Today I’m talking about creating a home office that isn’t just functional, but also a joy to work in. This subject is close to my heart – and possibly yours, especially if you’ve been juggling Teams / Zoom calls and spreadsheets from the dining table.
More and more of us have settled into a rhythm of working from home in hybrid or fully remote roles. Having a space that you genuinely love to work in is so important for your mental (and physical) health.
Start with the Right Space
First things first, let’s talk about location. Not all of us have the luxury of a dedicated room for an office, but that doesn’t mean you can’t carve out a cosy, inspiring office nook somewhere in your home. Whether it’s a quiet corner of the living room or a spare bedroom, choose a spot (if you can) away from where people walk near a lot. A little peace is essential for concentration and creativity.
Comfort Is Key
You wouldn’t run a marathon in high heels, right? (if you would, I salute you)… the same goes for working from home – you need the right equipment. A comfortable, supportive chair and a desk at the correct height are crucial. Your back will thank you, and so will your productivity levels.
Ergonomics matter, so do your research and choose wisely, especially when it comes to chairs. If you have limited budget, prioritise investment in this area.
I love an Ikea desk with a Herman Miller chair (keep your eye on eBay or Facebook Marketplace for well-priced ones).
Let There Be Light
Good lighting is absolutely key. Natural light is best, so if you can position your desk near a window, you’re onto a winner. It boosts your mood and energy levels, not to mention it’s easier on your eyes. If you want to look better on video calls, face your desk towards the window (the light will be more flattering and won’t send half your face into the shadows). If you are easily distracted by passers by, maybe face your desk towards a wall.
As with most rooms, the secret will be in layering the lighting. Think of it like layering your clothing for all warm and cool weather (we Brits are good at that, right?). Big light can brighten a whole room, but might feel a bit much at times. Floor and table lamps are amazing for making a room feel cosy and directing light when you need it.
Especially for those gloomy days or late-night hustles, invest in some good quality desk lamps. Bulb colour-wise, you want to be a bit Goldilocks – you don’t want to go too bright and clean – it’ll be easy to see things, but it will feel too clinical. Equally don’t go too warm, or you might feel a bit sleepy.
Personally, I (obviously) love our Waldorf Pebble Desk Lamp – check it out plus lots more tips about home office lighting, including some products I love
Personalise Your Space
Now, the fun part! This is your chance to stamp your personality on your workspace. Choose colours that calm or inspire you. Colour is a very personal thing, see how you feel… but some tips to get started are: Soft greens and blues can create a serene environment (need to stay calm on video calls?), while vibrant yellows might spark creativity (ideal for designers).
Artwork, plants, and personal mementos can transform your office from a bland space to a sanctuary of inspiration. If you don’t want to go bold with colour on your walls, I’m a big fan of using art to bring in the colours you want.
There’s plenty of places selling cheap prints online, see what makes your heart light up and feel good. If you want to fill more space on the wall and go oversized (I love playing with scale in a room), take a look at Wallfillers.
Storage Solutions
Clutter can be a massive creativity killer and can sap your focus. Opt for smart storage solutions that keep your space tidy while ensuring everything you need is accessible. Think floating shelves, desk organisers, or even a chic filing cabinet.
I personally like to be able to see everything (rather than file it away, where I forget about it), so I have a cheap-but-nice open bookcase – I’ve placed it behind my desk, so it’s not in my direct eyesight.
Tech and Cable Management
Nothing disrupts the zen of a beautifully designed space quite like a tangle of cables. Invest in some cable management solutions to keep your desk area clean and organised. It’s a small thing, but you’d be surprised how much of a difference it can make in making your space feel ordered and spacious.
There’s some beautifully designed extension cables these days (another shameless plug: we have some lovely ones at Dowsing & Reynolds).
Set the Mood with Accessories
Lastly (but not leastly), consider the sensory aspects of your space. Your senses affect the way you feel so much, so thinking about them all can really make a good design into a great one.
A diffuser with your favourite essential oils (these ones are great for focus and concentration) can help you feel calm and focused, while a good speaker system could allow for some background tunes to keep your energy up without being distracting. Sometimes I have upbeat disco on, if I want to power through…sometimes it’s rain noises to drown out the noise of people working on the roads outside.
Also – top tip, get a beautiful big jug and a nice glass for water. Water helps concentration so much and when we’re working at home, sometimes we can forget to get up and have a drink.
Creating a home office that feels good to work in is all about balancing function and form. It’s your space, so make it work for you. Whether it’s bold, tranquil, minimalist, or eclectic, let your home office be a place where you can be your most productive, creative self. You’ll be spending a lot of time there, so make it somewhere you truly enjoy being.
Happy decorating!
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