How Material Can Change the Entire Mood of Interior Design

From the moment you step into a room, the choice of material within the interior design is already shaping how it feels.

The surfaces you see, touch, brush against, rest on, move through – they all play a role in setting the tone. And this tone could be anything. Calm and considered? Energised and creative? Warm and welcoming? Whatever tone you’re aiming for, your choice of material and fabric is capable of quietly influencing the mood in the surrounding space to achieve it.

It helps to think of fabric and material in interior design as more than a finishing touch. Instead, consider a design tool – one that allows spaces to reflect their true purpose and personality. This is the design philosophy behind our extensive range of finishes at Frovi.
How Material Choice Shapes Mood and Perception
In commercial furniture design, materials directly affect how a space is experienced. Hard, reflective surfaces can feel crisp and formal, while softer, textured materials instantly make an environment feel more relaxed and approachable.

In the workplace, this balance is essential. Employees and visitors alike respond subconsciously to their surroundings. Upholstered seating encourages people to settle in and feel at ease, while carefully selected laminates and metals can add clarity and structure without feeling cold.

Thoughtful office furniture material choices help define zones too – supporting focus in quiet areas, collaboration in shard spaces, and comfort in breakroom settings.

How Sustainable Furniture Shapes Better Workspaces

The present and future is sustainability. That’s why we care about creating aesthetic, impactful and sustainable furniture that not only makes the office comfortable but also memorable.
What makes furniture sustainable?
The clue’s in the name. Sustainable furniture is furniture which is designed and made with minimal or negative impact on the environment and society in general. However, as we know, many factors contribute to furniture’s so-called “sustainability”, from the manufacture process to the products used (like FSC-certified wood or recycled plastic), and the durability of the furniture itself.  In particular, much sustainable furniture incorporates modular design for easy disassembly and replacement, rather than having to replace entire pieces.
The benefits of sustainable furniture in the workplace
Beyond the natural benefits of sustainable furniture, we believe that it helps to create a healthier environment overall. Using low-VOC (volatile organic compound) finishes, natural fabrics and solid woods can help to reduce the risk of harmful emissions which in turn affects air quality in the office. Studies have proven that prolonged exposure to harmful chemicals and materials can lead to a range of health issues from respiratory issues to allergies and serious health problems.

Choosing well-designed, durable and ergonomic furniture protects employee’s posture, allowing for a content and comfortable in-office environment. Prioritising this can also emphasise your commitment to your employees, resulting in a more positive and productive work environment.

From Idea to Showroom: The Frovi Furniture Design Process

Big and bold, sleek and subtle, or just outright clever: we’re big fans of an innovative furniture design here at Frovi. But how do our designers turn a basic concept, like a modular sofa, into the brilliantly creative Big Softie? Or take the concept of an insulating Arctic jacket and transform it into a voluminous armchair you can sink right into, like the Puffa?

The answer lies in a mix of understanding the day-to-day challenges of our users and the evolving needs of modern environments. Every Frovi furniture range follows a similar journey – from an initial idea into a finished piece ready for the showroom. Here’s how we do it.
Identifying Real-World Pain Points
All our projects tend to begin in one spot: with people. Our team listen closely to users and designers to understand what’s missing from their spaces – or what could be better. This feedback forms the foundation of the furniture design process from which everything else is built.

For example, when developing the Relic collection, we heard repeated calls for greater flexibility. People wanted worktables that were beautiful – naturally – but also adaptable to a wide variety of settings.

As Dave, our Design Director, explains: “Relic was designed to solve the needs of our customers. They wanted greater flexibility in colours, finishes, sizes, and accessible features that weren’t commonly available as standard. So, we started looking at everything our existing systems didn’t do and how many customer pain points we could solve.”

These kinds of insights help our designers focus their attentions precisely where it matters: solving real-world problems with innovative furniture design.

What to Look Out for at Clerkenwell Design Week 2025

Clerkenwell Design Week is back for 2025! And while Matt – our Senior Creative Designer – has taken to lovingly calling it the ‘Glastonbury Festival of Design’, the truth is he’s been incredibly busy with the team getting our showroom experience ready. Without spoiling the surprise (you should really come down to witness the updated showroom first hand), we’ve put together a glimpse of what you can expect.

