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How to Work Your Study Space For Great Results
Bring writing that blockbuster or devising that killer business plan a step closer with a smart, inspiring home office
Lucy Meek
11 May 2014
Working from home: the dream of commuters worldwide, as they brave the morning rush for another day in the office. It’s an enviable position to be in, but those of us who regularly work from our kitchen tables, sofas or even (don’t judge) beds will know that being based at home carries its own difficulties – namely, where to park yourself and your stationery.
It’s vital to have a well-designed study space exclusively designated for work time. Even if you can’t devote an entire room, the corner of the sitting room or a spare bedroom can still meet your needs with a little planning. If your workspace is looking a little tired, cluttered or cramped, these ideas will help you transform it into the study of your dreams.
It’s vital to have a well-designed study space exclusively designated for work time. Even if you can’t devote an entire room, the corner of the sitting room or a spare bedroom can still meet your needs with a little planning. If your workspace is looking a little tired, cluttered or cramped, these ideas will help you transform it into the study of your dreams.
Focus with all-white
Sticking mostly to white will keep the room calm and distraction-free. Crisp, glossy furniture can be warmed up with natural textures – here a wooden lamp adds interest while a snowy sheepskin ensures a comfortable day.
Be inspired by crisp white design schemes
Sticking mostly to white will keep the room calm and distraction-free. Crisp, glossy furniture can be warmed up with natural textures – here a wooden lamp adds interest while a snowy sheepskin ensures a comfortable day.
Be inspired by crisp white design schemes
Pack in plenty of storage
The smaller the space, the more it’s essential to squeeze in a good slice of storage. Here, deep, boxy open shelves run right to the ceiling and keep books and files contained and to hand at the same time. A full-height cupboard, meanwhile, keeps other essentials tidily out of sight.
The smaller the space, the more it’s essential to squeeze in a good slice of storage. Here, deep, boxy open shelves run right to the ceiling and keep books and files contained and to hand at the same time. A full-height cupboard, meanwhile, keeps other essentials tidily out of sight.
Harness an outdoor view
If your office has a window, push your desk up against it so you can glance outside occasionally while you work. Staring at a wall all day doesn’t inspire much creativity, plus it’s important to rest your eyes regularly.
If your office has a window, push your desk up against it so you can glance outside occasionally while you work. Staring at a wall all day doesn’t inspire much creativity, plus it’s important to rest your eyes regularly.
Lighten your load
A room flooded with plenty of natural light helps to keep you alert, focused and happy. Even in this tiny space, a bench slotted across the narrow gap does the job very nicely, creating a sunny little space away from interruptions.
A room flooded with plenty of natural light helps to keep you alert, focused and happy. Even in this tiny space, a bench slotted across the narrow gap does the job very nicely, creating a sunny little space away from interruptions.
Get creative with colour
Introduce some splashes of strong colour into a making space to help the creative juices flow. A pea green shelf and leafy chair breathe life into this crafty room.
Introduce some splashes of strong colour into a making space to help the creative juices flow. A pea green shelf and leafy chair breathe life into this crafty room.
Pick and mix your textures
Bring some personality into your work space with a range of surfaces. The parquet floor, exposed bricks and natural wood window frames add subtle interest to this design space, highlighted by the juxtaposition of a glossy side unit and shiny metal bins.
Bring some personality into your work space with a range of surfaces. The parquet floor, exposed bricks and natural wood window frames add subtle interest to this design space, highlighted by the juxtaposition of a glossy side unit and shiny metal bins.
Be space smart
No matter how small the nook you call your office is, you can still create something that focuses and inspires you. Thanks to a space-efficient desk and drawers combo, hanging pots and a wall-mounted lamp, this small corner office packs in the essential components without feeling cramped.
No matter how small the nook you call your office is, you can still create something that focuses and inspires you. Thanks to a space-efficient desk and drawers combo, hanging pots and a wall-mounted lamp, this small corner office packs in the essential components without feeling cramped.
Aim high
Fitted cupboards are a boon in a confined space, hiding away clutter to keep the room clean and calm. Here, cabinets that reach right to the ceiling are painted the same colour as the walls to help them blend in, while a single open shelf keeps essentials off the desk.
Fitted cupboards are a boon in a confined space, hiding away clutter to keep the room clean and calm. Here, cabinets that reach right to the ceiling are painted the same colour as the walls to help them blend in, while a single open shelf keeps essentials off the desk.
Pin it
A pinboard keeps clutter at bay and lets you have your inspirations and ideas right at eye level. Use yours for everything from events and exhibitions to Post-it jottings and business cards, as well as inspiring reminders of the people in your life.
See how to stay organised with a modern pinboard
A pinboard keeps clutter at bay and lets you have your inspirations and ideas right at eye level. Use yours for everything from events and exhibitions to Post-it jottings and business cards, as well as inspiring reminders of the people in your life.
See how to stay organised with a modern pinboard
Make a feature of mood boards
If your work is creative, hang dedicated display boards for curated photos, fabrics and clippings. Organising all your snippets on the wall will also leave more space on your desk, helping you stay focused and relaxed.
TELL US…
Do you have a home office? How do you keep it organised? Share your tips with us in the Comments.
If your work is creative, hang dedicated display boards for curated photos, fabrics and clippings. Organising all your snippets on the wall will also leave more space on your desk, helping you stay focused and relaxed.
TELL US…
Do you have a home office? How do you keep it organised? Share your tips with us in the Comments.
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