Furniture Trends
DESIGN INVESTIGATIONS
The element that can immediately make or break our ability to use the space effectively is the furniture.
Designing environments for the way we live, right now.
When we walk into a building or room, many things impact our experience: the volume, the quality of the light, the detailing, and the finishes. We may have opinions on all of those things; however, the element that can immediately make or break our ability to use the space effectively is the furniture. We need places to sit, places to put things, surfaces on which to work or eat or draw; we need places to relax, focus, use our devices, and rest a cup of coffee while we talk to the person seated next to us.
Furniture impacts beauty and function. It quickly conveys a shared aesthetic and informs occupants as to how a space might be used. Furniture invites us to engage with our surroundings and supports us in accomplishing our goals. The components we select for a K-12 classroom might be very different from those we select for an upscale restaurant or an attorney’s office; however, some trends span project types and practice areas. What’s informing the choices we’re making right now?
LS3P conducted an informal survey with our Interior Designers. We also collected and shared observations of the latest trends from NeoCon 2024, and asked team members from a variety of practice areas what they’re seeing in terms of furniture trends today. Participants work on an array of project types including hospitality, senior living, multifamily, workplace, higher education, civic, K-12, manufacturing/research, federal, commercial, and projects pursuing green certification. Here’s what we found:
Flexibility, Choice, & Comfort.
Brasfield & Gorrie | Charlotte, NC
Flexibility
is paramount in uncertain times.
In a world that’s constantly evolving, clients are looking for spaces that can adapt to changing needs and a variety of functions. Whether it’s a workplace or a classroom or a healthcare setting, people want the ability to rearrange spaces without undertaking a major construction project. Designers are seeing more furniture case work in lieu of built-in millwork, such as in nurse stations, and demountable walls used as office fronts for easy reconfiguration. Movable whiteboards and divider screens can be used with flexible furniture groupings to define spaces without hard construction. Clients are also asking for multi-use furniture that can accommodate a variety of tasks. Flexibility and mobility are key, and furnishings need to be able to support multiple uses by many different types of users–today, or in the next iteration of a client’s space. Clients are also interested in modular pieces that can be combined in multiple ways for future uses. What’s out: traditional, single position furnishings such as traditional school desks attached to chairs.
Choice
and variety give people control over how they interact with their environment.
Alongside the trend towards greater flexibility, giving people more choices gives them control over how they engage with their environment. Providing options for things like seat and table heights, hard vs. soft seating, or solo seating areas toward the perimeter mixed with furniture groupings in the middle of a room all help cater to different preferences and tasks. In the workplace, sit-to-stand desks and a variety of seating options have become commonplace, while in the classroom mobile, kid-centric furniture allows for movement and flexibility in the learning environment. In hospitality settings, grouping varied furniture within the space including different sized tables, banquette seating, and an array of color and finish options helps to define open space without creating a “cafeteria” vibe. Across project types, furnishings need to accommodate different tasks, group sizes, preferences, and physical needs. Privacy pods are an increasingly popular request to support focus tasks at work, provide a bit of separation in a crowded waiting room, or accommodate a quiet conversation in a lobby.
1. LS3P Raleigh Raleigh, NC
2. UNC Greensboro Nursing & Instructional Building Greensboro, NC
3. BoomTown Charleston, SC
Comfort is king.
At work, many clients are asking for furnishings with a more residential scale and feel, hoping to entice employees back into the office after the dramatic rise of remote work. (residential/commercial) furnishings are showing up in various project types where clients are prioritizing comfort, with lounge furnishings permeating workplaces, waiting rooms, educational facilities, and hospitality settings. This trend is even visible in restaurant dining rooms where lounge seating areas are interspersed with dining tables. Poufs popular accessory across project types.
Fuquay-Varina Library | Fuquay-Varina, NC
Emily Kite AIA,
K-12 Education Sector Leader
NCARB, ALEP
The Workplace Is Still Weird.
The
modern workplace: “it’s complicated.”
Among the biggest trends emerging for the modern workplace is the absence of a “one-size-fits-all” approach. The rapid rise of remote work probably means that some form of the hybrid workplace is here to stay, for most companies. Some employers are still asking for furnishings that would encourage people to spend more time in the office; others are looking to maximize their office space for collaboration, socializing, and other functions that are best done in person.
