Modern home office ideas should not only look super stylish but they also need to be spaces that encourage productivity and focus. Take a look at these brilliant examples that will make working from home a pleasure
The increase in people working from home has meant modern home office ideas are now more sought after than ever, with homeowners keen to ensure their home office design not only works on a practical level, but also that it results in a space that they look forward to spending time in.
Working from home can become stressful without a well-equipped and dedicated room to do so, but with a little planning it should be possible to create a space that allows you to separate your work and home life, no matter how much floorspace you have available.
We've gathered together some of the best modern home office ideas here, to ensure that you look forward to your working day. These examples include everything from self-contained work spaces to those that are incorporated into other areas of the home.
What are modern home office ideas?
Home office ideas come in all kinds of shapes, sizes and styles – but what makes modern home office ideas different from any others?
One of the main characteristics of modern work spaces is that they often need to perform several functions, perhaps being capable of holding two people working at once. They are also commonly required as space for children to do homework, or they might double up as a guest bedroom in some cases.
Where space is really tight, it is often necessary to carve home office space out of another room and design it in such a way that it can be hidden away or closed off at the end of the day.
Then there is the rise of the garden home office to consider – a dedicated work space away form the main house can make it easier to achieve a good work life balance in many cases.
1. Encourage focus with a minimalist approach
Exposed brick and a concrete-effect tile have been used to keep this space simple(Image credit: www.siobhandoran.com)
For many people, simple, unfussy surroundings are key to a productive workspace, meaning less distraction and more focus.
In this room, a very functional feel has been achieved through the use of stripped-back materials, such as the exposed brick and concrete-effect flooring. Thanks to the corner window and bright pop of yellow from the office furniture, the space avoids seeming too sparse or clinical.
2. Put your landing to good use
The only negative (if you can call it that) of this home office is the beautiful view, which could be a little distracting(Image credit: Simon Maxwell)
After some landing ideas that will ensure this circulation space is put to good use? A landing can actually make the perfect spot for a home office – away from the hustle and bustle of everyday activities and often allowing for some great elevated views of outdoors too.
A simple, yet highly effective, approach has been taken towards this landing home office, with a 'floating' desk that spans its width being positioned directly in front of an expanse of glazing.
3. Turn a wasted alcove into a productive spot
Fitting an alcove with a simple desk and floating shelving will give you an instant work-from-home space(Image credit: Furniture and Choice)
There are lots of brilliant fireplace alcove ideas around, but using this flexible space as a home office has to be one of the best.
As the office will be part of one of the main spaces in your home, ensure that you think through its decor carefully so that it ties in with the rest of your interior scheme.
"In SS24, the home office is set to embrace a soothing and contemporary aesthetic with the rise of soft warm greys," says Kate Palmer creative director at The Painted Furniture Company. "This trend is gaining popularity for several reasons. Firstly, soft warm greys create a calming and focused atmosphere, ideal for productivity and concentration. When complemented with contemporary white painted furniture, the combination exudes a clean and modern elegance, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the workspace."
Kate Palmer
Kate Palmer is the creative director at The Painted Furniture Company, a company renowned for its support of British design and manufacturing. With a background in fashion design and passion for colour and interiors, Kate has helped many customers to achieve the exact look they desired for their home. From helping them find the right style for their space, to selecting the perfect colour, Kate is always on hand to help advise and find the best solution.
4. Enjoy a multifunctional office with fitted furniture
Taking a customised approach to your office furniture will mean you have a place for everything(Image credit: Neville Johnson)
Taking a bespoke approach to home office design is the perfect way to ensure you end up with a space that is perfectly tailored to your specific requirements, whether that means including some built-in desk ideas or incorporating seating for visitors. By thinking through how you want to work in the room, the equipment you will require and the items you will want to keep in there, you can expect an office that delivers everything you need.
“Consider open shelving to display prints, books, ornaments or perhaps trailing plants to provide a modern influence," suggests Simon Tcherniak, senior designer at Neville Johnson.
This office, designed by Neville Johnson, feels professional yet full of individuality.
5. Shut your office away at the end of the day
Creating a 'home office in a cupboard' is a brilliant way to ensure that you can switch off when not working(Image credit: Dunelm)
It can be hard to separate your professional and home life when working from home and it is difficult to switch off when work-related items are in still in view at the end of the day.
For this reason, it is really important that your home office can be completely closed down when you don't need it.
This clever small home office idea, featuring a range of furniture and storage from Dunelm, has doors that allow it to be shut off when not in use.
6. Keep things fresh and modern with paler shades
In this smart home office, furniture from The Painted Furniture Company has been teamed with soft pink walls and a pale herringbone floor(Image credit: The Painted Furniture Company)
A modern home office should feel refreshing and grounding if you want it to be a space that keeps you feeling alert and focussed – and the colours you choose to use in this room really will have an effect on this, as can the background materials you use for your flooring.
"Pairing greys with natural elements, such as pale wooden flooring, adds warmth and a touch of nature to the environment," advises Kate Palmer. "This harmonious blend of modern neutrals and organic textures not only promotes a visually appealing workspace but also contributes to a sense of balance and wellbeing.
