With so many of us thriving whilst working from home, having an inspiring workspace can elevate your creativity even more.
Just about anyone can benefit from having a functional workspace to tackle their to-do list, make headway on a creative project, or simply catch up on some reading.
Luckily, when it comes to home office design schemes, the possibilities are almost endless. You can transform an unused closet with a few space-saving design tricks or go bold by outfitting an entire room with graphic wallpaper, standout furniture, and colorful accessories.
Whether you love nothing more than rustic decor or prefer a modern aesthetic, look no further than our collection of stunning home office ideas and top tips from 39 brilliant interior design pros. This collection of images is filled with more than enough inspiration to upgrade your own home office with the right color palette, affordable furniture, and decorative accents.
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Denise O'Connor, Optimise Design
Make sure the space is fit for purpose
The key to success whether you work from home full-time, or only occasionally or on weekends, is to make sure your the space is as conducive to productivity as possible. That means having the right furniture, a comfortable chair and the right desk are a must. Good lighting is also essential, and the right decor and accessories are also necessary to ensure that the space is somewhere you enjoy spending time.
Good connection to Wifi is also a must as you need to be sure you can work efficiently and an unreliable Wifi is going to slow you down. Boosters are a great idea if your connection is poor and if you are planning a refurbishment you could consider having them wired in key locations to ensure that you have constant high speed connection throughout the house.
Avoid working from your kitchen table
I must admit I’ve been guilty of this myself. But it's much better to create a space that is specifically for work. There are a couple of reasons for this. Not only will your space be more organised but you will also be less likely to slowly chip away at work all day long. By separating your work space you will create a natural boundary, making it easier to be more disciplined.
Also don’t let your home office become the dumping ground for all unwanted furniture and home accessories. This space should be both inspiring as well as functional. I’ve seen rooms that are so full of boxes and general stuff that there is barely space to sit and work. This room should have nothing other than the items that you need to work in it.
Create a designated working space that is clutter free
There is nothing more stressful than clutter, so having an organised space is essential, especially where the space needs to multitask. For example, we’ve designed desk areas in open-plan spaces that blend in with the kitchen and can be closed off when not in use. By having a designated space like this means that you can store everything that you need in one place. Otherwise, you risk wasting time trying to remember where you left something or arguing with family members over essential items not being where you left them. A place for everything and everything in its place is the key to a stress-free and calm working environment.
Get the lighting right
When it comes to lighting your space there are two things to keep in mind. Good task lighting is vital, and you need to be able to see what you're doing so a good table lamp is a priority. After that, it's about ambience. It's critical that your working environment is pleasant to be in, so choose bulbs with a warm colour temperature and put overhead lighting on a dimmer if possible so that you can control the lighting levels. If you are planning on installing any bespoke joinery for storage or shelving you could also consider adding some cabinet lighting, and put this on a separate circuit to the rest of the lighting. This will give you options for controlling the ambience in the room.
Check out Denise's home office guide.
Becky, Flipping The Flip
Working from home has a long history throughout the centuries, whether it be a shop, service, or trade. In more modern times, home offices grew in popularity with the idea waning until a global pandemic changed lives around the world. Working from home became essential as did carving out not only a space to work but also one that is highly functional, practical, as well as motivating and inspiring.
The best way to create the work space of your dreams at home is to take a step back and a critical eye to what one’s specific needs are personally and professionally. Creating a space that’s personal and supportive, one that you’re excited to enter on a daily basis is key to productivity.
A great place to start is to pick a suitably sized spot, clear everything out and away, and start from scratch with a blank slate. Now is a great time to splash in some paint or wallpaper in a fun, lively color or pattern. Move in a work surface such as a desk, a table, several tables at various heights, and arrange not only for comfort but also to support ease and efficiency. Bring back items required for work such as a computer or laptop, printer, chargers, and good lighting. Hiding wires in bins or cable systems eliminates distracting visual clutter. Storage is key; cabinets, drawers, baskets, or places to hide things are important so one maintains focus and it is on productivity rather than work items.
The design is ultimately in the details: a happy vessel to hold pens, a photo or two that reminds you of a great vacation or your favorite people, a spritely piece of art, or a soft blanket on a comfortable office chair.
