We spoke to some of India’s leading interior designers to help you create an ideal home office for your abode.
Putting in the effort to conceptualise your home office results in benefits that are more than aesthetics. Firstly, a well-designed home office has a positive impact on your productivity. A well-organised, practical space minimises distractions and fosters focused work. Secondly, it boosts your well-being. Sufficient lighting, soothing hues, and potted plants craft a tranquil environment, helping to lessen stress. Lastly, a designated home office will help you create clear boundaries, enabling you to switch effortlessly between work and relaxation, facilitating a work-life balance. For this reason, we spoke to some of India’s top interior designers to learn simple ways to design the perfect home office. Here’s what they had to say.
“Create an optimal home office by prioritising natural light, ergonomic furniture, and a clutter-free environment. Personalise the space with inspiring decor, integrate comfortable elements, and incorporate technology seamlessly for a functional and aesthetically pleasing work area. Finally, maintain a balance between style and productivity with strategic organisation and a touch of nature for a calming atmosphere,” remarks interior designer Ajay Arya, founder of A Square Designs.
Choose A Well-Lit Space
Experts suggest prioritising natural light in your home office, as it not only enhances the space’s aesthetics, but also offers various benefits for productivity and well-being. “When planning your home office layout, consider placing your desk near a window to maximise exposure to natural light throughout the day. This arrangement can alleviate eye strain, elevate mood, and sharpen focus. Additionally, natural light creates an open and inviting atmosphere that encourages creativity and concentration. Opt for window treatments like sheer curtains or blinds that enable you to easily adjust brightness levels. Complement natural light with task lighting to ensure optimal illumination, especially during dimmer periods. By emphasising natural light in your home office design, you can greatly improve your work environment and enhance productivity,” says Minnie Bhatt, founder and design director at Minnie Bhatt Design.
Showcase Your Individuality
You will be more comfortable and would like to spend more time in a home office that exhibits your personality and features decor pieces and artworks you like. “A space becomes perfect for you when it is an extension of your personality and style. It is the same with regard to your home office. Craft a clean and practical workspace surrounded by your favourite things, including collectibles, artworks or posters that inspire you, holiday photographs that remind you of happy times, and plants for freshness. Display motivational quotes that you live by. Moreover, the furniture pieces should support you with good ergonomics, as well as complement your style. They do not have to be assembly line furniture. For instance, a vintage table with a cane chair can add charm to your home office,” state Sachin Gupta and Neha Gupta, interior designers and founders of Beyond Designs.
Design For A Compact Space
Even if you have a compact home, you can still craft a practical and aesthetically pleasing home office. Choose multi-functioning furniture pieces such as a desk that can be used as a side table or a chair that can be utilised as a dining chair. You should also make use of all the vertical space available by incorporating floating shelves or cabinets. “Usually, the design of a home office is determined by how the room is configured. When it is a compact house, there are two possible approaches: Either you increase the area of the room by taking space from another room, or you set off a specific area for the workplace and enhance it. A den in one of our home projects can be converted into a home office during the day. People typically associate dens with cosy spaces and dark tones. Contrarily, this is a light-coloured, open area that considers the fact that it will be used as an office during the day, yet has the flexibility to be used as a den in the evening,” mentions Aanchhal Bhuwalka, founder and principal designer of AB Design.
Focus on Practicality
Your home office should be a practical space that encourages you to get work done. Incorporate a functional desk with ample storage for all your supplies and a cushioned ergonomic chair with good back support. “The concept of work from home arose post-pandemic, where it was important to find flexible spaces to work from, most commonly one’s own home. A few tips for a great home office would be that it should be in a quieter corner of the home where there are fewer distractions. It should have ergonomic furniture and smarter storage solutions because everyone does not have the luxury of space,” says Jason Wadhwani, founder and principal designer of Jason Wadhwani Design.
Keep It Cosy
As you spend a lot of time in your home office, it should be comfortable. Invest in comfortable furnishings and add decor pieces that have a personal meaning. “The ideal home office has to feel personal and homey. It can be in a large room, which is minimal and decluttered, supplemented by a library unit and a conversation pocket. It can also be intimate and cosy behind soundproof doors with a great backdrop for those video calls. It should be functional, and at the same time, it should feel like a warm hug!” state Jasem Pirani and Huzefa Rangwala, directors and co-founders of MuseLAB.
Boost Productivity with Colour
The hues you select for your home office can impact your productivity. “Most offices generally have muted hues with pops of bright colours. However, in a home office, the colour scheme is subject to one’s preferences. Warm hues tend to evoke energy and power, while cool colours instil a very safe and balanced nature,” mentions Gauri Khanna, head interior designer of Avās Design Studio.
As per research, hues such as green and blue can boost attention and focus, while yellow and orange can improve creativity. “Personalise your home office with decor and personal touches that inspire creativity and motivation. Choose a colour scheme that promotes focus and relaxation, such as soft blues and greens paired with natural wood accents,” adds Nitin Kohli, interior designer and founder of Nitin Kohli Home.
Prioritise Health
If you are working at your desk all day, it could be a good idea to change things up and invest in a standing desk. “A dynamic departure from traditional seated workstations, a standing desk advocates a more health-conscious and adaptable approach to productivity. Incorporating adjustable height features, ergonomic considerations, and spacious work surfaces, these desks epitomise the fusion of comfort and functionality, allowing people to meticulously tailor their workspace. Elevate the well-being of your home office by integrating a standing desk, fostering an environment conducive to heightened work performance and ergonomic mindfulness,” concludes Saba Kapoor, interior designer and co-founder of Nivasa.
