Ultimate home office

Your dream home office is closer than you think – let’s create a space that balances beauty with productivity.

I’ve always believed that a well-designed home office should feel like your favourite coffee shop – somewhere you actually want to spend time.

After years of helping clients transform their work-from-home spaces, I’ve discovered that the magic lies in those little details that make the practical feel personal.

MAKING FUNCTION BEAUTIFUL

Here’s something I love: positioning your desk where it catches natural light not only helps you stay energised throughout the day, but creates the most beautiful ambience for your space. And if ergonomics are on your mind (as they should be), consider a sleek desktop converter instead of a full standing desk. They’re absolutely gorgeous these days, and I’m constantly amazed by how seamlessly they blend into any space when not in use.

COLOURS THAT INSPIRE

The right colours can transform how you feel in your office. I’m currently loving soft sage greens paired with warm neutrals – it’s a combination that feels fresh and focused without being too precious. This palette works beautifully across different design styles and creates the perfect backdrop for productivity.

CREATING THE PERFECT BACKGROUND

Let’s talk about those video calls – they’re not going anywhere! One of my favourite tricks is styling a backdrop that feels effortlessly pulled together. Try arranging books by colour (trust me on this one), adding a few cherished objects, and incorporating something living, like a lovely trailing plant. It’s these layers that make a space feel considered rather than contrived.

SMART STORAGE SOLUTIONS

Nothing dims the joy of a beautiful space quite like clutter. I’m a huge fan of thinking outside the traditional office storage box – vintage cabinets painted in contemporary colours, beautiful boxes that hide office essentials, or wall-mounted solutions that double as artistic displays. The key is choosing pieces that could just as easily live in your living room as your office.

LIGHTING MAGIC

Great lighting can absolutely make or break a space. I always recommend layering your lighting sources – perhaps a beautiful task lamp for detailed work, some ambient lighting to soften the space, and maybe even a small accent light to create atmosphere during evening work sessions. As well as choosing fixtures that look more residential than corporate – your office should feel like an extension of your home.

MY FAVOURITE TIPS

Creating an inspiring home office doesn’t need to be complicated, but sometimes it’s the little touches that make the room sing.

I like to mix old and new pieces to create character and add soft touches with cushions or a beautiful throw. Not only do they bring colour and warmth but add comfort to long work sessions.

Never underestimate the power of beautiful organisation tools to elevate your home office. Coordinated storage boxes and stationery really help to keep your desk neat and visually appealing.

Remember, creating your perfect home office isn’t about following strict rules, it’s about discovering what makes you feel both productive and inspired.

The best spaces are those that tell your story while supporting your unique work style.

Find more like this in our Autumn Edition of Hunter & Coastal Lifestyle Magazine or subscribe here.

Story Naomi Findlay, Interior Designer and Founder of Findlay & Co.