All this to say, a streamlined, clutter-free, personalized home office filled with self-care and supportive items will prove to bring out the best in you and make work from home life a breeze.
Margaret Hitchman / @glorygirl
Firstly nature always inspires me. I’m always taking photographs and have an album on my phone entitled inspiration of sunsets I love or scenes and pictures that inspire me.
For my work space -
Things that have helped me in the past year include
A designated work space like a desk, chair and plenty of light including a lamp for when the light is fading and for working in the evenings.
I love my neon Art sign!! It gets me in the mood to paint
A desktop storage system - for me it’s a jar for my paintbrushes and pencils.
Plenty of room to move around and relax
A kettle nearby for copious cups of tea and coffee!
Adequate storage for paints and materials - I use a portable trolley that can move about
A place to store finished canvases so they’re protected from damage
A window near my desk so I can look outside and be inspired.
When I’m working outside painting ‘plein air’ I like a comfortable seat - I sit on my outside sofa
A canvas or board
A jar of water
My paints
Palette 🎨
Plenty of brushes
Kitchen roll
My easel
Sunglasses and a hat!
Aoife Tobin, Style So Simple
One key area is comfort. Having areas that are nice and relaxing in an office are as important as work areas. This not only makes it a much nicer environment for employees it can also increase creativity and therefore help with better and more innovative ideas.
Becky Bowden, LifeStyleLinked
Keeping your office space clean and clutter free can have a fantastic effect on your mindset and working environment. Minimalistic monochrome styling can work well in any home office and it is easy to source interior pieces that compliment each other. Add a touch of greenery with real or faux plants and a few personal touches and you've got the perfect homely yet stylish workspace.
Ashley White, Decorology
My home office tip is to light a candle in your office while you're working. It sounds like a weird place to light a candle, but watching the steady glow of the flame helps me center and stay focused! Soy candles and those scented with essential oils are the best for your health and home. Just make sure you choose a scent that doesn't make you too sleepy!
Donna Wardell, Welcome To No.1
If you’re struggling for space or don’t have a dedicated room for a home office, you could just find a corner in one of your existing rooms. I created my home office set up in the corner of my guest bedroom by upcycling a writing bureau that I found on eBay. It’s space saving, functional and is easy to tidy away at the end of the day. And It looks pretty too!
Jennifer Rothbury, @crack_the_shutters
For me the three main areas of focus to inspire productivity in a home office would be:
Lighting. Specifically task lighting, ambient lighting and decorative lighting. An aesthetically pleasing desk lamp is essential, especially for those dark winter afternoons and late nights at the office where ambient lighting creates too many shadows to be effective for work. Ambient lighting such as ceiling lights and floor lamps should provide good overall brightness to help you stay focused and alert on tasks. And then finally decorative lighting - I personally love a candle or two when working, it helps me relax and stay calm.
Storage. It sounds obvious but a home office needs good storage, both open and closed. Closed storage such a desks with drawers or filing cabinets are great for shutting away your work at the end of the day - leaving work out on your desk stops you from switching off which is essential when working from home. Open storage in the form of pigeon shelves and bookshelves are perfect for quick access to books and stationary and also create an organised environment which is absolutely necessary to allow your mind to focus fully on work tasks.
Ambience and comfort. For me creating a calm, organised and inviting space to work in is essential. Soothing colours on the walls - ours is Skimming Stone by Farrow and Ball - help focus the mind, regulate mood and reduce stress and anxiety. Whilst furniture should look stylish is so important that this is balanced with comfort - seating should be at the right height for the desk and my preference is cushioned considering the length of time spent sat at the desk for the day!
Amanda Weatherall, @pinkmango72
I've been working at home since March 2020, so a long time now, along with my husband - we've both worked from home this whole time. We're lucky to have our own separate rooms to work in which I think has been a massive help in terms of having space to keep work and home life apart - and not driving each other mad!
In terms of what makes an inspired home office set up, for me its having the home comforts that I wouldn't really be able to have in an office space. So things like I can have my favourite music playing, I often have candles burning which creates a nice relaxed vibe too. And then as I have a separate room to work in, I can have my favourite prints or quotes on the wall, foliage in vases - all the little homely touches that you don't get in an office.
