7+ Trending Office Renovation Ideas That Will Inspire Great Work

Office renovations aren’t just routine upgrades and refurbishments. 

It’s an opportunity for you to cultivate an environment that inspires productivity, creativity, and employee wellbeing. But what design choices should you make to get the most out of your office refurb? Below we’ll share 7+ trending office renovation ideas you should consider before embarking on your workplace upgrade. Through strategic choices and thoughtful consideration of employee workflow and client interaction, you can create a space that inspires great work. Keep scrolling to see all the trends.

Evaluating your office's current flooring reveals a lot about your business. If carpets are stained or worn, or floorboards are marred by chair damage, it's time for a change. Fresh flooring can rejuvenate the office, and sometimes, existing floors can be revitalised with a little care.

However, there comes a point when it's prudent to start afresh. Most office carpets have a lifespan of 5-15 years, especially in high-traffic areas. Opting for durable materials like hardwoods, tiles, or concrete ensures longevity and value for money. Hard-wearing flooring materials are essential for everyday office foot traffic. Small, simple upgrades like these can instantly change and uplift the office environment.

For those on a budget, a complete flooring overhaul isn't the only solution. Polishing current floors or shampooing carpets can provide a cost-effective makeover, extending their lifespan. With the right cleaning products, achieving a refreshed look is possible without breaking the bank.

Working in a dim, windowless office can be uninspiring. And it could be the reason why your team prefers to work at home. Softer lighting can help, but are there any opportunities to bring more natural light into your workspace? Consider investing in larger windows and skylights to brighten up the workspace. Even a small influx of sunlight transforms the atmosphere, positively impacting employee well-being and productivity. 

Custom windows and skylights may appear pricier upfront, yet they can yield long-term savings on electricity bills all while offering calming, picturesque views for your team. Incorporating reflective surfaces (e.g. mirrors) can effectively bring natural light deeper into the office, contributing to a brighter and more inviting workplace.

Want a happier office, let your team create a space that’s their own. Employees who have creative control over their office environment are 32% more productive. They’re also happier and healthier.

Office personalisation instils a sense of ownership and belonging, fostering motivation. Encourage employees to bring personal items like family photos, travel mementos, quirky desk accessories, or plants to create a homely atmosphere at their desks. In open office plans, offer options like dividers or screens for those seeking more privacy.

When employees make their workspaces unique to them, it becomes a reflection of their identity, contributing to overall workplace happiness. By acknowledging and supporting individuality, businesses can enhance employee engagement and well-being.

Your team will spend most of their office days sitting (or standing) at a desk. For this reason, furniture plays a pivotal role in defining the office experience. 

Comfortability, functionality, and ergonomics have a direct impact on productivity. And for open plan offices, sound management can be addressed through strategic furniture choices. Private office pods are effective furniture options to help separate quiet and collaborative work areas. 

When it comes to furniture, quality comes first. Uncomfortable seating could negatively affect concentration for individuals on your team. During your renovation, opt for adjustable chairs and sit-stand desks. Promote good posture through the use of laptop stands and monitors. Create an environment that promotes steady, distraction-free work momentum.

Open plan office design is an ongoing trend among office fitouts, but it’s not without its quirks. Everyone has different working styles. Some prefer open collaborative spaces while others need quiet solitude to perform at their best.

If you’re planning to renovate your open plan office, consider how your team works alone and together. Office partitions can divide your existing space into multiple work environments giving your team the option to choose quiet over conversation when necessary. While also a physical divide, partitions can also be designed for soundproofing, further muffling everyday office chatter.

The pandemic showed that working from home can work for some industries. Now that more companies are embracing hybrid working styles, a pre-pandemic office design may not reflect how teams currently work. 

Working from home gave many a sense of convenience. You can cook a fresh lunch instead of eating a cold pre-packed meal. You can rest on the couch during work breaks, or even walk your dog around the neighbourhood. For that reason, some companies are renovating their offices with more home-like elements. It’s not just an office, but a living space as well.

Some home features include showers (for those who may exercise before work), kitchenettes, bean bags, and other comfortable furniture. Kitchens are transformed into comfortable lounge areas promoting socialisation and stress relief during break times. 

Further Reading: How an Office Fitout Can Improve Your Health & Wellbeing

Is your office lighting outdated? Poor lighting directly impacts mental and physical health, causing eye strain, headaches, and fatigue. Harsh lighting, while brighter, could create the same fatiguing effects on employees. 

Switching to softer, more natural alternatives can transform office ambience. In the best-case scenario, you want to find more ways to capture natural light and bounce it throughout the office. When this is more difficult to achieve, consider installing light fixtures with diffusers to evenly disperse light throughout the space. Lamps can also provide an additional source of softer illumination. Choose light bulbs with a neutral colour temperature, which will emit a gentler, calming light. 4000K (a.k.a. natural light) is popular in office settings.

Looking for an easy, cost-effective idea for office renovations? A fresh coat of paint can work wonders in transforming your office. White walls are a safe choice, making spaces appear larger and cleaner. But it isn’t the only choice. Consider your business branding as well when choosing paint colours. 

Darker colours may make your space feel cramped, but they're not entirely off-limits. Lean into neutrals like greys and beiges to promote a calm, productive working environment. Even a feature wall with a mural or collage can be a welcome change to the office space.

As a commercial property owner, did you know that you can deduct office fitout costs and renovations? This is even applicable to business owners who lease their office space. Reduce your renovation costs by claiming depreciation on asset value decline, covering installation, wear and tear, and more. We suggest contacting your business accountant or a tax expert to understand what you could be eligible for.

As we conclude our journey through these office renovation ideas and tips, it's evident that the potential to elevate your workspace goes beyond mere aesthetics. By incorporating elements like biophilic design, thoughtful lighting, and workspace personalisation, you have the power to shape an office that not only impresses clients but also nurtures employee satisfaction and performance.

At Canopy Fitouts we create spaces that inspire meaningful work. If you're in the process of moving into a new space or want to renovate an existing one, we can help. We have years of fitout experience across multiple industries and can work with you to create a design that is fresh, welcoming, and functional. 

If you have any specific questions or are ready to get started on your office fitout, speak with our knowledgeable team today. Initial consultations are free and fully transparent.