Office design today goes far beyond aesthetics and functionality; it is evolving toward experiences that engage the senses and foster emotional connection between people and their environments. Spaces that stimulate touch, sight, and emotional awareness are taking centre stage.

According to Gensler’s 2025 Workplace Trends Report, the concept of tactile comfort has emerged as one of the most influential factors in enhancing employee engagement and productivity worldwide.

Soft, plush materials — such as “teddy bear fabrics” — have become the most recognizable symbols of this shift. These comforting textures, combined with natural colours and organic forms, do more than create a pleasing visual effect: they strengthen the sense of belonging, calmness, and positive mood within the workspace. This new design philosophy positions offices not merely as work environments, but as multi-sensory experiences that nurture well-being.

What was once a design preference is now becoming a strategic approach — one that consciously supports employee comfort, loyalty, and creativity. Designs blending soft fabrics, warm tones, and human-centred forms make office spaces more inviting and personal.

Organic-shaped seating units covered in teddy bear-like surfaces evoke the feeling of a brief retreat into nature, while pouf-and-table combinations in waiting areas use rich, tactile fabrics such as velvet and bouclé to create both visual and physical comfort. In smaller spaces, elegant armchairs with textured upholstery establish warm, intimate atmospheres. Chairs that combine diverse materials and textiles, meanwhile, offer flexible solutions tailored to individual preferences and work habits.

This layered approach focuses not only on visual harmony but on the sensory connection between people and space. Studies show that tactile experiences enhance both engagement and productivity, transforming the office from a mere workplace into a lived experience.

Scent, Touch, and Comfort

Multi-sensory design extends beyond sight: it strengthens connection through tactile and even olfactory cues, creating workplaces that truly engage the senses and nurture emotional balance.

In Conclusion

In the new generation of office design, textures and materials converge to create spaces that combine aesthetics, comfort, and a sense of belonging. This holistic approach is the key to designing calming, inspiring environments that engage the senses.

At Zivella, we integrate these contemporary trends into our collections with a philosophy that prioritizes function while embracing aesthetic harmony. In our designs, style, simplicity, and comfort come together to deliver a reliable tactile experience in every workspace.