Gina Everett, Create Perfect
I find one of the best things for stimulating and freeing the mind for productively is the use of natural materials. We don't want to go over the top with these but a nice spacious office space with some natural woods and some greenery can do wonders for you and your mind
Victoria Nicol, @westendstyling
Prior to lockdown I worked from home every Friday, using the desk already in my living room bay window. It has beautiful views of a quiet, leafy street, and gets the sun all afternoon – perfect for occasional use.
Once lockdown hit and we were working from home full time, I had to switch from using just my laptop to using a large monitor required for long stretches of detailed work. Initially this seemed fine, but after a few months I came to resent my workstation still be in my living room at the end of the day when I was trying to relax (during the difficult, already stressful times of lockdown last year).
So after about six months, I decided to find another area of my home to set up a dedicated home office area, somewhere I could shut the door on at the end of the day, leaving my main living area free for just personal time. I chose one of my guest bedrooms on the top floor, utilising the dormer window area with a distant sea view.
Something that was most important to me was creating a space that was not only practical (big enough for a large monitor, laptop, work phone, space for writing & printing) but also aesthetically appealing and a calm, relaxing space to counteract the stress of indefinitely working from home (not something given much, if any, consideration in corporate offices). So I created a mood board for ideas.
I chose the Hamilton desk that was both practical (with ample drawer storage) but that matched (almost perfectly) the décor of the guest bedroom, then styled it with a lamp for task lighting, and decorative pieces such as a faux flower arrangement, scented candle, bud vase, and Amazon Echo Dot to provide background music whilst working. The space is finished off with one of my Kartell Louis Ghost Chairs.
Overall, I’m so pleased with how it turned out, exactly as I had envisaged. It’s a lovely space to work from and I feel lucky to be able to have the space to dedicate to this, but the same design principles can be applied to any corner of a home.
Pia Orr, Finnterior Designer Blog
A well-designed home office should always reflect your personality and (ideally) your brand. Pick your favourite colours, materials and accessories to keep you motivated and focused. It's also important to invest in a good chair and desk. Your home office should be comfortable, so do also familiarise yourself with office ergonomics
Maddy Potts, This 1870 House
For me, a productive work day starts with a clear desk, a new page in the notebook and a fresh browser window - all those un-read open tabs from the day before are forgotten! I like one or two key textures - at the moment it's pale, untreated wood - that ties the space together and makes it feel coherent. A comfy chair, whatever that means for you (and it genuinely might not be the big, black 'ergonomic' office chair type) is a must. I like a desk with lots of storage so I can put my laptop away at the end of the day, not just close it - out of sight, out of mind. And finally, I like to keep greenery nearby for some freshness, and a big carafe so I don't forget to keep drinking water.
Sharon Lomas, Lomas & Lomas
Working from home came as quite a shock initially to many people all over the globe. Those not used to working from home suddenly found themselves ( many with their partners and children also) creating make shift works spaces at the dining or kitchen table, some on their sofa or even on their bed. Home working was quite chaotic for many to begin with.
But I believe working from home is a real opportunity to create our ideal work space. Everyone has different comfort levels ( which you will know if you've ever worked in a large office) so to me, this means creating a level of personalised comfort not always possible in the commercial office environment.
Using the principles of Biophilic Design, any work space can be improved with a few simple steps . Work spaces with added elements of nature can increase wellbeing by 15%, productivity by 6% and creativity by 15% (Human Spaces Report 2015).
Over the first lockdown I created my ideal, personal, biophilic work space with a few simple techniques
1. Desk Position
I placed my desk under a window. It's very important to me to feel connected to nature so a view is vital to my wellbeing while I work.
Working in natural light with easy access to fresh air are key ingredients in creating a comfortable working environment. An open window can bring fresh air in, let toxins out and you can also hear the birds and feel the breeze. If you can't position your desk under or close to a window consider using a mirror to reflect a view which will help you feel connected to the outside world.
2. Plants
I am quite obsessed with house plants. Sharing any space with plants is beneficial for your health, so your work space should not be forgotten. Plants work very hard for us humans. They are known to boost productivity and reduce stress, they make your work space alive and engaging as well as producing cleaner air which aids clear thinking and helps prevent task fatigue Plants also make a wonderful acoustic screen to separate off an area of your home to create your work area in a multi-functional room.
