Unused studies, empty children's rooms and spare spaces can all be turned into functional and fashionable home offices. With more and more flexible workplaces offering employees the chance to work from home, homeowners are looking to update areas in the house to act as in-home offices.
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 cool light blue like Resene Waterfront 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.
A wall or smaller space coated in Resene Blackboard Paint or Resene Write-On Wall Paint can be especially useful in more creative home offices, encouraging workers to utilise wallspace 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 he or she is comfortable.
Foot rests and ergonomic mouse and wrist pads can also help to make the home office a more comfortable place.
Privacy
If the office will be a resident's predominant place of work, it should be designed to reflect that. An open plan space often won't work in the home office, especially if someone is trying to work while other people are at home. If more than one person will be sharing the home office, measures also need to be put in place to designate specific areas for each person.
The office should have a door and be relatively soundproof in order to prevent external distractions. Internet and phone access are also vital for most at-home workers, along with the ability to block out these technologies when it's time to do uninterrupted work.
Get inspired ! 
