Not Just Pods: Furniture That Transforms Open Workspaces

There’s been a quiet shift happening in offices up and down the country. The shiny, open-plan layouts we once hailed as the future of work? They're starting to show their cracks. What once felt fresh and collaborative now often feels chaotic — full of noise, interruptions, and nowhere to properly think.

But here’s the thing: it doesn’t mean we need to rip everything out and start again. It just means we need to rethink how we shape our spaces.

That’s exactly what we’re doing at Quell Design. While our soundproof pods are a big part of the story, they’re far from the whole picture. We’re just as focused on the soft zoning power of modular sofas, the subtle calm of acoustic panels, and the way wall treatments can pull a space together — both visually and acoustically.

This is the first entry in our journal. It’s where we’ll share the ideas, products, and practical insights that are helping businesses turn open spaces into more balanced, productive places to work. No fluff — just well-designed solutions that make a real difference.

Open-plan was once the poster child for modern work — all light, energy and collaboration. But the cracks are starting to show. Before we dive into the details of what’s working now, let’s take a moment to reflect on where things began to unravel.

Why the Open-Plan Office Needs a Rethink

There was a time when open-plan offices felt like a breath of fresh air. No cubicles, no barriers — just a sea of desks, a sense of equality, and the promise of creative energy bouncing from one person to the next. But over time, cracks have started to show.

What many workplaces gained in openness, they lost in focus. Constant background noise, a lack of privacy, and nowhere to escape for a moment of quiet have made it harder for people to do their best work — especially for tasks that require deep concentration or sensitive conversations.

Add to that the rise of hybrid work, neurodiverse teams, and growing awareness around wellbeing, and the open-plan layout suddenly feels a bit… dated.

But scrapping your office layout entirely? That’s not only costly — it’s often unnecessary. What’s needed isn’t a full redesign, but smarter layers: furniture and finishes that zone, soften, and support without throwing everything out the window.

That’s where flexible, design-led elements like modular sofas, acoustic wall panels, and ceiling-mounted acoustic solutions come in — and we’ll explore each in the sections that follow.

So, if tearing down walls gave us openness, perhaps it’s time to think about how to bring structure back — not with dividers or partitions, but through more thoughtful spatial planning. That’s where modular office furniture comes into play. Flexible, design-led seating can shape zones, guide movement, and support a variety of work styles without interrupting the flow. Next up, we’ll explore how modular sofas are becoming essential tools in workspace layout and zoning solutions.

Soft Zoning: The Power of Modular Sofas

In open-plan offices, layout is everything. Without walls to divide space, it’s easy for work zones to bleed into one another — meetings happen beside quiet work, and casual catchups compete with deep focus. That’s where modular seating steps in as a subtle but effective way to shape flow and function.

At Quell Design, we see sofas not just as seating, but as spatial tools.

Take our Leo Two-Seater as an example — wrapped in plush velvet and built with a structured silhouette, it’s perfect for creating a softer edge to work zones. Whether placed in a reception nook, a quiet corner, or paired with armchairs for an informal huddle space, it invites people in while anchoring the area with shape and comfort.

Then there’s the Toriko Sofa — refined, relaxed, and refreshingly versatile. With its balanced proportions and supportive cushioning, it works just as well in breakout spaces as it does in collaborative lounge zones. Its understated form lends itself to both individual downtime and spontaneous conversation.

Used thoughtfully, pieces like these can define space without the need for partitions. They help create distinct ‘moments’ in an open plan: a place to pause, to meet, to reflect — all while keeping the visual flow open and inviting.

While modular sofas do the heavy lifting when it comes to defining zones and supporting group work, not every workspace moment is about collaboration. Sometimes what’s needed is a quiet pause, a moment of reflection, or a softer corner for one-on-one chats. That’s where breakout seating and office lounge furniture step in — providing comfort, warmth, and a welcome break from the task-focused buzz. Let’s take a closer look at how relaxation spaces are finding their rightful place in the modern office.

Lounge Chairs: Crafting Comfort in Open Workspaces

Open-plan doesn’t have to mean all business, all the time. In fact, some of the most productive moments in a workday happen away from the desk — in spaces where people can take a breather, have a quiet chat, or gather their thoughts between meetings.

That’s where lounge chairs earn their keep. More than just a place to sit, they help carve out moments of calm in otherwise busy environments.

The Positano Lounge Chair, with its gently curved frame and soft oat linen upholstery, brings a sense of ease to any setting. It’s the kind of piece that works just as well in a tucked-away reading corner as it does in a shared breakout zone — unfussy, refined, and easy on the eye.

Then there’s the De Luz Armchair in russet plush velvet — a chair that doesn’t shy away from making a statement. It wraps you up with its generous cushioning, offering comfort without compromising on style. That warm, deep tone also helps add texture and depth to pared-back interiors.

Used thoughtfully, lounge chairs like these encourage more than comfort. They support slower, more human moments in the workday — ones that are just as essential as the time spent in front of a screen.

