5 tips for designing the ultimate home office

With so many of us having busy jobs and working from home, the home office has to be more than just the end of the dining table.

The need for a well-organised, practical yet stylish office space has become a necessary part of most of our homes. Here are some of my tips on how to get your home office clean and functional, while still looking good. You’ll be sure to feel super organised and on top of everything.

SELECTING THE RIGHT DESK AND CHAIR

Whether you’re working through spreadsheets or keeping track of the family budget, having the right amount of desk space can make the difference between pleasure and pain!

If you’re lucky to have the room, a large open desk is great to work on – especially if you’re a spreader like me. A desk with drawers is also useful and means your stationery is hidden away.

Some people like a desk and shelving that match to create a more organised and cohesive look, others opt for a funky designer look with a table-top on trestles.

Whatever your design fancy may be, having a clear surface will always make you feel organised, even if you’re not.

Remember to always look after yourself and your health with the right chair to work on. It’s one of those things you shouldn’t skimp on because the best-quality chair will make any office task that much easier.

Chairs with a back are a lot better for us, so it’s best to look at an ergonomic chair that is adjustable and will give your back a break while you work away for long hours.

SORTING OUT YOUR PAPERWORK

There are many ways to sort out that dreaded paperwork and, depending on what works for you, there are plenty of stylish storage solutions.

I have a lot of magazines, so magazine holders are perfect for me. They allow me to keep paperwork neat and easily accessible. Plus, they come in a range of colours, so you can keep your palette consistent.

If you want easy-to-get-stuff storage, a filing cabinet is for you. Internal dividers allow you to separate all of your paperwork into groups, whether it’s the kids’ school information, car bills or tax information. There is a wide range of good-looking filing cabinets to work into your home decor.

If you don’t have the space, a small filing tray is a great option. It enables a place for your paperwork, and you can add colour and style here, too.

GET THE RIGHT STORAGE

Having a place to store things away is extremely important in the home office. If you’re super organised, open shelving with neat rows of books and files will look like a designer-store display.

However, if you’re like me and live in organised chaos, shelving behind closed doors is definitely the right choice for you. You can stick calendars and important reminders on the inside of the doors, and you don’t have to be so neat! A great tip for when guests arrive at your home unannounced is to shove all of your important paperwork inside shelving and close the doors – no one will know the mess hidden inside.

GET YOUR LIGHTING RIGHT

Whether you’re preparing for the tax year ahead or you’re stuck doing work after the kids are asleep, the right lighting is so important for your eyes. Don’t forget that the right lighting can also be an important styling accessory.
A funky retro table lamp in chrome or brass can make a big statement, and, if you have built-in lighting, hanging industrial-looking pendants can also look super chic and provide purpose lighting at the same time.

MATCHING AND STYLING

I admit to being one of those people who has to have the matching sticky-tape holder, stapler and hole punch, and with the amazing colours that are now available, they are a great way to funk-up your office space.
You can also have a great piece of artwork on the wall to inspire you. Simple things like pot plants with bright flowers will also make the space feel inviting.