WFH - Without Living in The Office
Over the past few years, working from home has gone from novelty to normal. For some, it’s a couple of days a week at the dining table (me). For others, it’s a full-time arrangement squeezed somewhere between school bags, laundry baskets and the dog (who insists on attending every Zoom call).
The challenge? Creating a space that feels purposeful and productive without permanently sacrificing family areas, as well as fitting in with your home’s design aesthetic.
Not every home has the luxury of a dedicated office, but with a little intention, most homes can support good work habits without feeling like a co-working space has landed in the lounge. So, if you’ve been serching for some home office hacks or inspiration, look no further…
01 - Define The Zone (even if it’s temporary)
Just like we talk about zoning living spaces with rugs, the same principle applies to working from home. A small desk tucked into a corner can feel far more intentional if it has its own visual boundary, a rug, a slimline bookshelf behind it, or even a change in lighting. A wall-mounted sconce or small table lamp signals “this is the work zone” without needing a whole new room.
This can also be achieved with colour and texture. Consider giving your WFH space its own distinct colour palette, one that complements the rest of your home, but also clearly stands apart as a seperate zone. This is also a great way to have a little fun with a bold pop of colour or a unique texture, making your work from home space somewhere you look forward to spending time in.
02 - Storage Is Everything
If your office disappears at 5pm, storage is the hero. The key is reducing visual clutter so that family time doesn’t feel like an extension of the workday. There are so many clever storage solutions out there that can be tucked away at the end of the day, as well as some truly beautiful and aesthetically pleasing options that can become a functional part of your home decor. Consider:
Ottomans with hidden storage for laptops and chargers
A slim console with deep drawers rather than open shelving
Decorative boxes that look intentional but hide paperwork
A lidded basket that slides neatly under a desk
Stackable crates with funky pops of colour that can sit on a bookshelf
When everything has a home, packing down becomes a two-minute job rather than a 20 minute resentment builder.
03 - Multi-Functional Furniture Wins Everytime
We’re big fans of pieces that work harder than they need to.
A drop-leaf dining table can expand for family dinners and contract to desk size during the day. A wall-mounted fold-down desk can disappear entirely when not in use. Even a vintage writing desk can be a cost effective and space saving hero, whilst adding a pop of unique character charm to your space.
The trick is choosing furniture that suits the room first, and the work function second, so it never feels like a compromise.
04 - Look Up, Not Out
When floor space is tight, go vertical. Floating shelves above a desk area provide storage without eating into precious square metres. Pegboards are making a quiet comeback and can look surprisingly stylish when kept minimal. Wall mounted shelves with doors that can hide away work clutter at the end of the day are also an excellent solution. Hooks, rails and vertical filing solutions keep surfaces clear because clear surfaces = clear minds.
05 - Keep It Beautiful (because it matters)
One thing we’ve learnt from years of staging homes is that presentation changes how you feel in a space. The same applies to your work nook. Add one or two thoughtful touches:
A plant (real if possible, they soften everything)
A framed print that inspires you
A pinboard covered with inspirational quotes and images
A comfortable, aesthetically pleasing chair
A funky desk or standing lamp
Working from home doesn’t need to mean living at work. With clever storage, flexible furniture and a little design intention, even the smallest corner can support productivity during the day and gently disappear again by evening.
And if your current home simply can’t stretch that far…well, you know who to call!