, Texture, Texture

Minimalism is returning as an office design trend, meaning once-cluttered offices are now spartan rooms painted in neutral tones. One way around the fact that, this can get a little boring, is to experiment with textures that can add sensory depth to an office space. Some of the tactile materials you can expect to see in offices this year include faux sheepskin chair throws, woven rugs, and beach shell wall dividers.

Colour is Making a Comeback

2017 might have bought us minimalist designs and neutral tones, but 2018 promises to be a year where colour returns to workspaces around the country. Pantone’s recently released “eight trend palettes for 2018” has something for every type of business imaginable, from striking blues and oranges to neutral metallic shades.

Offices Become More Accessible Than Ever Before

There are new ways to improve office accessibility for disabled workers coming in 2018! From devices that can help hearing-impaired staff members hear their colleagues in meetings, to a wider range of adjustable furniture to take every body type – including those with a physical impairment – into account, this year holds some big things in store when it comes to office inclusion.

AR and VR are on Their Way

Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality (AR and VR, respectively) are making waves all around the world. In 2018, those waves will be felt in offices. The technology could be used to demonstrate product development models, conduct “face to face” meetings with clients in virtual space, or offer virtual office tours to prospective employees. The only question is how they will be deployed: functionality at every desk? Dedicated areas? Time will tell!