Whether you like to ease into the weekend with ‘work from home Fridays’ or run a full-time business from your kitchen table, designing a home office space that allows you to focus and be inspired can be daunting. With a seemingly endless Pinterest board of aspirational garden rooms and ergonomic office chairs, where should you start? Let us guide you with a simple checklist and some home office hacks.
Want to design the perfect home office? Here’s how…
Location Location Location
A good location is the foundation of a functional home office, ideally free from distractions and high-traffic areas within the home. Natural light also significantly improves the working-from-home experience. Placing a desk near a window, for example, can boost your mood and improve your energy levels. However, if you are short on a room, consider an underutilised space within your home, such as an understairs area or loft space. Even a ‘cloffice,’ can be created from a closet or cupboard using clever storage and flexible furniture, such as a foldaway desk and foldable chair. If you do not have a separate room or area, consider how to make a space multifunctional. Movable storage such as baskets or boxes, are a great way to store your office items such as stationary, charger and paperwork. A desk mat and computer stand can be used to delineate space and create a more focused work-from-home set up. At 5 o’clock these items can be packed away for the next day.
Comfort
Whatever space you choose to use when working from home, comfort is key. Invest in an ergonomic chair and a desk at the right height. Consider items such as a foot stand, a supportive mouse mat and sat pad. A proper ergonomic setup is essential for preventing issues like back pain or repetitive strain injuries. Choosing a chair? Look for adjustable features such as seat height, lumbar support, and armrests. Get creative! There is a world of options out there, from a standing desk or a desk converter to an under-desk walking pad and active sitting ball.
The Right Light
Lighting impacts both your productivity and mood. Natural light is best, so maximise sunlight by keeping blinds open and curtains light. However, avoid positioning your screen so that sunlight creates a glare. Invest in a good desk lamp or overhead light that mimics the warmth of natural illumination. Warm-toned bulbs can create a cosy atmosphere, while cool-toned bulbs can aid alertness. Experiment to find the right balance for you.
Organise Your Space
A tidy space equals a tidy mind! A clutter-free environment aids focus. Some super storage hacks we love include floating shelves, moveable file cabinets, or chic desk organisers. Less exciting, but just as important are cable management solutions to handle cords, preventing a tangled mess on or under your desk. When items have designated spots, it’s easier to maintain a clean, productive workspace.
Personalise
While functionality and practicality are at the heart of any good design, your space should make you feel good and reflect your personality. Framed photographs, artwork, flowers, and your favourite books can inspire you. Plants are especially helpful: they improve air quality and can reduce stress. One of the benefits of working from home is the freedom to be creative!
In Conclusion
In a post-pandemic world, working from home and hybrid working has become the norm. As of October 2024, 41% of UK workers work from home for at least part of the week, with 28% adopting a hybrid model and 13% working from home full-time. The benefits of working from home can be significant – quitting the commute, flexibility, increased well-being and comfort, to name a few.
Do you dream of creating your dream home office? OVS can help. From loft conversions to extensions and interior design schemes, get in touch to discuss how we can create and design the perfect work-from-home space for you.
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