How To Really Hot Desk It: Home Office Ideas That Will Inspire Productivity

Working from home is now standard for many people, and while some have embraced this lifestyle for years, not everyone can say they have a productive home office setup. A well-organized workspace is essential for boosting home office productivity and ensuring a distraction-free workday.

Implementing simple home office productivity tips, such as investing in ergonomic furniture, maintaining a clutter-free desk, and optimizing lighting, can significantly improve focus and efficiency. Creating the right environment can make all the difference in achieving your work-from-home goals.

If you’re someone who hotdesks at home (hello, working from the kitchen table while your other half is gaming in the living room…) or if you have a specific space set up for work but feel it’s lacking something, we’ve got some advice for you. Creating the best home office setup for productivity involves thoughtful choices in layout, furniture, and organization. We’ve caught up with interior experts who’ve shared insights on office design for productivity, offering tips to inspire focus and efficiency. Implementing their ideas can help you achieve greater productivity in the office and turn every work-from-home day into a more enjoyable and successful experience

What Makes the Ideal Home Office?

Your ideal home office has to strike a delicate balance between being somewhere that’s distinctly different from the rest of your living space, but comfortable and still with a relaxed vibe.

You’ve obviously got to be able to work well in it, and you have to be productive - but it still needs to have elements of interior design that make it feel homely, whether that’s personal belongings like pictures and art, or plants and flowers that create a welcoming ambiance.

Think also about how to style a room for those all-important video calls. Clean, distraction-free walls are great but can sometimes feel too cold, while excessive clutter can be overwhelming for both you and the people you’re talking to. To enhance productivity in office and create the best office setup for productivity, strike a balance between minimalism and personal touches. A well-organized productivity setup with a visually appealing yet professional background can make your workspace more functional and inviting for virtual meetings. 

There are lots of other considerations like:

• Wall colors and interior schemes: Do you want neutral and calm, or something bold and energizing to help you focus and knuckle down? Plain walls, or patterned wallpaper and paint designs?
• Flooring: Think about carpeting or rugs, or whether a finished wooden floor would be better. You’ll need something easy to keep clean and maintain and that’s hardwearing.
• Desk, chair, and furniture combinations: An ergonomic workstation is a superb idea. Keeping you comfortable, and sitting in the right position while you work is super important - as is having the right kind of desk and space for your computer. Do you want to also consider having an easy chair or sofa in your space, to have regular breaks throughout the day?
• Personal belongings: It’s nice to have some personal items with you - such as family photos, artwork, or mementos that remind you of good times in your life. Having these in your workspace helps remind you why you’re there, working hard and achieving.
• Coffee/tea equipment: Whilst it’s always a good idea to get out of the office at certain points during the day - sometimes you might want to stay put, but make sure you’ve got hot drinks on tap. Thinking about a small coffee machine or something to make tea with is ideal. And handy too if you’re holding meetings at home but don’t want to disturb others.
• Shelving and storage: What are your storage requirements? You’ll need to work out what space you need for office equipment and paperwork. Consider shelving for any books you might have or important items you must have to hand (all the essentials like chips, cookies and candy, etc).
• Computer and other tech items: Your tech items are a huge investment and they’ll need to be factored in. Do you have a printer or telephone that needs to be accommodated?
• Lock on the door: Lastly, and it may seem trivial - but it might be wise to get a lock on the door. At the end of the day, lock your work in one room and leave it there - but also to ensure everything stays safe and secure and that if you really can’t afford to be interrupted during your day, you’ve got the means to stay private!

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So let's hear from the experts now…

How Can You Make a Home Office an Inviting Place to Work?

“Whilst too much can cause your desk to look messy, a few choice items that truly inspire you are certainly a good thing. Postcards of places you love, a mood board, or carefully selected print and pattern to enliven your home office will help create a productive space. But be careful not to go overboard – too much clutter will only clutter your mind.” Sarah Barratt and Rachel Edwards writing for Country Living.

What Should Your Decor Considerations be?

“The first thing to keep in mind is that your office is essentially an extension of your home. If you want it to flow, then keep the style of the adjoining rooms in mind. My home has an organic modern design style, and so I continued that into my office. Start with a color palette that coordinates. I chose the colors in my tile, which coordinate with my wainscoting and wallpaper. From there, you can choose your decor accents.” Sarah Symonds Writer and Designer at Grace In My Space.

What if You Don’t Have a Dedicated Room to Turn Into an Office?

“Home office ideas aren't limited to a dedicated space. With a carefully considered layout, it’s possible to turn a guest room into a dual-purpose space that can accommodate overnight visitors and also work as an office, too. The key to this partnership and organizing a home office of any kind is built-in storage, which conceals clutter and work-related papers, keeping the room ordered.” Jennifer Ebert writing for Homes and Gardens.