The working from home trend is here to stay. And whether it’s one day a week or full-time, a beautiful, functional space is the secret to getting more done.
‘Gone are the days when dark and dreary offices were added as an afterthought to your home,’ says Boutique Homes Interior Designer, Nikki Weedon.
‘Today’s home office spaces are rooms or nooks that work seamlessly with the rest of your abode and are designed to inspire.’
On days when procrastination levels are high, you’ll need your home office to be an inviting space. Opt for a location with plenty of natural light and ventilation.
‘If you have a young family and need that additional privacy then a floating desk incorporated into a nook or a separate room with a door is a great option to keep productivity levels high,’ suggests Nikki.
Studies have shown that natural materials can enhance workplace satisfaction, focus, and productivity. So why not use this to your best advantage in your home office?
‘Incorporate calming natural greens, blues, soft whites, and terracotta into your furnishings, stylings or as a painted feature wall,’ says Nikki.
Wicker chairs, timber desks or open shelving also work well. For that finishing touch, don’t forget your potted greenery.
Check out our Riviera 32 display home in Coridale for inspiration on bringing the outdoors into your home office.
Ensure your home office doesn’t deviate too much from the overall style of your home. By incorporating similar colours and themes as the rest of your home, you’ll create a space that is multi-functional while future-proofing your design.
‘Select a neutral palette and then add in one to two accent colours or materials that honour your home interiors,’ says Nikki.
‘For example, if your kitchen features a particular timber finish incorporated into the bar stools or cabinetry, bring a similar grain into your office desk or drawers.’
Our Marseille 32 display home in Clyde North is a prime example, with its mix of tobacco hues, leather, and greenery creating a calming and sophisticated workspace.
Your office is a multi-functional room which means it’s important for your lighting to match your habits.
As well as dimmable downlights, consider adding lights directly over your desk. A feature lamp works well if you have desk space. Alternatively, you can add strip lighting to overhead cabinetry.
‘As well as a designated work or study space, your home office can also be a quiet reading nook or just somewhere to get away,’ says Nikki.
‘Create a mood by dimming your downlights and switching on a warm floor lamp.’
Make the room useable by ensuring everything can be hidden away and has a designated place.
Think tall or overhead cabinets for your large items and drawers for papers and other miscellaneous items.
‘You can also install open shelving to house plants, candles, and any certificates you’d like to display,’ adds Nikki.
Our premium joinery options let you design a bespoke desk to suit your interior design. After a modern aesthetic? Design a sleek, monochromatic workspace. Aiming for a more traditional- or Hamptons-style aesthetic? Bring in creams and light timber finishes.
‘Think about who will be using the space – both now and into the future,’ says Nikki.
‘If you and your partner both work from home, consider twin desks and storage. These are also great if you have a child who might study in the future.’
Avoid glare by placing your desk away from windows and ensuring access to plenty of power points for laptops and chargers nearby.
If your study space is in your living area, it pays to soften the aesthetic for a more homely feel. Pillows, throw cushions, and a fabric bench seat all work well. Frame the area with potted greenery, colourful prints or even a mirror.
‘Putting a window seat in your home office? The same tip applies. Try to place this feature in a corner by a window for plenty of natural light and a view,’ suggests Nikki.
Make sure your office is useable no matter the time of day or weather.
‘Manoeuvrable window furnishings let you manage the level of light flooding your space,’ says Nikki.
‘You might want them completely closed at night to soften the space for reading. Or half-closed during the day to avoid glare on computer screens while still letting natural light peek through.’
Consider installing roller or roman blinds to suit more modern interiors, while timber-look shutters work well for coastal aesthetics.
Find out more about our Abode Inspiration Studio or contact one of our friendly New Homes Consultants to start your home ownership journey.
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