Resimercial: the home and office blend trend takes off

By April Lara

July 30, 2024

Photo of resimercial office design

A growing number of people seek to combine work and living in one space, which blurs the lines between home and office. This trend is known as resimercial design – a hybrid of residential and commercial. It has been gaining traction in the UK and Ireland in recent years. Many people are reconsidering their living and working surroundings as remote work becomes more common and property values rise.

Combining residential and business areas is not a novel idea. But resimercial design has developed to incorporate a wide range of spaces. One of the main causes of this is the current state of the economy, which is typified by growing property prices and living expenses.

Many are discovering that turning vacant business space into a house offers a more cost-effective option than typical housing. The increasing popularity of remote work has also altered people's perceptions of living and working environments.

According to data from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), 70% of UK workers expressed interest in a mixed work style in 2023. Also, according to the 2023 Remote Working in Ireland Survey, 38% of respondents work remotely and 53% of respondents follow a hybrid model, with a few days a week in the office.

Nowadays, people are searching for settings that are more adaptive and flexible. Here's where resimercial spaces come in enabling people to switch between work and leisure with ease.

Numerous initiatives have been implemented to convert vacant areas into thriving centres for life and employment.

Design Tonic, a UK firm, had several projects that implemented resimercial design. One is their work for The Property Buying Company, a national homebuyer at its headquarters in Leeds.

Different areas for different moods. That's the idea behind this space. It's like having multiple rooms without the walls. Geometric carpets, cool tiles, and warm hardwood floors help to divide the space into zones, perfect for focusing or relaxing. Big, open windows and stylish shelves make it feel airy and flexible.

The place is full of life with its fun furniture and bright colours. It's like an adult playground. The company's branding pops with the use of bold hues, making it feel both professional and personal.

Airbnb's headquarters is another great example of this trend. It's like stepping into a different world with each room, similar to their listings.

It's not just about looking good as these are designed to bring people together. Think rooftop gardens for fresh air, cosy lounges for chats, and gyms to stay fit. Add in some plants and natural light, and you've got the perfect resimercial vibe.

As more businesses catch on to this idea, the demand for creative and practical spaces will skyrocket. It's time for the fit out industry to step up and create amazing places where people can truly thrive.

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