Working from home has become the new normal for many of us, but how do we ensure that our working-from-home space is suitably inspiring, stimulating, and – dare-we-say-it – cozy?  

1. Remember you have taste   

When we think ‘home office’, it’s easy to go down a minimal, clean, traditional office aesthetic route, but this is your opportunity to get creative.   

Don’t forget, the great thing about working from home is that you get to design your space to suit your taste and individual style. Your design approach can be like any other room in your home. The likelihood is you may be spending more time in this space than anywhere else, so make it your own.   

Not all of us are lucky enough to have an entire room to play with, but it’s a chance to get inventive. Take some time getting to know your space, and choose an area you love. Then get to work on designing your area to reflect you.  

2. Push back against the perfectionist in you   

Remove the notion of perfect and approach every space with a work-in-progress mentality. This will stop you from getting caught in indecision. Go with your gut and stick to your vision. The key is to not overthink it. You can always change it later down the line.    

You need to be focused and energized at work and that means exposing our retinas to as much light as possible in the daytime to keep our body clock ticking over. A space with good natural light always has the ability to make us feel better (and as a bonus, it helps us to keep mid-afternoon dozing off to a minimum!) Slithers of late afternoon sunshine shining through your windows on a particularly bright day can really elevate your mood.    

3. Make it practical   

While we encourage you to make your working-from-home space a beautiful one, it should also serve all your needs to minimize stress. Make sure everything has a space and minimize clutter. A tidy desk is a tidy mind, so they say. You want to avoid unwanted distractions wherever you can.  

Add a small routine to your day, where at the end of each day, you clear everything you no longer need, ready for the next day so you can arrive at your space ready to work without having to tidy or organize.   

4. Add objects of joy   

Just because you’re at work, it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your space. Add things that bring you joy around the area – a family photo you adore, a plant you love, or a color that lifts your spirits. Pink and yellow are great for creativity, and energy whilst blue and green are calming.  

Although personal objects aren’t related to what you’re working on, they bring an air of comfort that can ignite creativity.   

5. Find some inspirational artwork   

Try adding some incredible art that inspires you for your working-from-home space. Choose an artist you love, an image of a person that inspires you, or just an image that makes you feel motivated and gaze in wonder!   

The right art can really transform a room. Start scouring Instagram, Pinterest, and local art galleries for your perfect find!   

6. Add the creative stimulation you need   

If you’re a visual person, adding mood boards, clippings, or imagery and color to your space, might be the thing that sets your brainpower on fire.    

Wonderful-smelling candles or incense can also play a massive part in mental stimulation, and fresh flowers can delight!  

Some functional fragrances that can boost productivity and mood include lemon, lavender, jasmine, rosemary, cinnamon, and peppermint. They can lift your spirits and provide refreshing energy for you throughout the working day.   

7. Avoid the corporate aesthetic   

It’s your working-from-home space, not anyone else's. You’re no longer restricted to working in a bland office. Blend your working-from-home space with your living space.  

Corporate offices often feel clinical or too try-hard with ‘young and hip’ vibes. Make it fit with you and add personal touches that fit your individual style. If you like glam, add a flamboyant chandelier. If you like to be cozy, add a fluffy blanket. If you want to bring the Zen vibes, add crystals and incense. Invite the unexpected in – add a vintage lamp next to ultra-modern tech. Throw any rules out the window – anything goes!   

8. Fuse style and function   

You want to balance productivity and style, so make sure everything has got a place, add some details you love, and follow your internal creative vision. Add shelves or bookcases, and drawers to organize bits, but don’t write off certain details because you don’t think they’re “office-y”. It’s your home after all. Have fun with it!