9 office interiors that add life to work-life balance

Work can be fun and these office interiors understand how important creatively designed workspaces are to bring out that precise balance of productivity and recreation. With cosy couches, open layouts and bespoke decor, these offices are sure to make you comfortable even during the longest hours of work days.

Let work not be a snooze-fest and tour these 9 inspiring office spaces curated by yours truly, ELLE DECOR India! 

Compartment S4, Ahmedabad 

Nested amidst the lush greens of Ahmedabad, Gujarat this contemporary office space uses natural light, deep blues, and light wood to embody its core. Krishna Parikh, Co-founder, and Manuni Patel, Principal Architect, Compartment S4, conceptualised together to craft the minimal office.

“The office layout strategically positions cabins to take in views of lush greenery as dappled sunlight filters through the windows. Upon entering, guests are greeted with a quaint reception space clad in light wood tones that envelope the walls and a black glass ceiling,” remark Krishna and Manuni. Comfortable and modern, the 5,000 sq ft office accommodates snug couches and large potted plants to add a sense of informality around. Parallel lines seem to be in their element as they race along all surfaces in different materials as abstract art prints and soothing grey marble walls offer a break in the neutral design theme. 

Ultraconfidentiel Design Pvt. Ltd, Mumbai

Quirky and fun, this office in Mumbai, Maharashtra designed by Pierre Arnaud Cassin, Managing Director, Ultraconfidentiel Design Pvt. Ltd, dips in the evening skies. Hues of light pink breathe life into the space as curved furniture adds a sense of softness to the Tira Beauty by Reliance Retail office. 

“The design vision of Ultraconfidentiel for Tira headquarters starts from the roots and identity of the brand: a young and vibrant working culture, which cheers diversity and inclusivity,” says Pierre. There’s a touch of personalisation in the workspace that complements the brand ethos. The designer uses organic lines and asymmetric shapes to depict the imperfections of people and self-acceptance while distinct nude colours that consume the walls represent diverse skin colours. 

Open breakout rooms and collaboration spaces scatter across the office interiors to facilitate team work. Hanging curved rail curtains trail throughout the space for flexibility. The office accommodates a photo-shooting and editing zone, recreational area, shooting bays, fitting rooms, and make-up stations as well.  

Design Boulevard, Bengaluru 

Trendy. That’s not the word you would associate with an office. But that’s exactly how this office by Design Boulevard in Bengaluru, Karnataka looks like. Black and white lines zig zag on the floor in a rhythm. Patterned couches and bespoke furniture lounge in the rooms. And layers of distinct forms and textures run along all surfaces. 

“The client wanted us to redesign an office environment that comprises a much more relaxed and comfortable space for employees,” say Muzamil Hasham, Chief Architect, and Pooja Ram, Senior Architect and Designer, Design Boulevard. 

The duo also had to conceal interjecting beams from prior establishments and so, they crafted arched ceiling fins out of gypsum board and fixed them vertically. Although a structural decision, the panels form for an interesting ceiling, complementing the patterned tiling. While Muzamil and Pooja plaster the walls with pastel terracotta tiles to maintain a neutral backdrop, they balance it out with eccentric decor pieces, tall planters, and framed pictures across the office interiors. To personalise the space further, the designers add a warm oak laminate texture and fluted glass to the workstations. 

Mandviwala Qutub and Associates (MQA), Ahmedabad

Qutub Mandviwala, Principal Architect, and Mita Patel, Associate Architect, Mandviwala Qutub and Associates,  literally bring the outdoors inside the Terra Office in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. A pebbled courtyard sits in the centre almost acting as a podium for an indoor planter under a skylight as undergrowth decides to make an appearance through small patches in the floor. All work spaces assemble themselves around the central courtyard.

“Rather than imposing the office on the environment, it was designed to respect and integrate seamlessly with its context. The driveway and building were thoughtfully constructed around the existing trees on the property,” explain the architects. 

The architects build the 2,500 sq ft office on a stepped design theme to craft spacious deck areas. As the sun rises to the north of the office for light to reach every corner of the office interiors, a canopy of tall trees provides a cool reprise to the south. Drawing inspiration from the surrounding trees, Qutub and Mita craft vertical fins of wood and concrete. Materials, colours, and textures blend to make the office dynamic. Kota stone concrete tiles take the floor as exposed concrete covers the roof. Minimal elements fit into the puzzle to enhance the simplicity of a workspace while complementing the greens indoors. 

