One of the biggest mistakes in office design 2025 (and how to avoid it)

Dynamic changes in the labor market, the growing popularity of the hybrid model, and rising employee expectations mean that the office is no longer just a place to perform duties. Today it is an environment designed to support creativity, focus, mental well-being, and team integration.

In the pursuit of modern design and minimalist aesthetics, many companies make a critical mistake: they create spaces that are visually appealing but… unfriendly to people. As a result, instead of improving comfort and efficiency, offices often intensify fatigue, distraction, and stress.

In this article, we will examine one of the biggest mistakes made in office design in 2025 and show how to avoid it, creating a space that not only looks modern but, more importantly, supports health, concentration, and creativity.

 

Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Office design trends for 2025
3. Mistake: forgetting about nature
4. The psychology of offices: why we need nature
5. Natural materials in practice
5.1. Wood – a timeless foundation
5.2. Natural cork – the unexpected office hero
6. The green office: plants as an essential element
7. Summary
8. FAQ

 

Office design trends for 2025

Why the workplace matters more today than ever before

The year 2025 brings further changes in how offices are arranged. The workplace is no longer simply a site for tasks—it has become a tool for supporting organizational culture and strengthening team engagement.

Employees increasingly expect the space where they spend much of their day to be functional, aesthetically pleasing, and supportive of their health. At the same time, companies are beginning to recognize that a well-designed office can boost productivity, improve well-being, and help retain talent.

Despite this awareness, many organizations still make one major mistake: prioritizing modern aesthetics over human needs. In recent years, so-called “sterile offices” have gained enormous popularity—minimalist, neutral spaces often dominated by glass, metal, and artificial finishes. Initially, they were meant to symbolize modernity and prestige, but today they are increasingly seen as a source of problems.

 

Mistake: forgetting about nature

How the “sterile office” trend emerged and why it no longer works

The trend toward sterile, minimalist offices began in the early 2010s. Companies wanted to emphasize their modernity, innovation, and technological identity, opting for simple forms, smooth surfaces, and neutral colors. Glass, metal, and artificial laminates took over the workspace, creating an impression of order and sophistication.

At first, this design was perceived as luxurious and professional. During the rapid growth of the IT sector and the rise of start-ups, it also served as a signal of efficiency and forward-thinking. However, over time it became clear that offices designed this way were… too far removed from human needs. The lack of warm materials, natural colors, and biophilic elements left employees feeling fatigued, less focused, and less creative.

The consequences of lacking natural elements and materials in the workplace

Workplace designers and psychologists have been warning for years that sterile offices can not only reduce productivity but also negatively affect well-being. The most common consequences include:

• Increased stress levels – spaces without natural textures, colors, and light are perceived by the brain as less welcoming. The absence of natural stimuli raises tension and makes recovery harder.

• Reduced focus and creativity – uniform, cold interiors fail to stimulate attention or support creative thinking. As a result, tasks requiring concentration become more exhausting.

• Decline in mental well-being – the lack of contact with nature-inspired elements can lead to lower mood and feelings of isolation. Employees tire more quickly, and their motivation drops.

• Negative impact on physical health – sterile, enclosed environments often suffer from dry air, while the absence of natural materials and plants worsens the overall quality of the workspace.

 

Office psychology: why we need nature

The impact of natural textures, colors, and patterns on the brain

Our brains are evolutionarily adapted to function in natural environments. Contact with elements of nature—wood, stone, greenery, or natural light—affects our perception and emotions in ways we are often unaware of. Research in the field of neuroarchitecture shows that surfaces and textures inspired by nature stimulate the same areas of the brain that are activated when spending time outdoors.

Stress reduction, better focus, improved mood

Incorporating nature into the workplace is not just about aesthetics—it has a direct impact on both mental and physical health. According to studies, including those from the University of Exeter, offices that feature natural elements improve employee well-being by an average of 15%. The presence of wood, plants, and natural light:

• Lowers stress levels – friendly visual and tactile stimuli ease tension, helping maintain emotional balance.

• Enhances concentration – nature-inspired settings support focus, leading to improved efficiency.

• Boosts creativity – environments rich in colors, textures, and organic forms encourage out-of-the-box thinking.

• Improves well-being – employees feel more relaxed, and their overall mood is lifted.

