WORKING FROM HOME: HOW TO DESIGN THE PERFECT HOME OFFICE

Working from home
HOW TO DESIGN THE PERFECT HOME OFFICE

Today’s flexible workspaces mean that more and more of us are working from a home office. It’s ideal for many people: the chance to spend more time in a place you love, unburdened by the distractions of a busy office or the long commute. Being in less-pressured surroundings means more freedom, less stress and, many people argue, higher productivity. It’s certainly not for everyone, but for those that it does suit, it can make your professional life a far richer, happier and more positive experience.

If you work from home regularly, you’ll know that the biggest benefit is having more time to enjoy the physical comforts and emotional attachments of your space — be it the company of a pet or a gorgeous view outside. Simple things like wearing comfy clothes or listening to music can make work a more pleasurable experience (providing you have the self-discipline to get things done). So, if you’re fortunate enough to have the flexibility to work from home, these are some of the things that we find helpful considerations to make your days away from the office peaceful and productive.

WORKING FROM HOME HOW TO DESIGN THE PERFECT HOME OFFICE
WORKING FROM HOME HOW TO DESIGN THE PERFECT HOME OFFICE

If there’s one area of the home where it’s important to feel inspired and completely comfortable in your surroundings, it’s your home office. The spaces we live in bear a significant impact on our work output — and the same goes for your home office. Interior design has a powerful ability to influence our frame of mind and motivation to work and, as a result, a beautifully styled, thoughtfully organized workspace can be an effective way to stimulate productivity.

Desks, storage, and lighting are key to a home office as they shape the workspace both in terms of visuals and productivity. A strong desk makes a statement and, as the heart of the room, it often informs the style and environment.

Seek out desks that immediately signal fine quality by looking for designs with a powerful silhouette, beautiful inlay, lined drawers and exquisite hardware.

Introducing Ariana: A High-Fashion Take on Modern Luxe Living
WORKING FROM HOME HOW TO DESIGN THE PERFECT HOME OFFICE
WORKING FROM HOME HOW TO DESIGN THE PERFECT HOME OFFICE
WORKING FROM HOME HOW TO DESIGN THE PERFECT HOME OFFICE
WORKING FROM HOME HOW TO DESIGN THE PERFECT HOME OFFICE
WORKING FROM HOME HOW TO DESIGN THE PERFECT HOME OFFICE
WORKING FROM HOME HOW TO DESIGN THE PERFECT HOME OFFICE

Once you’ve found the perfect desk, choosing the right location for it is essential. Having a view, whether it’s looking onto the rest of your office or an outdoor space, is recommended for a happy, healthy working environment. If possible, place your desk near a window with soft natural light and a nice view. One will motivate you, the other will boost your mood and energy.

WORKING FROM HOME: HOW TO DESIGN THE PERFECT HOME OFFICE
WORKING FROM HOME: HOW TO DESIGN THE PERFECT HOME OFFICE
WORKING FROM HOME HOW TO DESIGN THE PERFECT HOME OFFICE
WORKING FROM HOME HOW TO DESIGN THE PERFECT HOME OFFICE
WORKING FROM HOME HOW TO DESIGN THE PERFECT HOME OFFICE

Comfort is the first rule of working from home. Don’t underestimate the importance of choosing your office chair — check it works with the height of your desk, especially if it has arms, as well as how it supports your body. But remember, one of the benefits of working from home is that you don’t need to stay in one spot. Move to a cozy armchair for your morning cup of coffee or for tasks that require less typing and more reading. And if you have space, this is the perfect excuse to buy that armchair you’ve had your eye on, which can live in your study, making the room feel all the more welcoming.

WORKING FROM HOME HOW TO DESIGN THE PERFECT HOME OFFICE
WORKING FROM HOME HOW TO DESIGN THE PERFECT HOME OFFICE
WORKING FROM HOME HOW TO DESIGN THE PERFECT HOME OFFICE
WORKING FROM HOME HOW TO DESIGN THE PERFECT HOME OFFICE

Ideally, you’ll be able to redesign a spare room as your home office, but not everyone has that luxury. In the latter case, choose a quiet area where you are least likely to be disturbed and set up a freestanding workstation that you can close once the day is done (such as our Hallings Secretary or Sanremo Cabinet). Creating boundaries is vital so that you don’t feel like work is taking over your home life, or vice versa. We’re always surprised at how effective turning a nook or passing space into an office area can be — a hallway or landing areas can often be the perfect spot. But equally, if your space is limited and your bedroom has a window with a lovely view, don’t feel like you can’t move your desk here. Be sure to do it in a way that complements your bedroom (think pretty writing desk, elegant chair, and attractive lamp) and to leave the table top paper-work free at the end of each day.

WORKING FROM HOME HOW TO DESIGN THE PERFECT HOME OFFICE
WORKING FROM HOME HOW TO DESIGN THE PERFECT HOME OFFICE
WORKING FROM HOME HOW TO DESIGN THE PERFECT HOME OFFICE
WORKING FROM HOME HOW TO DESIGN THE PERFECT HOME OFFICE
Architectural Digest
WORKING FROM HOME HOW TO DESIGN THE PERFECT HOME OFFICE

The right storage and lighting are crucial but think beyond the practical. Your office needs to be a place you enjoy being in, not one to be merely endured. Perhaps you have a favorite wallpaper or color scheme that you weren’t able to use anywhere else in your home? Invest in shelving so that you have space to store but with everything easily accessible (stack them with books too, because books always encourage creative thought). A task-style desk lamp is essential, but so are other lamps as opposed to overhead lights. Lighting needs to feel soft and ambient, not bright and dazzling. We have a fantastic selection of home office lamps you can use to shed some light on whatever task is in front of you.

WORKING FROM HOME HOW TO DESIGN THE PERFECT HOME OFFICE
WORKING FROM HOME HOW TO DESIGN THE PERFECT HOME OFFICE
WORKING FROM HOME HOW TO DESIGN THE PERFECT HOME OFFICE
WORKING FROM HOME HOW TO DESIGN THE PERFECT HOME OFFICE
WORKING FROM HOME HOW TO DESIGN THE PERFECT HOME OFFICE
WORKING FROM HOME HOW TO DESIGN THE PERFECT HOME OFFICE
WORKING FROM HOME HOW TO DESIGN THE PERFECT HOME OFFICE

From modern glam to traditional restraint, The Quiet Moose can provide home office furniture that reflects a variety of decorative styles you can use to make your home office design a smashing success. We can help you turn your dedicated working space into a welcoming place you’re eager to spend time in. Our range of options lets you focus on the home office style elements that are most important to you.