ኪነ-ህይወት በዘበናይ ዘይቤ

 

Rethinking the Workspace: Designing with Emotion, Not Just Aesthetics

A few days ago, I read an article that lingered in my mind longer than I expected. Titled “What if your desk did more than hold your coffee?”, it was inspired by a recent FF&E Talks session with NGC. Six designers explored something we often overlook: the emotional undercurrent of workplace design.

They spoke of materials that soothe, of layouts that encourage focus without isolation, and of finishes that offer more than beauty — they offer comfort.

As I read, I paused. Because this subject is dear to me.
Corporate interior design is one of my favorite design areas — and this article nudged me to reflect more deeply.

I began to imagine myself, not as the designer, but as an employee in the space I was designing. Would I feel proud to walk into that office every morning? Would I feel energized, seen, and valued? Or would the space feel cold, impersonal, and just another box I sit in for eight hours?

That mindset shift changed everything.

To me, an office is not just a branded backdrop or a series of desks and chairs. It's a living, breathing reflection of the people who work there — and of the company’s culture. A truly great design makes people feel welcomed, empowered, and emotionally supported.

It goes beyond the surface:

• The texture of an upholstered chair that calms a racing mind

• A small focus nook that feels like your personal bubble

• Lighting that energizes in the morning and softens by afternoon

• A shared space that encourages spontaneous, meaningful conversations

• Materials that echo the values of the company, from sustainability to elegance

When we design workplaces with empathy and intention, we’re not just decorating — we’re shaping experiences.

Hybrid work has changed the rules. The office must now earn the right to be a destination. That means it needs to offer something meaningful — a sense of purpose, comfort, connection.

So if you’re thinking about redesigning your workplace, I invite you to consider not only how it will look, but how it will feel to those who use it every day.

Let’s create a space where people don’t just work — they thrive.
Let’s design the kind of office where your team feels proud to belong.

And if you're ready to begin that journey, I'd be honored to help you lead the way.

—
Salome Dagnachew
Founder & Lead Designer, Baroque Interiors & Events
#Zebenay #BaroqueInEthiopia #InteriorDesign #WorkplaceDesign #CorporateSpaces #EmotionalDesign #DesignWithPurpose