092 FOCUS
style and way of working. Even where people could personalise their space in the offi ce, many have felt reluctant to do so but they don’t suff er that same reticence at home. Now they can go wild and really refl ect their character through colour, planting, props or, as in the case of one client, by using their grandfather’s desk that was no longer permitted in their corporate offi ce. We’re also seeing increasing use of colour in home
offi ce environments. Many are using darker colours to absorb screen refl ections and to soothe eyes, tired from more screen time than we’re used to. Dark colours absorb light while white refl ects it back, which can be problematic for continuous screen use. Others are using colour to delineate working space, especially when the work set-up is part of an existing room. As people experience emerge from the trauma of the pandemic, we’re seeing increasing use of greens and blues in home offi ces, which are calming, natural colours and add more comfort and security than white or grey.
Softer fabrics have been used in corporate workspaces for years – rugs, curtains, cushions and squishy sofas are stalwarts in many business premises. But they’re even more popular in the home offi ce environment as you might expect. For those with space, a sofa is a must, but even for those in smaller environments, cushions and even blankets are evident. Biophilia has also made the leap to the home offi ce; whether it’s a pot plant on the desk, a view of a park or simply fresh air, people seek that connection with nature.
While having a dedicated work area – however small – is important, we’re also seeing people use diff erent areas of their homes for diff erent work activities, naturally practicing activity-based working. A desk might be ideal for quiet focused computer work for a few hours, but a sofa is good for a phone call, the garden a nice space to read a report and it’s easier to escape from work entirely and
TIPS FOR DESIGNING THE PERFECT HOME OFFICE SPACE
1 A human-centred approach is even more important in the home of ice. It needs to reflect the personality of the user
enjoy a walk around the block, an online pilates session or even a power nap to rejuvenate. T ere are numerous stories of diff erent people in a house clambering for space or Wi-Fi access in lockdown. And while there have been examples of home offi ce projects for two or more people, the majority tend to be for single use only. While open-plan working might be successful in the corporate environment, it’s more of a challenge at home. Where it does happen, careful delineation of space and a strict workplace etiquette is a must.
As organisations start occupying their corporate workplaces in greater numbers, many people will fi nd leaving their carefully curated home offi ces a wrench. T e evidence to date shows that only the minority of businesses will insist on people returning to work fi ve days a week. Instead we’ll see people thinking carefully about what tasks they have to do and where they’re best to complete them. While the offi ce will morph into a collaborative, social and cultural hub, the home offi ce will live on as a place for focused work and perhaps a space to recharge. T e market for home offi ce design is here to stay.
2 Create space you can shut off at end of the day enabling the person to demarcate their home and work life. A separate room is ideal, but even being able to fold away a desk, or close folding doors of a cupboard can mark the separation between home and work
3 Ensure the of ice design sits well within the overall home design – an industrial of ice might clash with a period home – although clear lines between work and play is good
4 A good Wi-Fi
connection and plenty of power is essential
5 Curate the backdrop – what will people on video calls see?
6 Bring the outside in through biophilic design tools such as plants, natural fabrics and colours and fresh air
7 Consider bolder colours and softer fabrics which are harder to carry off in a corporate environment
8 Make sure furniture is ergonomically sound, however small the space
9 Personal motivators like prints and props should take centre stage. This is the chance for true personalisation
10 Good acoustics are key. How can the person ensure acoustic privacy for calls or concentrated work?
From top There has been an increasing use of calming blues and greens in home working spaces; having a connection with the outdoors and access to fresh air can ensure the home of ice doesn’t become stifling
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