For many of us, working from home is here to stay. If you’re happy cranking out stuff from your kitchen island or balancing your laptop on your knees in a recliner, we’re not going to tell you that you have to change. But before you settle for status quo, you might want to check out the latest trends in home office design. We checked with a number of designers and here’s what they say the 2024 home office has to offer:

NOW YOU SEE IT, NOW YOU DON’T

Image:  No Vacancy

Whether or not you have the luxury of a dedicated home office, you don’t necessarily want to look at your workstation 24/7, do you? Leave the office behind—behind doors, tucked away in a murphy desk situation, or cleverly hidden in one of many other furniture options available these days. Out of sight may not be completely out of mind, but will make it easier to focus on other important things like your family, pets, hobbies, etc.

LET THERE BE (NATURAL) LIGHT

Image:  The Kitchen Master

Even if you work all hours, it’s good to know when the sun rises or sets. It helps with circadian rhythm, the internal body clock that helps us function. Ideally, your workspace will have natural light through a window, door or skylight. If not, you may have to try a little harder to check in with the sun. On nice days, can you move your workspace to a patio, screened porch, or picnic table in a park? If that’s not possible, schedule regular breaks to get up, go outside and breathe fresh air. Your body will thank you!

INSPIRATION STATION

Image:  Etsy

Make your workspace a place you enjoying being in. It’s not frivolous, it’s practical. Why? If something about your home office rubs you the wrong way, that little irritation will always be there—and it’s not likely to turn into a pearl. A gloomy space can be depressing, making it harder to focus on and enjoy your job. The solution: Add soothing or uplifting colors to walls, art and/or furniture. Include things that inspire you: photos of your family, inspirational quotes, pictures of your next vacation and anything else that reminds you why you do what you do.

BE-LEAF IN YOURSELF

Did you know? Having plants in the office lowers anxiety, anger and tiredness. (See the stats.) More calm, happiness and energy makes any day go better, don’t you think? Of course, “real” plants are best, what with the improved air quality and all, but this year’s trend of bringing the outside in can work for anyone. Even those who can’t keep a plastic plant alive. For example, you can add natural elements through earthy neutral paint colors or wallpaper inspired by the great outdoors. For help transforming your walls, contact us.

Is it time to stop thinking of your home office as a stopgap solution? Don’t be afraid to invest some time, thought and (maybe) money into creating a workspace that will make ‘going to work’ better for you, even if your commute only takes you across the hall.