Why is it important to create an aesthetically pleasing home office?
You may think that working from your kitchen table is perfectly fine, or a makeshift laptop stand composed of coffee table books will do for your WFH days. However, allocating a dedicated workspace is super important for separating your work and personal life. Not only is this great for helping us switch off and stop the 9 to 5 lines blurring into our evenings and weekends, but it can also have a positive effect on our mental health. Plus, it’s even proven to increase our productivity! Yep, that’s right, an aesthetically pleasing study may just help us work harder.
If you’re lucky enough to have your own home office, then there’s no excuse not to start a little redecoration project to spruce up your study. Even if you just have a desk in your bedroom, you’ll be surprised at what you can do with even the smallest of spaces to create a more productive (and pretty) workspace.
Next, let’s look at some of the easiest ways to revamp your home office, including different design techniques, desk types, storage solutions, lighting, and more…
1. Start with calming, neutral walls
First things first, let’s talk about your colour scheme. What shades spring to mind when you think about motivation? For most, neutral tones like white or cream evoke feelings of calm and focus. However, studies show that the colour blue is the best for promoting productivity. This may be because of its tranquil qualities and being closely tied to natural elements like the sky and the sea.
Make sure to think about what kind of atmosphere you want to create before adding a fresh lick of paint. Maybe you want to feel composed and focused, in which case, blue might be the perfect choice. Or perhaps you want to feel energised and inspired, which calls for a bright and beautiful yellow. Whatever your preference, remember that this is your personal space so choose a colour that works for you.
Top tip: Try painting a few small swatches on one of your home office walls to see how the shades dry, before coating your entire room in a colour.
2. Utilise Your Skylight
It’s scientifically proven that natural light is good for your health. So, it’s easy to understand why it’s beneficial to have plenty of it in your workspace. Not only is it helpful for focus and motivation, Ideal Home says that “good lighting also prevents your eyes from straining and headaches from being as frequent.” Win-win.
So, what’s the best way to illuminate your home office? Depending on the size of your room, experiment with your feng shui and play around with where your desk is positioned in your layout. Placing your desk by a window is the easiest way to make the most of your natural light. If you’re working with a screen, make sure it faces away from the window rather than directly opposite it. Otherwise, you might experience significant glare from the sun, making it difficult to see your screen clearly.
Skylights are also an extremely practical (and stylish!) way to level up your home office and let in plenty of natural light. Here at Express Bifolds Direct, our skylights are designed with minimal frame and maximum glass to collect light from various angles and let in as much natural lighting as possible. They also feature a slim and sleek profile to give a clean, modern look.
3. Get organised with clever storage solutions
Tight on space? Worry not! There are plenty of clever storage solutions to optimise even the smallest of workspaces. For example, choose a desk that’s compact and features handy drawers to store away your stationery; this way, you can keep your desk tidy and clutter-free.
We’d also recommend investing in a bookshelf unit, or even space-saving shelves nailed to the wall, as an alternative way to optimise storage and organise all of your books, documents and any spare bits and bobs. To keep things looking aesthetic, why not try arranging your books by colour to create a rainbow? You could also add some personal touches such as photo frames, ornaments, and trinkets in between your books.
4. Invest in a proper screen stand
Let’s not forget about posture. Whether you’re a hybrid worker or permanently remote, staying hunched over a laptop all day does no good for your back and neck. To avoid any serious damage, it’s a good idea to invest in a proper laptop or screen stand so that it’s at eye level when you’re sitting in your office chair. It’s time to stop straining and let your equipment do the hard work for you.
Top tip: Bit of a minimalist? Keep your desk clear and mess-free by opting for a wireless mouse and keyboard, for a clean, contemporary look.
5. Consider a standing desk to stay alert
For those who fancy something a bit different, consider a standing desk. These are great for improving your posture and stopping you from slouching over a screen. Plus, some people find that standing desks can make them feel more alert and energised, improving their focus and productivity!
If you’re a fitness fanatic, why not place a treadmill under your standing desk and get the steps in whilst you work?! Now that’s our kind of two-birds-one-stone situation.
6. Use wall art to spark inspiration
Perhaps all you really need for your home office makeover is some fresh inspiration. Art is one of the best ways to boost creativity and showcase your personality. Decorate the space above your desk with some framed pictures of your favourite prints, photographs or posters that spark joy and good vibes. Now you have something to look at when you’ve got writer’s block!
Or, if you like a bit of DIY, you could hang a corkboard above your desk and create your very own mood board. Pin photographs, postcards, inspirational quotes, whatever you like! You could even switch it up every month in line with your goals and aspirations. The options are endless.
7. Bring the outside in with some greenery
Did you know, houseplants can help increase your productivity, too? Thanks to their clever air-purifying qualities, plants are incredibly useful in the home, especially in your workspace. They add a welcome pop of greenery too!
Our favourite home office plants are peace lilies, snake plants, golden pothos and spider plants. Of course, should you prefer something a little more low-maintenance, cacti and succulents make for excellent choices.
Home Renovation Ideas for a Productive and Peaceful Office
If you’re thinking about renovating your space to set up the perfect home office, aluminium bifold doors or sliding doors are a great investment. They not only give your space a sleek, modern feel but also help connect your living areas while letting in lots of natural light. This is especially helpful if you work from home, as they offer the privacy you need to focus, but still let you feel connected to the rest of the house. It’s a great way to balance work and family time without feeling isolated.
For those who need a more distinct separation between work and home life, a garden room is another fantastic addition. This dedicated outdoor space offers a quiet and separate environment away from the distractions of home life. Designed to meet a variety of needs, a garden room can become your dream office, a creative studio, or a peaceful retreat. It provides a clear boundary between your work and personal life, which promotes a healthier work-life balance. Plus, garden rooms can double as extra storage spaces or serve as multifunctional rooms for hobbies, meetings, or relaxation, making them a valuable investment.
Creating a home office that promotes productivity needn’t be a scary task. In fact, it can be fun. Just a few thoughtful changes can make a world of difference to the look and feel of your WFH setup.
So, whether you’re looking to build a brand-new garden room study, or simply revamping the corner of your bedroom where your desk sits, the important thing to remember is designing a home office space that feels uniquely yours.
At Express Direct, we’re ready to help you upgrade and redefine your home with our premium aluminium products. Visit one of our showrooms, chat with our expert team, and explore our range in person or online today!