Productivity meets comfort – top interior design duo reveal their five tips to create the ultimate home office

For a home office, function shouldn’t take a backseat to style. The best spaces have the two working in tandem.

A great way to stay comfortable is to invest in a sitting-standing desk, which can help encourage movement and may decrease muscle pain.

“We love the ERGOMAKER Standing Desk,” shares Alisa. “It offers both comfort and style, all in one easy-to-set-up desk.”

Easily adjusted to go from standing to sitting in seconds. The desk can be paired with another ergonomic essential: a footrest, such as the HASHT Premium Office Foot Rest for Under Desk .

“Speaking of function, it’s worth investing in a storage unit, like the Artiss Bookcase Display Shelf Storage Cabinet Stand Home Office Drawers, so that you can keep clutter to a minimum,” suggests Alisa.

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To improve productivity, you’ll need the right tools and the cornerstone of any office is your computer. A great option is the slick Lenovo IdeaPad 3i Chromebook which sits neatly on your desk without taking up too much space.

“After investing in a good computer, you’ll need a few extras to keep yourself on track,” says Lysandra. “I find that using a keyboard and mouse with your laptop helps you work more efficiently .”

The benefit of having a wireless option — like this bluetooth keyboard and the ergonomic mouse— is that your space won’t be cluttered with any cords or chargers.

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Finding the right lighting is another key component in your productivity toolkit.

The hybrid workplace has seen more companies lean into video meetings. From client consults to catchups with colleagues, it’s an expectation that we’ll be jumping onto video calls multiple times every day, so it’s worth making sure that your lighting helps contribute to you being camera-ready.

“There’s no rule that says you have to have a ring light,” says Alisa. “But if you’re calling clients, collaborating with colleagues, or chatting with your boss, a ring light like will ensure that you’re shown in your best light, no matter the weather, time of day or position of your work space.”

The Endurax 10” Selfie Ring Light is a great option if you’re on the hunt for your perfect glow.

Then, for after-hours work, or when you’re burning the midnight oil, you’ll want something a little softer. A desk lamp like the ZeroPlusOne Swing Arm Desk Lamp is ideal for reading, working and studying.

If you end up with family photos next to work documents, or the background sound of kids cartoons while you’re trying to write an important email, it can be tricky to stay focused.

For many, the simplest way is to block out the noise with a pair of noise-canceling headphones. The Sennheiser CX True Wireless Headphones come in white or black, while the Sennheiser Over Ear Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones and Sennheiser MOMENTUM Over Ear Noise Cancelling Headphones offer a padded overhead fit so that you can enjoy all-day comfort.

“Noise cancelling headphones won’t just block out all the noise, but they often also have an in-built microphone so that you can easily speak on video calls without any background noise,” Lysandra explains.

The Amazon Echo Show 5 with Alexa also helps you stay on track amidst the day’s distractions. With Alexa, it’s easy to set reminders and to-do lists with a simple voice command. You can even ask Alexa to read your calendar in the morning to help you get organised and set your priorities amidst other team commitments and meetings.

“I use Alexa to remind me to take breaks – time away from the computer is just as important as time in front of it!” Alisa notes. To set a reminder to stand up and take a moment to recharge, simply say “Alexa, set a reminder at 11am each weekday to take a quick break” (and commit to it!).

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Having an inspiring space to work in is important, so make sure you’re surrounded by the things that bring you joy.

“Filling your space with your favourite books will give your office a nice, welcoming feel, while still keeping things professional,” says Lysandra. “Some of my faves are Elements of Style by Erin Gates and Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art by James Nestor”

And while you’re thinking about the style, it’s also important to consider visual fodder on your office wall — both for you and for clients and colleagues during the afore mentioned video chats.

“The simple addition of a print like the Haus and Hues Danish Pastel Wall Prints or decorative AmuFhota Hanging Vines is great to help induce feel good vibes for both yourself, and for anyone you're meeting with,” finishes Alisa.