Home Office Ideas and Set-Ups
Whether you’ve been working from home for a while or you’re just getting used to it, now more than ever we’re starting to think about how to create the best office environment in the home. It’s vital that your home office space works both on a practical and inspirational level and it’s important to create an area in your home that you feel relaxed in but that also encourages productivity – whether it’s in your spare room, a garden office or simply a set-up on your dining table. From the best storage and stationery to helpful tips and ideas on how to make the most out of your available space, we’ve put together some home office ideas and set-ups to give you some inspiration!
Create a multi-purpose home office room
Not everyone will have the space to dedicate a whole room to a home office. One of the ways to get around this is to create a multi-purpose area that can be used for a number of things. From utility rooms to spare bedrooms, a multi-purpose home office will be the best solution for many households. The key to this kind of area is to make sure that you can easily store all your paperwork and file everything away neatly at the end of each day, so that it can remain a tidy and well-organised space and not become overwhelmed by your work!
The hidden home office
If your home work station happens to be in a frequently used area in the house like the living room, bedroom or kitchen, then a cleverly hidden space might be the thing for you. From concertina doors and fold down wall-hung desks to secret concealed cupboards, a hidden office is perfect for those who really want to hide their work away from sight once they’ve clocked off.
Get organised with storage & stationery
Some might say this is the most enjoyable bit! From pen pots and file organisers, to clever shelving and stacking systems, a well-organised home office is guaranteed to lead to increased productivity! To help you get organised here are a few quick tips:
- Hide your paperwork and clutter behind doors and cupboards
- Use your wall space wisely and put some practical wall units
- Coordinate your file organisers and stack them
- Use storage baskets to add a softer look
- Organise your drawers
- Get a cork wall!
- Make the most of your walls & put up some full width shelves
Hide your home office under the stairs
The space underneath your stairs can be one of the last things you think about when decorating your home. Often used as a utility or shoe storage space, it’s also the perfect spot for a home work area. Light is really important when it comes to designing a desk under the stairs – if you have an open staircase, you will be able to let some light through the risers in the stairs, but if you have a built-in staircase, you must make sure your study area is well lit. Another great reason for tucking yourself under the stairs is there are often little areas you can take advantage of for storage. The available space both directly under the risers and on the wall allow you to hang extra shelving, whilst the little area on the floor as the stairs get lower is the perfect spot for a file cabinet or your printer.
Garden offices
We know what you’re thinking… if only! If you are a long-term and permanent home worker then you should seriously consider investing in a garden office! Whilst it may be a bigger cost, the difference it will make to your everyday home / work life balance will be incredible. Skylights and full-length windows that let in plenty of daylight combined with natural materials and textures will create an inviting and enviable work environment and most importantly, you will genuinely feel like you can leave your work behind at the end of your day, keeping it separate from your household.
Inject some colour and greenery
It’s a well-known fact that colour can have an impact on our mood. It can affect our happiness and help us relax, which in turn will boost productivity. Essentially, if we’re able to create a space that makes us feel happy and calm, it will have a positive effect on our work! There are a number of different ways to inject some colour into the home office space. Light and bright colours such as pink and yellow work particularly well when paired with crisp white furniture and surfaces, and greens always bounce off natural wooden textures beautifully.
Through both paint and wallpaper, you can inject these colours into your work space behind books on your bookshelves or if you want to add a vibrant shade elsewhere, a bright piece of furniture is a great way of bringing in some colour without committing to anything too permanent. Greenery and houseplants are also an easy way to bring in some colour and nature into your home office space. Whether you opt for a full-on jungle feel or just a few plants here and there, it all helps to create a calming and restful ambience.
The grand study
We can but dream, right? If you have the space, a beautifully grand study or home library will fulfil all of your home office needs. With a whole room to play with, floor-to-ceiling bookshelves will add a sense of grandeur and charm whilst luxurious finishes on your furniture and accessories will create the most sumptuous of home office spaces. Dark opulent shades and mood lighting will complete your scheme and create a room that you will want to retreat to day after day.