Of course, comfort isn’t just about where you sit — it’s also about how the space feels around you. The right chair may encourage people to pause, but it’s the surrounding workspace ambience that truly sets the tone. After all, there’s no point putting your feet up if the lighting’s doing your head in. That’s where office lighting design comes into play — it’s not just about function, it’s about feel. From standout fixtures to well-placed task lighting, the right setup can completely transform how a space works (and how we work in it). So, let’s shine a light — quite literally — on one of the most overlooked tools in workplace design.

Lighting That Shapes Mood and Function

In a space that’s constantly in motion, lighting can be the quiet hero. It not only helps us see better — it helps us feel better. The right light can soften the edges of a meeting zone, carve out a moment of focus, or bring a bit of atmosphere to an otherwise flat space.

Take the Mouille Single Wall Light. With its sculptural form and slim black frame, it offers directional light that’s perfect for reading corners or highlighting key architectural features. It's sharp without being harsh — adding interest and focus without shouting for attention.

On the other hand, the Kaiser Table Lamp brings a sense of calm authority to any desk or side table. With its balanced proportions and subtle retro styling, it pairs well with modern or classic interiors alike. It does what good lighting should do: creates clarity without fuss, while elevating the character of the space around it.

Used well, lighting like this helps pace the office — guiding energy levels throughout the day and encouraging the kinds of moments (focus, pause, collaboration) that make a space feel truly considered.

Good lighting can set the mood, guide the pace, and keep energy levels ticking over — but let’s not forget the practical side of keeping a workspace running smoothly. Because no matter how well-lit or well-zoned your office is, if clutter’s piling up, it all starts to look a bit bodged together. That’s where smart office storage earns its stripes. From understated credenzas to multifunctional furniture, the right pieces help keep things in their place — both physically and visually. So, before things go pear-shaped with your workspace organisation, let’s explore how clever storage can bring order without compromising on style.

Storage That Works Hard and Looks Good

In open-plan workspaces, storage needs to do more than just hold things — it should help define space, support flow, and add character. The right pieces can quietly anchor a room, offering both function and a touch of design flair.

Take the Finn Juhl Credenza. With its clean lines and rich walnut finish, it brings a sense of order and sophistication. It's not just about stowing away documents or office supplies; it's about creating a focal point that subtly divides areas without the need for walls.

Then there's the Trio Side Table in ash. Compact and versatile, it serves as a handy spot for a cup of tea, a notebook, or a decorative piece. Its minimalist design complements various settings, from lounge areas to collaborative spaces, adding utility without clutter.

Incorporating thoughtful storage solutions like these helps maintain a tidy environment while enhancing the overall aesthetic. It's about striking the right balance between practicality and style, ensuring that every piece earns its place in the workspace.

Once everything has its place and the clutter’s been shown the door, it’s amazing how much calmer a space can feel. But if the noise is still bouncing off the walls, you’ve only won half the battle. A tidy space is all well and good, but when every chat and cough echoes like a dropped pin in a cathedral, it’s time to tackle the acoustics head-on. That’s where acoustic solutions step in — helping to dial down the din and bring a bit of hush to the humdrum. Let’s lift the lid on sound control for offices and explore how noise reduction can turn chaos into clarity.

Acoustic Panels: Quiet by Design

Open-plan offices are great for collaboration, but they can also be noisy. Conversations, phone calls, and the hum of equipment can create a distracting environment. That's where acoustic panels come in—they help absorb sound, making the workspace more comfortable and conducive to focus.

Our Acoustic Ceiling Panel Set is designed to reduce noise from above. By installing these panels, you can minimize echoes and reverberation, creating a quieter atmosphere that supports concentration and productivity.

Similarly, our Acoustic Wall Panels serve a dual purpose. Not only do they enhance the aesthetic appeal of your office with their sleek design, but they also effectively dampen sound, reducing distractions and promoting a more serene work environment.

Key benefits of acoustic panels in the workplace:

• Reduce ambient noise and disruptive echoes
• Support better concentration and mental clarity
• Improve comfort for neurodiverse teams
• Add visual texture while blending with modern interiors
• Create a more peaceful, productive environment

Incorporating these acoustic solutions into your office design can significantly improve the overall ambiance, making it a more pleasant place to work.

In short, acoustic panels are more than just sound solutions — they’re part of a bigger picture. Because when every element works in harmony, from seating to silence, it’s clear that good office design isn’t about filling a space — it’s about shaping it with purpose. Let’s bring it all together.

Designing with Intent, Not Just Furniture

When it comes to open workspaces, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Even with high-performing sound pods in place, creating a truly balanced environment takes more than just a single feature. It’s about the layers — acoustic comfort, spatial flow, lighting, and thoughtful furniture — all working together to support different types of work throughout the day.

That’s the thinking behind everything we do at Quell Design: furniture and finishes that don’t just fill a space, but elevate it. Every piece is selected or designed with purpose — to support focus, comfort, and meaningful connection.

And this blog? It’s just the beginning.

We’ll be using this space to explore the effectiveness of our products, share insights from real workplaces, and dive deeper into how thoughtful design can transform the way we work. Whether you're planning a full fit-out or simply want to improve a corner of your office, we’re here to help you shape a space that feels as good as it looks.

Thanks for reading — and welcome to the conversation.