5 Study Rooms to Start Your Work Day on the Right Foot
Working from home's a lot easier when you have a beautiful, well set-up space to sit, work and store all your stuff
As convenient and family-friendly as telecommuting and working from home can be, procrastination is one of the biggest road blocks you can face when you’re meant to be getting your work day started. There are all kinds of obstacles that ‘justify’ procrastination; it’s too hot or too cold, there’s not enough light, you can’t find your tablet, laptop charger or the files you need for the morning. There’s always something, but one sure-fire way to nip these anti-motivators in the bud is to have a dedicated work space at home, where you can sit comfortably, keep what you need within easy reach, and have everything set up just the way you like it. Even if you’re working in your PJs.
2. Cheap and cheerful
Designer: The 80’s Studio
Office features: Two office chairs and two desk lamps mean that this space can also be used by two occupants, though the layout lends itself more to one worker and the occasional visitor using the room. Unlike the previous study, this more simple space features freestanding furniture, with the desk and cabinets looking like they may have hailed from the warehouse of a certain Swedish furniture kingpin.
This space makes a lot more sense for those with a lower budget, or those renting and can’t install anything more permanent. It’s still bright and fresh, however, thanks to the pared-back colour scheme and the large white-screened window on the back wall. And oodles of open storage low down in the room make it an infinitely practical space, with everything easily accessible with just a casual roll across the timber floor.
Designer: The 80’s Studio
Office features: Two office chairs and two desk lamps mean that this space can also be used by two occupants, though the layout lends itself more to one worker and the occasional visitor using the room. Unlike the previous study, this more simple space features freestanding furniture, with the desk and cabinets looking like they may have hailed from the warehouse of a certain Swedish furniture kingpin.
This space makes a lot more sense for those with a lower budget, or those renting and can’t install anything more permanent. It’s still bright and fresh, however, thanks to the pared-back colour scheme and the large white-screened window on the back wall. And oodles of open storage low down in the room make it an infinitely practical space, with everything easily accessible with just a casual roll across the timber floor.
3. Scandi styling
Designer: Butget Studio
Office features: Small but stunning, this compact study features the bright white and blonde wood typical of Scandinavian style, along with a sleek shelf desk with built-in storage to keep the space neat, and make it a pleasure to spend time in. More storage can be found at the back of the room, with a recessed bookshelf taking up next-to-no floor space, but offering a whole lot of functionality.
Track lighting overhead and a desk lamp give anyone using the space moveable task lighting, while the large window allows natural light to flood into the space, much better for the eyes and the mood.
The textured white brick wall at the back of the room brings warmth and character into the design, while keeping the space clean and free of distractions. An easy place to concentrate on what’s in front of you.
Designer: Butget Studio
Office features: Small but stunning, this compact study features the bright white and blonde wood typical of Scandinavian style, along with a sleek shelf desk with built-in storage to keep the space neat, and make it a pleasure to spend time in. More storage can be found at the back of the room, with a recessed bookshelf taking up next-to-no floor space, but offering a whole lot of functionality.
Track lighting overhead and a desk lamp give anyone using the space moveable task lighting, while the large window allows natural light to flood into the space, much better for the eyes and the mood.
The textured white brick wall at the back of the room brings warmth and character into the design, while keeping the space clean and free of distractions. An easy place to concentrate on what’s in front of you.
4. Built-in beauty
Designer: The Local INN:terior
Office features: If a clear, uncluttered office is everything you dream of when you picture your ideal work area, this is the space for you. While the streamlined desk is a freestanding piece, its innovative storage options are built-in, with a multitude of hatches and holes for storing pens, paper, books, electronic devices, cables and more. These nifty nooks even feature cutouts rather than handles, to keep the desk surface completely smooth and 100 per cent useable.
Overhead cupboards provide even more space for stuff, as well as small contrasting timber display niches for sentimental or artistic arrangements to keep you inspired throughout the day, or offer momentary distraction when a break is needed.
Designer: The Local INN:terior
Office features: If a clear, uncluttered office is everything you dream of when you picture your ideal work area, this is the space for you. While the streamlined desk is a freestanding piece, its innovative storage options are built-in, with a multitude of hatches and holes for storing pens, paper, books, electronic devices, cables and more. These nifty nooks even feature cutouts rather than handles, to keep the desk surface completely smooth and 100 per cent useable.
Overhead cupboards provide even more space for stuff, as well as small contrasting timber display niches for sentimental or artistic arrangements to keep you inspired throughout the day, or offer momentary distraction when a break is needed.
Nearby floor-to-ceiling windows provide natural illumination during the day, but are screened to avoid glare, and to minimise distractions from the outside world when the utmost concentration is required.
Downlights in the bulkhead above keep the work area well lit when the blinds are closed and in the evenings, and help to differentiate this space from the adjoining living area. However, as the desk is freestanding and completely self-contained, the study can easily be packed up and moved out of the way, should extra space be required.
Downlights in the bulkhead above keep the work area well lit when the blinds are closed and in the evenings, and help to differentiate this space from the adjoining living area. However, as the desk is freestanding and completely self-contained, the study can easily be packed up and moved out of the way, should extra space be required.
5. Slimline storage
Designer: Ban Yew Timber & Renovation Construction
Office features: A simple set-up, but an effective one. This striking desk looks to be little more than a shelf on legs, but the deep space beneath the computer monitor actually houses an integrated drawer, while the other side of the desk has a much slimmer profile. This gives the desk surface an uncluttered appearance, while extra bits and pieces can be stored within easy reach in the narrow niche on the left. Just as importantly, the handily located power point beside the desk enables not only the use of the computer, but can also charge essential devices, as well as an additional light source such as a small desk lamp, as they’re needed.
Designer: Ban Yew Timber & Renovation Construction
Office features: A simple set-up, but an effective one. This striking desk looks to be little more than a shelf on legs, but the deep space beneath the computer monitor actually houses an integrated drawer, while the other side of the desk has a much slimmer profile. This gives the desk surface an uncluttered appearance, while extra bits and pieces can be stored within easy reach in the narrow niche on the left. Just as importantly, the handily located power point beside the desk enables not only the use of the computer, but can also charge essential devices, as well as an additional light source such as a small desk lamp, as they’re needed.
The bright study space is also home to a bank of wardrobe storage, making it that much easier for the occupant to decide what to wear to work every morning…
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What are your essential requirements for working from home? Share them with us in the Comments below.
MORE
Browse more inspirational home offices
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Designer: Prestige Global Designs
Office features: This striking space is the perfect set-up for a duo of telecommuters, with each partner having plenty of work space to themselves (especially with that side return on the desk). A built-in bank of storage overhead provides ample space to keep books, files, stationery supplies and more, ensuring that everything needed throughout the day can be easily found, and that the desk stays clear and the room uncluttered at all times.
For much needed breaks from screen and phone, this study also includes a squishy sofa for either occupant to stretch out on when necessary. This is exceptionally useful, whether they’re just taking a quick break to rest their eyes, or indulging in a session of staring out at that amazing view beyond the sliding glass.
And speaking of all that glass, another great feature of this home office is that light and air are free to flow inside throughout the day, keeping eyes sharp, minds fresh and workers properly motivated by the comfortably conducive atmosphere.