Recent world events have blended the lines between work and home, changing the way we inhabit both spaces. This hybrid landscape is generating new design opportunities, ushering an age where now more than ever, we need interior design solutions that are functional, fluid and highly agile.
Konfurb Pala (with upholstered seat pads in Grey CULP Dorset) from Buro Seating | Project: Designzone, Auckland
In agile spaces, multiple users come and go seamlessly, with minimal impact on others, and users flow smoothly between personal and group activities. Layouts are easily adapted to meet changing needs over time. Adjustable and ergonomic seating is used to support multiple users while also fulfilling a variety of different functions and work modes.
For ergonomic seating specialists Buro Seating, these principles underpin its Konfurb brand, their beautifully-designed range of healthy, good-looking seating solutions that are ideal for hybrid homes and office environments.
Konfurb Pala (with upholstered seat pads in Grey CULP Dorset) from Buro Seating | Project: Designzone, Auckland
Hybrid homes
Our homes are traditionally private spaces for rest, connection and self-expression, but with ever increasing numbers of people working from home, this definition is changing. Most home offices centre around a designated workspace, with privacy and ergonomics key to maintaining productivity and wellbeing over time.
Workspaces call for an ergonomic home office chair with good lumbar support, and adjustable height as a minimum standard. The Konfurb Harmony Chair from Buro Seating is an example of slick, modern design that meets professional ergonomic standards and is durable enough for everyday use. Featuring a contoured seat shell, soft touch arm pads and adjustable seat height, this chair offers both superior comfort and intuitive seat movement.
The industrial look of many desk chairs can clash with home aesthetics. The Konfurb Harmony Chair is available with customer-specified fabric for the seat pad, and a polished aluminium base, so that it can be easily integrated into any living space.
On the move
While a well set up desk space for quiet periods of focus is essential, the reality is that moving rooms, switching tasks and navigating interruptions is also commonplace for anyone working from home. This is where we see occasional chairs, bar stools, and breakout nooks coming into use.
When privacy is not the priority, kitchen bar stools facilitate connection with others while still being able to maintain some focus. The Konfurb Fly series bar stools are an example of functional pieces, with modern aesthetics that cross this divide between the needs of work and home. These bar stools can be matched with the Konfurb Fly series chair, a stylish chair that is shaped to provide flexibility and comfort, and is conveniently stackable for easy storage.
Resimercial design
The term ‘resimercial’ refers to design that blurs the lines between residential and commercial aesthetics. By retaining the functionality, durability and ergonomics of traditional workspaces while incorporating communal seating spaces, soft furnishings and natural lighting, we can encourage a more seamless transition for hybrid workers.
An excellent example of resimercial design is the Konfurb Block family, which comprises highly-customisable, modular seating units that apply agile concepts to the workplace. Easily adapted to changing needs, the Block family can fulfil multiple functions including breakout spaces, casual meeting spaces, and social and waiting areas.
Adaptive workspaces require multi-use solutions that also elevate the look and feel of any office setting. The Konfurb Link Table does this, providing a lightweight, versatile laptop table that can sit upright or face down as a coffee table. The Konfurb Neo, a contemporary visitor chair, can be used to add minimal elegance and comfortable seating to office reception areas.
