Your home office is unlike any other room in the house. While other areas are for dining, sleeping or relaxing — the office is your productive place.
When you think of home offices you might not have design in mind, but whether it’s for work or study, a well thought out home office will make both much easier. Having a space that’s your own little oasis is essential for sparking creativity and comfort, so spending time on looks and functionality is well-worth the effort.
Are you dreaming of a stylish home office? With a few clever design hacks, you can get a space that inspires great ideas and motivates you to finish whatever is on your desk. Not sure where to start? Let’s take a look at how to balance functionality with aesthetics to build the perfect home office.
Choose the right location
If you haven’t chosen a room for your office yet, focus on the location first. Natural light can set the scene for a space that’s warm and inviting. Aside from natural light, if you intend to spend hours each day in your home office, consider a room with a view. Whether it’s overlooking a garden, swimming pool or a cityscape — a nice view will add ambiance to your office space, making it somewhere that you actually want to work in.
Think about practical considerations too. Do you want to be close to the front door so you can greet visitors? Or, should the room be at the back of the house where it’s quiet? Having a kitchen or bathroom nearby can also be a plus, making the day flow much more easily.
Lay the right foundations with flooring
In a commercial office, flooring has a huge impact on how the space works. Your home office is no exception. Flooring will have a major influence on how well you work, so take time to think about what you want out of it. Colour, pattern, and durability are all important things to consider when designing your office floor.
If you’d like a warmer, more relaxed feel to your office space, wood-look luxury vinyl flooring will bring nature’s tones indoors. With an eco hue like oak, spotted gum or blackbutt, your space will feel calm and inviting.
If you’re after a cool and modern look, a stone finish can work nicely. This can be softened with a rug, or left plain for a more industrial look. Want something more plush? A quality carpet will feel soft underfoot, but make sure to choose one that’s durable enough for daily wear like wool or nylon.
Select functional furniture
Sitting at a desk for long periods can be uncomfortable, but ergonomic furniture can be a game-changer, saving your back and helping you feel more energised. Before purchasing a new desk, chair and other accessories make sure they tick all of the boxes. Take the time to test a few office chairs in-store to make sure they’re comfortable and supportive — you’ll be spending a lot of time sitting in them so it’s important to get it right.
Style is also important, and these pieces should suit your taste and fit with your preferred colour scheme. A cream leather office chair is a classic touch, or you may prefer a bright, statement piece to spark your creativity.
Desks can make or break an office space too, with a cramped desk that’s too high or low encouraging bad posture and a messy workspace. Some people prefer a stand-up desk so that they can stretch and move as they work. If you’re considering this option, a height-adjustable solution will give you the choice of sitting or standing throughout the day. Some even do this at the push of a button!
Don’t forget about storage
There’s nothing worse than trying to find a document or note and having to trawl through piles of clutter. Files, books and other work materials can quickly get out of hand in your home office. A messy space can make you feel overwhelmed and disorganised, so try to keep your desk and floor clutter-free.
A desk with drawers and shelves will ensure everything you need is within arm’s reach. Or, why not maximise space and make things easy to see by placing floating shelves on the walls? Whatever you choose, make sure it works for you and your working needs.
Larger storage solutions can house tubs or baskets, and a filing cabinet can be used for any paper documents. Depending on how big the room is, a built-in wardrobe may be the answer. Instead of rails opt for shelves and sliding drawers to get the most out of the space.
Equip your office with tech and tools for success
Every home office needs technology, but that doesn’t mean it needs to be the focus. If you’re in the market for a new computer, consider the size of the screen and whether you want something portable. A slim design will be subtle and minimalistic and won’t overpower the space. You can also pair your device with an ergonomic keyboard and mouse. These come in a range of colours and styles so it’ll be easy to find a set that ties in with your design.
Other tools can also enhance your workflow, so consider what you need to make your home office work for you. A tablet, noise-cancelling headphones, a printer and even a microphone and ring light for meetings can be great investments. Make sure these items are sleek and stylish so that they don’t become clutter themselves.
Add personal touches
Your home office can be as unique as you are, so be sure to take the time to add decor that inspires and motivates you. Even if you’ve chosen a sleek, modern theme, you can still add personality and flair.
Seek out pieces that inspire you. Maybe you have a gorgeous photo from a holiday you took that you could frame? Have a favourite artist? A print or original up on your wall will be a fantastic inspiration as you work.
Smaller features will also make the room feel like your own. Lush green plants are uplifting and can be chosen to match your design, succulents are sculptural, but bushy plants can soften a room. You can also add personal mementos such as knick-knacks from your travels or homemade children’s artwork. These small touches can add warmth to your office, and make it feel like somewhere you want to be.
Creating the perfect home office
With careful planning, your home office can be a place that’s motivational, productive and stylish. From the location of the room to the technology within it, make your home office the perfect fit for style and function.
Whether it’s an ergonomic work desk, innovative storage solutions or artwork that inspires you — don’t be afraid to put your own twist on things. Remember, the perfect home office will be one you feel happy and productive in.
