What are the key elements of the perfect home workspace? You think of a desk, a chair and a comfortable environment. If you have a study at home, you're all set. But in an era when homes are getting smaller and most properties weren't designed with working from home in mind, it can be a challenge to realize that your living space is also your workspace.
Working from home has long been the norm for some, but since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, it has become a way of life for many more, with hybrid working arrangements becoming more common in recent years. So how do you achieve a work-from-home space that you're happy with?
“A truly effective workspace needs to tick a lot of boxes – it should not only be clean, clutter-free and comfortable enough to spend time in, but it should also be inspiring and (ideally) a pleasant part of the overall look and feel of your home, so it's important to get the basics right,” says interior designer Andrew Griffiths, founder of interior design studio A New Day.
If you want to create a home office but don't have the budget (or space) to completely renovate, Andrew shares his tips on where to focus your efforts and how to design a space that ultimately brings you joy.
Choose the right color palette
“Colour is powerful, and choosing the right shades for your workspace can help you create an environment that suits you. Do bold colours energise and inspire you? Or do you prefer a quiet and peaceful space? Think about the vibe you want, then add a lick of paint for a cost-effective makeover,” suggests Andrew.
Invest in the right desk
This might sound obvious, but think carefully about what you actually need. Andrew explains: “Do you just need space for your laptop and coffee, or do you need more space to spread out your documents, keyboard, mouse and monitor? Find a surface that has what you need and start from there.”
Danelm Edison Storage Desk, Oak Tone
You also need high-quality, stylish chairs.
Comfort is key. You'll probably spend a lot of time at your desk, but that doesn't mean you have to sacrifice style. If you have a separate home office with space to move around, look for a more elegant desk chair.
Motion Office Chair, Green
Create a Zone
If you don't have a dedicated study room and can't close the door to your workspace at the end of the day, look for ways to visually distance it when not in use. “This helps maintain harmony in your home and allows you to switch off,” says Andrew. “Room dividers can be hidden behind a door when you don't need them, and are visible when you're ready to close your laptop. Open shelving units are also a great option and help zone the area without blocking out all the light.”
Instant Update: Home Office Details That Make a Big Difference
AM.PM Karlata Round Woven Water Hyacinth Basket
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Credit: La Redouté
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Ficus lyrata Credit: Crocus
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Silas Table Lamp Credit: Soho Home
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Olivia Heath is the Daily Editor at House Beautiful. Overseeing all things digital, Olivia is most passionate about uncovering tomorrow's biggest design trends and sharing the best interiors tips, solutions for living in small spaces, and houseplant care and gardening advice.
Every week Olivia rounds up the most stylish high street homewares to help you look stylish for less, as well as highlighting the best makeovers and the hottest unique properties on the market. She also loves covering some of the biggest events on the calendar, including every event from the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, this year's colour forecasts from Pantone to Dulux, and exclusive sneak peeks at all the new Christmas collections before they hit the stores.
Olivia has been writing about homes and interiors for the past seven years and her work has appeared in House Beautiful US, Elle Decor US, Country Living, Good Housekeeping, Red, Prima, Town & Country, Elle Japan, Modern Living and Micasa Revista.
Prior to joining House Beautiful, Olivia worked at Reveal magazine, covering celebrity and entertainment news by day and attending celebrity parties and red carpet events by night.
Olivia holds an NCTJ qualified Masters in Journalism and a BA in Journalism and Media and Cultural Studies.