Taking place across 20th – 22nd May 2025, the atmosphere at the Clerkenwell Design Week is always electric. It’s a real celebration of creativity, with brands, designers, and the public all coming together to explore the future of design. Whether you’re discovering something new or catching up with familiar faces, there’s a real sense of excitement and openness throughout.

On that note, this year’s Clerkenwell Design Week is set to be shaped by a range of new trends. Look out for a shift towards flexibility and modularity in workspace design, along with a richer focus on softer, more domestic textures and finishes. You can also expect some bolder colours from us at Frovi as we watch the industry move away from the muted tones of previous years and towards a new trend for vibrancy and confidence.

And don’t forget, Clerkenwell Design Week is best experienced in person. Head down to our very own Clerkenwell showroom on the 20th, 21st, or 22nd of May to explore what we’ve put on.

You can find us at:

5 Sycamore Street (entrance on Baltic Street W)
Barbican
London
EC1Y 0SG

What3Words reference: Actual / Dizzy / Twist

Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/sZ9bix9qvKNDVDod9
The Updated Frovi Showroom Experience for 2025
In the lead-up to Clerkenwell Design Week, we’ve once again completely refreshed our showroom to reflect the latest design directions. Almost everything has been updated – from colour palettes and fabrics to textures and finishes – bringing a more domestic, inviting feel into commercial spaces.
A New Approach to Soft Seating
Upstairs is one of the areas we’re most excited about – so let’s begin there. Our previous arrangement is gone; in its place, we’ve created an all-new space dedicated to lounging and softer social interactions.

The aim here was to conjure an atmosphere of this being a place you’d genuinely want to sit back and relax. With the addition of our Bae sofas, we’re delighted with the way we’ve managed to showcase how contemporary workspaces can support both focus and informal connection.

How Collaborative Tables Enhance Office Productivity

If there’s one thing that’s come apparent in recent years, it’s that the modern office is evolving. Largely gone are the days of corporate rigidity, with rows of cubicles and a one-size-fits-all approach to workspace design. In its place? Hybrid working: an increasing demand for flexible workspaces, adaptable solutions, and an environment that maximises the possibilities for collaboration.

And so we take look at collaboration desks—a concept we’re renowned for in the industry. In this blog, we’ll explore how the advent of the office collaboration table is playing a huge role in communication and efficiency within the workspace.
Evolving Workspaces and the Need for Collaborative Solutions
More and more, traditional office layouts are struggling to meet the needs of today’s workforce. Instead, employees are seeking flexible environments: offices that offer a balance between independent work and team-based collaboration. Critically, with hybrid and remote work models becoming the norm, businesses are fundamentally rethinking how office spaces are designed to encourage connection and inclusive behaviours.

One area in particular that’s gaining momentum is collaborative furniture. This dynamic approach to office design allows businesses to:

Create multi-purpose workspaces that can shift from meetings to breakout areas with ease.
Support hybrid teams who need a central space for in-person collaboration.
Encourage a culture of teamwork and communication.

Collaboration desks and tables are at the heart of this shift, providing a focal point to bring people together.
How Office Collaboration Tables Encourage Productivity Through Design
A well-designed collaboration desk can have a surprisingly large influence on productivity. The psychology of workspace design suggests that when employees have access to comfortable and functional spaces, they’re more likely to remain engaged. Not only this, but office collaboration tables can also enhance productivity by:

Encouraging movement and idea-sharing in an open, team-friendly environment.
Providing designated areas for brainstorming and teamwork, thereby minimising distractions.
Reduce stress through their invitingly ergonomic designs.

Introducing Collaboration Tables from Frovi
No strangers to an innovative concept, our own collaborative tables are expertly engineered to cater for the evolving needs of modern offices. Combining durability, functionality, and style, we ensure each of our designs provides the perfect foundation for a productive environment.

Let’s take a look at a few standout designs:
Relic
Relic is undoubtedly one of our most established collections, offering enormous potential for adaptability, customisation, and individuality. Behind its deceptively simple appearance, you’ll find a range of intelligent features including hidden and integrated cable management, modular configurations, and the ability to swap accessories with ease. All these features combine to create a modern table that blends seamlessly into contemporary workspaces.

Following the success of the initial Relic collaboration table, we’ve since expanded the range further with the Relic Cloud, Relic Project Table, and all-new Relic Social.