3. Natural Materials
If you have the choice, always opt for a solid wood desk. Mine was a £35 old kitchen table found from Facebook Marketplace so they don't have to be expensive. Using real wood in our homes has been found to reduce blood pressure which is incredible, but also it adds a warmth and texture that will make your home working environment so much more comfortable.
4. Time Out
I spend quite a lot of time sat at my desk. However as many of my daily work tasks include reading or note taking I have made a space for a small day bed. This gives me an opportunity to take a break from sitting at my desk and staring at my screen for too long. Working from home means we can include more creature comforts into our working day and having the space to relax while working certainly helps me avoid too much task fatigue.
5. Fragrance
Fragrance is an important part of my life and one which helps my mental wellbeing, helps me stay focused and relaxes me. I use natural essential oil aromatherapy candles to help boost my mood while working, something you could just never do in an open office. I select energising fragrances when I know my task requires concentration through to warmer woody and spicy fragrances when I'm working in the evenings. Connecting all our senses to nature, including smell is a much overlooked design technique and one which really boosts our general wellbeing.
Jenna + Mariana, Interior Fox
Having a home office now days is as important as a living or dining room. This space needs to function in serving the mind but also be inspiring to the soul. For us, it starts with organisation and space planning as there will be some items you want to display and some you want to hide. We love slanted bookshelves for magazines and fabrics of the month (you could swap for book of the month). Baskets on floating shelves is a great way to access office bits n bobs or extra papers. Use the wall space as well for sleek cork boards or peg boards too!
Kate Boyfield
Something that I think makes a truly inspired home office setup is being surrounded by the things you love. Seeing your favourite artwork, books, flowers, ornaments, quotes and stationery every day will make sitting at your desk a joyful experience. Having inspiring imagery and objects around you will help fuel your motivation, passion and drive. I think it is important that your desk is somewhere you want to work as well as being somewhere you have to.
Kirsty Fletcher, Greenbank Interiors
Regardless of the amount of space you have available, there are 4 key things to think about when planning a motivational and productive home office, where your creativity can flow freely.
- Choose the right desk, at the right height, with as much surface area as you can fit in. Creativity happens when you have space and feel comfortable!
- Choose the right colour for the room. I chose green as it's a balancing colour.
- If you can, try to position your desk near natural light. Natural light energises and motivates us and aids our concentration.
- Add easy-to-care-for house plants ~ It’s been scientifically proven that adding indoor plants to any workspace helps improve your sense of wellbeing and reduces stress levels.
Follow these 4 tips and you have yourself a nurturing and inspiring home office that will be a joy to work in.
Peter Grech, The Spacemaker
I feel a home office should serve to keep you engaged in your workday. If you need stimulation then going for inspiring colours and patterns, if you need quiet and focus, consider deeper, saturated colours and less pattern or contrast and if you need blank spaces to be able to let your mind wander freely then go for calm neutrals. Always remember that this is a part of your home so it should tie in with the aesthetic of your home somehow. I suggest taking the opportunity to make your home office luxurious and a space that you want to spend time in - this will make your working day more enjoyable!
Kel Harmer, Oh So Kel
When creating a home office it should feel as comfortable and harmonious as the rest of the home does, but ideally with a sense that it’s separate from the rest of it to enable that change in mindset required when working. This could even a screen divider which double up as a pinboard. Fresh plants and natural light will also help.
Michelle Lynne, ML Interiors Group
My absolute top tips for the perfect home office would be:
- Sunshine is an immediate mood lifter - natural light is encouraged anytime possible.
- A separate desktop for the computer monitor
- Appropriate storage - too much and you collect junk, not enough and your office looks like a junkyard
- Comfortable seating for you - and if space permits, at least one guest.
- Music source and fragrance (candle or essential oil diffuser) if desired
Pia Pelkonen, Pia Design
The image below is of a recently completed home studio for a client of ours who is an illustrator. We turned her box room into a cosy studio space with lots of built in storage for her papers and files, open shelves for her books and ornaments, and a large worktop space for her to drawn and write on - the space also doubles as a home office for her husband on the days that he works from home. The pastel blue / eau de nil colour scheme runs through a few parts of the house and in particular in this room it was inspired by the client’s existing piece of art - a beautiful hand painted plate by Jean Cocteau, which is hung above the fireplace. The fireplace itself was an existing steel one which she wanted to remove, but we convinced her to retain and paint in a colour matching the walls to soften it.
