“The five-day office week could become the norm again within two years..” suggests a recent BBC news article. This shift to a pre-Covid working world will undoubtably stir mixed emotions – excitement? anxiousness? dread? relief? or perhaps a combination?

No matter how we feel, as we leave behind the comforts of home-working, employers will need to do their upmost to make the transition from home to office, an easy one. It is thus supposed that the workplace will adopt a more ‘home-from-home’ concept to relax workers and entice them back. But, this is no new phenomenon.
Businesses and architects have been trying for years to create more domestic-inspired workplaces, with the knowledge that it encourages more productivity and creativity in workers. After recent events however, it is likely they will need to seriously up their game and create even softer, more welcoming spaces.

And so at last we arrive at our solution – textiles!

These office examples show us how textiles play a major role in blurring the lines between residential and contract environments to create more comfortable, inviting and effective workspaces.

Kvadrat – ECCO Office, China

ECCO: HONG Designworks 谭啸 / 十摄影工作室

This tranquil space loses the dull corporate facade and instead the interior is discreet, soft and incredibly welcoming.
‘The ECCO office in Xi’an, China, incorporates an array of Kvadrat rugs, curtains, and upholsteries. These designs reflect the interior concept, which creates a seamless flow between nature, local culture, and the company’s signature Nordic style.’

Vescom’s Meeting Place For Professionals, Stockholm

Wall-coverings, furniture upholstery and curtains come together in what Vescom describe as a “cohesive material story through texture, colour, look and feel”.
This is a space that effortlessly encourages creativity and collaboration.
Designed with function in mind, Vescom’s beautiful collection includes sound absorbing acoustic sheers, dim-out curtains and wall-coverings that double as writable surfaces and projection screens.

Kasthall – Salesforce, San Francisco

Architect: Feldman Architecture, Rugs: Classic Matrice, Ines, Stubb

Using Kasthall rugs, the impressive headquarters of software company Salesforce is cleverly broken into zones to inspire collaborative and individual working and conversations. The use of hand-tufted rugs significantly softens the professional space and somewhat references the floating clouds that pass by.
Completely tailored to the customer’s individual needs, each of Kasthall’s woven and hand-tufted rugs are one of a kind.

Kvadrat – EY Head Offices, Stockholm

EY: Felix Gerlach

“Creating a workspace for the future” the EY Head Offices in Stockholm incorporate an expansive range of Kvadrat textiles in private, collaborative, and social spaces. Many of the textiles used are custom-made to meet functional needs and to establish a unique aesthetic. The interior concept aims to combine “connectivity, innovation and multi-functionality, while offering spaces with a living-room atmosphere”
A prime example that the workplace can be beautiful.

Why do textiles matter?

The fabrics, colours and textures we choose can be the difference between a cold and harsh environment to one with warmth and familiarity. These choices can significantly affect productivity levels, creativity levels and wellbeing. In essence, textiles have an immense effect on how we feel and how we perform, which is why they are so important to consider in the workplace.

As Raffaella Mangiarotti, founder of Mangiarotti Studio, points out –
“We spend more time on work than on private life, often the best time, the very hours in which we are awake. So we should be working in a marvellous place! A functional place, of course, but comfortable, a place that makes us feel good”

At Tangram we have a large collection of textiles to help with your upcoming projects. From rugs, throws, blinds, curtains, acoustic panels and more we are experts in creating beautiful commercial interiors. With over 70 years’ collective experience our team have had the pleasure of working on a diverse range of projects.
To view some of our commercial interior design projects visit our contract page or to find our more about our interior design services please get in touch!

0131 556 6551 / [email protected]