Beyond the Desk: Designing Home Workspaces That Work for Real Life

When I created my own home office—now a finalist in the Ufurnish Awards—I wasn’t just trying to make it pretty. I wanted to create a space that supported me emotionally, mentally, and practically. Something that felt like me, but also worked on the most ordinary days.

Now that so many of us are working from home—whether it’s five days a week or just one or two—it’s time we stopped settling for a spare chair and a corner of the kitchen table. You don’t need a big house or a full room. What you do need is to think more intentionally about how your space is supporting you.

Don’t Just Default to the Box Room

One of the biggest mistakes I see? People assume the box room is automatically the right choice for a home office. But those rooms—especially in lofts—can be hot, stuffy, and claustrophobic in summer months. They’re often the least inspiring places to spend long stretches of time.

So what if you changed the thinking?

If you have a guest room that's rarely used, consider whether that could become your home office. Add a high-quality sofa bed or a slimline trundle bed, and you’ve got a space that doubles up beautifully—a calm place to work most days, and a stylish guest room when needed.

That underused box room? It might make more sense as a compact guest space—with a wall-mounted lamp, floating bedside shelf, and a small double bed just big enough for occasional overnight visitors.

Design isn’t about square footage—it’s about making the space work harder for how you actually live.

It’s Not Just a Desk, It’s a Daily Habit

A desk is just a piece of furniture. A workspace is something you move through every day—it should support you, not just hold your laptop.

I always ask:

• Where’s your printer going?

• Are your wires trailing everywhere?

• Can you tuck away paperwork, devices, even your coffee mug, when the day’s done?

  
  

Hidden charging drawers, built-in filing cabinets, and a single tray to clear the decks at 5pm can genuinely change how your brain winds down at the end of a workday.

Comfort Counts—So Does Connection to Nature

We talk a lot about screens, chairs, and storage. But we don’t talk enough about how a space feels—and how powerful that is when you’re in it all day.

Good design supports your body and your mind. That means:

• Choosing a chair that actually lets you pull in under the desk

• Thinking about light and airflow

• Using natural textures like wood or linen to soften the room

• And crucially, bringing in plants or greenery—to add life, boost air quality, and create a visual link to the outside world

Even one plant can shift the whole tone of a room. I think of them as quiet company—something that grounds you when you’re stuck behind a screen.

Design for Calm, Not Just Output

I don’t believe design should revolve around productivity. I think it should support clarity, presence, and emotional ease.

A few small choices—muted colours, soft fabrics, lighting you can adjust throughout the day—can have a big impact on how you feel at 10am or 4pm.

You don’t need to overhaul your home to feel better at work. You just need to design for how you want to feel.

Your Kids’ Study Space Matters Too

Teenagers especially spend hours at desks. They deserve spaces that are both functional and personal—especially around exam time.

Some simple ways to help:

• Magnetic wallpaper or pinboards for study notes

• Slim drawers for books and stationery

• Shelves that are easy to access without clutter

• A comfortable chair—and yes, room to tuck it in!

Let them make it their own. That sense of ownership matters just as much as organisation.

This Space Should Feel Like Yours

Don’t copy the office you used to work in. This is your home. Choose a rug. Hang art. Use the lamp you love. Let it feel lived in, not left over.

When your workspace reflects your personal style—and your needs—it becomes a space you actually want to return to.

Final Word: It's Not About Perfection—It’s About Fit

Whether you're full-time remote or just working from home once or twice a week, your workspace should support you in every sense—not just professionally.

Let it feel like part of your home. Let it evolve. Let it be somewhere you enjoy being. And if it’s not there yet—that’s where I can help.

Want help designing an home office that works for you? Get in touch with us at noordinaryhouse@gmail.com—we’d love to hear about your space.

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