Create an office space that works – whether in terms of looks or practicality.
Looking for some tips on designing a working space in your home?
Searching for ways to make your home office work both functionally and aesthetically?
Wondering how to create a productive place to work from home?
Then this is the blog post for you!
Home workspace design tips
With work-from-home becoming more and more popular, and many workers opting for remote gig jobs, the home office looks like a place that’s going to become a much larger part of our lives than it was before.
The question is, how do you design a space that not only houses all your work equipment, but also inspires you to keep working?
After all, you are no longer/not among colleagues and so the competitive spirit to see who can wrap up their projects quicker, or the occasional word of support from a coworker won’t be there.
So, how do you create an office space where you’ll feel inspired to burn the midnight oil if required?
Here are our top tips for you…
Where are you going to set up your home office?
First things first: what is your home office going to be? Is it a nook inside a room, or will it be an entire room by itself?
From a quiet corner of the kitchen to repurposing a room that’s not very much in use – there are numerous options.
If you are a working mother, a desk in the kitchen can be a great office space as it enables you to balance your roles effectively.
However if you’re a full-time worker getting an entire room to work in – where other members of the household won’t disturb you – may prove a good idea.
Pay equal attention to looks and functionality
Here’s the thing: in our experience as interior designers in Bangladesh, we understand that a lot of people think that only efficiency matters in a home office, or that you should always prioritise functionality over aesthetics.
That’s not true!
Remember, you aren’t travelling to your office to work.
So, you won’t be able to create the “impersonal cubicle” mentality.
Don’t be afraid to do a little decor, with fancy floors, comfortable seats and artistics pieces, and infuse your home office with soul.
Will you be meeting clients at home/conducting meetings online?
Will you have clients coming over? For example if you have an advisory role (like a financial planner, an accountant or a lawyer), you may have to entertain them in your working area.
For that, you’ll need some comfortable seating options like a sofa, or a few chairs which can be pulled up to your desk and a small table that can be used by the client.
Make sure your desk has everything you need
The desk will probably dominate your work, so make sure to choose one that’s right for you.
Even when space is limited, think twice before scaling your desk down.
Think about what you need on your desk – in-out tray, paperwork, a laptop, a space for writing etc
You can browse through the options at furniture stores – or get it made according your your specifications by a custom furniture maker.
You should also invest in a great office chair to accompany the desk.
Plan the lighting
Don’t go for standard office-type lighting.
Yes, certainly have some task lights like table lights, but also include decorative illumination like chandeliers, pendants and wall lights.
It is essential to have plenty of sunlight in your home office.
Choose your location to allow for plenty of natural light.
Heavy window shades can reduce glare while allowing in a reasonable amount of light.
Keep mirrors to enhance light entering the room.
Careful with the storage and shelving
It is strange, but storage is often ignored or forgotten when planning a home office.
As you may have guessed, this can have a negative effect on your work efficiency.
So, make sure you have enough shelves, cabinets and cupboards.
Think about your workflow when planning the storage.
Find a way to keep current work within your arm’s reach, so you don’t have to get up to fetch anything while working.
Vertical storage – Floating shelves on the walls and vertical file folders on the desk are important.
Be picky about the colour of the walls
Don’t automatically go for what you think are office colours.
Paint the walls in a shade that gets your creative and professional sides stimulated.
It could be anything from a bright orange to a calm green.
Even darker colours may prove soothing and conducive to good performance.
Plan to have a great view
Along with natural lighting that we discussed above, it is crucial to have a good view outside your office window.
Don’t have a view outside?
Create one inside!
Have some potted plants on the window sill or on the floor at the window, or hang a very interesting picture that is at your line of sight.
Add eye-catching items
This is where to make your office really interesting.
Add points of interest to the office. These could be anything from books you’ve found a good read (with the titles visible) to artwork you find interesting to pottery.
These can serve as a temporary distraction from work, enabling you to refresh yourself with a quick break.
Get homely accessories
For a cosy home office, pick items that make you feel comfortable. This can include a cute mug to hold pens, stylish notepads and stickers, and a nice trash can.
Do you have a bulletin board? Cover it with a pretty fabric – you don’t need to look at that all day long!
Hide boring bookshelves with curtains made from the same fabric.
Put up pictures that inspire you on the walls, like your kids’ art or a beautiful painting.
Make your personality shine!
Like we always tell our clients, your home office is a reflection of who you are, so don’t be afraid to let your personality reflect in the design.
Add personal touches such as photos, artwork, and trinkets that make you happy and motivated.
Choose colours, patterns, and textures that reflect your style and make you feel good.
Remember, a home office should be both functional and enjoyable, so make sure it feels like your own personal oasis.
Designing a home office – conclusion
So those are our top tips for home office interior design.
From planning where to set up the office to accessorising it, and adding homely accessories – there are a lot of ways you can create a work space that’s a pleasure for yourself to work in.
We wish you all the best in designing your office space at home.
