Our Favorite Trending Accessories for Informal Spaces
Informal spaces are on the rise, including plenty of trending accessories to add comfort and personality. What’s cause for the growing trend? In a new, exclusive article titled The Office Renaissance: A Rebirth. And Why It Matters, Steelcase explores the “anti-corporate backlash.” This backlash is a response to several factors: the change in where and how work happens, the global demand for creativity and innovative work, the war for attracting and retaining talent, employee disengagement, and the lag in technology integration in the workplace. All of these factors contribute to an unease with the office environment. To address this anti-corporate backlash, some organizations turn to residential furniture in an effort to create greater informality, emotional comfort and a one-of-a-kind look. Here, our Directors of Strategic Alliances explore their favorite trending accessories for informal spaces, capturing the blend of residential and corporate design. Ready to be a part of the office renaissance? Kick your feet up, relax, and read on!
Coalesse Montara650 Stool
Nikki: The stool most designers ask about, by far. It’s sleek, elegant, and refined for a collaborative space or café environment. And with an upholstered seat, it’s a quite the comfy perch. We just installed these stools at Custer, and they’re favored by our teams for eating, gathering, working, and more.
Blu Dot Turn Table
Nikki: Natural wood is one of the most popular materials in the trend toward residential furnishings. And this wood is just gorgeous! It’s a unique, solid table that has the most eye-catching silhouette.
Mary: Agreed. This piece is both a modern design statement and totally lounge-inducing — I want to stand and admire it, but also set it in front of my couch and kick my feet up. I think that’s exactly what the informal spaces trend is all about: great form with a range of functions.
Elitis Leather Wall Covering
Mary: Not only is this leather wall covering absolutely beautiful, but it hearkens to the warmth and elegance of an estate home. While we’re seeing a lot of informal spaces incorporate mid-century, low-profile pieces, this is a great blend of comfort and chic.
Blu Dot Laika Lamp
Nikki: This shade is modern yet still reminds me of comfortable, cozy times with my family growing up. The rattan wrapped around a steel framework makes for a cool, crafty style. As work environments become more open and informal, it’s all the more important to have pieces that offer space definition, and this piece definitely does.
LZF Screens
Mary: These screens were designed to cross the bridge between home, contract, and hospitality spaces. The intricacies are breathtaking, creating a semi-privacy that still allows for light. We often think of our homes as places to encourage and reflect our personalities — with these pieces, the workplace can do the same thing.
Bivi Trunk
Nikki: I love the new freestanding legs available with Bivi trunk! The bright colors available on the metal storage are fun, and the look and feel of the storage piece injects a residential feel into any workplace.
Interested in exploring the informal spaces trend for yourself? Wondering where you can acquire these trending accessories? We would love to meet with you! Connect with us for a tour of our space or more information.
