The average person will spend 90,000 hours of their life at work – that’s a third of our adult life!

Today, many start-ups opt for cool, unique office spaces to make the most of those crucial hours. From creative, vibrant offices with large open spaces and plenty of natural light, to brightly coloured cosy living-room vibes, roof decks, and breath-taking views, there are plenty of decor ideas those who work from home can take from famed start-ups when it comes home office design. All it takes is a few simple tricks.

Here are our top 3 office design ideas to help you recreate lively “start-up vibes” at home – and turn a boring home office into a stunning space that will inspire you to be more productive.

 

Tip #1: let there be light...

Today, research surrounding the health benefits of access to natural light are causing many businesses to re-imagine their workspace. In fact, a recent piece published in the Harvard Business Review cites access to natural light as the number one attribute employees crave in their workplace environment, with 47% of workers linking increased levels of tiredness to the absence of natural light or access to a window. This is because natural light significantly improves our health and wellness.

What’s more, a 2017 study published by the National Sleep Foundation reveals that workers who are exposed to high levels of natural light in offices have better quality sleep compared to those deprived of it (which in turn also impacts our mood and stress levels). The effects of access to good quality lighting transcends the four-walls of offices. Having access to plenty of it means we are not only able to improve our levels of work productivity, but are overall happier.

 

What to do:

• Position your desk for natural light

To freshen up your workspace, position your desk in a place where you can let natural light stream in, whether from small or large windows, or skylights. To maximise the benefits, it’s best to have light pouring from in front of you to facilitate your view of the outdoors while avoiding any annoying glares on your screen. For computer work especially, an adjustable desk lamp can also direct light exactly where you need it.

 

• Manage your lighting in low-light areas

For windowless offices, you can take advantage of task lighting to create a bright, illuminated area without fatiguing your eyes. Make sure to avoid working under the direct glare of overhead lights: you can easily diffuse ambient light with lampshades that can scatter harsh light, while floor lamps can also bounce light off of walls and ceilings to illuminate and liven up your work area. Decorative and accent features such as stylish pendant lights can additionally create a more visually appealing space for you to focus in.

 

Tip #2: Bring the outdoors in

There is now increased focus of biophilic office design (incorporating natural elements into built environments) founded on growing scientific understanding of the positive impact of green space and nature on mental health in particular.

Biophilic design is not a new phenomenon: it has a longstanding history, stemming back to ancient history and classical times, from papyrus ponds in Egypt to the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.

Over the years, many studies – including research carried out by the World Green Building Council – have linked quality of office design to the health, wellbeing and productivity of its occupants.

 

What to do:

 

Embrace nature...

• Nature as a feature

When it comes to home office design, however – and smaller home offices – an easier (and more attractive) way to do this is by adding greenery.

Try bringing elements of the outdoors in: use flowers and indoor plants to add some life to your home office. You can seamlessly incorporate them as part of your décor to stimulate creativity, for example by using unique green walls, moss walls, and nature-inspired art pieces (especially in the absence of any exciting nature views).

Choose a selection of indoor potted plants to dot in and around your office furniture, on shelves, cabinets and tables. Add some floor standing plants and make use of different heights and textures for variety.

 

• Nature for your wellbeing

Exposure to plants and flowers also nourishes a sense of our well-being – linking back, from an evolutionary perspective, to human origin on the African savanna – bursting with open grasslands, scattered trees and woodlands. Thus, research has shown that people viewing a natural landscape report feelings of tranquility, peacefulness, or relaxation.

A UK based study entitled ‘The Relative Benefits of Green versus Lean Office Space’ reported enhanced outcomes in levels of productivity in offices enriched by plants.

 

• Air your workspace

Fresh air is one of these crucial elements: in fact, an 11% increase in productivity can be attributed simply to increased fresh air and ventilation rates in the workplace. Open windows and effective air filtration systems all have an impact on this - especially in a small office.

Equally, plants can assist here too. While the benefits of plants are primarily limited to their psychological and aesthetic values in home office décor, there is also evidence that point to the major role they play in the removal of pollutants from the air: and therefore the benefit of certain plants on indoor air quality.

 

Tip #3: Use colour

Lastly, colourful, vibrant spaces have become emblematic of start-ups – due to their fervent links with creativity. In fact, many studies show the significant influence of colour on work environment: impacting everything from mood, emotion, wellbeing, and performance. The psychology of colour is an important part of home office design. The colour green, for instance, has been shown to facilitate creativity performance. 

 

What to do:

Use warm colours that compliment any greenery to liven and accent your home office. Yellow in particular (with its inextricable associations with warmth and sunshine) has long been linked with positivity, creativity and happiness. Few colours are capable of bringing the same levels of excitement and cheerfulness.

 

Tech giants like Amazon are making great headway when it comes to innovative office ideas and considering the outdoors in their interior design , with the company’s Seattle-based headquarters (‘The Spheres’) famously brimming with greenery: from dramatic glass-domed green houses, to waterfalls, a river, and a four-story tall living wall – all to spark creativity. That said, the average home worker or can achieve these effects through much simpler means …

 

For more work space inspiration, take a look at our brand new ‘Cosy’ range of home office supplies and ideas.