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Happy autumn! Although your mind may go right to home décor when you think of fall decorating, don’t forget to bring some of the warmth and sweet smells of autumn into the workplace too. These are some of the interior decor trends that are already seeping in from the home to the office this holiday season.

 

Marble

Marble has always been around in interior design, but it’s no surprise that it’s been gaining momentum as one of the most popular design trends both in the home and in the office in recent years. Marble can be used in pieces as large as full countertops and desktops and as small as lamp bases and accent tiles. Although marble comes in its own rainbow of colors, white Carrara marble is especially popular this year.


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Warm Metals

While the cool white and gray undertones of Carrara marble are definitely in, we’re seeing them being complemented more and more by warm metallic accents. What do we mean by warm? Silver and nickel are considered to be on the cool spectrum. For this fall, the trend is leaning toward gold, rose gold and, most notably, copper as the go-to metallics to bring into the workplace. Copper is a great option for autumn decorating, and you’ll see this metallic most often on table and desk legs, lighting and other accent pieces. The sheen of the metal gives off that clean, expensive look while the warm undertone ties in all the coziness of fall.


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Pendant Lighting

Put away your chandeliers and flush mount drum lights because pendant lighting is here to stay for a while. A pendant light hangs down from the ceiling and is commonly used over a surface such as a desk or conference table. This lighting style centers a light source over a specific area, making it easier to work on a task effectively. Best of all, pendant lights come in a huge range of styles that include large and small, modern and traditional and everything in between.


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Geometric Patterns

Solid colors are great and everything, but if you’re not adding a geometric pattern to some area of your office this fall then you’re really missing out. Whether you add it via a diamond patterned area rug or a polka dot accent wall, bringing geometric patterns into your office in small but prominent amounts will bring visual interest into the space in a similar way that strategically placed pops of color do.


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Edison Light Bulbs

If you’re a fan of industrial or rustic style office furniture, then you’ll absolutely want to add some Edison light bulbs to your lamps and other lighting. These fashion bulbs add old world charm reminiscent of antique bulbs from Thomas Edison’s era, hence the name of the style. These days you’ll find that a lot of lamps and ceiling lights in the industrial style come with Edison bulbs, but if you already have a fixture that utilizes standard light bulbs, fear not. It’s easy to find Edison bulbs that can be used in place of your existing ones.


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Mercury Glass

Mercury glass has become hugely popular over the last few years, and we’re certainly noticing it sweeping offices across the country. Mercury glass has a silver metallic look similar to—what else? Mercury! This effect gives lamps and vases a vintage look that can really tie a room together.


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What décor trends have you noticed in the office this year? Share them in the comments below!

More From NBF

How to Decorate with Industrial Décor & Furniture

Industrial design is a popular trend in residential and commercial interiors that features a balance of organic and man-made elements to create a unique balance. This particular trend is a breath of fresh air compared to its rigorously detailed traditional and starkly minimalist modern cousins. In contrast to these popular styles, Industrial design embraces the utilitarian nature of buildings, using elements like exposed brick and open ductwork as features to be appreciated, not hidden. Here are some helpful tips for making industrial furniture and décor work in your office.

Blend Organic and Man-Made Materials

In most cases, this means a mixture of wood and metal elements. Industrial desks and tables typically have woodwork surfaces and metal frameworks. Chairs in this style are often made completely of metal, but they may include wood seats and backs. 

 

Real or faux plants are also ideal for adding to an industrial space. Due to the color palette that wood and metal create, a room designed this way can look stale or washed out. A little greenery breathes life into the space and enhances the natural elements you see in the wood furniture and décor.

 

Use the Right Color Scheme

Speaking of color, you’ll want to choose yours carefully. Industrial design embraces neutral colors like black, white, and shades of gray, plus earth tones such as mossy greens and rusty reds. Mixing and matching these colors in a room will help tie in that combination of nature-made and factory-made.

Coordinate Your Seating 

When it comes to industrial seating, you have a lot of options. Barstools and guest chairs come in all-metal options and have a metal frame, wood seats, and backs. For seating that needs to be more comfortable, such as your task chair and lounge seating, go for something upholstered in leather or faux leather to tie in a natural element. 

Think Vintage Factory Style

If something looks like it came from an old factory, it will probably look great in your industrial-styled office. From tables with pipes for legs to Edison light bulbs, these elements bring a masculine feel that the style is known for. Clocks with gears and cogs are also a great choice, and vintage wall art with a worn appearance will also enhance the look of the space.

 

Remember to create a streamlined design with mixed materials when creating an industrial look in your office. Embrace whatever design elements are on your walls and ceilings, and bring a good blend of natural and man-made elements to the space.

 

Mid Century Modern Decorating for a Mad Men Inspired Office

So, you want a mid-century modern office reminiscent of Don Draper’s private workspace. We don’t blame you! The popularity of this style has grown in leaps and bounds in recent years due to the rise of the hit TV show Mad Men. Also, what once was old always becomes new again at some point or another. If you’re interested in getting this look for your office, read on to find out how to do it.

Furniture Reminiscent of the 1950s and ‘60s

When choosing office furniture in your workspace, go for something that looks retro but sophisticated. Think solid wood desks, chairs with angled legs, and furnishings with funky silhouettes. Many mid-century-inspired pieces that are manufactured today blend 1960s style with modern aesthetics. For example, desks with angled wood legs but a white high-gloss top are commonly found in modern-day mid-century workspaces.

Wall Art That Makes a Statement

More is more when it comes to wall art! Go for loud and in-your-face pieces with bright colors and bold patterns that shout at you from across the room. Mid-century modern décor is all about beauty blended with a ton of fun, and the best way to add that fun is via the accent pieces in the room.

Clocks That Tell More Than the Time

Mid-century style takes pieces that are meant to serve a functional purpose and turns them into works of art. A clock is much more than a clock when you add solid wood sunburst panels and funky face numbers. Clocks in this style are often the centerpieces of the room, taking a place of pride above a fireplace or, in the case of an office, above the desk.

Area Rugs and Throw Pillows That Excite

Bring on the bold! Area rugs and throw pillows are inexpensive mid-century additions that can drastically improve the look of the office. A mid-century modern rug should feature bright and bold colors in a visually interesting pattern. 

Whether you’re decking out your entire office or just adding a few pieces to make the space pop, mid-century modern decorating will help create a space you can truly be proud to work in.

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Nicole Groshek

Nicole Groshek is the social media and content coordinator for National Business Furniture. She helps employees discover the true joy in loving what they do, from working in an inspiring office to having a little fun on the job.