11 Innovative Workspaces That Will Inspire Creativity
Try these ideas for putting together a home office to stimulate the imagination and encourage awesome ideas
Katie Levell
12 June 2016
Houzz Contributor
Working from home can seem like the ultimate luxury when you’re nose-to-nose with another human on a crowded commute, or confined to a drab desk in a dull office. For those who can work from home, however, this can have its own pressures and distractions. A practical but inspirational home workspace – one that enables you to be both productive and creative – is the solution.
Be inspired by these spaces to create an office that will help you slip out of domestic life and into the creative zone without even leaving the building.
Be inspired by these spaces to create an office that will help you slip out of domestic life and into the creative zone without even leaving the building.
Introduce plants to help ideas blossom
Our best ideas often come when we’re away from our desks and outside enjoying nature. So why not harness this phenomenon by bringing some of the beauty of nature into your workspace? Houseplants not only brighten up a room, they also provide oxygen for increased brain power.
If you’re not terribly green-fingered, never fear: you don’t have to take on anything too large or intimidating. A little coterie of cacti will thrive quite happily with minimal attention.
Going green? Here’s how to max out on houseplants
Our best ideas often come when we’re away from our desks and outside enjoying nature. So why not harness this phenomenon by bringing some of the beauty of nature into your workspace? Houseplants not only brighten up a room, they also provide oxygen for increased brain power.
If you’re not terribly green-fingered, never fear: you don’t have to take on anything too large or intimidating. A little coterie of cacti will thrive quite happily with minimal attention.
Going green? Here’s how to max out on houseplants
Choose a room with a view
The outlook from your window may be all the inspiration you need. This spectacular vista over north London changes with the seasons and the weather. The huge windows make the room feel as if it’s perched like a nest in the treetops – a very snug position from which to observe life and indulge in some true blue-sky thinking.
If you don’t have such a dramatic view, a pretty back garden can be just as pleasant to look at, or even some flower-filled window boxes.
The outlook from your window may be all the inspiration you need. This spectacular vista over north London changes with the seasons and the weather. The huge windows make the room feel as if it’s perched like a nest in the treetops – a very snug position from which to observe life and indulge in some true blue-sky thinking.
If you don’t have such a dramatic view, a pretty back garden can be just as pleasant to look at, or even some flower-filled window boxes.
Employ excellent storage
Filing and organising your work is important, but it doesn’t need to be done in the traditional way. If you have the wall space, install a set of bespoke shelves like these towers of handy cubby holes to sequester different projects.
Here, the homeowners have gone for height, rather than width, so the shelves don’t take over the rest of the room. The result is more visually appealing than a filing cabinet, and instantly accessible too.
Paperwork out of control? Check out these workspace storage solutions
Filing and organising your work is important, but it doesn’t need to be done in the traditional way. If you have the wall space, install a set of bespoke shelves like these towers of handy cubby holes to sequester different projects.
Here, the homeowners have gone for height, rather than width, so the shelves don’t take over the rest of the room. The result is more visually appealing than a filing cabinet, and instantly accessible too.
Paperwork out of control? Check out these workspace storage solutions
Map out open-plan zones
You may need your room to fulfil a number of different roles: admin centre, meeting hub, brainstorming station. Consider all these needs in your design so that you can incorporate clear zones in your space.
The simple act of moving from work desk to meeting table – even if you only have room for a tiny one – will help to shift the mood from functional to collaborative. If the ideas aren’t flowing in one of the zones, transferring physically to a different environment may just provide the stimulus to get things moving again.
Use contrasting design styles in each zone. Here, the straight line of desk space, screens and accompanying pendants clearly separate the space from the well-dressed glass table with quirky seating and wispy chandelier above.
You may need your room to fulfil a number of different roles: admin centre, meeting hub, brainstorming station. Consider all these needs in your design so that you can incorporate clear zones in your space.
The simple act of moving from work desk to meeting table – even if you only have room for a tiny one – will help to shift the mood from functional to collaborative. If the ideas aren’t flowing in one of the zones, transferring physically to a different environment may just provide the stimulus to get things moving again.
Use contrasting design styles in each zone. Here, the straight line of desk space, screens and accompanying pendants clearly separate the space from the well-dressed glass table with quirky seating and wispy chandelier above.
Step away from office furniture
Don’t be restricted by traditionally functional furniture. The only item in this elegant office which tells you any work is going on is the computer screen. A sparkling chandelier, distressed wooden dressing table desk and fun collection of figurines in pastel shades keep this work nook looking far from drab.
Don’t be restricted by traditionally functional furniture. The only item in this elegant office which tells you any work is going on is the computer screen. A sparkling chandelier, distressed wooden dressing table desk and fun collection of figurines in pastel shades keep this work nook looking far from drab.
