Home offices are notoriously tricky to get right, so we’ve asked interior designer Deirdre O’Connell for her advice on everything from choosing the right spot to incorporating storage.
While in the past a home office was a requirement of only a small few, these days, so many people split their time between home and office, or work entirely from home. However, in many homes there isn’t a room dedicated to this function.
We asked interior designer Deirdre O’Connell of Dtale Design, who has designed several home office spaces for clients, for her advice on getting them right.
What are some of the common issues with home office spaces?
A common issue I come across is a workspace that has not been considered. Give thought to who will use the area or room, and when they will use it. It is used all day, mostly in the evening, or part-time? Is it evenings for home study or a weekend reading place? The answers to many questions will inform where the room is, and the colours you choose. I like to think of it as a “head” space; a place that provides a sanctuary as much as a workspace, ideally away from the rest of the house.
It’s important to make it a place that’s comfortable and calm. Most homes were not built with a home office in mind, or the requirement for home working came after the house was planned. You might be lucky to have a dedicated office room, otherwise you’ll double job an existing guest bedroom or area within a room. I’ve designed study spaces in awkward bedrooms, around radiator positions, and even under the stairs!
Practically, not having electrics where you need them, running cables and plugs, working in a draughty area, a noisy area, and bad lighting are things to overcome. Design for printers and scanners, bins and shredders. With new joinery, use grommets to hide cables and get lighting where you need it. Design for storage specific for your needs – whether it’s files under lock and key, or some gym equipment. Good design will find an easy to reach home for all these things.
What are some of the most important aspects of a home office space?
Get the ergonomics right – the size of your desk, the comfort of your office chair. Even more basic, good light, warmth, fresh air, are all paramount to enjoying and thriving from your home office. I love a centrally positioned desk or one in front or by a window. In my own studio, I have an oversized white Ikea table that is smooth and deep, it sits into the window and around the corner. A large desk doubles as a homework spot for children, or a crafts table for hobbies. The more daily use of the desk, the less chance of it being the clutter collector.
Lighting is crucial. Daylight is a real luxury, a task lamp nearby is a must. Achieve a balance between task lighting and atmospheric lighting. Decorate with a calm colour and put a little effort into making it a nice place to be. Hang some inspiring wall art, invest a stylish table lamp, a beautiful stationary tidy, and an indoor house plant.
In this home office project in Castleknock, above, the interior design focus was to create a tranquil workspace. The classic artisan green tone on the walls and woodwork, Gris Verte by Colourtrend, is sophisticated, calming and marries with the view from the window of the gardens beyond.
What are some ways you can balance this space’s function while making sure it ties in with the rest of the house?
Make the room work hard as part of family life. The home office can double job – as a library, TV or reading room or computer spot at the weekend. Sofa beds are great, as are Murphy beds, if you need to accommodate guests. Books and collectables can look beautiful when designed into office space, they can both inspire and compose.
Do you have any tips for someone who doesn’t have a whole room to dedicate to a home office?
A work station can now mean a simple table and stool. Find a brighter, quieter area in the room with the space you need. In a small bedroom, double-job a desk as a bedside table, you don’t need both. Built-in joinery can be designed to incorporate a workspace disguised in a wardrobe, or under the stairs. A little thought goes a long way.
For example, the design goal for this Garden Room renovation in Rathfarnham, Dublin, above, was to provide a multi-use, functional living space, which doubled as a home office by day, and a lounge by evening and weekend. The refined décor features smoked oak wood stains and nods to art deco, against Colourtrend Subtle and Templar Grey as a wall panel.
Deirdre O’Connell is an interior designer specialising in creating charming and individual homes. Visit dtale.design or follow on Instagram @dtale_interior_design.
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