Home office makeover: Planning your productive space for the new year

A dedicated home office is increasingly important part of a house in the UK, with around 45% of Brits working from home at least some of the time as of October 2024. These zones should allow you to avoid distractions and crack on with your daily tasks, while clearly separating your work from your personal life.

With the new year looming, now could be the perfect time to incorporate new home office design ideas into your workspace. This can help ensure that 2025 promises a year of productivity and focus, allowing you to hit your targets and take your career to new heights.

Whether you've grown tired of your working environment or are starting with a blank canvas, these home and office décor tips can help you curate a space that meets your needs and injects positivity into your house. Here are some ideas for making your home office makeover a success.

Set clear goals

The first step is to define your objectives for the space. These will help you decide the vibe and features you want. One of the easiest ways to set clear goals is to ask yourself the following questions:

• What are the primary functions of the space?
• Do I need a quiet retreat for focused tasks or a multifunctional area for meetings and creative work?
• Will other people in the household need to use it at the same time as me?
• What elements do I need to ensure I can work for long hours?
• What style or theme do I want?

You should now have a clearer view of what you need for a successful home office makeover, giving you greater clarity on the layout, furniture and décor requirements.

Choose the right location and layout

Ideally, your work area should be in a spot with plenty of natural light and privacy, so choosing a room away from busy zones like the kitchen or lounge could be sensible. Once you've found this, it's time to optimise the layout.

Begin with your desk, as this will typically be where you spend the most time in the room. Placing it in front of a window is wise, as natural light is known to boost productivity and happiness. Next, arrange the rest of your furniture close to your desk so that your important tools and supplies are within arm's reach.

If you're sharing the home office with others, it could be a good idea to create distinct zones using dividers or area rugs.

Invest in ergonomic furniture and technology

Ergonomic furniture is a non-negotiable when it comes to home office décor. These items can keep you comfortable and prevent injuries as they support your body all day long. Some ergonomic elements to consider include:

• A fully adjustable chair with lumbar support.
• An adaptable monitor that lets you position it at eye level.
• An adjustable desk that allows your elbows to rest at a 90-degree angle. If it can turn into a standing one, then spending a few hours a day standing up could do wonders for your posture and reduce neck or back pain.

Optimise lighting

As mentioned, natural lighting is essential. However, artificial bulbs can also be used to your advantage, especially during dark winter days. Invest in desk lamps and add warm light tones to keep your space illuminated when the sun sets and reduce eye strain. You could also consider layering with ambient, task and accent lighting, as this can create an energising atmosphere to keep you motivated as the day draws to a close.

Add storage solutions

Finally, no home office décor is complete without storage solutions for your equipment and supplies. Some options for this include shelving to maximise vertical space, cabinets for a polished look and desk organisers or drawer dividers to keep everything neat and tidy.

At Hammonds, we specialise in fitted home office furniture that seamlessly blends form and function. Our range has stylish bookcases, drawers and shelving units.

Book a free design visit for your home office makeover

There's no better time to incorporate these home office design ideas and our experts are here to make the process even easier. Book a free design visit with us today and we'll create a workspace that matches your vision and meets your needs. You can also request a brochure to see what styles are available and get inspired ahead of your appointment.