Muskaan Parikh Design Studio, Mumbai 

Muskaan Parikh, Founder and Principal Designer, Muskaan Parikh Design Studio brings rural elements in an office setting in Mumbai, Maharashtra. As red bricks make their way to the walls, modern, industrial furniture and design with sharp lines contrast them. The architect uses exposed brick, concrete, metal and wood to create a neutral colour scheme as subtle artwork, rugs, and tall indoor plants add some liveliness to the decor. 

An eccentric reception area greets visitors. Bright golden hanging lights brighten the area and red bricks make for the backdrop as the reception table of natural stone and metallic wire-framed chairs set the tone for the room. Muskaan crafts an open workstation in the centre for collaborations. Artwork of New York City and Mumbai adorn the walls to depict the founder’s career trajectory. The office also accommodates three executive cabins that have a different essence. While one has a black steel, wood, and concrete to complement the material palette and a display unit, the other one has a wall of personalised wildlife pictures. 

“The conference room has a customised wall mural to visually represent the name of the company ‘White Whale.’ Whites whales are an extremely rare species and symbolise the exceptional and unique investment opportunities the firm offers its clientele,” says Muskaan. And who minds a quirky backdrop for conference calls? 

Shreya Kanoria Interior Design, Mumbai 

Shreya Kanoria, Principal Designer, Shreya Kanoria Interior Design, makes wood the protagonist in this office in Mumbai, Maharashtra. Wood trickles onto every surface to add warmth to the formal space. 

“Our primary objective was to deviate from the typical cold atmosphere commonly associated with office environments. Instead, we aimed to craft a workspace that emulates the warm and inviting ambiance of a home office,” reveals Shreya. On a mission to make the space comfortable, she fabricated scattered cosy nooks and breakout rooms across the office. Adding to the rustic aesthetic are bookshelves, art work, and bespoke lights, also bringing a sense of familiarity. 

Welcoming ambiguous working styles, the office accommodates both an open-space work station for collaborations and private cubicles for privacy. While a meeting room stands in the centre for formal team discussions. 

A Square Designs, Kolkata

When Ajay Arya, the Founder of A Square Designs, was tasked with crafting an office, he didn’t expect the owners to ask for a personalised space that wasn’t formal in the slightest bit. “An office is where we spend a majority of our lives, so why make it drab and boring?” was the brief the owners gave the designing firm. Pleasantly surprised by the ask, Ajay uses a muted colour palette, distinct textures, and a contemporary aesthetic to devise the 3,000 sq ft office in Kolkata, West 

Deep blue and white couches turn towards the centre, facing a bespoke coffee table adorned with decor accessories. Wooden closets and shelves sit in the backdrop as expansive windows allow a stream of natural light. All elements come together to guise as a formal living room. Every room serves its purpose perfectly. While the waiting room accommodates a marble dining table and a pantry for informal conversations, the conference rooms feature grey walls and sleek wooden tables for team meetings. 

To personalise the office further, Ajay designs each cabin to suit the owner. While one houses a display of indoor greens for a proud plant-parent, another one has an uncanny gallery wall of motivational quotes. The walls assume responsibility of making the office more playful by dressing up in colourful and satirical artwork – some tropical and some transported right from the avant-garde.

Arquite, Noida

Taking work is play quite seriously, Studio Arquite’s office in Noida, Uttar Pradesh is nothing but a playground turned into an office. Not conforming to rigid rules, this space is nowhere close to  a regular monofunctional office.

“By keeping it simple and adaptable to the employees’ needs the office corresponds to the four principles – transparency, flexibility, sustainability, and minimalism, thereby decluttering spaces,” says Ar. Kapil Razdan and Ar. Seema Pandey.

Manish Kumat Design Cell, Pithampur

Embracing concrete, metal and art alike, this office in Pithampur, Madhya Pradesh, has a workshop on the ground floor and an office on the first floor. Designed by MKDC, the office with its  brick, concrete, wood and green offers a rejuvenating visual that blends the indoors with the outdoors. The 70-metre-long office block features green courtyards that break the monotonous design and add visual interest to the space. Divided by a courtyard, united by a bridge; the left block houses the Managing Director’s office, conference rooms, and director’s cabins whereas the right block accommodates different departments. Drenched in sophistication and style, this office space celebrates reflections and refractions with clean lines and simple design.

The office is illuminated with harsh light for most hours of the day.“To mitigate these challenges, we designed the facade with wall offsets to position windows on the east side, reducing direct exposure to harsh sunlight.” says Mr. Manish Kumat.

The office design combines modern and industrial elements with natural materials and greenery. The use of exposed brick creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, while the bright lighting and artwork add a touch of personality. Who wouldn’t want to impress their clients and visitors with a bit of green and light?

Loved touring these office interiors? Now read: Get inspired to be inspired—ED curates a list of cool offices to nudge you to give your office space a face-lift