The lack of consensus around what “the workplace” needs to look like now means that designs for any particular company can be unique, and uniquely tailored to their needs, goals, and culture. In most cases, old-school workstations are a thing of the past. Anything reminiscent of the traditional paneled office cubicle is out; employees want choices and movement. Collaboration-style groupings allow for a more dynamic work setting, as well as a healthy mix of higher-sit lounge seating, task height options, and touchdown spaces. Smaller individual desk footprints are creating more space for collaboration and amenities. Privacy is still a key concern in open office environments, so privacy pods and acoustic treatments are helpful in managing sound transmission.
1. NCEES Headquarters
SC 2. Ally Charlotte Center
NC 3. Ally Charlotte Center Charlotte, NC 4. TEN30 Charlotte, NC
Confidential Technology Client
Patrick Cooley Senior Practice Professional
One significant trend in the evolving workplace is the reduction of personal space for the increase of personal options. “I like to think of it as the ’50 foot office’ concept,” Cooley explains. “You may have a smaller dedicated work area, but how many different work options can you access within a 50’ radius of that workstation, from high top tables to kinetic seating to privacy pods?” In the post-Covid “amenities arms race,” employers are trying to provide enticing, human-scale workplace environments that cater to the whole person.
Indoor green space is a popular amenity. “Not every company can accommodate terraces and balconies, but bringing the outdoors in through immersive biophilic zones with plantings, natural textures, organic forms, and even outdoor furniture can create a recharging moment,” Cooley says.
Choice is also critical; when the workplace is competing with the comforts of the home office, people are looking for comfort, mobility, and variety. Designing for today’s workplace involves finding the right balance of desking, soft seating, high tops, lounges, different colors and textures, open hubs, focus rooms, and other elements–all while providing seamless digital connections and the right amenities to support diverse learning styles and preferences of the team.
We’re in a wired age.
While work locations, even within physical office spaces, are more flexible than ever, people still need their devices. Options for integrated power within furnishings are increasingly popular, as are mobile power units. The need to switch between face-to-face conversations, virtual meetings, and laptop work has given rise to creative solutions such as laptop tables and other pull-up tables of varying heights which can help people quickly customize spaces to accommodate technology and other portable gear.
When we’re all on the go, storage looks different.
When everyone had a permanent seat at work and stayed there pretty much all day, a common sight was a lockable file cabinet which could hold both personal items and all the paper that was being generated and filed. The digital age means that we’re filing a lot less paper these days, so physical filing systems, cabinets for printed work resources, and bookshelves are on the way out. However, employees who may be “hoteling” at different desks within the office, or who are moving to different locations within the office over the course of the day as their tasks change, still need a dedicated place to keep their belongings. Day lockers in a shared space allow people to stash backpacks, coats, purses, or snacks out of the way in a secure location. To further streamline office storage and reduce visual clutter, even appliances are being integrated into cabinetry and shelving.
Some things are still better together.
In a hybrid workplace, some people may prefer to do focus work remotely, but on one point most people agree: the office is a great place for tasks that require collaboration. Flexible collaboration spaces are in high demand, so furniture that allows for different group sizes and tools like mobile whiteboards remain popular. Height adjustable tables (HATs), movable furniture, well-equipped huddle rooms, and inviting lounge settings can support in-person brainstorming sessions. (This trend is also going strong across practice areas with collaborative furniture showing up in K-12 schools, higher education facilities, and even hotel lobbies.)
TEN30 | Charlotte, NC
Efficiency and Economy.
Affordability is always appreciated.
Not surprisingly, cost is perhaps the most significant factor driving furniture decisions across project types. While a few projects have “spare no expense” budgets, most clients are looking for pieces which will maximize their resources and provide the right balance of quality and cost. Some clients are looking for creative ways to reuse existing or salvaged furnishings in new ways in refurbished spaces, which has the added benefit of lowering a project’s carbon footprint in addition to keeping costs down.
We’re all doing more with less, and doing a lot with a little.
In rethinking how we use our spaces most efficiently, many people are leasing or building less space than in previous years, and they’re thinking about how to optimize building uses. Multi-use spaces which can support a variety of functions–working, playing, lounging, or learning–are allowing greater flexibility of use across a typical day in education, hospitality, and workplace settings, possibly reducing the need for separate spaces for each function. In the office, the hybrid work environment is hastening the trend toward smaller individual office footprints with more shared space. This might mean that instead of a lockable office, an employee might have a “work wall” with lockable storage; they can lock the cabinet at the end of a day and someone else can take advantage of the space when employees travel or work remotely. Smaller office footprints do require more compact storage options. Across the board, big and bulky furnishings like bookshelves, oversized lounge pieces, sofas, booths, and traditional workstations seem to be on the way out.
