Key Considerations for Building Your Ideal Home Office Space

We are all more than accustomed to the WFH scenario these days, and even with an increase in returns to the office, most people still require a dedicated space to work and store items related to their home office.

Steve Jobs once famously said,

"The only way to do great work is to love what you do."

I’d add that, to truly do great work, we also need to be in a great environment! One that promotes productivity, inspires creativity, and offers comfort.

Not everyone has the square metres to dedicate an entire room for office purposes. However, dedicated workspaces can still be created in small nooks and made to work effectively with creative design solutions and some key considerations.

Below, I will be looking at some of my essential things to consider when designing a home office or workstation.

“To truly do great work, we also need to be in a great environment! One that promotes productivity, inspires creativity, and offers comfort. “

Plum & Co. Interiors - Office/Workstation Goals

1: CONSIDER THE PRIMARY USER

Credit: Luke Arthur Wells

The first question to ask is: who will be using this space?

If it's for you, what do you need from it to work at your best? Consider how the design can help you maximise productivity for the tasks at hand.

Do you prefer a minimalist, clutter-free environment, or do bold colours and patterns help spark your creativity?

If you enjoy working with background music or podcasts, think about adding a sound system in the room or having headphones ready.

We’ll get into other details later, but first note: when designing your home office, focus on who will primarily use it, what they need to accomplish, and the type of environment that helps them thrive.

2: DON’T FORGET ERGONOMICS

Ergonomics studies show that adapting a workspace for comfort not only boosts well-being but also increases productivity.

The user’s height will determine the ideal desk, chair, and monitor setup. A neutral posture is key: your elbows should rest at a 90-degree angle while typing, with the monitor positioned just below eye level. Ensure your chair provides good lumbar support for long-term comfort.

If the space will be used by multiple people, consider investing in an adjustable chair or desk to accommodate different users easily.

3: STORAGE, ORGANISATION & FUNCTION

What functions does the key person need to perform in this space? Are they going to spend a large amount of time on calls? if so, consider the acoustics of the room, the backdrop visible behind them, the lighting in the space.

Do they need large surface areas to spread out papers or materials?

What items need to be stored, and which should be easily accessible? Make sure frequently used items are within easy reach, avoiding unnecessary stretching or twisting.

Consider any tech needs, such as space for extra monitors or specialised storage for files and journals.

When planning your office space, think about how you’ll use the space daily and position everything for optimal functionality.

4: LIGHTING AND POWER

If you're designing this space as part of larger renovations, now’s the perfect time to explore your power and lighting needs.

Think about the placement and quantity of power sockets required. You may consider using wired ethernet for better connectivity. Plan for cable management and decide if you'd like to install smart devices to work sync with other rooms in your home.

For lighting, maximise your natural light in the space and also opt for warmer bulbs (2700K-3000K) in your fixtures for a relaxing atmosphere. Minimise screen glare with anti-reflective coatings and use a mix of task and ambient lighting on dimmers to adjust for different tasks.

5: COMFORT AND PERSONALITY

If you have the space, consider zoning your office. Creating a separate comfy chair or station away from your desk to help you move between tasks. Moving to the soft space will help you relax and zones get you moving, creating a transition and differentiation, which will help you and maintain focus.

Remember don’t be afraid to inject your personality into these spaces through colour, texture and decor.

By considering how you work best you can set up a space that works well for you and with you.

If you do need further help and inspiration setting up your home office feel free to Contact Me and we can set up a Consultation.