Imagine a home office that feels like a sanctuary, a place where you're inspired to be creative and productive. A modern home office space that doesn't just function but also soothes your soul. This isn't a pipe dream; it's a reality that can be achieved with a few simple additions: art, soft furnishings, and candles.
In Australia, where working from home is the norm for many people, there's never been a greater need for a comfortable and inspiring home office. But beyond the practical aspects of ample desk space and ergonomic desk chairs, there's a growing trend towards creating home offices that make you feel good rather than just being practical.
If you have to (or choose to) work from home, you might as well make your space feel like home. So, here are a few contemporary design ideas for doing just that.
The Power of Art
Art is a powerful tool for transforming a space, whether you see it as decoration or something more meaningful. From a bold abstract painting on a white wall to a delicate watercolour, art can evoke emotions, inspire creativity, and create a sense of personality. And with so many talented artists in this country, we're spoilt for choice. For a truly Australian touch, consider incorporating local Aboriginal art or prints featuring iconic Australian birds.
Art doesn't always have to hang on the walls. Small framed pieces work well on built-in stroage shelves and your desk. When you have a few free-standing pieces, you can switch them up depending on your mood.
When choosing art for your home or studio office walls, opt for pieces that are in harmony with your colour scheme (particularly easy if your room has a neutral colour palette) and include your favourite colours.
The Benefits of Soft Furnishings
Soft furnishings add warmth, texture, and comfort to your home office. Cushions and rugs create a cozy and inviting atmosphere, while linen or cotton curtains help to control natural light and create a sense of privacy. While you might not be able to change the floor colour rearrange the layout easily, fresh furnishings are easy to change and can definitely add pizzazz.
Consider investing in sustainable, Australian-made soft furnishings. It's hard to find an office chair made of natural materials, but you can compensate for that with locally made cushions. This not only supports local businesses but also reduces your environmental impact. Look for materials like organic cotton, linen, and wool, which are both durable and eco-friendly.
The Soothing Glow of Candles
Candles bring a touch of luxury and ambiance to any space where the soft, flickering light creates a relaxing atmosphere, perfect for focusing on your work. Choose scented candles with calming scents like eucalyptus, pine needles, cinamon, or cloves to help reduce stress and improve concentration.
Always use candles safely by placing them on a heat-resistant surface and keeping them away from flammable materials.
See our collection of art and soft furnishings.
Creating a Sustainable Home Office
Sustainability is a hot topic in Australia and it's up to all of us to do our bit. It's easy to incorporate sustainable practices into your home office design. Choose eco-friendly materials, such as recycled wood for your desk or floor lamp. Reduce your environmental impact by using energy-efficient lighting and minimizing waste.
A few tips for your home office
When choosing art
- Reflect your personality: Make your space an extension of yourself so you feel comfortable. Choose art that speaks to you and brightens up your day.
- Consider the colour palette: Opt for artwork that complements the overall colour scheme of your room.
- Experiment with different styles: Don't be afraid to mix and match different styles of art. A gallery wall is a great way to showcase a variety of pieces.
When considering furnishings.
- Comfortable seating: Invest in high-quality chairs that provide good support and spruce them up with cushions.
- Textiles as art: Patterned rugs, cushions and even designer tea towels on the wall can add a touch of luxury and warmth to your space. Another possibility is bold wallpaper as a design style statement.
- Plants: Bring nature indoors with plants to help purify the air. And if you get sick of the silence, you can always talk to the plants.
Another tip is that a display of books can really elevate the contemporary home office. Not your coding references or legal library, but interesting looking antique books, handmade notebooks, or colourful, large format art books. Keep them in piles on top of a closed storage cupboard and flick through them when you need a break.
Incorporating art, soft furnishings, and candles into your home office creates a space that is both functional and inspiring. Remember, a pleasant working environment can significantly improve your productivity and overall well-being.
And finally, your home office is a reflection of you, so don't be afraid to let your personality shine through. Let's all create a home office that we love to work in!
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Image at the top of the page shows Peachy Banksia photograph by Jen McCue
