In settings aimed at encouraging productivity, such as offices and co-working hubs or student accommodation, there are often shared spaces where different activities can be taking place at the same time. These communal areas require consideration of both functionality and aesthetics to create environments that positively influence how individuals work, connect and relax.
Floors pictured: Wells Acacia, Cocoa Limed Oak.
Aspects such as layout, colour and textures play a critical role in fostering the right ambiance to encourage innovation, communication and collaboration. Thanks to its realistic designs, styling versatility and durability, creating a desirable natural look and lasting comfortable feel, Karndean flooring has emerged as a reliable foundation for interiors that also seek to enhance health and mental wellbeing.
The new Knight Tile collection, curated to offer a harmonious selection of restorative designs, is an ideal choice for such hard working interiors. Balancing an authentic look of natural materials with technical performance, our latest collection features wood and stone designs in soothing earthy tones and a muted chalky finish. Available in a choice of laying patterns and a consistent tile thickness that provides options for bespoke blended designs, the Knight Tile collection is the perfect choice for designing environments that are both nurturing and practical.
Floors pictured: Ivory Riven Slate, Honed Charcoal Slate and Honed Pebble Slate.
In shared spaces, wayfinding can be a challenge for new users unfamiliar with the layout. The use of rhythmic and repeating patterns can help individuals navigate the space and understand how to make best use of its facilities, so enhancing their overall experience.
Subtle changes in the flooring can also usefully communicate different activity zones, giving different areas their own distinct personality whilst also providing enough continuity to blend effortlessly into the overall interior design. For example, an area laid in a herringbone pattern can differentiate a relaxing seating area from an area in a straight lay pattern for collaborative workstations. Alternatively, contrasting wood and stone designs can be laid in geometric patterns or a number of colourways blended to highlight a transitional space.
Floors pictured: Grey Studio Oak, Washed Character Oak, Midnight Marble, Glacial Marble.
Colour psychology plays a significant role in creating environments that nurture mental and emotional wellbeing as well as productivity and social interaction with different hues influencing mood, energy levels and focus. For example, calming hues in soft blues and greens set against a cool toned floor such as marble or limestone will promote concentration and reduce stress, while warm red toned colours like terracotta and ochre, paired with a neutral oak or acacia design floor, can be used in other areas to energize and encourage creativity.
Karndean flooring offers several other advantages in shared spaces where accessibility, safety, and neurodiversity need to be considered. Unlike carpet, Karndean provides a smooth, consistent surface that is easier to navigate for people with mobility impairments. Its slip-resistant properties are also ideal for preventing accidents in high-traffic areas while its hard wearing and waterproof surface is easy to clean and maintain, reducing allergens that can be problematic in shared spaces.
With almost endless versatility for bespoke design and outstanding technical performance, it’s easy to see why interior designers and specifiers are turning to Knight Tile for creating comfortable and comforting shared spaces that are inclusive and accessible to everyone.
Explore the Knight Tile collection
Fancy another read? Discover our guide to designing for neurodiversity.
