Make it work

• Date: 24 March 2021
• Published date: 24 March 2021

While some people may be happy to potter away at their work from the couch or dining table, many are more productive and less distracted when they have dedicated work environments. Find out how to maximise this space with these interior design tips:

Colours

When it comes to paint colours in your home office, the world is your oyster. You should consider the kinds of environments you find stimulating and those you find distracting, then decorate accordingly.

Many colour experts believe blue is the most productive colour for an office, as it helps to keep the mind stimulated and focused.

However, blue can be a cold colour and used on its own can become bland, so it’s a good idea to add a brighter hue such as orange to balance that with warmth and emotion.

A grey blue like Resene Bermuda Grey would work well on a feature wall, balanced with a neutral white or cream and a pop of Resene Daredevil. The brighter tone could be used on furniture or smaller items so as not to overwhelm the space.

Wallpaper can also add some personality to this room, whether it’s a bookcase lined with a patterned print or a discreetly textured feature wall. There is a huge range of Resene Wallpaper Collection designs to choose from so you can opt for a subtle background design or add some flair with something bolder.

A wall or smaller space coated in Resene FX Blackboard Paint or Resene FX Write-On Wall Paint can be especially useful in more creative home offices, encouraging workers to utilise wall space to scribble down ideas, brainstorms and key words. This covering turns any surface into a blackboard or whiteboard, perfect for visual learners and workers who like to see their ideas in front of them.

Furniture and tools

The most important component of a home office is the desk. This is where work will take place, so it’s important to select the right model and accessories to help promote productivity.

Choose a desk that is large enough to fit a computer, books, a few personal items and anything else that is essential to a work environment.

Select a desk that is the right size, shape and height for the person who will be using the office most of the time, and then consider the ergonomics of accompanying accessories. Chair designs have improved significantly over the years, and now take adjustability and comfort into consideration. If the office user will be sitting for most of the day, it’s worth splashing out a little more to ensure they are comfortable.

Storage

Though most office...