Since 2020, many of our home offices have resembled makeshift spaces born out of necessity but lacking in functionality. But as working from home gradually becomes a part of everyday life, a Rated People survey reports that 38% of homeowners have begun setting up a permanent home office.
While more people probably would do it if they just bought a desk, creating a functional home office takes a bit more planning.
“A home office should be designed as a thought-provoking space,” says Martin Waller, founder of Andrew Martin. “It needs crisp, clear lines, comfort and creative inspiration through artwork or patterned wallpaper. Desk lights are a great way to add style and a design-led angle to your office and are essential spot lighting. Chairs should be comfortable, but it's important to get the comfort level right. For example, a leather armchair suits a library-like atmosphere and acts as a sanctuary for reading and contemplation, while an upright swivel chair is better for writing at your desk. And you don't have to stick to black foam seats; opt for a mid-century velvet-upholstered chair or a cantilever chair with interesting lines.”
Below, we'll share 10 home office tips to help you transform any space into a productivity hub.
1. Take a closer look at the house
Left: Dormy House, Right: Neptune
To work most effectively, you need your own room away from the hustle and bustle of family life. And creating a clearly defined workspace in your home, with a door that closes at 5pm, makes it much easier to balance work and life.
Identify an under-utilized space where you can focus. It doesn't have to be an entire room, but it needs to be comfortable enough to work in. The lockdown has given rise to a host of new possibilities for the home office, including 'shofice' (shed office), 'clofice' (closet office), etc.
2. Think about what you actually need and work from there
The most important thing when creating an office is to create a space where you can actually get work done, so practicality and functionality are paramount.
If you want lots of storage space, look for a desk with ample drawers or tall shelves to make the most of your vertical space. A chalkboard or desk organizer can help you stay organized. Once you know what you need, start buying what you want.
Clever storage solutions for small dens and home offices
Hambledon Shelf Ladder Credit: Garden Trading
3 Tier Desk Caddy Credit: Homebase
Set of 2 fabric storage boxes Credit: John Lewis
Industrial Wall Magazine Rack Credit: Very
3. Divide the space
Don't worry if you don't have the room to spare – why not partition off a section of a large room and turn it into an office space? Use curtains, screens or room dividers to separate the space. If you're the creative type, you could even make your own divider by joining three MDF panels together with hinges and decorating them with stylish wallpaper.
4. Remember that your workspace should be inspiring
While too much can make your desk look cluttered, it's definitely a good idea to have a few hand-picked items that truly inspire you. Postcards of your favorite places, a mood board, or carefully chosen prints and patterns to liven up your home office can all help create a more productive space. But be careful not to overdo it; too much clutter will only make you feel more distracted.
“I always try to make my office as unlike an office as possible. You want to be at home so why not make it a bit more homely? I had a local craftsman make me a desk from recycled timber. I use rugs and carpets, interesting paintings and photographs and old furniture like a Georgian corner cabinet. Apple crates act as bookshelves and space dividers.” Alastair Thornday, Founder of Thorndays
Inspirational patterns for your home office
Bee Bulletin Board Credit: Sophie Allport
Laura Ashley Parterre Sage Wallpaper Credit: Homebase
Chicken Message Board Credit: Sophie Allport
Laura Ashley Mr Jones Dove Grey Wallpaper Credit: Homebase
5. Go outside
Consider converting a garden shed or outdoor room into a workspace. An outdoor office can be very useful as it gives you a sense of detachment from home life and there are fewer distractions. Plus, being close to nature might even inspire you for some crafts.
Shopifes come in all shapes and sizes, from compact wooden summerhouses that can be ordered online to bespoke garden rooms costing tens of thousands of dollars.
Follow our guide to creating the perfect show office.
6. Harness the power of nature
Research shows that creating an environment closer to nature can make your workplace happier and healthier. Views of rural landscapes can reduce stress, anger and fatigue, and increase happiness, energy and cognitive function. Try placing an indoor herb garden or bonsai tree at your desk, or choose wall art that depicts natural environments.
Items that bring nature into your home
Country Living Tarland Armchair Credit: DFS
Colefax and Fowler Leaf Trellis Wallpaper Credit: John Lewis
Floral quilt with tassels
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Credit: Graham & Greene
Black Olive Tree Credit: Plant Drop
7. Be careful with colors
Dark blues help you think clearly, while light blues calm you and improve your focus. Bright colors like yellow and orange stimulate creativity and energy, but can also be nerve-wracking if used too much.
Soft greens are a good compromise: in color psychology, green is associated with balance and harmony, and acts as a bridge between stimulating warm colors and calming cool colors.
Dark colors may look stylish, but they are much less stimulating and can leave you feeling more tired and less motivated to work. To keep your creativity flowing while keeping the space bright and airy, consider painting one wall a bold color.
Nutritious vegetables
Farrow & Ball Estate Vert de Terre Matte Emulsion Credit: B&Q
Rufus Table Lamp Credit: Pooky
Large format Suffolk check fabric by Ian Mankin. Photo by Jane Clayton.
Country Living Tarland Accent Chair Credit: DFS
8. Consider the kitchen
Only 7% of people use their kitchen table as office space (compared to 21% who work in their living room). But the inherent functionality of the kitchen (wide aisles, good ventilation, and plenty of storage) makes it well-suited for creating a home office. This integrated office from Wren Kitchens blends seamlessly into the kitchen, with easy-to-clean surfaces and extra cupboard and drawer space. And the close proximity of the fridge is just an added bonus…
9. Get the lighting right
Lumina Images // Getty Images
A bright room is essential for waking up and getting ready for the day. Lighting makes a big difference when it comes to boosting creativity, as a dark space can make you feel tired and unmotivated. Make sure your office has plenty of natural light. Place lots of mirrors around the room to reflect the natural light.
If your desk faces a wall, try positioning it so you have a view out the window – it can help you take a break from staring at a computer screen all day. If this isn't possible, try using a good natural light lamp like the Beurer Portable Daylight SAD Light from John Lewis.
10. Stand up
Sitting too long isn't good for your body or your mind. When your body starts to sag, often your brain starts to sag too. Working at a standing desk can give you more energy, improve focus, and reduce the risk of back pain from an uncomfortable chair or hunched over a laptop.
A desk like this one (purchased from Varidesk) is perfect for your home office. Simply place it on top of your existing desk and you'll be able to stand up and sit down at your leisure without having to move anything around.
Vari Desk