How to make your home desk work for you

Half of the UK workforce is expected to be working remotely by 2020, but how efficient they will be depends largely on the space they operate in

The trick is to create an inspiring space that promotes productivity and creativity (String)

With more and more people opting for flexible working or freelance careers, the home office is becoming something of a necessity in British homes.

Emma Gannon, author of the must-read The Multi-Hyphen Method, is a true pioneer of flexi-working and self-designed, bespoke careers. She told The Sunday Times, “On my day off I found I was extremely productive, because I was designing that day myself.”

According to interiors experts, the trick to designing the perfect home office is to create an inspiring space, promoting productivity and creativity for your side-hustle or start-up. Here are some tips to create a dream home office, while you design your own day.

The first stop is stationery, where brands are raising the bar in terms of their design credentials. Taymoor Atighetchi founded Papier in 2015, offering a curated collection of notebooks, letter paper, greeting cards and invitations designed by artists, and with options for personalisation.

The Papier business model is grounded in an evident respect for art and design, conveyed in the brand’s recent collaborations with the likes of Luke Edward Hall and the V&A.

A love of art, design, words and paper sit at the heart of Papier (Papier)

Atighetchi, whose family name directly translates to “art dealer” in Persian, began his career on the Portobello Road as the market’s youngest antique dealer. Years later, Papier came to life, working with leading artists, illustrators and graphic designers, to transform the look of your desk space.

Of course, one of the most important aspects of a home office is a desk that looks great in the space. Iconic Scandi shelving brand String has added to its collection of home storage, introducing the String Works collection.

Effective task lighting is vital for home offices (Vita Copenhagen)

The range includes adjustable desks and wire “screens” for pinning up important notes and reminders, and smooth pull-out drawers to keep clutter hidden, making sure your workspace is always Insta-ready.

Any interior designer will tell you that good lighting is vital to any space, whether it’s the mood or task variety. Task lighting is particularly important for home offices to make sure there is adequate light in the areas of the room that need it most.

Designing the day means maximum productivity (Brintons)

Desk lamps are an obvious go-to, and provide a great platform for styling with little pot-plants or ornaments. Rosanna Lonsdale is a great place to source lamps with a unique and quirky feel.

However, if you struggle for desk space in a flat or studio, Vita Copenhagen has a vast offering of pendant lights with task lighting options.

The Shade, for example, is an interpretation of the classic Edison bulb, complete with a felt “cap” with which you can direct the light to different areas of the space.

Last but certainly not least, working from home absolutely requires a beautiful mug. If not to celebrate the decision to take up Gannon-style flexi-working, this mug will see you smoothly through the working day.

Burleigh Pottery has just launched a colourful new collection of mugs in celebration of the 50th anniversary of one of its original designs, Calico.

The colours breathe new life into the iconic blue and white designs that the pottery has become known for, and their classic style and contemporary colours will make Monday morning all the more bearable.