Thinking of adding a home office to your humble abode? Cowan Building investigates the top trending home office designs in 2021. From kitchen nooks to the luxury of an entire room we discover what is hot in the world of home offices.

One thing is for sure: COVID-19 has pushed the home office rules to the next level. With so many businesses around the globe now expecting their workers to function at home, gone are the days of blissfully checking emails sitting on the couch or lazing in bed. The home office is fast becoming a staple in many new home designs and renovations.

With any home office, functionality is paramount. Luckily even if you don’t have the luxury of a blank canvas room, you can create the perfect space for your working requirements. Many homes are now transforming unused corners, kitchen spaces, and even hallways to develop a small working space that flows with the home.

For small spaces – or smart spaces as they are commonly being referred to, it’s all about clever design. Using floating desks can keep fresh lines and give the illusion of more space and flow to the area being utilised. Hidden draws and cleverly concealed storage can help the area stay clutter-free and looking great when not in use. This will depend on how much space you have to play with, but with the right advice, any nook and corner can be transformed into a good work area that is not only eye-catching but also highly functional.

Many island benches in kitchens are now being used as a home office space. These can be quickly transformed from the office to the prep area, but the key is smart storage. Having an area, you can quickly and easily stack away your workday - that is also off-limits to any other storage, is paramount. Some homeowners have also extended their island benches to incorporate a small desk on the end – making it a focal point that can also be used for additional seating for meals.

If you do choose to use the island bench as your workspace, consider a good chair. Many of the stools can lead to back issues later down the track, particularly if you are sitting for the majority of the day.

TOP TIPS FOR SMART SPACES

• Think neutral colours – smaller spaces need to be kept light and bright to prevent that boxed-in feel

• Dash of wooden panels can add a focal point and look spectacular

• Keep the same feel as the room

• Don’t forget your charging points and concealing any cords to keep your desk looking clutter-free.

• Get creative – there are oodles of design possibilities on the internet to explore.

Home Office – Luxury 

If you can turn a room into a home office in terms of design, the world is your oyster. Ceiling to floor cabinetry can add height and give the impression the ceiling is taller. Consider display shelves for your prized possessions alongside custom bookshelves and cabinetry. Your desk can now become your focal point, being a stand-alone concept or completely built-in.

Colours can depend on how big the room is. Feature walls or block-coloured cabinetry are current 2021 trends as too light desktops with block colours underneath for storage and filling. A splash of wood can also help soften a room and bring warmth to any space. Say goodbye to the outdated steel filing stations and boring cupboards. Today all the style and integration that was only once privy to kitchens and bathrooms are now available in your stylish new home office.  

The best thing about your home office? It can be a true reflection of your personality without all the constraints a workplace office can have. If you want to be bright and bold, or block colours, or light and bright - the choice is yours. Think about what the space needs to do – keep you focussed? Give you creative inspiration? Or keep you grounded? 

Tech is in high demand in your home office. Check your WIFI is at maximum speed or consider adding a booster to ensure those Zoom meetings go off without a hitch. Again, smart charging points that are concealed into your design can help with reducing clutter from the area. 

Other HOT tips:

• Splash out on a rug that can enhance the space

• Consider a dash of life – a few houseplants

• Concealed whiteboards behind cabinet doors that can easily be seen from your desk

• Invest in a good supportive chair

• Get a shedder