Creating a cozy and functional home office should be a priority for hybrid and home workers alike. These days, with more and more of us working from home on a regular basis, we’ve realised it’s not just about having a designated workspace—it's about curating an environment that encourages productivity and creativity.
The end goal should be to walk into (or crawl out of bed into) a space that’s filled with colour, decor, and furnishings that reflect your personality. From a practical standpoint, having a well-designed home office can boost efficiency, minimise distractions, and create a sense of boundary between work and home life.
Here are a handful of tips on how to elevate your workspace 🖥💖 …
Get creative with storage space
When you're working with limited space (I certainly am 🙃) it's easy for things to feel a bit cluttered and disorganised. But hey, when it comes to setting up a home office, a lot of us just have to make do with the ‘cozy nook’ aka sad corner of a cramped bedroom, and that's where smart storage does wonders.
Get rid of bulky drawers and file cabinets that take up much of your precious floor space. Opt for a sleek, vertical cabinet instead (I love the Mustard Made lockers which you see all over Pinterest), or perhaps a cabinet on wheels which you can tuck away under your desk. I’ve gone for a 3-tiered trolley around 70cm tall, which fits under my desk perfectly.
Floating shelves are another great way to maximise storage space. A couple of carefully placed wall shelves above your desk are ideal for housing books, journals, boxes, and perhaps even a few decorative prints to keep you inspired.
Invest in the right equipment, but don’t overdo it.
It goes without saying—you should prioritise your desk setup and equipment based on your personal and professional needs. As a UX/UI designer, I’ve learned that multiple screens are an absolute must, as well as plenty of surface space for when I occasionally do a bit of sketching. For this reason, I try to avoid keeping clunky items on my desk such as speakers and printers as they simply take up too much realestate. Plus, I’d rather free up a bit of extra room for objects that spark joy such as trinkets and pot plants.
Personalise, personalise, personalise.
Once you’ve ticked off the essentials and have laid out your desk with your day-to-day workflow in mind, it’s time to pepper in some personality.
Personal touches make all the difference because they help to create an inviting workspace that you’ll actually want to spend time in. Aim for an atmosphere that draws you in and encourages productivity.
I’m a sucker for customisable computer accessories such as ergonomic mice and keyboards, but if you’re less phased by techie gadgets, a colourful LL desk pad could be a great way to add a bit of colour and character to your workspace.
Art prints and polaroids are also an obvious choice. I’d personally opt for small, freestanding framed prints which can live in-between appliances. I also love the idea of decorating a monitor with a few cute polaroids. Anything which injects a bit of life into the space 🖼✨
Keep a clock or a countdown device close by
Here’s something that might seem unnecessary but can have a big impact on your wellbeing: a physical clock and/or timer. They’re not just decorative accessories—they’re useful cues to prompt you to take regular breaks and manage your time more effectively.
Work-life balance is super important and I will preach it endlessly! Many of us home/hybrid workers struggle to set work-life boundaries and clock-off after our contracted work hours, so not only can a clock/timer act as a cute decor item, they remind us to relax and wind-down. ⏰😴
Comfort is key
When you're about to dive into a day full of work, comfort is simply non-negotiable.
Don’t just settle for a wooden chair you’ve nicked from the dining room, invest in a good-quality office chair that's just the right height and provides ample back and arm support. Don’t forget to accessorise with your favourite comfy cushion!
If budget allows, maybe even consider getting a standing desk so you can alternate between sitting and standing throughout the day. This can alleviate back pain, get your blood flowing, and keep you energised after hours on the job. At the beginning of the year I swapped out my static desk for a standing one and the flexibility it gives really is a game-changer—I swear I’ll never go back! 💺💙
Don’t forget pot plants!
Not only can plants add a pop of colour to your workspace, but they also provide a bunch of benefits—they help to purifying air and create an atmosphere that inspires creativity and clarity.
Studies have shown that being in the presence of plants can reduce stress, boost mood, and increase productivity—making them the ultimate companions for long work sessions. Plus, caring for your leafy friends will add a dash of zen to your daily routine, providing a moment of peace amidst the chaos of your busy work day. 🌿✨
