Rap Interiors’ Top 5 Highlights from the Workspace Design Show 2024

Last month, members of the Rap team attended the Workspace Design Show in Islington, London to be inspired by the latest workspace trends and products. To ensure we are always at the forefront of commercial interior design, we relish the opportunity to attend informative and creative events such as these.

This year’s design show certainly didn’t disappoint, with an array of products to swoon over and innovation that sparked interest amongst our interior designers.

We’ve compiled our top highlights from the show, so read on to find out what made a big impression.

1. Layered and 3D Relief Acoustic Surfaces

Acoustic products were on display in abundance with a multitude of colours, cut patterns and printed finishes. The choices didn’t stop there. The options continue to develop from ceiling baffles to printed surface coverings, from lighting to planters and even an actual mini cactus!

Amongst all the acoustic options, what really stood out was the use of layered panels and carefully positioned shaped acoustic pieces to create a sculptural and visually striking design feature in the space, whilst also generating acoustic benefits.

Allsfar lead this trend with full force, displaying layered terracotta geometric shaped panels. This created an eye catching architectural art deco inspired feature wall. Sequential repeated curved segments formed a sculptural surround to their stand, combined with an impressive tall arch forming a memorable takeaway from the event.

2. Muted Pastel Colour Palettes

Each stand was carefully designed, attracting visitors to their area left, right and centre. Colour is always a major consideration in any commercial interior design scheme, and this was no different for the brands exhibiting at the design show.

It was clear to identify that the muted pastel colour palette was a popular trend, particularly amongst the furniture manufacturers. A selection of blush pinks, serene greens and powder blues decorated the exhibition hall. The ethereal pastels create calming, sophisticated and elegant environments that are perfect to entice employees to the workspace.

We saw Lapalma, iSiMar and Fora Form embracing this trend in their choices of finishes, making their furniture simply irresistible to try out and prefect for a modern office refurbishment.

3. Versatile Pods

Although zoom booths and pods are not a new product to the market, as an office interior design and fit out contractor we continue to get regular requests for these furniture solutions from clients.  To see the latest pods with new capabilities and design features at the show was a welcomed insight providing new options for us to offer our clients.

We particularly liked the flexible possibilities of the pods by The Meeting Pod Company with their height adjustable desk capabilities and linear lighting, recessed within a wood slat wall covering. Their modern sleek aesthetic would be the perfect addition to any workspace providing necessary privacy.

The futuristic design of the pods Kabin, by MSL Interiors, offer a snug, neat and compact design making it possible to nestle into a corner to utilise every last inch of a workspace, An additional benefit of these pods is that they are suitably designed for exterior use as well.

4. Blooming Biophilia

The ever growing and continuing biophilic trend is still in full bloom with companies offering a vast range of possibilities for biophilia to be used in the workspace. It was clear to see the possibilities were endless; from living walls containing moss and bright pops of coloured preserved foliage, to potted planters suspended along a wall and further foliage, delicately draped from above.

The creativity and design impact of biophlia continues to grow and we loved seeing the incredible arrangements at Oasis and Synergy creative. With the striking visual statement foliage brings, paired with the benefit of promoting employee wellbeing by creating a calm working environment, why wouldn’t you add some greenery to your workspace?

5. Modern Twist on Timeless Curved Classics

The furniture manufacturers had a multitude of shapes, colours and finishes featured on their eye catching stands. A common theme we were drawn to were the retro inspired curved designs. Some furniture displayed a modern day decorative classic in their simple wooden framework with the addition of sumptuous round soft seating. Others possessed soft seating in its entirety with exaggerated volumes and uniform geometry, effortlessly creating a focal point lounge area.

Some clear favourites of ours were Expormim and Lapalma.

Thank You for Reading

The Workspace Design Show this year was yet again another hit, full of inspiration and ideas for our interior designers to get excited about and implement in our future projects. We hope this has inspired you and perhaps wet your appetite to embark upon a workplace refurbishment. For more inspiration why not head to our projects page and take a look at some of our recent case studies.

Do you want an on-trend inspirational workspace?

If your office could do with a refurbishment or you’d simply like to provide a more inspirational and inviting environment for your employees, then we’d love to help. With over 30 years’ experience our in-house team of interior designers and project managers have transformed workspaces across London and the South East. To discuss your project with one of our team, complete the form below or give us a call on 0333 600 1234.