Work that zingy colour scheme
Bright hues can provide a vibrant backdrop to some smart ideas and innovative thinking. This white scheme with primary accents feels fresh, and the chunky rug completes the playful atmosphere.
Choose colours that make you feel positive and think about the impact they have on mood. Blues create a calm environment, while reds and magentas improve productivity. Orange is also a good option, as it’s thought to stimulate creativity and increase the flow of oxygen to the brain.
Bright hues can provide a vibrant backdrop to some smart ideas and innovative thinking. This white scheme with primary accents feels fresh, and the chunky rug completes the playful atmosphere.
Choose colours that make you feel positive and think about the impact they have on mood. Blues create a calm environment, while reds and magentas improve productivity. Orange is also a good option, as it’s thought to stimulate creativity and increase the flow of oxygen to the brain.
Remind yourself of your mission
Place around you some visual encouragements – an inspirational quote, an object which has meaning for you, or a painting – for those days when you might be tempted to forget what it is you actually go to work for.
This cool monochrome desk space is surrounded by interesting photographs and postcards, including a typographic reminder to be creative.
Place around you some visual encouragements – an inspirational quote, an object which has meaning for you, or a painting – for those days when you might be tempted to forget what it is you actually go to work for.
This cool monochrome desk space is surrounded by interesting photographs and postcards, including a typographic reminder to be creative.
Build yourself a working retreat
Converted sheds, outbuildings, caravans and even shipping containers can provide the ideal environment for an office in the garden. There are plenty of firms who can build a small bespoke outdoor room for this purpose. Alternatively, go for a more budget-friendly option and order a flat-packed shed office.
Here, a converted railway carriage makes a perfect little hideaway in the garden for those creative types who function best on peace and quiet. The nod to the old-style train passenger with the hat and coat stand sets the tone perfectly.
Converted sheds, outbuildings, caravans and even shipping containers can provide the ideal environment for an office in the garden. There are plenty of firms who can build a small bespoke outdoor room for this purpose. Alternatively, go for a more budget-friendly option and order a flat-packed shed office.
Here, a converted railway carriage makes a perfect little hideaway in the garden for those creative types who function best on peace and quiet. The nod to the old-style train passenger with the hat and coat stand sets the tone perfectly.
Look away from the wall
A desk that faces into the room rather than staring at a blank wall gives a broader perspective when you’re searching for inspiration.
Most desks are set against a wall to maximise space (and potentially hide wiring). However, if you can find a way to rearrange these elements, switching around your aspect is a simple way to enjoy the benefits of an extended horizon.
A desk that faces into the room rather than staring at a blank wall gives a broader perspective when you’re searching for inspiration.
Most desks are set against a wall to maximise space (and potentially hide wiring). However, if you can find a way to rearrange these elements, switching around your aspect is a simple way to enjoy the benefits of an extended horizon.
Show your individuality with a feature wall
Wallpapers and murals offer a multitude of options for creating a bespoke wall with a message. The wall of musical notation in this room provides a unique insight into the sort of work that goes on here.
Many companies offer a bespoke mural design service, so you just need to decide which image defines you. Alternatively, there are wallpaper designs featuring rows of books, cityscapes and peaceful forest vistas, all of which would make an equally dramatic statement.
Wallpapers and murals offer a multitude of options for creating a bespoke wall with a message. The wall of musical notation in this room provides a unique insight into the sort of work that goes on here.
Many companies offer a bespoke mural design service, so you just need to decide which image defines you. Alternatively, there are wallpaper designs featuring rows of books, cityscapes and peaceful forest vistas, all of which would make an equally dramatic statement.
Illuminate your task areas
Keep your focus tight and on point with well-planned lighting. Pools of light from different fittings can make for an inspirational space with an emphasis on clarity. The glowing shelves, friendly standard lamps and ceiling spots all add to the atmosphere of this carefully designed office, while the glass pendants draw the eye to the central meeting place.
TELL US…
How would you make your home office feel creative? Share your ideas in the Comments below.
Keep your focus tight and on point with well-planned lighting. Pools of light from different fittings can make for an inspirational space with an emphasis on clarity. The glowing shelves, friendly standard lamps and ceiling spots all add to the atmosphere of this carefully designed office, while the glass pendants draw the eye to the central meeting place.
TELL US…
How would you make your home office feel creative? Share your ideas in the Comments below.
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I'm partial to the ninth image, as I like a table, as in the photograph, big enough so that you can walk around it, with work seats on any side. That's my dream!
janedale - I just saved that ninth image, then scrolled down and ... we agree again :).
#3 Arrgh! I'd always be scared the plates would drop on my head!
#2 is definitely my kind of place. I already have a terrific view from where I am sitting this very minute typing!