The home office is undergoing a period of rapid evolution. Where once upon time those who worked from home were outliers, hybrid work culture and working from home, has become the norm.
As millions of Australians join the growing trend, and in some cases require it, much more consideration is being given to creating a modern home office that supports wellbeing, productivity and flexibility.
What’s more, with the shift looking like it’s here to stay, more Aussies are looking to invest in creating a modern home office that fits work needs, without intruding on their home life.
How can I make my home office modern?
Creating a modern workspace in your home can be done through many different methods. One of the most popular trends right now is designing offices with plants, art pieces or furniture that are both aesthetically pleasing as well as functional for work-related needs.
The modern home office is a place where you spend most of your day, so it’s important to have an environment that reflects who you are as well. Some ways in which you can achieve this is by using furniture with clean lines and sleek designs. For a minimalist approach, try incorporating lighter furniture and avoid cluttering your workstation with document trays or unnecessary stationery.
Modern home office ideas
Nowadays it’s not just the spare room used as a home office, there are study nooks, home office pods and even solutions like converting a garage, basement or attic space. Let’s explore some popular options below:
- Spare room: A spare bedroom or study has historically been the natural choice for the home office. With a dedicated room inside the home, you can create the full office experience, decorate it as you choose, and ensure all functional needs of the office are met. This could be a great option for those running a business or side hustle out of their home that requires a designated space
- Study nook: If space is at a premium, turning a spare corner of the home like a corridor, wardrobe or thoroughfare into a study nook is an inexpensive option. However, while affordability is an upside, there are potential drawbacks like noise from others in the house, lack of privacy for work calls and meetings, and limited storage. For hybrid workers who do not require a ‘full-time’ home office space, this may still be the preferred choice
- Home office pod: An emerging office solution, the home office pod is sometimes described as a semi-private booth, or mini room, that’s easy to install. Often designed like large phone booths, at-home workers often choose to position home office pods in backyards as self-contained units, or retrofit them into settings like sheds, caravans, or basements. This could be a great option for those who want the privacy of an office, but don’t have or need all the space of a spare room or study
- Miscellaneous: If your home has a garage, it can be modified into a home office, especially if it has a dedicated entrance and is big enough to meet your needs. Similarly, basements and attics are popular options, so long as they have sufficient light, access and climate control
For more ideas, check out our article on how to make your work from home space work for you.
What about choosing a desk?
When choosing a modern home office desk, the first thing to consider is the size of the desk. You’ll want to make sure that the desk is large enough to fit all of your work essentials, but not so large that it dominates the room. Another important consideration is storage. If you have a lot of books, files, or other materials that you need to keep close at hand, look for a desk with plenty of shelves and drawers.
Don’t forget about style! After all, your desk is going to be one of the first things that visitors see when they come into your home office. Choose a desk that reflects your personal taste and complements the rest of your décor. Finally, consider the price. You don’t want to spend an obscene amount, but you also don’t want to skimp on quality. With a little bit of research, you can find a great modern home office desk that fits both your budget and your style.
Why workers are modernising
With many home-based and hybrid workers spending increasing time in their home offices, it makes sense to create a space that’s as comfortable, convenient and as productive as possible.
That’s why, when it comes to what workers want out of a modern home office, it’s usually about finding a balance of function and style. Both have a place in optimising office space.
- Function: It’s well known that physical environment, including lighting, furniture and even the space itself, is a critical factor in our physical and mental health. As a baseline, you want to create a space that can be separated from your home life. From there, think about what tools you need to optimise your productivity – this could be an additional monitor, ergonomic desk or printer
- Style: Personal preference plays a big role here, but a basic rule of thumb is to keep things simple. You don’t want too many decorations, an oversized or cluttered desk, excess folders and storage solutions, or an overly colourful space that may end up being distracting or contribute to fatigue over time
Remember, as an increasing amount of work gets done at home, updating a home office can be a great investment into your work–home life as well as your health and wellbeing.
Chasing more home office inspo? View our helpful guide on what you need when working from home.
