Many of us have moved to working from home. The introduction of hybrid systems has meant that it's now common for workers to divide their week between office and home.
As we're using our homes for work, it's worth taking the time to focus on what that looks like. Does it promote productivity? Are you comfortable in the environment you're working in? Should you need some inspiration to revamp your setup, we’ve rounded up some modern home office design ideas that will make you feel ready to face the working day.
Floating desk
A floating desk is an excellent space-saving option. Even if your home office is a decent size by swapping the standard, bulky desk for one that sits neatly on the wall, you're making room for other office essentials, such as drawers and cupboards.
There are different designs to choose from, and the one you choose will depend on the dimensions of the space and the setup you're working with. For instance, you might want a simple surface that can support your laptop and screens. Alternatively, you might opt for a desk that fills the wall and includes built-in drawers.
Take the time to weigh up what could work for you. Functionality is just as important as design here.
Improve lighting
Working in a dark room can cause eye strain – especially if you're spending hours using a screen. To counter this, try swapping your lightbulbs to a softer white colour and trial different options to find the lighting that makes you feel most comfortable.
Also, if it's possible to sit close to a window in your home office, make the most of natural light. According to Mind, the mental health charity, exposure to natural light can be especially helpful if you experience seasonal affective disorder (SAD). It can also enhance your mental wellbeing. So, focusing on incorporating natural light can put you in a positive mindset for home working.
Invest in fitted furniture
While a modern home office setup might focus on the latest furniture trends, it’s important that you feel comfortable in the room you're sitting in for most of the day. One way to do this is to declutter. Freeing up space leaves you free to concentrate on tasks without becoming distracted by piles of paperwork surrounding you.
As keeping on top of mess is vital for creating a productive space, it's worth looking at storage options. Installing bespoke home office furniture means you can create a clutter-free environment. At Hammonds, we can work with your space, building drawers and cupboards tailored to the dimensions of your home office. So, you can store your stationery and stash your laptop at the end of the day, keeping everything tidy.
Better still, you can use your fitted furniture to balance your home and work life. This is especially helpful if your home office is also part of another room. For example, you might have set up your office in the corner of the living room. Having a purpose-built office area sections off the space and allows you to switch to your home life when you've finished your work.
Accent patterns
Although a simple, minimal design has its place, offices that incorporate bright colours and patterns can help to boost creativity. Injecting pops of colour into your own home office might, therefore, be a great step towards making you feel ready to work.
Green and blue tones are often associated with promoting a sense of calm, so these might be an ideal choice that takes a step away from neutrals. Alternatively, a warm yellow can help you feel energised and motivated.
If space is limited, you may have to be careful about how much of each colour you introduce to your home office. For instance, a bright red can boost energy but too much can leave you feeling frustrated. However, a deep red can be warm and soothing, so you might opt for splashes of this around your room.
Try different colours and patterns to find the right fit for you.
Use mirrors
Mirrors are useful in smaller spaces as they can create the illusion of space. Many contemporary mirror designs work well in a range of rooms. You might want to add a statement mirror to reflect light or hang a series of smaller mirrors so that the light reflects around the space.
This might involve trial and error. Take the time to play around with angles so that you're maximising the light in the room.
Redesign your home office with Hammonds
If you want to introduce a modern home office design, we can help with your setup. Simply book a free design visit to start your custom-fitted office journey with Hammonds. We'll bring our knowledge and expertise straight to you, working together to create your perfect office space.
