#designcodes 1/2026
Mindful Work: inspiration for an innovative office design
Issue 1/2026 of #designcodes explores current colour trends in the workplace and illustrates how mindful, human-centred office design can foster greater ease, flexibility, and productivity. The theme is “Mindful Work” and the focus is on people – with their wide-ranging needs for quiet spaces, inspiration, and connection.
The modern office is becoming increasingly human-centred: rigid structures are giving way to environments that promote harmony between body, mind, and space. Mindfulness, balance, and purposeful design shape the atmosphere and create spaces where creativity, focus, and well-being form a harmonious whole.
Four office concepts and their colour schemes
The four concepts – RELAXED, CLEAR, SMART and SLOW – interpret this new mindset in different ways. They combine emotional colour concepts with functional design solutions, offering inspiration for holistically designed work environments. Discover how colours and materials influence mood, structure spaces, and transform the office into a place where work feels natural and fulfilling.
Relaxed Office
The “Relaxed Office” describes a modern work environment defined by a casual, relaxed atmosphere that actively contributes to stress reduction among employees.
Homely elements such as sofas or bar areas, combined with natural materials and warm, inviting light, lend the space a personal, cosy touch. Soft, watery shades – ranging from petrol to sage – are juxtaposed with dark or rustic woods to create an open, familiar elegance with a stylish character.
Clear Office
In a clear, minimalist configuration, the mind has free rein and opportunities to find calm. Soft nuances in varying shades of grey – from sandy-warm, reddish hues to
cool, bold gradations – lend the space a sense of calm and a soothing elegance. Warm accents in deep rose and elegant bronze offer a sense of comfort and closeness to an otherwise understated atmosphere.
Smart Office
Smart design embodies progress, intelligence, and a cosmopolitan outlook. It thrives on a harmonious interplay between technical sophistication and human sensitivity. Clear, cool tones such as water blue or delicate matcha underscore the functional atmosphere, while natural materials such as light ash or oak, along with earthy hues like sand and clay, give the space an open, inviting, and warmly expressive presence.
Slow Office
A calming zone in the office combines freshness with vitality. It serves as a smart retreat, where breaks are valued as meaningful and productive moments. Spaces like this help break down habitual thought patterns and encourage both interactive and innovative approaches to problem-solving. Colour palettes inspired by the healthcare and wellness sector in particular are beneficial to wellbeing and have a revitalising effect. Soft sage, light beige tones, and invigorating greens are combined with plants to create a fresh yet soothing office atmosphere that engages all the senses.
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