1. UNCG Nursing & Instructional Building Greensboro, NC
2. Clemson University Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business Clemson, SC
3. Clemson University The Zucker Center Charleston, SC 1 2
Krissy Ferguson AIA, LEED AP
Higher Education Project Manager
Collaboration is the word of the day in higher education–even for formerly stodgy lecture halls with fixed seating. Many auditorium spaces are being renovated to include platforms with movable chairs and tables. “The professor can still lecture as needed, but then students can shift their seating and work together in groups. This is even true in regular classrooms, which are often tiered now; the classroom has become multidirectional, and the flexible furnishings are key to that shift,” says Ferguson.
Increasingly, campuses also accommodate hybrid instruction; for example, mounted ceiling cameras can pivot to zoom in on people speaking anywhere in the classroom so virtual and in-person students can see each other better. Residence halls have shifted to a suite-based format and away from gang bathrooms shared by the whole floor, and armoires have replaced closets to eliminate additional sprinkler head requirements.
Ferguson also notes the desire for places where students want to linger. This is particularly important on community college campuses where students need touchdown, study, and hangout space between classes. However, inviting elements such as fireplaces are showing up even in academic buildings, and collaborative spaces like learning styles are popular in all types of buildings.
The Greener, The Better.
Clients are increasingly aware of the impact of their buildings on the environment–and that includes furnishings and finishes. Across project types, people are looking for healthier indoor environments, which means paying careful attention to the materials used in the building and its contents. Third party certification programs such as LEED, WELL, Fitwel, Green Globes, or Living Building Challenge which support wellness and sustainability continue to be popular; the AIA Materials Pledge is also driving choices that are healthier for people and the planet. These programs are creating demand for product and supply chain transparency through environmental product declarations (EPDs), volatile organic compound (VOC) compliance certificates, and other documentation. A growing understanding of the need to reduce carbon emissions in our built environment is also encouraging designers and owners to think in terms of a more circular economy, such as through creative use of refurbished furniture. The demand for transparency and sustainability in furniture choices is having significant impacts on the market, and products which don’t comply with the predominant building rating systems are on the way out.
1. Broadstone Craft
2. Ally Charlotte Center Charlotte, NC
3. Ally Charlotte Center Charlotte, NC
Kellyn Messel
Hospitality Sector Leader
Lisa Pinyan
Savannah Office Leader
In multifamily projects, Kellyn Messel and Lisa Pinyan are finding that clients are looking to create memorable experiences for residents which help their buildings stand out from the competition. “Everyone wants to create memorable moments within their buildings,” explains Messel. Owners are requesting speakeasies behind hidden bookcases or styled like unit entries; amenities like champagne vending machines, private fitness rooms, or quiet nook areas with a coffee house vibe are all popular additions. In developments tailored to younger clients, coworking spaces are the norm; makerspaces, perhaps with podcast booths, also appeal to a wide audience.
For senior living projects, furnishings need to be sturdy, supportive, and easy to clean, but they shouldn’t look institutional. Hospitality elements are also key; clients want their entries to look like hotel lobbies, not the entry to an apartment building. “You have to pick your moments,” says Pinyan. “All clients are working within a budget, and every item doesn’t need to be the star- we try to select the pieces that will be special, and work around those.
LS3P Raleigh | Raleigh, NC
Outdoor furnishings.
Outdoor furnishings can be both exciting and challenging. Pieces must be durable enough to withstand a range of climate conditions, and well-made outdoor pieces often come with a hefty price tag. Maintaining the same vibe (in both aesthetics and quality) indoors and out bolsters the design story and prevents the outdoor areas from feeling like an afterthought. Considerations include:
Will furnishings be exposed, or sheltered? What climate conditions are likely? Is additional shading necessary? Will planters be needed to define
Is it heavy, movable, securable?
Are cushions cleanable? Do they need to be stored every evening? Will they fade? What happens
What is the piece made of? Will it be hot in direct sunlight, like black metal? Is it prone to wear and tear, like plastic? Does it need maintenance, like
Who is responsible for maintenance and cleaning? Who will store it in off seasons or during inclement weather if necessary, and is there a place designated for storage?
How well do lower-cost items hold up under frequent use, and do they often require DIY assembly?
Aesthetics: What’s in our Lookbooks.
A style for every situation.
While every project is different, and every design is tailored to a particular situation, some patterns, nonetheless, emerge that are shaping current styles:
Credit One Stadium | Charleston, SC
People do want their space to stand out.