"It also establishes a neutral canvas for personalisation – whether that be bursts of colour, displaying artwork, or incorporating greenery, this trend enables personal expression without compromising the overall cohesive and stylish aesthetic."
7. Build a work and play room in the garden
A garden office makes it easy to keep your work and home life separate(Image credit: Green Retreats)
If you have the space – and if your budget allows – garden office ideas should definitely be something you are considering if you want a modern work space that allows you to totally separate work and play.
This garden office, the G4, from Green Retreats, has been paired with a sheltered hot tub – the perfect way to wind down after a hard day's slog.
8. Use a neutral colour scheme for a calm space
Warm neutrals and subtle panelling provide an updated classic office look in this space(Image credit: ILIV)
For the same reason neutral living room ideas are so popular, so too are these shades the perfect choice for a space that feels calming and free from distraction – they also make the ideal backdrop for adding in personal touches.
"Creating a home office space that feels both personalised and practical needn’t be a difficult task," reassures Simon Tcherniak. "While more traditional home offices of years gone by will have featured dark woods and striking solid walnut desks, a more contemporary approach will be light, airy and stylish."
In this space, from ILIV, warm neutrals on the walls have been combined with open shelving displaying personal items.
Simon Tcherniak
Simon Tcherniak is an award-winning senior furniture designer at Neville Johnson, renowned for his talent and passion for furniture design with over 16 years’ experience. With a background in both cabinet making and sales, Simon enjoys working closely with clients to create beautifully bespoke pieces, every time.
9. Squeeze office space under your stairs
The space under your stairs can be used for so much more than storage(Image credit: Furniture and Choice)
If there is one spot of the house that we all tend to overlook in how useful it can actually be, it has to be under the stairs – yet, with the right design, this is a space that can make the perfect home office and should't only be thought of for under stair storage ideas.
Here, the space has been styled to look like a separate room in its own right, complete with storage. The choice of zingy colour scheme helps to separate the work space from the stairs themselves while the fun decorative choices lend individuality to the area.
10. Surround yourself with personal items
Don't be afraid to express your personality in your home office(Image credit: Juliet Murphy)
It is really nice to include decorative touches in your home office that reflect your personality in some way – and don't shy away from bolder colours in this room either.
"Contrasting colours are big for 2024 and will make a room’s design look both chic and considered," explains Simon Tcherniak. "Dark blue walls or shelves paired with burnt orange accessories or soft furnishings, for example, will certainly make an impact."
This home office brings together both modern and more traditional touches that really help to create a space that is full of character.
FAQs
What kind of lighting is best in a modern home office?
Lighting a home office should be a key consideration right from the beginning of the design process.
"Lighting is a huge factor in designing a contemporary space; natural light is going to be kind on the eyes for anyone working long hours so try to maximise large windows or skylights where possible," advises Simon Tcherniak. "Similarly, mood lighting such as lamps or well-placed lightstrips can turn the space into a welcoming retreat when the evening rolls around."
How do you avoid screen glare in an office with lots of glass?
While a modern home office might look great with huge windows, there is still the practical nature of this room to consider. Natural light is undoubtedly key to fostering a sense of wellbeing, but do bear in mind that you don't want your computer screen to be hard to see because of glare.
To avoid this you should position your monitor or screen so that the windows are to the side. If the window is behind the screen you will suffer from reflections and glare and if there are windows in front you could find yourself blinded by bright sun.
Habitat Alma Office Chair
Habitat's Alma High Back Ergonomic Office Chair not only looks stylish and modern, but it is also perfect for ensuring you feel comfortable and supported while working at your desk.
FLEXISPOT Electric Standing Desk
The FLEXISPOT Comhar EW8M Electric Standing Desk allows you to to switch from sitting to standing in just seconds and combines a maple top with handy storage drawers.
Uwharrie 3 Drawer Filing Cabinet
Keep your office clutter-free with this modern filing cabinet –also available in white. Featuring two smaller top drawers and a large bottom drawer, it is also lockable.
It can be hard to find space for modern home office ideas but there is usually a solution out there. Even heading to our article on Ikea home office ideas could lead to you finding the perfect fit for your home.
Or, if you want something a little bit different and have the ceiling height, why not check out some of these great mezzanine ideas – you might just find you have the room for a work space after all.
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Natasha was Homebuilding & Renovating’s Associate Content Editor and was a member of the Homebuilding team for over two decades. In her role on Homebuilding & Renovating she imparted her knowledge on a wide range of renovation topics, from window condensation to renovating bathrooms, to removing walls and adding an extension. She continues to write for Homebuilding on these topics, and more. An experienced journalist and renovation expert, she also writes for a number of other homes titles, including Homes & Gardens and Ideal Homes. Over the years Natasha has renovated and carried out a side extension to a Victorian terrace. She is currently living in the rural Edwardian cottage she renovated and extended on a largely DIY basis, living on site for the duration of the project.
