evaluate your needs
Firstly, you will need to make a list of what equipment you’ll need, how much storage will be required and also who will use it? Is it just for you to use or does the space need to function for other people and situations such as older children using it as a study desk or does it need to act as a “hot desk” for others to use occasionally?We’ve personally found that working from home means the boundaries between home/office have been blurred. It is vital to find a space to isolate where you can mentally switch off from home mode to work mode. When choosing your space, natural light is key; having a high level of natural light can positively impact your mental well-being. If possible, can you find a room or space near a window so you can work in the natural light and even better if there is a view to a garden or across to the city? In smaller homes and apartments you may have a smaller space to work, and your space may need to be multipurpose. If you need to fit a workstation into a living space, it’s a good idea to try and zone your area and make sure that the style of furniture works within the rest of your living space so it feels coherent and fits in seamlessly.
A home office needs to feel comfy, functional, relaxing, and stimulating. The colour that you choose can affect your mood and energy levels. Bright colours are seen to make more dynamic, motivating spaces which allow for creativity, however, not one colour suits all, and you need to look at what colour makes you feel. Once you have your colour palette, add art and shelves to make your space more personal. Another idea if you’re using a white background is to use colour for prints, noticeboards and visual mood boards that help stimulate you while you work. To read more about how we can live and feel happier through the choices we make about our home and environment design, read our journal article the science of well being in your home.
storage
A few go-to brands that have a cult following for function as well as looking beautiful, are: USM - the cult, 60s-style favourite Take advantage of the endless possibilities that USM modular storage can give you.With infinite possibilities and a cult following of young creatives everywhere, USM’s 1960s modular shelving system flies off our shelves. Whatever stage of life you’re at, this storage system can be adapted with you, adding a massive dose of creativity and functionality into every space.
Muuto - from the Finnish “new perspective ”Muuto stacked is both versatile and functional. The Stacked storage system can be arranged and rearranged for the exact configuration that you’d like, whether it be shelving setups, sideboards,
String - iconic and timeless shelving String shelving is perfect for any size office, it's so adaptable and straightforward. The flexibility and timeless, minimalist design of String shelving is why it continues to receive such high praise even after 60 years in production. In addition to shelves, the String range includes various components such as a desk, foldaway table, cabinets, drawers, bowl shelf, and magazine shelf. We've put together a guide to String shelving for further guidance.
furniture
To create the best conditions in your home office, getting the light right is essential. Working from home has the benefit of escaping harshly lit office spaces. Natural light is the goal in your home office, but there are plenty of lighting options to create an inspiring environment. Bright white light is better for working and yellow and amber light make a space feel more relaxing. Investing in a good blind/s is a good idea to make sure there isn’t too much sunlight.
Heres a few lights we love to illuminate your desk, click to see our full range of table lights.
Task lights - Artemide Tolomeo table light
Portable - Tom Dixon Bell table lamp