What makes an inspiring home office space:
- Plenty of natural light where possible and a desk facing a window (especially if there is a nice view).
- Lots of storage space to keep clutter to a minimum.
- A wide enough desk space to cater for a computer as well as space to write / draw.
- A comfortable desk chair, especially if you spend a lot of time sitting down at work.
Becky Pink, Pinks Charming
As a freelance copywriter and blogger, I crave inspiration, so I surround myself with things that help. My home office is small but full of light, with a comfy supportive chair and large work spaces. I think scented candles, plants and noise-cancelling headphones are essential, as is pretty yet practical stationery to keep everything organised. A fan and a blanket are also key to help control the temperature, as being too hot or cold is distracting. Finally, caffeine and water are also must-haves. Keeping a reusable water bottle on my desk helps keep me hydrated as I'm more likely to drink it as it'll stay cold better than if it's in a glass.
Laurie Davidson
It's hard to focus on creativity if you're surrounded by clutter, so one of the first things to ensure in a home office is that you have adequate storage. Box files, shelves, under-desk cabinets on castors that you can easily roll out when you need to access them… they'll all go a long way to keeping your desk space and surfaces clear. Next, treat your home office as you would any other room – just because it's a functional space, doesn't mean you can't make it aesthetically pleasing. Opt for a wall colour that makes you feel happy and add plants, candles, and a favourite artwork or two. Rugs underfoot, curtains at the window and an all-important desk lamp will all add to that homely feel.
Silvia Ceria, DforDesign
One of the most important rules of working from home is setting boundaries. Work should have its own time and place. Even without much space available, organizing work supplies in easy-to-move baskets can be enough to turn the same table into dining space, working desk, or crafts table in seconds. At the same time, putting away the “work basket” will tell the mind to disconnect from work even if you’re not physically changing space.
To increase concentration and productivity, you can take advantage of the “power of nature”, including biophilic design elements in your home office. If you have a view onto nature, try to orient your working space accordingly. If you don’t, you can always create your own, placing real greenery on your desk, a windowsill or wherever is at sight.
Multi-sensory natural elements also help stay focused while releasing stress. Letting the outdoor breeze in from time to time, adding scented plants, and playing natural sounds in your headphones are all ways to engage the senses and reconnect with nature even while sitting at your desk.
Paula Fay Evans, The Curious Designer
I am a firm believer that our work space should be separate to our living space; now I’m not necessarily saying that they need their own rooms, just their own areas. In other words; sitting on your sofa with a laptop is not a work space. It is important to be able to detach ourselves from that work mode and into a relaxed living mode. There is nothing worse than trying to relax in your living space but you have that niggle feeling of work in the back of your mind. There needs to be a visual disconnect between the 2 spaces to be able to really switch off.
Kevin Francis O'Gara, Kevin Francis Design
When designing a home office, function has to be a primary driver in the space more than any other room in your house! For this reason, I always focus on practical solutions that incorporate plenty of storage and organizational tools for my clients, and a few psychology-backed elements to promote focus. These include placing the desk near a window for natural light and a long view to alternate from between focusing on your screen, plus something green or nature-inspired like an art print or plant to alleviate stress.
Jessica Power, Jessica Loves Studio
Here are my top tips for an Inspiring, Creative and Productive Home Office:
- Colour - Choosing colours like Blues or Greens to create a calm and serene place to work in can help reduce stress and increase your energy levels and happiness.
- Organisation - Make sure you have plenty of Storage to keep clutter at bay, my mantra is a Happy Space is a Happy Mind. A minimalistic design will ensure your space is practical and functional and will increase your productivity.
- Inspiration - Using Moodboards or Framed Quotes that are personal to you will keep you inspired and give your Creativity a boost.
- Lighting - A bright space filled with natural light is much better to work in than a dark space that can leave you feeling tired and unproductive. Using Lamps and Mirrors to reflect light around the room will help you feel more awake.
- Comfort - Choosing accessories such as a fabric office chair, a cosy rug, cushions and curtains will make your space feel less like an office. A space that feels comfortable and nice to be in is more likely to entice you to go to work!
Linda Merrill
A snippet from Linda's recent project reveal...
