12 Sep Redefining Work and Home: The Rise of Luxury and Personalization in Corporate Housing and Office Spaces

Since the mid-2010s, corporate housing providers have been at the forefront of personalizing their apartments and housing units. This shift transformed conventional corporate housing into spaces that felt more like welcoming homes than mere temporary accommodations. 

However, the pandemic and the subsequent demand for remote work blurred the lines between home and office life. Now, offices are increasingly designed with resort-like features, as reported by The New York Times, while corporate apartments are being customized to feel more like personalized homes. Both settings are redefining what it means to live and work, with a shared focus on providing a level of comfort and pampering that employees have never experienced before, whether at their office or in their temporary housing.

For a relocated employee, the difference becomes stark when checking into a standard hotel room. Even if immaculately clean, hotel rooms often feel cramped, uninviting, and primarily serve as places to sleep—suitable only for short stays averaging just a couple of days. Such environments lack the critical elements necessary for a comfortable and functional living experience, such as spaces for cooking, dining, working, and simply relaxing. This inadequacy is particularly pronounced for employees who are relocated for months at a time and need a space that supports both their professional and personal lives.

California Corporate Housing, a leader in the corporate housing sector, takes a comprehensive approach to designing its units, ensuring that every detail is geared toward making residents feel as though they are living their best lives.

While the standard for corporate housing usually includes the basics—a sofa, coffee table, chairs, a kitchen, living room, dining room, bedroom, and bathroom—California Corporate Housing takes it a step further by adding personal touches that elevate comfort and make guests feel at home.

Understanding that these apartments often serve as homes for extended periods, from a few months to several years, California Corporate Housing goes beyond the usual provisions to create a living space that feels individualized and meticulously tailored to each guest’s needs. 

The company’s approach revolves around customization, with every element designed to match a guest’s preferences and lifestyle. This commitment to personalization sets them apart in an industry where many providers are constrained by standardized furnishings, budget limitations, creativity blocks, and time constraints. California Corporate Housing sees each unit as an opportunity to create something unique and magical, thriving in the details to deliver a home-away-from-home experience.

Global mobility professionals, especially those responsible for relocating assignees to work in Northern California, need to be aware of this evolving landscape. Understanding the importance of personalized corporate housing can significantly impact the well-being and productivity of their assignees. Relocated employees who feel comfortable and settled in their temporary homes are more likely to perform well at work, adapt quickly to new environments, and maintain a positive outlook during their assignments. Choosing a provider that offers these enhanced, customized housing options can make a significant difference in the overall success of a relocation.

This philosophy extends to the smallest details. While most corporate apartments come equipped with a standard queen-size bed, California Corporate Housing often upgrades to a king-size bed when space allows, providing more comfort for their guests. Technology, too, plays a significant role; where other corporate housing providers may offer smaller, generic TVs, California Corporate Housing outfits its units with larger, premium HDTVs from brands like Sony or Samsung. It also provides smart home devices customized according to the guest’s preferences, creating a personalized technological ecosystem that feels both familiar and high-end.

The company’s dedication to enhancing the guest experience is evident in its thoughtful inclusion of live plants, particularly orchids, succulents, and fiddle leaf figs. These plants not only improve air quality by producing oxygen and removing allergens but also have the power to boost mood and overall well-being—a simple yet impactful addition that distinguishes its units from typical corporate housing. Another standout feature is its fully stocked bar carts, which cater to guests who enjoy entertaining or unwinding with a cocktail after a long day.

A commitment to luxury and functionality extends even to the kitchen amenities. California Corporate Housing chooses top-of-the-line appliances, such as Nespresso machines, renowned for their ability to brew high-quality coffee and espresso. The attention to detail continues with the selection of window treatments, often luxurious curtains that enhance the aesthetic of the room and create a cozy atmosphere. Iconic lighting fixtures, such as Arco-inspired lamps, offer precise control over room illumination and add a touch of sophistication to the living space.

Moreover, California Corporate Housing frequently paints accent walls in their units, adding a layer of personalization that many in the industry overlook. These walls are often tailored to reflect the personality or preferences of the guest, as seen in a recent two-bedroom unit in San Mateo where the walls were painted in shades of “dovetail” and “peacock plume” to complement the guest’s warm yet vibrant demeanor. This level of customization ensures that every element of the space is carefully considered and purposefully designed.

Work resorts

This trend toward personalization and hotel-like amenities is not limited to corporate apartments. Offices are also transforming into environments that prioritize comfort, luxury, and employee well-being. The concept of “hotelification” has extended into the workplace, with modern office complexes like Springline in Menlo Park, CA, reimagining traditional workspaces as “work resorts.” 

These offices offer amenities typically found in boutique hotels, such as high-end design, outdoor workspaces, gym facilities, and curated communal areas for work and relaxation. Signature elements, like a spa-like atmosphere with off-white Roman clay walls and curated scents, are designed to make employees feel as if they’re stepping into a luxury retreat rather than a conventional office.

These developments reflect a broader shift in how both housing and workspaces are designed, with a focus on creating environments that make employees feel valued and pampered. Whether through beautifully customized corporate apartments or state-of-the-art “work resorts,” the goal is the same: to provide spaces that enhance comfort, boost productivity, and support overall well-being. In this evolving landscape, the lines between work and home continue to blur, united by a commitment to elevating the everyday experiences of employees and residents alike.