How Oaktree Interiors’ Breakout Areas Balance Relaxation, Openness and Confidentiality
When it comes to smart, people-focused office design, breakout areas are no longer an afterthought. At Oaktree Interiors, we believe that these shared spaces should be an integrated, central part of the workplace rather than something pushed to the edges of a floorplan.
Designed thoughtfully, breakout areas offer a practical balance of relaxation, openness and confidentiality, helping to support wellbeing, communication and focus in equal measure. Whether you are working with a large space or tackling the challenge of a small office design, the right breakout area can be a game-changer.
Rethinking the Breakout Area as a Central Hub
In modern offices, breakout areas serve many purposes beyond simply being somewhere to eat lunch or take a call. They offer a flexible environment where teams can huddle for a quick five-minute chat, solve a problem informally or enjoy a much-needed breather from their screens.
Rather than placing these spaces in isolated corners, Oaktree’s approach is to treat the breakout area as a key part of the working environment. Often, we locate them closer to the reception or near shared spaces to increase visibility and encourage regular use. This helps integrate them into daily office life rather than making them feel like add-ons.
In small office designs especially, every square metre matters. A well-placed breakout space helps free up boardrooms for formal meetings and gives staff more options for collaboration without needing large amounts of space.
Acoustic Control Without Losing Openness
A common challenge with breakout spaces is achieving the right level of privacy without compromising on the open feel that makes them welcoming. At Oaktree, we use clever acoustic design to help control noise, reduce distractions and protect confidentiality.
From acoustic panelling to sound-absorbing materials and smart zoning, we create spaces where teams can talk freely without worrying about disturbing others or being overheard. In small offices, where privacy can be limited, these soundproofing measures are even more valuable.
Partitioning or subtly dividing a breakout space can also enhance confidentiality without enclosing the area completely. This creates a calm and comfortable setting where people can focus or connect without the need for a fully closed room.
Breakout Areas in Small Office Design
In smaller offices, multifunctional breakout spaces help businesses maximise their space. A breakout zone can double up as an informal meeting spot, touchdown zone or quiet work area, depending on how it is designed and furnished.
We help clients get the most from their available square footage by designing breakout areas that work hard for their team’s needs. This includes choosing furniture that can be moved or reconfigured easily, selecting colours and materials that create a calming atmosphere and using lighting to subtly define different zones.
In tight office layouts, breakout spaces can help alleviate pressure on desks and boardrooms, creating breathing room that improves overall productivity and morale.
Built Around the Needs of Your Team
Every office is different, and our breakout area designs reflect that. Whether you are planning a full office refurbishment or looking to make better use of a small office layout, Oaktree Interiors works closely with your team to understand your needs and tailor the space accordingly.
We consider how your teams work, where high-traffic areas sit, and how to make breakout zones easily accessible without being disruptive. Our process includes free, no-obligation consultations and detailed visual plans to help you picture your ideal workspace before we bring it to life.
Make Your Space Work Harder
If you are thinking about upgrading your office or need support with a small office fitout, Oaktree Interiors can help you design breakout spaces that do more than just fill a gap. We create environments that support your people, encourage collaboration and improve the way your team works every day.
Get in touch with us today to book your free design consultation and discover how your office space can work harder for your business.
FAQ
1. What is a breakout room in an office?
A breakout room is a flexible space within an office designed for informal meetings, private conversations, quick huddles or relaxation away from the desk.
2. Why are breakout rooms important in office design?
Breakout rooms support collaboration, improve employee wellbeing and reduce pressure on formal meeting spaces. They also create more dynamic and versatile workplaces.
3. How can breakout areas improve small office layouts?
In small offices, breakout areas maximise space by offering multi-use zones for meetings, focus work and social interaction, helping to reduce the need for separate rooms.
4. Do breakout rooms need to be fully enclosed?
Not necessarily. Breakout rooms can be semi-open with smart acoustic treatments or partitions, providing a balance between openness and privacy for confidential discussions.