"Now of course, work from home spaces can get a little messy and it’s nice to walk away from them. Mr. Client wanted to be able to sit in a nice cozy recliner and not focus on the desk area – which was a little tricky in this space. The main source of light was the large doors and windows across the end, so putting up walls wasn’t a good option."
Michele Ranard, Hello Lovely
The best home office is one tailored to your unique set of preferences and needs and always begins with function before the aesthetics. Self-awareness is critical. For example, when you're aware of your organizational style (I love Cas Aarssen's expertise in this area), you can choose proper design elements that support it. Since I personally need to see things in the open, I have open baskets rather than drawers near my antique desk at home. In my creative work, I also require a peaceful view so my desk is near a window overlooking the woods. Someone else could easily be distracted by all the busy squirrels and woodpeckers! I also think the idea of "workspace" is more helpful than "home office" since plenty of folks lack a room designated exclusively as an office.
Christine, Little House On the Corner
There are few spaces where the “form follows function” design principle applies more than in a home office. No matter how large or small your office setup is, it has to be an area where you can comfortably work and be productive.
To create a truly inspiring workspace, it is however important not just to tick the must-have necessity boxes like good lighting and an ergonomic desk and chair. Don’t forget to invest in some practical storage solutions to help you keep organised and hide any distracting clutter.
Think about colours, textures and accessories, too. There’s no reason you can’t have fun in your home office, so surround yourself with things that make you happy and feel creative, too. Add motivating art and personal mementoes to create a space you love to be and work in.
Nick Snow, Nick Snow Design
The best piece of advice I can give anyone when designing a home office or studio is to surround yourself with style and beauty! It is the single best way to encourage productivity if you feel inspired, there is nothing worse than walking into a lifeless and drab work space with no personality. I always encourage everyone to really push your creative boundaries in your home office, it's your own personal space that needs to be inspiring and lifting in order for you to achieve your goals!
Kim, Exquisitely Unremarkable
I’d say that for me, I need to work in a clean and organized space where all my supplies are at my fingertips. I don’t want to waste time looking for things, that’s not a productive use of my time. Also, as someone who spends her day creating, I work best in a pretty space, one that’s filled with pattern and color. To that end, I have a purely decorative lamp on my desk and I’ve lined the cabinets above it with fabric. Sometimes I splurge and add flowers, as well. Lastly, I think a comfortable, and stylish, chair is an absolute must.
Kristen Luhring, Arie + Co
Offices, maybe more so than any other room, need to inspire you to push forward and give your best effort even when you aren't feeling it. They need to combine functionality and great design. Built in bookcases are super practical, offering tons of storage to keep unsightly paperwork tucked away from view, and they are also a great way to incorporate attractive accessories into your space. Baskets corral items you use on a regular basis that you don't want visible in your design. Color can energize you on a day you're dragging, so don't be afraid to use it in bold and unexpected ways, such as painting bookcases and walls the same vibrant color. Great lighting is a must, as eye strain can cause headaches, majorly messing with your mojo. Make sure you have a comfortable chair that not only looks great, but also fits your ergonomic needs. Great office design truly is a blend of form and function, so find out what makes you feel inspired, and don't be afraid to take design risks!
Mark King, The Modernist House
Your home office should be set up to maximise your well-being. From scented candles to air purifiers, daylight lamps or a jungle of plants, the last thing you should be doing is trying to recreate the look of an actual office in a corner of your home. Back when office presenteeism was the norm, people would try to personalise their spaces to make work more comfortable. A home office is the chance to supercharge that idea, with touches that would’ve been impossible in a mass workspace.
If you’re going to spend money on anything, it should be a decent chair. You’ve already saved money hiring seats on trains or tubes for the commute, so invest a portion of that on a quality chair that is healthy and will last. The Modernist House loves the Catifa Sensit by Arper. It comes in an array of customisable options to match your decor, plus various backrest heights and leg or arm configurations to suit your needs.
