As millions of us are now working from home, it's time to make your home office a practical and inspiring hub for your 9-5 graft.
Spare bedrooms are the obvious spot for a home office. You don’t need masses of space and a box room can be just as effective as a large area.
If a dedicated home office isn’t an option, get creative with hot desking. Kitchen tables work well, as does a corner of your bedroom, or an area of the hallway.
Wherever you set up your work station, the key requirements are a clear, clutter-free surface, a power point or two for your equipment and good natural light.
Storage for you home office is key to every smooth-running, successful business hub, even in our digital age.
If space is at a premium, opt for long rows of wall-mounted shelving – but try to restrict this to a single zone so your room doesn’t feel overcrowded. Stash paperwork in colour-coded boxes for a fuss-free, organised look. A simple set of under-desk drawers is the easiest way to clear the decks.
Old school lockers are on-trend this season – so hunt down cool designs in blush pink or mustard. Or, revamp an old filing cabinet with tough, spray paint.
Your home office shouldn’t be bland and dull just because it’s where you work. In fact, the opposite – work surroundings need to be inspiring and stimulating, not just practical. Inject a large dose of personality with cushions, artwork and accessories like you would in any other room in the house.
Light aromatherapy candles with lemon, lavender, peppermint and rosemary – scents said to boost productivity and mood.
Dare to go bolder with a wall of patterned paper. Choose big retro prints or new-season florals in a palette of metallic and earthy hues with a vibrant accent.
Max out natural light as far as possible by placing your desk near or underneath a window. If you’re in a darker, north-facing space, artificial lights are key. Experts suggest layering your lighting with a good overhead light for the base (consider a shade if it gives off too much of a glare) and then add in a cool desk lamp for more focused illumination.
Seek out light sources with dimmer switches as not all jobs need the same intensity of light.
Small home offices need to be well-lit too. Modern, clutter-free pendants are a good idea while neat, unobtrusive wall lights won’t eat too much into your space (flexible clip-on versions are cheap and easy to install).
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