8 top tips for a home office

There’s no denying that the changes to our work patterns in the last few years have had a major impact on the way we work/where we work from. Many of us initially worked in a makeshift ‘study’ (i.e on the kitchen table). During covid Rightmove unsurprisingly reported that a study was, and is, a priority on many buyers wish list.

Top things to consider if you’re looking to set up a dedicated office space:

1. Choose the right room. Ideally this will be away from the hustle and bustle of the house or a busy outdoor road; try to avoid being close to a noisy kitchen and children’s play areas.
2. Choose a comfy, ergonomic chair – provides lower back support, promotes good posture and helps alleviate back pain.
3. Figure out what you need for storage and shelving. Do you need space for a printer and drawers for suspension files?
4. Choose a room with natural light where possible, however when you’re working at night, or have no windows in your study, try to have a few lighting options such as ceiling lights, floor lights and lamps to suit the work you are doing. Do not have your screen facing direct sunlight.
5. Temperature – too hot in summer and too cold in winter doesn’t add to a great working environment. Open a window where possible and if not, get a fan to circulate the air. If it’s too cold, there are some good portable heaters on the market.
6. Clean and tidy. Does what it says on the tin. A tidy office will help you to stay focused mentally and adds to a sense of calm.
7. Personalise the room. Add a picture you love, or a motivational statement that gets you fired up. If you hold meetings (see point 8) try not to over personalise your study with hundreds of family photos and the kids drawings!
8. Meetings – keep the room clean and tidy and not over cluttered; display your professionalism. If you have client meetings either in person (not that normal anymore) or online, no-one wants to see a chaotic room with paper everywhere and dirty coffee cups.

Catherine, Interior Designer, Bert and Wills