Five Home Office Ideas
5/3/2022
Over the past few years, working from home has become a major part of how we live and work. As remote work has evolved from a temporary solution to a long-term norm for many of us, the need for a dedicated and functional home office has never been more important.
Creating your own home office setup comes with undeniable perks—no more thermostat wars or distracting office chatter, just a space designed entirely to suit your needs and boost your productivity.
If you're looking to upgrade your home office or need inspiration for a setup that works for you, this guide is packed with ideas to help you create a simple yet functional home office. Wave goodbye to working in your PJs on the sofa and hello to a stylish, personalised workspace that keeps you motivated.
Image Credit: St James
1. Prioritise Natural Light
When creating your office space you should carefully consider where you set your office space up.
“A home office should have good natural light. This will help with productivity, plus opening a window can be a fantastic energy booster.”
- Annabel Perkins, senior designer at Hunter Design
Positioning your desk near a window can also reduce eye strain and improve your overall mood throughout the day, which will naturally make you feel more energised.
“The perfect home office is a mix of function and design. We want the space to look great, but also be functional.”
- Susan White, founder and MD at Phoenix Interior Design
Image Credit: Simon Winson/ Berkeley Homes
2. Choose the Right Furniture
It’s crucial to get the basics right when setting up your home office.
“Investing in a beautifully designed desk and chair is the first step. We love to make the desk the focal point of the space as that instantly helps the mind to understand its purpose. A lovely and comfortable desk chair is so important. It’s also a good idea to add an armchair or sofa to the space, for when you need a desk break and to read in a more comfortable position.”
- Susan White, founder and MD at Phoenix Interior Design
Annabel stresses the need for a calm and organised environment:
“Don’t over clutter your office as this can affect productivity. ‘Tidy office, Tidy mind’ is a great mantra to follow. If your work requires you to have a variety of stationery, books or samples it’s very handy to have these items at easy reach.”
- Annabel Perkins, senior designer at Hunter Design
And this is where smart storage solutions come in. Keeping essentials nearby but out of sight helps to maintain a clean and clutter-free space.
Image Credit: Simon Winson/Berkeley Homes
3. Make an Impact With Colour
The link between colour and mood is important when designing your home office. Annabel advises calming colour palettes such as cool blues, stone whites, and pale greens:
“Nothing too dark or even too bright as this can provoke the wrong energy for productive working. If any pattern is to be used, then consider themes like nature and water. For example, a simple leaf pattern in a neutral colourway can bring a sense of outdoors and tranquillity.”
- Annabel Perkins, senior designer at Hunter Design
Using the right colours is an essential part of creating a home office that works for you. A well-chosen colour palette can create a space that feels both inspiring and calming, providing the ideal environment to stay focused and productive throughout the day.
Image Credit: Robin Gautier/St George PLC
4. Separate Business from Pleasure
Even if your home office is separate from the rest of your house, it’s important to make a distinction between work and home life. Without the natural transition of commuting, it can be easy to let work spill into personal time, which can affect both your productivity and well-being.
“Pack away your working station at the end of the day by putting your laptop in a drawer.”
- Annabel Perkins, senior designer at Hunter Design
“Ensure you take some time out from the space during the day.”
- Annabel Perkins, senior designer at Hunter Design
Regular breaks are essential—whether it’s for a walk around the block or to make a cuppa, giving yourself mental resets throughout the day can boost focus and prevent burnout.
Image Credit: Berkeley Homes
5. Bring Personality to Your Home Office
Make the most of not being in a big, faceless environment by adding personal touches that make your home office feel warm and inviting. Unlike a corporate space, your home office gives you the freedom to design a work setup that reflects your personality while keeping it comfortable and functional. Small details, like framed photos, decorative accessories, or soft furnishings, can make the space feel more welcoming and enjoyable to work in.
Susan says using natural materials can help to put the body at ease:
“Think about wooden floors with silk or wool rugs or a linen sofa with some cushions.”
- Susan White, founder and MD at Phoenix Interior Design
Lighting is also hugely important to brighten up the workspace and reduce eye strain.
“A lovely desk lamp or beautiful standing lamp next to the desk can help with this,”
- Susan White, founder and MD at Phoenix Interior Design
And finally, make it gorgeous!
“Adding plants will encourage a calm atmosphere while helping keep the air within your home office fresh,”
- Annabel Perkins, senior designer at Hunter Design
Whether it’s a large statement plant in the corner, a small potted plant on your desk, or even a hanging planter, greenery can bring life to your space.
“A diffuser with a refreshing scent can also contribute to a calm environment. Art is key in a workspace. Think about how the artwork makes you feel - you want this to be upbeat and not too emotional. We want positive feelings around us while we work.”
- Susan White, founder and MD at Phoenix Interior Design
By incorporating natural elements, subtle scents, and meaningful decor, you can create a home office that feels both inviting and functional—helping you stay focused, comfortable, and productive throughout the day.
Find Your New Home With Berkeley Group
If you're looking for a home that suits your lifestyle, explore our beautifully designed new developments across the UK. Whether you need extra space for a dedicated home office, a flexible living area, or simply a place to call your own, we have a range of stunning homes to choose from.
Plus, our customer commitment ensures we’ll support you every step of the way. Find out more about Berkeley Group or get in touch to learn more.