Inspire productivity with these 8 home office styling tips

A well-designed home office can make your working space a little more inspiring. However, many of us are working in offices that have been quickly cobbled together between managing deadlines and juggling life commitments — a hodgepodge of practicality and work efficiency.

One thing is for certain: working flexibly is here to stay so refreshing your work space is bound to shake up your inspiration. Together with Lounge Lovers’ Head of Buying Ellee Kuki-Kelekolio, we share our favourite tips for refreshing your home desk setup.

1. Match your office to your home

The key to creating cohesion in any home office space is to ensure that your desk complements other pieces in your home. If you already have a few pieces of furniture from one collection, like a sofa or a sideboard, take another look at the range and see if there are any desks or side tables available so the space flows visually like water.

“Office furniture is something which most people like to blend into their overall home style so they aren't distracted by the idea of work when going about their normal life. Select furniture that complements with your home aesthetic, such as matching items to your living room furniture,“ said Ellee.

We love: Desks from the Hansen or Tara range work well in the home office, as they match the sideboard or drawers featured in living areas.

2. Keep your style versatile

Another way to ensure your office works with your home is to opt for an aesthetic like mid-century modern with the Manhattan collection, or to go for Scandi flair. These looks complement a variety of design styles, from coastal to industrial and everything in between.

“We’re big fans of mid-century modern in the home office. There’s something about this Mad Men-esque vibe that gets the creative juices flowing,” said Ellee. “Of course, Scandinavian flair is another timeless classic. Opt for an oak desk for the ultimate combination of style and sophistication.”

3. Make it multipurpose

Getting a mental block? Sometimes all you need is to switch up your environment. According to Robert Epstein, a senior psychologist at the American Institute of Behavioural Research, changing your surroundings can have a big impact on your creativity.

While you should definitely have one main workspace or office room at home, it also pays to keep your options open when you want a change of pace. That’s why multipurpose items are fast becoming the new trend for remote and flexible work.

“We are noticing popularity in small items which help people change work environments when working from home. The Miles Side Table is perfect for this, as it converts into a lap-desk when you're sitting on the sofa.”

Miles ahead of the competition: The Miles Side Table can be styled horizontally for more surface space, or vertically as a C-shaped side table. Bonus: there’s even an extra space to store your magazines or notebooks.

4. Small space, big ideas

Have a petite floor plan? It’s still entirely possible to work a dedicated office area into your home. Look for desks with a streamlined style to help you make the most of every square metre, like the Kaspar Desk. At just 100cm long, this workstation fits perfectly in even the smallest of spaces — whether it’s a corner desk or against the wall of a studio.

“The Kaspar is a go-to for smaller apartments because, despite its size, it boasts plenty of storage space. These drawers are ideal for storing work documents or tucking away your laptop when you’re done with work. Plus, it can also double down as a side table when it’s not being used as a work desk!” said Ellee.

5. Give yourself space to relax

Whether you just need a break from the daily grind or you want to unwind, it pays to have a dedicated area to relax. Think a coffee station for a delicious brew, a reading nook to kick back with a good book, or even a space with some board games or puzzles.

“We adore how Three Birds Renovations styled the upstairs home office in House 13, with the Bronte Marble Dining Tables on one side of the room, the armchairs in the centre, and a bar near the staircase. The drinks station is great for a mid-morning cuppa or a Friday evening drink, while the plush chairs are perfect if you want to perch up and take a break,” said Ellee.

Work and play: Pair the Bronte Marble Dining Table in White with a matching Bronte Armchair for a sophisticated home office that never goes out of style.

6. Open up your space

The more open you can make your home office, the better. Whether it’s the sunlight streaming in at the start of the day or space for you to pace around, a bright, open home office just feels better to work in. Create as many opportunities to bring in natural lighting and, if that’s not possible, opt for warm lighting with overhead fixtures and desk lamps.

Feeling bold? Make it open plan like Three Birds Renovations did in House 13. By placing a desk in the centre of the room, you’ll enjoy a greater field of vision and enhance your overall work from home experience.

Creative to the bone: Any piece from the bone inlay collection is a good one, but the Pia Bone Inlay Dresser is our pick for the home office. Available in dark grey and light grey, this stunning chest of drawers packs plenty of style and storage.

7. Green is good

Did you know plants are a natural productivity and mood booster? A recent Harvard study found that green office spaces improve concentration and happiness — plus, it’s a creative way to add a splash of colour and fresh air to your home office.

Another way to bring the outdoors in? Use rattan, Ellee says.

“Rattan is having its moment on the spotlight, and it’s not hard to see why. These natural pieces of furniture are light, charming, and endlessly versatile. Our favourite is the Maya Room Divider: it works well with a variety of interior styles and can be used as a decorative piece or a way to create some extra privacy in your office.”

8. Let your creativity shine

One of the best things about working from home? It’s your own space — so let your imagination flourish! Create a feature wall with inspirational wall art. Bring in your treasured trinkets and photos from other rooms. Add a shelving unit to display your favourite reads. Everything goes here. After all, it is yours and yours alone.

Images sourced from Three Birds Renovations & Instagram. Credit @threebirdsrenovation, @k_bloves, @britt.louise, @our.ruby.home, @home_frothers 

Feeling inspired? Shop are Home Office Collection here.