 

Natural materials in practice

Wood – a timeless foundation

Studies show that the presence of wooden elements in the workplace reduces stress levels and improves concentration. The natural texture and unique grain of wood have a calming effect on the brain while adding character and timeless elegance to the space.

Most common uses of wood in offices:

• Furniture and worktops – desks, conference tables, and shelves made of wood warm up the space and give it a natural character.

• Wooden flooring – beyond aesthetics, it improves room acoustics and the comfort of moving around the office.

In 2025, combining different wood types in one space is becoming increasingly popular. Light oaks and ashes are paired with darker walnut or teak, creating a modern and dynamic visual effect.

Natural cork – the unexpected office hero

Its unique properties—such as excellent acoustic insulation, pleasant texture, and flexibility—make natural cork a perfect fit for the needs of modern workplaces. In offices dominated by glass, concrete, and steel, cork elements introduce balance, add warmth, and create a more welcoming atmosphere.

Advantages of cork in office spaces:

• a natural and fully sustainable material, sourced from cork oak bark without cutting down trees,

• outstanding acoustic properties – it absorbs sounds and reduces noise,

• hypoallergenic and easy to keep clean,

• aesthetic yet visually neutral, making it suitable for various interior styles.

Examples of cork applications in the office

• Decorative wall panels
  Cork wall coverings not only look striking but also improve room acoustics. They are especially recommended for conference rooms, open spaces, and areas where noise reduction is important.

• Desk accessories and organizers
  Coasters, organizers, laptop stands, or containers made of cork add warmth and a natural feel to the space. They are lightweight, durable, and easy to move—perfect for employees working in a hybrid model.

• Notice boards
  Cork boards are a classic element making a comeback in modern design. In offices designed for 2025, elegant minimalist frames are increasingly popular, blending seamlessly with natural materials and adding a sense of coziness.

 

Green office: plants as an essential element

How greenery affects focus and well-being

Greenery impacts our brain on several levels: it improves air quality, reduces noise, and stimulates the nervous system through contact with natural shapes and colors. Even a small number of plants in an office can boost comfort, which translates into better well-being and higher team performance.

When choosing plants for office spaces, it’s worth selecting species that are hardy, low-maintenance, and additionally purify the air. Here are a few proven options:

• Sansevieria (snake plant) – exceptionally resilient, it tolerates dry air and low light well.

• Zamioculcas – an ideal plant for beginners, easy to care for and tolerant of irregular watering.

• Peace lily – effectively filters the air and adds elegance to the office with its decorative white flowers.

• Dracaena – capable of absorbing toxins from the air, its slender leaves complement modern interiors.

• Golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum) – a climbing plant that works perfectly on shelves and partition walls, bringing lightness to the space.

 

Summary

Designing offices in 2025 is about much more than choosing furniture and wall colors. It requires understanding how space influences people—their health, mood, focus, and creativity. Modern offices need to meet new employee expectations, offering not only efficiency but also support for recovery and well-being.

As shown in this article, one of the biggest mistakes in office design is forgetting about nature. The trend of sterile, minimalist spaces, which for years symbolized modernity and prestige, today often has the opposite effect: increased stress, reduced concentration, and a sense of disconnection.

The solution lies in consciously incorporating natural materials and elements into offices. Wood, natural cork, and plants help create welcoming and harmonious environments. Biophilic design is playing an increasingly important role, blending nature with modern technological and functional solutions.

 

FAQ

1. Why are natural materials so important in office design?

Natural materials such as wood and natural cork create a more human-friendly environment. They positively influence mood, concentration, and stress levels. They bring warmth, harmony, and balance into spaces—qualities often missing in sterile, minimalist interiors.

2. What is biophilic design?

Biophilic design is an approach to interior design that introduces nature-inspired elements into workspaces. This may include the use of natural materials, the presence of plants, access to natural light, or views of greenery outside. Research shows such solutions improve well-being, concentration, and creativity among employees.

3. Is minimalism in offices a bad idea?

Minimalism itself is not a problem, as long as it is well balanced. A modern office can be simple and elegant, provided the design includes natural materials, proper lighting, and greenery. It’s all about finding the right balance between aesthetics and employee comfort.

4. How can nature be introduced into the office?

It’s best to start with small steps: adding plants, choosing natural accessories, using cork boards, or wooden organizers. Over time, larger changes can follow, such as replacing wall panels, maximizing natural light, or creating green relaxation zones.