Designing a Home Office You’ll Actually Want to Work In
How to turn your home workspace into a place you love—where focus comes easy, and time flies.
Most of us didn’t set out to become interior designers. We just wanted a desk, a chair, a working internet connection—and maybe a plant if we were feeling fancy. But somewhere between ‘temporary lockdown setup’ and ‘this is now how I live’, the home office became something bigger. A place we spend half our lives in, a backdrop to our calls, a reflection of how we think, work, and…feel.
Over time, I’ve discovered that a well-designed home office can do more than just keep you productive. It can change how you feel about work. It can shift the energy of your day. So in this post, I want to walk through all the ways I’ve tried—successfully and not so successfully—to make my workspace both functional and deeply pleasant to be in. Think of it as your guide to creating a room that’s not just for getting stuff done, but also for enjoying the ride.
The ‘Where’ Problem: Finding the Right Spot
Not everyone has a dedicated room. For ages, I was just squeezed between the dining table and the radiator. It worked—sort of—but it never felt like a place of focus. If you’re in this boat, here’s the rule of thumb I learned: separate, even if it’s psychological.
That might mean:
Using a folding screen to carve out space.
Rearranging furniture to create a ‘zone.’
Putting your desk near a window for natural light.
Even just turning the desk to face a different way than your bed or TV.
The aim is simple: when you sit down, your brain says, “Ah yes, time to work.” Not “Let’s check if there are any new snacks in the fridge.”
Furniture That Works as Hard as You Do
If there’s one investment you should prioritise, it’s a proper office chair. Doesn’t have to be flashy—just adjustable, ergonomic, and supportive. Think of it like good shoes for your back.
As for desks, it’s about finding your rhythm:
Need space to spread out? Go wide.
Tend to accumulate clutter? Choose one with drawers or shelves.
Fancy standing? Height-adjustable desks are now pretty affordable.
Also, consider the height of your screen. Get a monitor stand or stack some books—anything to stop you craning your neck like a confused meerkat…
Lighting: The Silent Productivity Killer
Lighting is one of those things you only notice when it’s wrong. I used to have a single overhead bulb that made everything feel like a garage at 10pm.
Now? I’ve got a soft desk lamp for the mornings, a warm side light for the evenings, and a window that lets in natural light. If you’re on video calls often, lighting matters even more—you’ll look and feel more human.
By the way, if your room gets a lot of glare on your screen, install adjustable blinds or sheer curtains. No one enjoys squinting through sunbeams like a mole in a spotlight.
Storage: The Battle Against Chaos
Here’s the brutal truth: if it doesn’t have a place, it will live on your desk. Forever.
I learned this the hard way. A week of working on top of notebooks, chargers, mugs, and unopened magazines made me realise I needed proper storage.
Some solutions:
A drawer unit under the desk.
Magazine files for papers.
A tray for everyday essentials.
A small bin (yes, really—it stops the pile-up).
Once things have homes, it’s much easier to keep the space clear and your mind focused.
Decor That is Truly Yours
I used to think personal touches were distractions. But actually, they’re grounding. They remind you that this isn’t just some anonymous office pod—it’s part of your home, and your life.
Some ideas:
Framed prints that make you smile or inspire you.
A small speaker or record player for background music.
A scented candle, diffuser, or incense (nothing overpowering).
A houseplant. Or five. (Yes, they really do make you feel better.)
This is your permission slip to make the space beautiful, even if nobody else ever sees it.
Noise: Blocking It, Shaping It
If you’re losing hours of work to traffic noise or your neighbour’s DIY, here are some things to try:
Noise-cancelling headphones.
White noise apps or Spotify playlists.
Thick curtains to absorb sound.
Rugs, which also help with echo.
Alternatively, if you like background noise, create the right one: soft jazz, nature sounds, or a ‘lo-fi’ playlist can make the space feel alive without pulling your attention.
Keeping It Tidy Without Losing Your Mind
Let’s be real. No one’s desk looks ‘Pinterest-perfect’ all the time.
But a few habits make a big difference:
Tidy up before you finish for the day. Just five minutes.
Have a ‘reset’ point each week (Friday afternoon always good).
Don’t overload your desktop—physically or digitally.
A clean(ish) workspace = fewer mental tabs open.
Making It Work for Hybrid Life
If you’re going into the office part-time, you might need a hybrid setup.
That could mean:
A docking station for easy plug-and-play—you don’t want to spend ages tearing down and rebuilding your setup each time you need to take your laptop to the office or come back home.
A bag nearby with essentials (laptop stand, charger, notepad) so you’re not running around at 7am.
Also think about video calls. Do you have a neutral background? Is your mic decent? Are your headphones comfortable after 90 minutes of committee meetings?
And Finally…A Space You Want to Be In
Your home office doesn’t have to feel like a ‘workplace.’ It can feel like a little studio, a creative den, a corner of calm.
Mine has bookshelves, a green desk lamp, a whole bunch of paintings and framed quotes, and—let’s be honest—a bunch of mugs and glasses that accumulate over the week. But I like being here. That’s the whole point.
Because when a space feels good, you’ll want to spend time in it. And when you want to spend time in it, you’ll get more done—without it feeling like a chore.
Over to You
So that’s my guide. A collection of hits, misses, and lessons learned from years of hybrid working. Your space doesn’t have to be perfect—but it can be better. Bit by bit. Lamp by lamp. Shelf by shelf.
And the best part? When you sit down, coffee in hand, and everything feels just right…work doesn’t just happen. It flows.