This is the desk environment that will make you enjoy working from home again

May 23, 2024

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Add a splash of red

HAY

"Although the colour red is distracting when used in large quantities, if used in small doses, it can aid concentration. The small injection of the strong hue stimulates the eye and helps you to focus."

Red glass desk organiser, Depending on dealer, HAY

Introduce natural materials

Courtesy

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"This helps to create a feeling of calm in your home office. We feel most at ease when we’re surrounded by nature; try bringing in the outdoors with a wooden desk top, linen or cotton chair cushion, or a jute rug."

Wooden desk, £595, Habitat

Opt for weightless furniture

Room365

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"This is great to create the illusion of space if you have a rather compact home office area. Furniture that you can see through - like a chair with skinny legs or a glass desk - allows plenty of light through and makes your room feel bigger."

Desk, £149, Room 356

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Embrace space

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"Working with an expanse of space directly in front of you feels freer, which enables a good flow of creativity. Try placing your desk in the centre of your study, or in front of a window. If your desk is facing a wall, hang a mirror above it to create the illusion of continued space."

Try adding ball-shaped objects

House of Lights

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"Adding different shapes to your workspace is great if you find yourself getting stressed while working from home. The sight of spherical shapes evokes a sense of balance. Try a ball-shaped light or a decorative sphere."

Lamp, £80, House of Lights

Avoid dark corners

Vinterior

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"Exposure to natural light is important for our mental health and without it, we’re likely to experience a low mood. If you only have the option to have your home office in a low-lit space, add a couple of lamps with ‘soft’ light, such as a lamp with a shade, to make it cosy and create a late-night library vibe."

Mushroom desk lamp, £888, Vinterior

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Avoid a visually ‘busy’ area

antique wooden chair by a desk with an empty, mock up computer screen in a stylish home office interior for a freelancer

KatarzynaBialasiewicz//Getty Images

"Try to stay away from areas of your house that have a lot for the eye to take in, for example, walls covered in open shelving, exposed cables, or eye-catching artwork. While you don’t need an all-white, clinical space to stay focused, it’s also good to limit the information your eyes are taking in to minimise the possibility of distraction."

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