We all remember that lone yucca, trying vainly to cheer up a soulless office. Well, supercharge that idea and mass as many plants around your workspace as possible. Not only is foliage a proven boost to mental health, the right plants can also absorb pollutants so you can breathe more easily. Patch plants not only deliver, they also use their expertise to list which plants are air purifying, safe for nibbling pets and almost unkillable. And an urban jungle is a quick way of creating an easily-changeable backdrop for those video meetings. Be clever and
arrange them near you, against a blank wall, so you’re camera-ready quickly with just a slight re-angling of your monitor camera. Task lighting is also important. Choose a lamp that can be angled so the light can be bounced off a wall, diffusing it, rather than it being too glaring in your eyeline. The Modernist House loves the classic Tizio lamp, designed by Richard Sapper for Artemide in 1972. Not only a design icon but a lamp so flexible that angling that perfect light for your video meeting is a breeze.
Finally, add a touch that stimulates your senses. Indulge in a scented candle, fragranced to relax or invigorate. Muji also do a range of essential oil diffusers that create a scented mist using ultrasonics and also act as a relaxing mood light.
Leslie Sinclair, Segreto Finishes
What makes a truly inspired home office setup?
- Choose a color palette that inspires you so you can produce your best work.
- The office doesn't have to be industrial; it can be an extension of your home by choosing finishes and textiles that carry throughout the home.
- Don't overlook the office when considering art. An inspired piece on the wall reflects the mood you hope to set.
- Have plenty of closed storage for the "office stuff" like paperwork and gear, while keeping decorative accents on display.
- Use a striking light fixture as a focal point. Lighting and hardware make up the jewelry of the space.
Have several forms of seating, whether a chaise or sofa for changing position while working, or a pair of lounge chairs for clients.
At the end of the day, the office is where you spend the majority of the work day and is the place where your ideas get turned into action. It should be a reflection of you and the story you want to share with others.
Zoe Everett
A comfy office chair - I know it doesn't sound creative or inspiring, but being comfortable where you're working reduces the risk of wandering off and sitting on your sofa or bed, which I find massively reduces productivity. Having creative artwork on the wall in front of you rather than just a blank wall, or even motivational quotes, to help inspire you when your productivity is waning - keeping you in that creative headspace.
Louise Booyens, Louise Booyens Interiors
How a space makes you feel is super important. Whether it’s a home office or simply a corner in your bedroom, make sure it reflects who you are and surround yourself with things that inspire you. Invest in notebooks, stationery and accessories that make you happy.
Proper lighting is critical for your home office and if you can, incorporate as much natural light as possible. Mirrors are great for reflecting the light back into the room, making the space seem lighter and brighter.
If at all possible, give yourself a view; even if it’s just a window box or a potted plant, it will give you something to feel inspired by when you’re tired of staring at your screen.
Incorporating a vintage piece like an old desk into your home office will create interest – it will also look great in a contemporary space.
Gina Ciancio, Style Curator
- As the saying goes, “A decluttered space, a decluttered mind”. So, my first tip is always to declutter and organise your space. Look at what items you no longer need or that can be digitised to free up much-needed desk and storage space.
- Tap into colour psychology to create an inspiring workspace. Orange stimulates creativity, while green has a revitalising and grounding effect. Each colour is known for creating different moods so think about the energy you want to create and embrace a colour that promotes it.
- Don’t neglect ergonomics. While it’s easy to focus on creating a space that look beautiful, making sure it’s comfortable is just as important. Good lighting is a must to avoid eye strain and headaches - and natural light is ideal. And so is having a desk and office chair that are set to the right height.
Paula Benson, FilmandFurniture.com
If you’re getting a little tired of the same four walls of your home office set up, there’s no better place to find inspiration than from the movies!
Films which offer up home office styling tips include Pedro Almodovar’s Pain and Glory: The film director character Salvador Mallo (Antonio Banderas) works in his stunning open plan apartment at an expansive wooden desk which can also be used as a dining table – it’s the La Basilica Table by Mario Bellini which offers plenty of room to spread out.
For space-saving storage, the Boby trolley cart is the perfect place to hide all your clutter and sits on castors for easy movement. Designed by Joe Colombo in 1970 this super-cool storage trolley has long been the favourite of designers, artists and… space travellers! You can spot them in the classic TV series Space 1999 and the Sci-Fi feature Oblivion amongst many other films.
An unusual and bold statement for a home office would be to emulate the deep red walls and contrasting sleek, white modernist furniture which we see in Susan Morrow’s (Amy Adams) sophisticated set up in Nocturnal Animals
Kiran Singh, My Unique Home
One of the most common misconceptions is that working from home is easier and less stressful than working at the office. While it’s understandable for some to think that might be the case, those who are used to working from home will likely say otherwise. Those who aren’t prepared to work from home could end up falling short due to the mix of home and work responsibilities.
