If you’re among the growing number of people who work from home, it means you have the opportunity to make all the decisions about the layout and design of your workspace. You don’t have to fork out a big budget to optimise the space you have; even little changes can make you happier and more productive.

Lighting

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In an office, dim lighting is a no-no. You need proper lighting so you don’t strain your eyes and to keep your mood bright. Choose wisely between spot lights, tube lights, chandeliers and so on, but also keep in mind that you’ll want plenty of natural light. If possible, choose a room with a large window or sliding doors as your office space.

Seating

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A real advantage of working from a home office is that you can get yourself an office chair that suits you perfectly. Pick a chair that’s ergonomically designed to provide proper support for your back and that will let you move naturally during the day. Whether you want a netback for the ultimate in comfort or a leather-upholstered executive chair for luxury, it’s worth splashing out on a seat that will keep you happy at your desk.

Desks

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If you’re in a small home office, it’s important to use the space you have wisely. A desk is one of the biggest space consumers in an office, so choose one that’s reasonably compact – ideally with shelves, drawers and cubbies that provide extra storage space for other items.

Colour

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Although it’s not a good idea to go with garish colours, it’s also important not to pick a colour that’s too dull or dark, or your office space will seem smaller than it actually is. A good bet is always to go with a neutral or pastel colour, not dull, but not so bright that it’s distracting. If you’re feeling inspired, you could even paint a mural on your office wall, perhaps with your brand’s colours or logo.

Plants

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Bring some life and colour into your office with potted plants. Plants have a calming effect, as well as adding aesthetic appeal – so whether you have space for just one small potted fern or an entire window sill filled with a variety of flowers, it’s a good idea to add some green to your office space.

Other tips

In a home office, the space is yours and yours alone, so there’s no limit on how far you can customize your setup. You could put up a pinboard for reminders, make a comfortable work spot with cushions on the floor for times when you want to spread documents out and set up a kettle and coffee cups just where you want them. To help keep your workspace tidy, you can make use of items you already have in the home. For example, you can use attractive, matching cups to store small stationery items and Tupperware containers or even decorated shoe boxes to store cables and other loose items.