home office decor – The Interiors Addict

Paint: the cheaper, easier way to refresh your home office

With most of us spending more time working from home than ever before, there has never been a better time to show your workspace some love. “Your study should be a space of calm and concentration, but most importantly somewhere you actually enjoy spending time,” says Andrea Lucena-Orr, Dulux colour and communications manager.

“We all need different things from our study/home office, depending on the type of work we do – you may want it be a serene spot where you won’t get distracted, or an energising and uplifting one that inspires creativity,” Andrea explains. “This is where colour comes in; if your study is drab and lifeless, a lick of paint is the fastest, cheapest and most effective way to switch up the mood and make it a space you’ll love.”

To show you just how easily it’s done, stylist Julia Green has used colours from the Dulux Colour Forecast 2021 to style three different study areas.

“Who amongst us hasn’t worried about their workspace not being camera-ready when it’s time for that video conference call?” Julia asks. “Fortunately, you don’t need a big budget or lots of time to add style to this space.”

Andrea adds: “Colour can be used in clever ways too. For example, if you don’t have room for a separate study and want to delineate a study nook within an open-plan room, simply choose tones for your nook that are different to, however harmonise with, the palette in the adjoining living/dining areas. You can then use folding screens to tuck your workspace away when it’s time to switch off.”

Whilst the three looks Julia created are all very different, she kept certain elements consistent throughout. “With each look, we fully committed to the colour palette, carrying it through from the walls and artwork to décor items, in order to give it a curated and intentional feel,” she explains.

“Natural light is important for wellbeing, so we used soft sheers on the window that let in filtered light. We added a statement artwork to each look – this anchored the desk set-ups and gave the user something beautiful to look at. Touches of greenery help clean the air and provide that all-important connection to nature.”

Design 1: Inspiration station

Colours: Dulux Aura and Natural White | Art: Charlotte Taylor via Greenhouse Interiors

For the first look (above), Julia took her cues from the Reset palette and painted the walls a soft grey-mauve, and the ceiling a warm white. These were combined with pink clay and punches of terracotta in artwork and accessories. “These colours will brighten your outlook without being a distraction – the perfect tones to surround yourself with if you’re in the business of ideas,” says Julia.

Design 2: Serene study spot

Colours: Dulux Five Fingers Peninsula and Whisper White | Art: Georgie Wilson via Greenhouse Interiors

When it came to the second scheme, Julia looked to the calming colours in the Retreat palette. She made a feature of the back wall by painting it a rich, oceanic blue, paired with a warm white on the ceiling. “Bold colour contrasts generally energise a room, but there’s a lovely muddiness to this blue that makes it feel tranquil and relaxed. It’s a classic scheme that would work beautifully in a traditional or contemporary home,” she says.

Design 3: Cosy workspace

Colours: Dulux Morrocco Tan and White Exchange Half | Artwork: Leah Bartholomew via Greenhouse Interiors

For the third scheme, Julia layered earthy neutrals from the Nourish palette for a look that speaks of warmth and comfort. The earthy hue of the wall combine with tonal shades of tan and clay in the artwork, rug, and furniture. Woven detailing in the rattan screen and desk chair add texture.

“We all respond so differently to colour – the key is finding the hues that speak to you and then having the courage to pick up that paint brush,” Andrea explains. “Like anything, it can feel daunting the first time, but chances are once you start your colour journey, you’ll never look back.”

Julia’s study styling tips

Consider mood: Choose colours to suit the mood you want to create. Warm tones will create a cosy, nurturing feel, while brighter hues are energising and inspiring – ideal for creative thinking.

Personalise: Family photographs and mementos from your travels can add character to your study and make it feel more welcoming.

Buy quality: A comfortable and supportive office chair and an adjustable desk lamp that allows you to see what you’re typing or writing are must-haves for a home office.

Greenery: Add plants or fresh flowers to purify the air and provide a connection to nature.

For more information.

Photography: Armelle Habib | Styling: Julia Green

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Home office ideas: tips for a stylish and productive space

Sponsored by Metricon

Home offices used to be a nice-to-have and these days, in the wake of the pandemic, they’re more of a must-have! And if you ask me, one of the main benefits of working from home is your space can be a lot more stylish than corporate! But the same practicalities, like storage and ergonomics, apply. This week, I hopped into Metricon’s free online Masterclass on the topic and I’m here to share all the top tips I picked up.

Metricon’s design manager, Ricky D’Alesio, and senior interior designer, Jacinta Evans, had so much to share, whether you’re renovating, building a new home, converting a different room into a work space or wanting to create an office nook in some unused space.

As home builders, Metricon naturally need to keep on top of what people want in their homes and Ricky explained home offices are now top of the list. “Having the right space to be able to be productive when working from home is so important,” he said. “Although people tend to gravitate towards the dining table, it’s probably not the right spot! That separation between work and home is very important. You want a spot which is quiet and away from disruptions so you should avoid being in high traffic area.” As a mum often working from home with two young kids (even with a nanny here) I most definitely concur!

Even better if your space has a door you can close or a screen. And Ricky said Metricon customers were keen on office spaces at the front of their houses so if people do have to come and visit you on business, they don’t have to walk through your entire home. And natural light, if possible, should always be in plentiful supply.

Jacinta suggests having an outlook to the garden and some greenery can be lovely if you can manage this, or even the sound of a trickling water feature. Sounds heavenly! She also touched on the topic of work/life separation. “If you’re always looking around from your desk at other things that need doing, it will affect your productivity. Try and keep your desk clean and tidy and only use that space for work.” That said, an office nook could do double duty as a dressing table at weekends, perhaps if you only work from home occasionally.

Measurements are also important. Ricky suggests deciding at the outset the size of the space or nook depending on how many people will use it and how often. The desk, built in or not, should be at least 600mm deep, and you should ensure you have ample storage. A combination of shelving for books and decor, and cupboards or drawers for unsightly things like printers, is best. Wall mount your computer screen if you can for a more streamlined look and less clutter.

You of course have the option of everything from professional custom joinery (the best, most expensive and most permanent option) to storage cubes and baskets from the high street and everything in between, depending on your budget and needs.

Other great tips include thinking about cables, where your powerpoints will be and if there’s enough of them, and proximity to wifi.

And let’s not forget ergonomics! Although this word often conjures up images of ugly adjustable office chairs, the design of these has (thankfully!) come a long way and there are now a lot of options which tick both the style and comfort boxes. Your back will thank you for it!

To add the finishing decorative touches to your work space (and if you can, why wouldn’t you?!), Jacinta suggest indoor plants, wallpaper (even just on the desk wall), personal photographs and mementoes. And last but not least, while natural light is the ideal, you’ll often still need a task light to work by.

Right, I’m off to completely re-jig my space, stop crossing my legs at my desk and invest in a chair with wheels! If you’d like to learn more, you can sign up for Metricon’s next online Masterclass on kitchen design this coming Tuesday and you’ll later get access to the replays of all the masterclasses.

Metricon has been exploring new ways to deliver seminars and Masterclasses to their customers, bringing events into your home so that you can stay educated from the comfort of home.

Find out more and register