It’s different from working in the office, as you only have to deal with home responsibilities when you’re off from work. On the other hand, those who work at home have to deal with both simultaneously, not to mention the distractions. Therefore, it’s crucial to focus on a few home improvements to help improve productivity. Here’s how to prepare your humble abode.
Look for ways to treat yourself after work
The thing about working at home is that it can blur the lines between work and play. It can often feel like you are working at all hours due to the more flexible schedule, which can be challenging for many. What’s important is to look for ways to treat yourself after work, and you can do so by adding a few improvements.
For example, focusing on the bathroom is an excellent way to help you de-stress after work, as there are many luxury improvements you can install at affordable price points. The idea is to focus on improvement that eases your stress. If you’re the type to enjoy home improvements, you might even get a kick out of the addition of a quality shed, gazebo, or summerhouse. No matter which you choose, it’s a fantastic addition to any garden. It’s enough to breathe new life into a home and make working in your humble abode a more relaxed experience.
Organising the home office
Of all the things to look out for when working from home, it would be the sheer number of distractions. You can ease the situation by organising your home office as much as you can. The fewer distractions, the easier it will be to focus on your work. Managing the home office is different from an actual office, as it’s still crucial for your home to feel comfortable and accommodating. It might be challenging to strike a balance, but with a bit of experience, you’ll start to understand how best to make improvements to your intended home office.
Understanding your work hours
Last but certainly not least, understanding your work hours is a crucial part of staying focused and motivated. Letting those in the household know of your work hours can also ensure that you are not disturbed outside of emergencies. So long as you are allowed to focus on your work, everything else comes easy. Family members must treat it as though you are still going to an office. It can be easy to lose focus when others try to push home responsibilities in the middle of your work sessions.
If your work area looks and feels a little too drab, it might be a good idea to add houseplants to help breathe a bit of life into your home office. With a bit of preparation, even those without experience working from home can have an easier time.
Beth Miller, Fresh Start Living
Home office spaces are more important than ever given how many of are now working at home and will be continuing to do so.
When you ‘step into’ your home office space it’s important for it to feel different from the rest of your house to create that feeling of ‘going to work’. Having an inspiring space to work in is key to getting the most from your day. That means you can inject more colour and vibrancy into the space to make it feel more inspiring and uplifting.
Green is a perfect colour for a home office space as there are so many shades of green but also it promotes a feeling of wellbeing and calm.
You could choose a deep, vibrant green combined with pops of yellow and pink like this home office setup in a box room. Or you could add pattern by introducing a botanical style wallpaper and a bespoke made plywood desk.
If, like many others, you find yourself on video calls regularly, create a feature backdrop behind your desk. You can do this using a statement wallpaper, a bespoke colour block mural or some wood panelling. Anything that creates a bit of interest and texture will work well.
To finish the space, style some shelves with pictures and plants to make it feel like a little sanctuary. But most importantly of all, use colours and materials that inspire and uplift you.
Tina Bousu, Eclectic Twist
Working from home has become a normal reality for so many of us and creating an environment that encourages productivity is crucial to a positive experience. I love to use whimsical touches, fun colors and lots of texture. Being surrounded by these elements helps to keep your work place light and no too serious. A happy positive environment leads to better work output and a happier you.
Sophie Prescott-Crees, DiY Blonde
Creating a home office to me should be a light and airy space, which inspires you creatively. As a person who loves bold colours and patterns, I created an office space that is vibrant, fun and gets me ready to take on any challenge - whether it is writing an article or working on a craft project. I also feel having natural light in the space is so important, which will keep you alert and focused on the task at hand. Introducing natural plants to the office will keep the air quality good and will add a great decorative touch to any space. Using office furniture with a good amount of storage will help keep the space tidy, reducing clutter, which will encourage good productivity long term. The office chair is also a really important aspect, as it should be supportive but comfortable - helping you to achieve those tight deadlines!
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What a variety of incredible home office ideas! Thank you so much to all of the interior design experts who contributed and made this inspiring piece.
What's your favourite home office?