The pandemic brought many changes into our lives, some temporary and some more long-lasting, but one point that sticks out in particular is how it changed the way we work. Research from the Office for National Statistics shows that for more than 1 in 4 UK workers, the hybrid working model has become the new normal since March 2022.
This shift has led to more thought being put into the space we work from home in, particularly considering more permanent set ups rather than just balancing a laptop on the end of the dining table. Thinking carefully about how to decorate your home office is crucial to working effectively. Luckily, it doesn’t have to be difficult! There’s a few key home office trends that will transform your workspace from uninspiring to endlessly productive.
Functionality meets comfort
Functionality is one of the key aspects to consider when creating a great home office space. The space has a very specific purpose and choosing furniture that will help to keep you focused and productive at the same time is key. However, this is also a space you’ll be spending a large part of your day in, and it’s important to also consider how to make this a comfortable space you want to spend time in.
Blending functional and practical pieces with comforting touches is a great way to create a calming and focused environment perfect for maximising your productivity. Invest in a good desk chair – you need something comfortable enough to spend extended periods of time in, and if you’re sat near a window, getting the right blinds or curtains is key too.
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Consider smart home additions like Electric Blinds that allow you to programme timers so the blinds raise and lower automatically at set times. Is the sun hitting your eyes in the middle of an important meeting? Not to worry, you can lower the blind with a simple tap of your phone screen as well so you won’t miss anything!
Reducing the glare is often a crucial part of home office design – after all, you need to be able to see your screen clearly! Choose a soft fabric like Roman Blinds or curtains with a light filtering lining to reduce the glare whilst still ensuring you can enjoy plenty of natural sunlight.
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Biophilic design
Biophilic design has been an enduring trend across home interiors for the last few years, and it’s becoming increasingly popular within home office ideas in particular. This design principle essentially thinks about how to bring elements of the outdoors into your space through natural materials, earthy colours, and incorporating plants into your home office décor. Researchers who contributed to the landmark biophilic design report by Terrapin Bright Green found that incorporating elements of nature into your home can help increase creativity, reduce stress, and generally improve our well-being.
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Keep your space basking in natural light by opting for a Wooden Blind at the window. The tilting slats ensure you won’t be blinded by the sun, but still allows plenty of light to gently filter in. Alternatively, opt for a blind made from a natural material, like a Linen Roman Blind, and pair this with a thermal or light filtering lining so you can still enjoy plenty of sunlight without the glare.
If you can’t get any plants for your space, simulated nature is better than no nature at all – incorporate shades of green throughout the space and botanical patterns to enjoy the benefits created by this visual connection to the outdoors.
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Calming colours
It may sound a bit technical, but thinking about colour theory and colour psychology is an incredibly popular approach to home office design. Similarly to biophilic design, this trend is about looking at ways to improve your space that offer real mental and physical benefits, only here this is achieved through colour rather than natural elements!
Focus on colours that offer calming properties, helping you to stay serene during the workday. Think soft blues and muted greens, these cool shades have been shown to reduce stress hormones – they’re visually restful on the eyes as they need less effort to process compared to warmer, more vibrant colours.
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Colour-drench your space in these comforting shades for maximum effect, or if you aren’t quite ready to embrace the trend this wholeheartedly, look for ways to incorporate this in smaller ways. Think desk accessories like mousepads and keyboards, artwork, rugs, or even blinds and curtains!
This a great way to add a touch of pattern to the space – and a great way to hit 2 birds with 1 stone – choose a green fabric with a botanical print and you’re even incorporating elements of biophilic design too.
Styled by you
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Hopefully we’ve given you some inspiration on how you can make the most of your work from home space. To find a design for your home office, why not take advantage of our free sample service today!
Key Takeaways
- The pandemic has shifted many UK workers to hybrid working models, highlighting the importance of home office design.
- Functionality and comfort are key in creating an effective workspace; invest in ergonomic furniture and smart home additions.
- Biophilic design promotes incorporating natural elements into your office to enhance creativity and well-being.
- Using calming colours like soft blues and greens can help reduce stress and improve focus in your home office.
- Consider personalised touches and décor that reflect your style to create an inspiring work environment.
Happy decorating!
