Working with an Interior Designer to create your home office will ensure you have a sharp, efficient and aesthetically pleasing room that you’ll want to sit down and work in.
Having a well-designed space in your home that can be used as a home office is a great way to increase your productivity, organization, and feelings of wellbeing.
We’ve all been guilty of working on the kitchen table, or even the sofa, which inevitably leads to a crooked neck and multiple distractions.
For the discerning, modern home worker, a professional, calming and cleverly designed space to use as your home office is a necessity.
As an Interior Designer we help our clients create the perfect space, and below we’ve included a selection of our best Home Office ideas:
The Location of Your Home Office
The first thing you need to do is decide where to locate your home office. If you already have a room set aside, great. If not, then it worth considering a few things.
- Do you want your office to be at the front or back of the house?
- Will the room be overlooking a busy road?
- Is this likely to distract you or do you enjoy being able to see/ hear what’s going on in the outside world?
- Will an upstairs or downstairs room work better for you?
The Home Office Layout
The layout of your office space is important, as it’s often the smallest room in the house. Make sure you really think about the layout so that it doesn’t feel cramped and you make the best use of the space available.
Working with an Interior Designer, they will utilize their experience in space planning, functionality and flow to make the best use of the layout.
Consider each item of furniture in your office and how much space it will take. The layout of a room can completely change its feel and your interior designer will guide you.
The Work From Home Desk
Your desk should be big enough so that you have all the space you need to carry out your work, but not so big that it overpowers the room.
A desk can be a great focal point and really bring a room together.
Corner desks are a popular option as they provide more surface space in a compact area. You will also want to consider whether you want a wooden or more modern plastic desk.
Furniture which complements the style of the overall room will create a professional environment which you will want to work in.
The Best Office Chair Chair
If you’re going to be spending a lot of time working at a computer, it’s important you choose a good quality chair which provides support and will encourage good posture.
Some people prefer a bulky, swivel chair with a fullback, whilst others like a completely backless ‘kneeling’ chair which promotes sitting up straight.
A decent supplier will let you trial your chair and it’s worth investing in one which will go the distance.
Decorating and Lighting in Your Home Office
Your choice of paint color, flooring and accessories can completely transform your home office.
Do some research into different lighting and décor to create an ambiance conducive to work.
Clocks, pictures and soft furnishings bring the room together, and a signature wall can give your room a funky or inspiring edge.
Ceiling lights, floor lamps, and a desk lamp can all be used to help create the look you want, whilst providing much-needed illumination to your room.
Home Office Storage and Shelving
The amount of storage space in your home office will be dictated by how much space you need.
This could range from nothing, if you work entirely on a computer, too many bookshelves and lots of filing space for paperwork. You might want built-in or hidden storage, or something more prominent.
Maximising the available space for your needs is key and a designer can suggest storage options that will be perfect for you and your room.
Your Home Office Should Match Your Personality
I believe your office at home or offsite should have a bit of you in the décor.
Include colors you enjoy and accessories that you love.
Add little quirky or sophisticated something that speaks to you.
You spend much time in our workspace so why not make it inviting, energizing and comfortable?
What Does My Home Office Look Like?
My office has a white desk, with great drawers for all my immediate needs. Coupled with matching storage pieces on wheels, this makes for a space that is both functional pleasing to work in.
Each item can be store away in its place or wheeled right next to me when I need to print refer to the heavy books and catalogs they hold. Good overhead lighting is a must, and a great desk lamp, gold in color appeals to my glammy side.
Flowers are a great way add personality. I love peonies so pink and coral arrangements are frequent guests on my desk when in season.
Not only do they inject a bit of color into the room, they make me smile and inspire me to create.
As a Interior Designer I know how important it is to create a space which truly reflects you, and at Sea Interior Design, this is what we do with all of our clients too.