Colour with impact: How Jutta Werner from Zukunftstil is helping to shape the world of work

At a time when the world of work is changing rapidly, the interplay of space, design and colour is becoming increasingly important. Jutta Werner is someone who has been helping to shape this change for years. Together with Livia Stasik, she founded the Zukunftstil agency for colour design and trend research. The team has been working closely with Sedus since 2018, bringing not only colour but also a deep understanding of society to the design of modern working environments.

‘Colour is our focus – but always in connection with materials, surfaces and the overall spatial context,’ explains Werner. 

Zukunftstil develops holistic concepts that are based on current trends, and which also take cultural and social change into account. It's not about short-lived fads, but long-term trends that have a lasting impact on life and working styles. 

According to Werner, trends don't arise in a vacuum. They reflect developments – whether technological, social or cultural. 

‘We closely observe how society is changing. What are people concerned about? What desires are emerging? This flows directly into our trend analyses.’ 

One example is a long-term study in which the team has now analysed over 60,000 interior images, dating from 1950 to the present day – an impressive and ever-growing archive. From this extensive visual history, recurring patterns and rhythms emerge, offering valuable insights into future design trends. 

‘In the past, this was clearly visible. You could define that yes, this trend exists,’ explains Werner. ‘Today, it's more blurred because we are more global and connected. Nevertheless, you can still see it in society.’ She cites the oil crisis of the late 1970s as an example. At that time, many interiors were decorated in brown tones and wood panelling. Even cars had wood panelling. ‘We can learn from the past that design changes as a result of social influences.’ 

An important tool for observing the present is trend scouting. The team collects ideas from trade fairs, design blogs, art exhibitions and everyday life. In intensive workshops, these impressions are analysed together with experts and translated into trend manuals – including colour schemes, material combinations, lifestyles and values.

Like so many good partnerships, the collaboration with Sedus began by chance. During a presentation, Sedus' Director of Marketing, Ernst Holzapfel, was impressed by Zukunftstil's timeline project. It quickly became clear that not only did the expertise fit, but so did the shared vision. 

Numerous projects have been completed since then. Zukunftstil regularly supports Sedus in developing colour concepts for showrooms, trade fair stands and collections. These include sales tools such as the ‘Colour Cookbook’ and the magazine, #designcodes. The versatility of the team is particularly appreciated: ‘We are not only colour designers, but also copywriters, graphic designers, coaches and sometimes even scientists,’ says Werner with a smile. 

An exciting change has taken place in colour design in recent years: while 2018 was still dominated by restraint – for example with beige and natural tones – today there is a clear demand for more colour. Even in more minimalist styles, stronger tones are now being used to bring cosiness and emotion into the room. Jutta Werner sees this change as a reaction to crises: 

Colour plays a central role in the design of future working environments. Hybrid working is here to stay, so furniture must be flexible and multifunctional – and rooms should bring people together. 

‘Co-working spaces are a good source of inspiration here,’ says Werner. Colours in such environments should be invigorating, promote creativity, but also allow for spaces to retreat. It is crucial that colour schemes are not thought of in a one-dimensional way: ‘The same style can work for communication, concentration or relaxation – depending on how the colours are combined and used.’

A central element of the collaboration between Zukunftstil and Sedus are the colour codes, which serve as orientation for different room environments. Together, four style worlds were developed, each with its own colour palette – finely tuned to different needs and usage scenarios in the office. 

"The same style can work for communication, concentration or relaxation – depending on how the colours are combined and used.”

It's not just about aesthetics, but about providing targeted support for work processes: for example, soft, cool tones in the ‘Smart Balance’ world promote concentration and calm, while warm, earthy colours in ‘Urban Living’ strengthen trust and communication. In ‘Soft Being’, the focus is on well-being and retreat – represented by powdery, soothing shades. And ‘Multi Creation’ relies on lively, dynamic colours that activate creativity and energy. These colour codes are the result of intensive trend research, social observation and practical experience – and enable Sedus to design working environments that are emotional, functional and brand-appropriate.

Her favourite place to work? Hybrid, without a doubt. Jutta Werner works both in her office in Hanover and on the go, using co-working spaces and thus living what many now consider the new normal. 

According to Jutta Werner, one clearly recognisable trend that is becoming increasingly apparent is the growing importance of co-working spaces as a future model for the working world. They symbolise the need for flexibility, exchange and inspiring encounters – all factors that are increasingly challenging traditional office structures. 

The need for flexible, bookable spaces is growing, especially in hybrid working models where people no longer come to a fixed office every day but switch between home office, mobile workplaces and project work. 

Jutta Werner does not see co-working concepts as a niche, but as inspiration for the office design of tomorrow: spaces that are open and dynamic, yet still allow for retreat – equipped with modular furniture, zoned areas and a colour scheme that conveys both vitality and a sense of security. For Sedus, this means creating future-oriented furnishing solutions that combine the best of both worlds – community and individuality, structure and freedom.

One example of the implementation of modern working environments is the Work Café. It combines design, functionality and a new philosophy of working. The Work Café is a multifunctional space that focuses on work and interaction. High-quality materials, well-thought-out furnishing solutions and a focus on communication create an inspiring environment that not only promotes productivity but also increases employee well-being.

The Work Café is divided into different archetypes that cover a number of needs: 

• Hub: A dynamic area for spontaneous encounters and teamwork, inspired by co-working spaces.
• Club: An elegant lounge for informal meetings and confidential conversations.
• Garden: A natural retreat with biophilic design elements for relaxation and creativity.
• Library: A quiet space for concentrated productivity, based on classic reading rooms.

These diverse areas allow employees to switch between communication, concentration and relaxation as needed. The Sedus Work Café is thus a prime example of how modern working environments can be designed to meet the requirements of a hybrid working world.

And if she had to fall in love with a Sedus product, it would be the se:mission. ‘For me, it combines craftsmanship and innovation – a chair that looks comfortable and professional at the same time.’ 

What does the future hold? More flexibility, more interaction, more colour. And Jutta Werner is certain: ‘The best ideas come when people come together. Our job is to create spaces that make this possible – with colour, emotion and intelligence.’