Your home office is your place of work but it shouldn’t be bland and boring. Make work a pleasure by creating a space where you can be productive and happy.

Here are 7 decorating tips for a super-stylish and functional home office.

Take care of the essentials

1. The all-important desk

This is the centrepiece of any home office. It should be both stylish and functional. You might prefer a desk with drawers and shelves that put everything you need within easy reach. Or, if your taste is minimalist, a simpler design will be your choice. When selecting a desk, think first about the size and shape of your room. In a small home office, a compact, streamlined design will help create the illusion of more space. Consider the material and colour of your desk as well. Wood adds warmth and texture to the room; glass creates a sleek and modern look.

Imagine what you can achieve working at a beautiful, handcrafted bone inlay desk. Sheer inspiration on legs!

2. A comfortable chair

A comfortable chair is non-negotiable. An ergonomic chair that provides proper support will be one of your best investments. It will reduce the risk of back and neck pain and increase your productivity. Look for a chair with adjustable height and tilt, well designed armrests and good lumbar support.

Which material will you choose?. Leather, for a touch of sophistication? Or fabric, for a cosy and comfortable feel. Decisions, decisions!

3. Good lighting

Always install effective lighting; that means lighting that’s fit for purpose. To reduce eye strain and increase focus, you’ll need task lighting, such as a desk lamp or swivel arm wall light. For sheer luxury, a Verona Lamp with a marble base will make your work ‘shine’. When you need ambient lighting, whether from overhead or wall-mounted fittings, it should mimic natural daylight as closely as possible for a comfortable work environment.

When choosing light globes, check the ‘temperature’ on the pack. Neutral to cool choices (3000K–4000K) are best for concentration and comfort while you’re working.

4. Storage

Shelves are a great way to add storage space to your home office. Narrow shelves above your desk, for easy access. For extra storage, install a shelving system on an adjacent wall. There are plenty of designs available. Choose one that matches the style of your room.

The no-clutter look is perfect for the home office, especially in a smaller room. Storage boxes are a great way to keep everything tidy and organised. Choose boxes of various sizes that will fit into your shelves. A matching set will not only hide away all your books, papers, files and office supplies but will look fabulous, too.

When space is limited

You might not have the luxury of a dedicated room for working at home but even a nook or alcove can be made to work effectively and look great.

5. Use a room divider

Perhaps you’ve set up your home office within another room. A room divider will create a separate space and reduce distractions when you’re working. It will also put your office out of sight when you’ve finished for the day. Consider using a stylish decorative panel or an open bookshelf that will look good from both sides and enhance the whole living area.

6. Add a mirror

This is an easy way to make a small home office feel more spacious. Place a large mirror above your desk or on an adjacent wall to reflect light and make the room feel brighter. Look for a mirror with a stylish frame that complements the rest of your furnishings and adds a touch of individuality.

Start by browsing our range. There’s something to suit every décor.

Make your work life easier

You’ve chosen to work at home – whether full or part-time – because that’s the best option for you. Make sure you make the most of it. And, really, that comes down to one major thing ....

7. Enjoy your surroundings

• Rugs add warmth and texture to the home office, especially if the flooring is hard. For comfort underfoot, place a rug under your desk. Surprising colour clashes in an office can be distracting, so look for a rug that complements the colour and style of your room or choose a statement piece to add interest to a neutral décor

• Hang art or photographs. Your home office should have the stamp of your personality and style. Create a gallery wall above your desk or place a large piece of wall art on each side. Look for pieces that inspire you and complement the rest of the room.

• Decorate with plants. Plants introduce life and colour into your home office. Not only do they add beauty to your workspace, they also purify the air and help reduce stress. Place a small potted plant or two on your desk, or a larger plant in the corner of the room. Popular (and very hardy) indoor plants are Snake Plants, Devil’s Ivy and Peace Lilies. If you really can’t keep indoor plants alive, you can opt for ‘can’t believe they’re not real’ artificial varieties.

Stylish home office – done. Work-life balance – done. Now it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get productive.