15 home office ideas to elevate your workspace
By Ellie Reeves | 18th July 2024 | 7 min read
Discover the delights of working and studying from home with our expert tips on designing a home office. Whether you're working on your day job or delving into studies, having a dedicated workspace is essential for staying motivated. Don't have a spare room? No problem! Transform a quiet corner or unused nook with our small home office ideas. Explore everything from paint palettes to clever desk setups and create a workspace that inspires you.
1. Create a home office in an unused alcove
Alcoves are often seen as challenging spaces to utilise, however, they can actually be the perfect nook for your workspace! Before you start, take careful measurements and plan your layout to avoid any fitting issues or last-minute adjustments – no one wants to be sawing a desk to fit! With thoughtful planning, you can transform your alcove into a stylish home office.
2. Paint your office blue for enhanced productivity
Looking to create a serene yet inspiring home office? Blue is your go-to colour! Why? It effortlessly soothes and energises your mind, striking the perfect balance for staying focused. Our range of blue interior emulsion paint offers shades from deep indigo to breathtaking sky blues, perfect for fostering tranquillity and creativity while reducing stress. Explore our blue living room and bedroom ideas for more ways to infuse this calming hue throughout your home.
3. Transform your space with a pop-up desk setup
Create a convenient pop-up desk using a spare table and folding chair. Perfect for occasional work-from-home days, a foldable chair offers flexibility - ideal for creating a workspace when needed and easily stowing away to reclaim your space when not in use.
4. Use paint to frame your desk
Short on space but craving a dedicated work area? Consider using paint to define your workspace. By creating zones with paint, you can visually segment your room and carve out a peaceful retreat away from distractions. This technique works wonders in studio flats or open plan living areas, helping you strike the perfect balance between home and work life.
5. Add houseplants for a creativity boost
Ever find yourself hitting a creativity block at work? Plants might just be the secret weapon you need! Studies show that having greenery in your office boosts creativity by shifting your brain into a more relaxed and focused state. Even artificial plants or nature images can work wonders! Read our article on biophilic design at home to discover more ways to harness the power of nature for productivity and inspiration.
6. Switch to a stand up desk
Tired of being stuck sitting at your desk all day? Shake things up with a stand-up desk! Choose an adjustable desk that lets you switch between sitting and standing. Standing desks offer numerous benefits, like better posture and increased focus, keeping you productive and comfortable throughout your workday.
7. Use room dividers to create a work zone in your living room
Create a dedicated work zone in your living space effortlessly with a room divider. Zoning your area this way ensures you can focus on tasks and hold virtual meetings without disrupting others – or being disrupted yourself. By separating your workspace from your living area, you can effectively unwind after a busy day and leave work behind until tomorrow.
8. Surround yourself with inspiring wall art
Your home office should be both functional and aesthetically pleasing – a place you genuinely enjoy spending time in. Elevate your workspace by adorning the walls with inspiring art or cherished photographs. Surrounding yourself with beautiful vistas or meaningful artwork enhances mood, making it easier to work at your best. It's a simple yet effective way to boost your productivity!
9. Decorate with dark colours
Dark hues bring more than just warmth and homeliness to your workspace; they also add a touch of sophistication. Whether you opt for deep charcoal, rich browns, or velvety blues, these paint colours create a cosy atmosphere that promotes productivity and focus. Enhance the look with contrasting accents and ample lighting to transform your office into a welcoming retreat within your home.
10. Free up desk space with a wall light
Free up valuable desk space and enhance your workspace with a wall light. Wall lights not only illuminate your area effectively but also eliminate the need for bulky desk lamps, giving you more room to spread out and work comfortably. We’ve got a a variety of designs to choose from to complement your décor and create a productive environment.
5 desk organisation ideas
- Only keep what you need on your desk. Try not to clutter your desk with items you’re not using every day. Do you really need a whole pen holder on your desk?
- Put everything back in its rightful place at the end of the day. The last thing you want to do is start your busy workday with a messy desk. All you need to do is spend a few minutes clearing your desk at the end of the day.
- Use a cable tidy unit to keep all your wires and extension leads hidden away so your desk is clear and tidy.
- Put the items you use the most near your dominant hand. For example, if you’re always answering phone calls, keep your phone within easy reach.
- Use a pegboard or corkboard to pin up important reminders, store stationery, headphones, and other everyday items.