It doesn’t matter whether it’s a bar, a hotel lobby, a common space in an apartment complex, or an office; people want their spaces to feel unique. Furniture can help define a place, and can set the tone for a shared culture. A “Class A+” office client may want high-end custom furniture to differentiate their office tower from the competition, or a company might request a “brewery” aesthetic in their collaboration spaces to reflect a relaxed and welcoming culture. A trendy multifamily project may call for eye-catching “found” pieces to create an Instagrammable feature in their coworking space; even K-12 clients are looking for unusual furniture items like irregular shaped desks to escape a cookie-cutter feel. Pieces that feel repetitive such as poly/plastic stacking chairs are on the way out to make way for more individualized seating options
Nature continues to inspire us.
Biophilia–bringing nature and natural elements into the interior environment–continues to be a popular strategy. People respond well to organic shapes and forms such as raw wood elements, pebble designs, tree ring patterns, stone, abstract patterns, and natural textures. Neutral color palettes using less saturated colors and accents of black, brass, and other timeless elements are showing up across many product lines.
Sustainable stories speak volumes.
Alongside the trend towards natural materials, products focused on renewable or recycled materials are supporting human and planetary health. Examples include Steelcase’s occasional tables made from recycled chopsticks, or flooring composed of plastic bottles. Carbon neutral wallcoverings and other eco friendly products (that also look fantastic) are allowing owners and designers to highlight reuse and innovation in their projects to engage people in conversations about sustainability.
Calming spaces are welcome…
In a fast-moving world, it’s no surprise that people crave serenity. The “Japandi” style embodies a calm, casual, organic aesthetic, combining the simplicity of Japanese style with the “hygge” elements of Scandinavian design. Japandi style is particularly popular for healing environments. Classic, comfortable, enveloping pieces such as the iconic Miller Knoll womb chair remain in demand; “resimercial” pieces which bring the comforts of home into commercial environments blend professionalism and comfort. Neutral shades and spare details minimize visual clutter.
...but, sometimes we want to feel things.
The inverse of Japandi style might be the trend towards moments of vibrant colors and textures. Bold patterns, chunky textures, and saturated colors can energize a space. Modern color palettes include mauve, peach, and pink; moody jewel tones such as deep blues and greens, purples, and rust; and colored furniture against a backdrop of neutral architectural elements are all on trend. Stark, cool greys are out, and the boho vibe is in, including eclectic combinations, soft fabrics and curved furniture, upholstered pieces, and poufs. At the 2024 NeoCon, empowerment and inspiration were big themes: iterations included big emblazoned slogans and a “She-EO” office design.
1. Modern Minds Charleston, SC
2. Brio Internal Medicine Greenville, SC
3. Guilford County | Sandhills Behavioral Health Campus Greensboro, NC 1 2
Jesse Parrish NCIDQ, IIDA
Healthcare Interior Designer
A common challenge in designing for healthcare spaces is seamlessly integrating seating that works for a variety of physical needs. For example, how can designers best weave in bariatric seating without making larger patients feel different? “Instead of having the one ‘big chair,’ we can think about pieces such as sofas and loveseats which accommodate a range of body sizes but also small family clusters so parents and children can comfortably sit together,” Parrish says. In exam rooms where there might be room for only one or two guest chairs, the needs vary; older patients might prefer chairs with arms for support, while bigger chairs or chairs with no arms might accommodate bariatric needs or parents with children. “In a recent project, we ordered a mix of guest seating because there’s no one perfect solution,” Parrish explains. “With exam rooms outfitted with a variety of options, however, staff can subtly guide patients to the room that best fits their need, or at least borrow chairs from other spaces to accommodate specific situations.”
Other healthcare trends include durable, cleanable finishes that are designed to look more like residential patterns and textures for a warmer, cozier feel; and spaces designed for maximum flexibility which can support vaccine clinics, blood drives, or just staff gathering areas. Acoustics continue to be a challenge - providers want to create privacy at the check-in desk, but are re-thinking strategies such as plastic dividers (which may provide the illusion of privacy but can actually amplify sound.) Laying out waiting rooms and other support spaces for universal accessibility is also an ongoing topic, as providers seek to accommodate families with strollers as well as people using wheelchairs.
nCino Headquarters | Wilmington, NC
Furniture for thought.
Furniture has a significant impact on our mood, our efficiency, our wellness, and our experience of a space. While trends and styles may evolve over time, it’s a safe bet that flexible, adaptable pieces that allow for choice and movement will be a good investment. Likewise, sustainable, durable, nature-inspired pieces are timeless choices that encourage people to engage with their surroundings. Cost, quality, and service will continue to be key drivers in furniture decisions; however, designers are well prepared to create beautiful, functional environments that help their clients realize their vision.