How to style your home office for maximum creativity and comfort

Whether you’re working from home for a few days a week or churning out a few chapters for your future best-selling novel at the weekend, you need a space that’s both inspiring and comfortable while minimising distractions. Here’s how to style your home office for maximum creativity and comfort.

Choose the right colour palette

There’s been plenty of research into how colours can impact our mood, so we can follow the science to find the ideal colour combos for your home office. Blues and greens are calming so they can help reduce stress, while warm hues like yellow and orange are energising to help encourage creativity. If your work demands extended periods of intense concentration, then muted neutrals like beige or soft grey may be ideal, as they won’t overwhelm the senses but will still feel sophisticated and welcoming.

Invest in a comfortable chair

Look for a chair that has good back support, as well as adjustable height and adequate armrests. Ergonomic designs are especially good for anyone spending long hours at the desk. You can also consider the style of the chair and choose one that adds some personality to the room.

Create layers of lighting

Natural light is ideal for creativity and alertness, but you can layer different light sources to create an ideal working atmosphere. Use a desk lamp for close-up tasks, and then some floor lamps or wall-mounted lights for some general ambiance. Any artificial light you use should be bright enough to encourage daytime energy, but soft and warm for any evening work that should be undertaken in a more relaxed environment.

A sprinkling of yourself

Put some reminders of your interests and passions around your home office so that it becomes somewhere you enjoy being. Maybe some framed art such as the poster for your favourite film, or a replica of a classic painting. Photos of your loved ones can be inspiring, while plants are refreshing and can even improve air quality. Just beware of over-cluttering your workspace.

Set up a comfort zone

If you have the space, then make a small comfort zone where you can take a break away from the desk. It could be an armchair or a beanbag seat on the floor, or even a cushioned bench with a throw blanket. Then use this spot for brainstorming and reading, or simply closing your eyes for a few minutes away from the grind.

Embrace storage solutions

Nothing disrupts a creative flow like searching for misplaced items. Organise essentials with clever storage, like floating shelves, drawer dividers, or stylish baskets. Desk organisers can keep stationery in place, while larger cabinets or shelves can hide items not used daily. A clutter-free environment often equals a clearer mind, which leads to a more productive day.