Modern Office Design: Laminates Hit A Sweet Spot(2)

Modern Office Design: Laminates Hit A Sweet Spot(2)

The transformation in the way people work and see themselves as employees has brought about new concepts in office furniture design and work space configuration. And laminates hit the sweet spot of these new trends:

Mobility and connectedness: Millennials will soon make up the majority of the workforce, and studies show that members of this generation value mobility, flexibility and connectedness. They also care about the environment and want to spend their time in places that are both stylish and functional. When it comes to mobility, flexibility, style, and functionality, laminates shine.

Collaboration: Led by Google and other tech industry leaders, a growing emphasis on employee collaboration has brought more focus to open areas and meeting spaces where creative sharing and problem-solving can occur. These environments call for durable, versatile applications; think laminates.

Touchdown areas: In today’s economy, part-time or telecommuting workers often share office space or temporarily occupy workstations where they can use their smartphones, tablets or laptops without distraction. Sturdy, well-built, low-maintenance laminate surfacing is the material of choice for these touchdowns.

Technology everywhere: Data ports, USB ports and outlets that enable employees to stay charged, connected and productive are everywhere. Wire management is often integrated into the design of laminated tables, desks, storage units and other furnishings.

The comforts of home: Office furnishings are undergoing “residentialization” and becoming more comfortable, more colorful, more homelike, often with contrasting splashes of color, texture or contrasting materials. Laminates can make this happen in any environment.

Colors, textures and flair: Colors can influence energy, mood and thought patterns; they can inspire creative thinking and enhance problem solving. Contemporary laminate design trends favor strong, bold, thematic colors, such as slate or espresso, that stimulate creativity and stir the imagination. These are often contrasted with eye-popping tonal or texturized accents.

Modulars: Ready-to-assemble modular components are versatile, scaleable, flexible and customizable. Standardized laminate panels, furniture and furnishings make it easy to expand, augment, reconfigure or repurpose any space. Plus, modular laminated components play well with other materials, such as metal hardware, fabric, stone, tile and glass or plexiglass, either frosted or unfrosted. Manufacturers such as National Office Furniture, Trendway, HPFi and Highpoint are among those that offer a wide selection of modular lines.