With the rise of remote work, having a functional and inspiring home office has become more important than ever. Whether you're converting a spare room or setting up an office pod in your garden, creating the right workspace can make all the difference in your productivity and wellbeing. From staying organised to choosing ergonomic furniture, there’s no shortage of ideas to help you design a home office that suits your needs and style. In this blog, we’ll share our 10 top tips to help you create a workspace that inspires focus and makes working from home a breeze!
Here are our top 10 tips for working from your home office to help you maximise your space, comfort and workday efficiency...
1. Choose the right home office space
A good homeworking space begins with the right location. Ideally, your home office or garden office should be a quiet space away from any distractions. For some people, converting a spare bedroom into a home office is a great way to adapt their existing space. However, if indoor space is limited or there’s distractions inside the house such as noisy family members or pets, an insulated garden office or outdoor office is an effective solution. For many, this may mean choosing a spot at the end of the garden or an unused corner of your outdoor area and creating a dedicated area for focus and productivity.
2. Get comfortable with ergonomic furniture
There’s nothing worse than finishing a day of work with aches and pains! Invest in your own comfort with an ergonomic desk and chair set up to suit your height. Ergonomic furniture supports both comfort and productivity, as it’s designed to provide optimal support to keep your body in an ideal posture, preventing strain on your back and neck. You can also get an affordable ergonomic cushion and footrest to maximise your support. You’ll stay productive for longer with no niggling pains getting in the way of your work.
If you like to break the monotony of sitting down all day when working from home, why not invest in an adjustable standing desk (also called a sit stand desk) for your home office? They offer a number of health and wellbeing benefits. The main thing to remember is that this is your garden office, your comfort!
Not sure where to start when looking for ergonomic furniture for your home office? Here are a few of our recommendations:
3. Get organised
We can all agree that a tidy desk equals a tidy mind! If your work from home space is cluttered and chaotic, it’s time to get organised and create a space fit for maximum productivity. Start by clearing out any unnecessary items which detract from your ideal home-working environment. Once you've decluttered, think about how you want your workspace to function. Investing in practical storage solutions is key to keeping everything in its place. Places like B&M, Wilko, or The Range offer a wide variety of affordable organisers, desk trays, and storage boxes to help you maintain order without breaking the bank. Even small additions like drawer dividers, pen holders, or stackable storage bins can make a big difference.
For a more creative approach, check out Pinterest for inspiration on DIY organisational hacks. You could repurpose items like jars for stationery or baskets for files. These little touches not only help with tidiness but can also add a personalised and stylish feel to your workspace.
4. Find the right light
Having good lighting is essential when working from your home office. Natural light is best, so we advise that you position your desk near a window. If natural lighting isn’t an option or you’re working through the winter months when daylight is limited, be sure to invest in some lighting for your home workspace. A warm LED desk lamp is a good choice, as warm light can help to reduce eye strain during long working hours. Many desk lamps offer options to adjust the brightness setting too, so you can find a light level that’s perfect for you in your own home office.
5. Personalise your workspace
Your home office should inspire you and keep you motivated and focused throughout the day. This is your workspace, so add a touch of you and create a home office which is uniquely yours! Adding your favourite artwork or motivational quotes that will keep you going will go a long way. We would always recommend adding a pop of green to your workspace with some small desk plants or office plants too. Not only are plants aesthetically pleasing and can boost air quality, having plants in your home office offers a range of wellbeing benefits, such as decreasing stress and anxiety levels.
Be sure to check out Pinterest for DIY home office decor ideas. You'll be able to find inspiration for smart storage solutions, office gallery walls, upcycled home office furniture, and so much more!
6. Establish boundaries
A common challenge of working from home is maintaining a good work-life balance. For many working from a home office, there is less of a distinction between 'home' and 'work', and the lines can often become blurred. When working remotely from home, it's important to set clear boundaries both with yourself and your loved ones. Start by being specific about your working hours and communicate them to your family members.
Investing in a garden office or outdoor office is a great way to physically separate your workspace from your living space. You will feel like you're leaving work at the end of the day and can return to your home space inside the house, maintaining a stronger distinction between the two. For smaller gardens, office pods or small garden offices are great options for creating a quality home office where outdoor space is limited.
7. Check your tech
Now more and more meetings take place digitally, it's important to equip your home office with the right tech. A successful home office set up requires reliable technology, like high-speed internet for lag-free video calls and speedy downloads, or perhaps noise-cancelling headphones for when household distractions can't be avoided. A top tip would be to consider investing in dual monitors so you can multitask with ease, especially if your work involves data and spreadsheets!
8. Optimise for all seasons
If your workspace is in an outdoor office, it’s crucial to consider seasonal comfort. An insulated garden office ensures warmth in winter and keeps you cool during the summer. Adding portable heaters, fans, or air conditioning units can further enhance the space. Choose materials and furniture designed for longevity, especially if you’re working in a garden office.
P.S.. our bespoke garden offices at Cabin Master are lined, insulated, and expertly tailored for year-round use! Ensure your productivity never has to pause, no matter the weather.
9. Incorporate break zones
When working remotely from home, taking regular breaks is key to staying productive. Set up a comfortable area within your home office or garden office for quick breaks. Think a cosy chair with a side table for coffee or perhaps a yoga mat for some quick stretching to get the blood flowing and relieve any stiffness from prolonged sitting. You could even keep a few inspiring books or magazines nearby to help you reset your mind during short breaks.
For outdoor setups, consider adding a small patio space outside your garden office for a breath of fresh air. It's a good idea to get up and have a little walk around your garden. Even a 5 minute break outdoors can rejuvenate your mind and improve focus. Tackle those big projects or time-consuming tasks with a clear head!
10. Stay inspired and flexible
Your home office should evolve with your needs. Be open to rearranging furniture, adding new elements, or trying different layouts. Use inspiration from platforms like Pinterest or Instagram to keep your workspace fresh and inviting. Modular furniture options from brands like IKEA can make this process easy and affordable.
Why choose a Garden Office?
If you’re serious about creating the ultimate workspace, consider moving your office to the garden. A home office in the garden offers a level of peace and privacy that's hard to achieve inside a busy home. At Cabin Master, we design, manufacture and install insulated garden offices tailored to your needs, whether you’re looking for a space for video conferencing, creative work, or simply uninterrupted focus. A well-designed home office is essential for work from home success. By choosing the right furniture, lighting and organisation options, you can create a space that supports your overall goals and boosts productivity.
Check out our work from home page for further ideas and transform your workspace into a place you’ll love to spend time in. Your workday will thank you for it! Make the move to a garden office and enjoy a workspace that not only meets your needs but also inspires your best work, every day.
Garden Office Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need planning permission for a home office?
In most cases, garden offices don’t require planning permission. However, this depends on the size and location of the build. Our team can guide you through this process.
- How long does it take to build a garden office? On average, a garden office can be built within a few weeks, depending on the design and specifications.
- Can I customise my home office? Absolutely! All of our home offices / garden offices are fully customisable to meet your preferences and needs.
