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One Simple Design Choice That Can Transform a Workspace in 2025

Two colleagues chatting in a light-filled office decorated in neutral tones

One Simple Design Choice That Can Transform a Workspace in 2025

When we talk about transforming workspaces, it’s easy to think big: major refurbishments, full rebrands, or bold new layouts. But in reality, it’s often the small, thoughtful changes that make the greatest difference - choices that enhance the way people feel, move, and work in a space.

As hybrid work becomes the norm, office spaces need to offer more than just a place to work. With employees often choosing between home and the office, even the smallest design decisions can help create a workplace that feels comfortable, purposeful, and worth the commute. In 2025, we’re seeing a clear shift towards more human-centred design. Not just ticking the boxes of functionality, but elevating wellbeing, adaptability and sustainability in meaningful ways

So, we asked some of the UK’s leading workplace designers to share one deceptively simple design choice that’s having a transformative effect right now. Their insights show just how much power there is in the small stuff and how a single decision, thoughtfully made, can elevate an entire workspace.

Nature-Inspired Zoning with a Human Touch

Samantha-Jane Agbontaen, Office Designer at https://officedesigner.com

Samantha-Jane Agbontaen is an interior designer with over 15 years’ experience and the founder of Office Designer®, an online interior design studio making stylish, functional workspaces accessible to small businesses, startups, and entrepreneurs across the UK. After the success of House Designer, Samantha launched Office Designer in 2022 to fill a gap in the market - creating affordable, professional office design solutions for those often overlooked by traditional firms. From home offices to co-working hubs and growing HQs, her team helps clients optimise layouts, plan furniture, and create beautiful, sustainable spaces that reflect their brand, culture and ambitions.

One simple design choice that’s quietly powerful yet transformative in today’s workspaces is the introduction of biophilic zoning using natural materials and textures."

"At Office Designer, we’ve been exploring how tactile, organic elements like curved wooden partitions, moss panels, or even clay plastered accent walls can define areas without enclosing them. It is a gentle yet strategic way to shape flow, support wellbeing, and encourage both collaboration and calm in one space.

This approach moves beyond the trend of bringing the outside in. It reflects a deeper design shift, a desire for spaces that ground us, inspire creativity, and feel intuitively human. In an age where hybrid work has blurred the lines between home and office, details like these remind us that function does not need to come at the cost of feeling. Sometimes, a beautifully textured wall can soften not just acoustics but the entire workplace atmosphere."

HURRAY office chair with sit-stand desk in an office with neutral décor

conference table with live plant sound panels and artificial plants against the wall

Lighting That Lifts the Space and the People

Georgia Salter-Randall, Mid-Weight Designer at Interaction UK

Georgia Salter-Randall is a designer at Interaction, a leading workplace design and build company. Having joined through a highly competitive placement programme, Georgia’s passion for design has been clear from a young age, and she’s become known for transforming complex briefs into spaces that are both creative and thoughtfully considered.

At the moment, we're really focussing on using lighting to enhance aesthetics and wellbeing, as well as the practical use."

"Good lighting design strikes a balance between different light levels throughout the space – something sustainability and wellbeing guidelines strongly encourage. A mix of natural light, focused task lighting and warm, low-level ambient light can completely change how a workspace looks and feels.

Ultimately, by being really intentional with different lighting types, you can turn a workspace into a place that’s practical, beautiful and supports wellbeing. It's a small detail that makes a big difference."

Smarter Furniture for Sustainable Futures

Laura Stephens, Senior Designer at Interaction UK

Laura Stephens is part of the talented design team at Interaction. Since joining the firm four years ago, she’s become known for her bold use of colour and love of texture.
In 2024, she was named Rising Star at the Bristol Property Awards for her impact on workplace design.

One small but impactful design choice we’re seeing is the move towards furniture with zip-on covers and minimal fixings. Rather than using adhesive fabrics and foams, more suppliers are opting for covers that can be easily cleaned, replaced or switched out. "

"This not only extends the lifespan of the furniture but also supports a more circular approach – covers can be cleaned more easily, and if a client fancies a new colour or fabric, it’s a simple update instead of buying new pieces.

Manufacturers that prioritise sustainability are great at this, designing their furniture so materials can be separated easily at the end of life – no glue, staples or annoying fixings. It’s a clever design tweak that means reclaiming and reusing materials is much simpler. It’s all about making sustainable design the default, even if it costs a bit more initially."

Designing for wellbeing and connection

Whether it’s the texture of a moss wall, the warmth of ambient lighting, the practicality of a zip-off fabric cover, these design choices speak to a wider movement: one that values flexibility, sustainability, and emotional connection. As the line between personal and professional spaces continues to blur, small decisions like these help create work environments that are not only functional but truly enriching to spend time in.

What your office furniture says about your business

modern, minimalist office space. Two women are working; one is organizing documents on a pinboard, the other is seated at a high table using her phone. The office features contemporary furniture, including high stools, a shared work table, and room dividers that create a sense of both privacy and openness. The color palette is neutral and calming, primarily consisting of whites, grays, and muted greens. The overall atmosphere appears calm, collaborative, and professional.

How to furnish your office on a budget

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Welcoming outdoor spaces start with the right furniture

Why are lighter tones in your office interior important for reducing stress?

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