Take inspiration from this array of set-ups and ideas for a productivity-boosting workspace.
Long gone are the days when we were told not to bring home unfinished work. As the city experiences another abrupt COVID outbreak – more daunting than ever by case numbers – many of us have little choice but to attune to working from home again.
Between deadlines, meetings and phone calls, we may find ourselves struggling to stay focused and productive in a cosy cocoon where every piece of furniture seems to be coaxing us to take a rest.
Two years of a pandemic has forever upended our work lives and for many has meant turning our living space into a new office, prompting us to rethink the way we curate our homes in the quest for more flexibility between work and home life.
To some, a functional work zone at home means a notebook on a dining or coffee table or between cushions and the sofa, but don’t underestimate the power a dedicated work zone can bring to your work performance and wellbeing.
A high-functioning home office not only keeps you focused, but also inspires you creatively. For the perfect work-from-home makeover, take inspiration from this array of set-ups and ideas for a productivity-boosting workspace and private atelier secluded from all the temptations and distractions you may find at home, while allowing you to maintain a delicate worklife balance.
1. Work Of Art
A nice piece of art above your desk can act as a window on creativity and an inducement to focus. Highlighting this eclectic home office is a painting by South African artist Wendy Anziska, and the “Lady Sees Red” wall sculpture by James B Hannah, complemented by a zigzag carpet from Gatehouse. For an artsy office that sparks joy and creativity, pick inspiring work to your liking and curate the room around it.
Tip: Size matters when choosing art for your study. While small-to-medium work acts as icing on the cake to your overall décor, large-scale pieces serve as a focal point that set the tone, tie the room together, and display your atwork personality all in one go. Also consider the size of the empty wall available, and make sure the art piece and empty wall space are kept in nice proportion for visual balance.
2. Keep It Simple
When it comes to a working environment, simplicity goes a long way. Architects Liani and Jan Douglas have turned an empty nook by a courtyard entrance into a sleek, minimalist work-from-home zone flooded with natural light. Featuring in this cosy corner is a vintage Series 7 chair by Danish designer Arne Jacobsen, and a Dalmata marble-topped table by Liani and Jan.
Tip: Place your desk close to windows to keep your workspace bright and airy. The right amount of sunlight and fresh air will help lift your mood and increase work productivity. Remember to face the desk against the wall to avoid a direct glare streaming through the window.
3. Go Green
Nothing makes an impact in a study quite as big as a little houseplant. Numerous research has shown how indoor greenery can boost workplace productivity and reduce stress levels, which can lead to increased outputs and better wellbeing. A snake plant, spider plant or lucky bamboo are among the most popular choices that are low-maintenance and highly resilient, while bonsai, Boston fern, and fiddle-leaf fig require extra care. Still caught in two minds? Leave it to the stars – there is a detailed theory behind plant species and their associations with zodiac signs.
Tip: Consider the growing conditions when choosing houseplants for your work zone, such as natural light, ventilation and humidity. For compact dens, opt for high-resilient plants that can tolerate darker corners and moist air, including Pothos, ZZ plants or majesty palms. These plants are easy solutions to liven up your space without too much effort.
4. Take A Seat
To craft a workable home office, a comfortable chair always comes first. Designer Kim Stephen opts for the Soft Pad office chair from Cult Furniture for his home office in Barnes, London. Inspired by Charles and Ray Eames’ iconic chairs, the swivel chair upholstered in soft black faux leather is as ergonomically sound as it is aesthetically pleasing. Behind it, a trio of still life paintings of chairs by South African artist Aurelia James add a soft appeal to the room.
Tip: Don’t feel constrained, spend big on an ergonomic chair that can firmly support you for the long run. Forget the dining chair or, even worse, a plush sofa, which are going to hurt your back before you know it.
5. Off The Wall
Over-the-top wallpaper is perhaps the simplest, yet most efficient way to bring a room to life. In this abode, conceived by designer Heidrun Diekmann, what used to be an interleading room is converted into a whimsical study lined with a landscape wallcovering that features the blown-up details of a painting in the Rijksmuseum by Dutch painter Hendrik Voogd. Crowning the room is the Moooi Spider Lamp, which adds an immediate sense of drama and playfulness to the workspace.
Tip: Before settling on your most beloved wallcovering, make sure the colour, pattern and texture of it harmonises with the existing décor without compromising the overall design style of the home. If a bold wallcovering like this is what you’re after, try not to hang any wall paintings against it to avoid overwhelming the space.
6. Monochromatic Chic
A modest colour combo of black and white can make a powerful design statement, demonstrated in this monochromatic study punctuated with bold black dots and sleek clean lines. In this study, the St Leger & Viney wallpaper as a focal point echoes the “Rams” artwork from Lemon, and the Satellite pendant light by Studio 19, creating a tasteful balance in crisp black and white with no lack of visual interest.
Tip: An accent wall is a costeffective way to add visual interest to your study, and it comes with a multitude of wall cladding options – wallpaper, tiles, paints, you name it. It works the magic of accentuating architectural details, defining zones, and turning hard-to-decorate spaces and alcoves into elements as part of the design concepts. Again, try not to overdo it by adding too much art. If you must, go for work with ample negative space to make it stand out from the print behind.
Photo: ELSA YOUNG / GREG COX / WARREN HEATH
