Make a home office work
Rowlinson outdoor multi functional wooden BBQ servery
£275, Next
A space-saving solution, this serving station will reignite the thrill of the grill with its hooks, adjustable shelving and rustresistant zinc-coated worktop.
ABOVE: Exotic birds botanical outdoor cushions in pink and green
£19.95 each, Annabel James
For a quick fix, these pretty scatter cushions, with spoonbill bird print, depict a flight of fancy.
ABOVE: Sophie Allport picnic range
Animals of the Savannah picnic bag, £47.50, melamine bowls, £9.50 each, beakers, £7.50 each, side plate, £8.50 each, rest of items from a selection, Sophie Allport
Even if you don’t have far to ferry your drinks and serveware, this safari-themed cooler bag and matching bowls and beakers will set the mood for outdoor adventures.
LEFT: Firepit and sofa set
M&S Collection Pembroke firepit, £249, Lois corner sofa set, £449, cotton embroidered bolster cushion with linen, £29.50, Marks & Spencer
When it comes to sundowners and snacks, you can’t beat the heat of a real flame. This firepit stands out for its spark guard (no worry of flying ash if the wind picks up), and comes with an ash container and poker. A rattan corner sofa and striking cushion completes the look.
WITH working from home so much more than a lifestyle choice, juggling a work-life balance has its challenges – and depending on your set-up, where we seat ourselves is at the heart of the matter.
As George Clarke, architect, TV presenter and lecturer puts it: “In today’s evolving work landscape, the home office space has become a vital sanctuary for productivity.
“A well-designed space is not only about aesthetics, but one that is designed with productivity in mind,” he says.
“The design process should combine style and functionality, setting the tone for enhanced performance and work ability. The home office space is a powerful tool that can elevate our professional output; therefore its design should reflect that.”
How to position your desk for the best lighting
The position of your desk really depends on the activity you’re carrying out – and your personal preference for what you want to see while sitting at it, says George.
“For example, I have two desk positions at home. One is for when I’m sketching and drawing architectural plans, the other is when I’m sitting at a computer, writing, or editing photographs.
“My desk for sketching sits in the middle of my home office space, where I get a nice view out to my garden, getting lots of natural light.
“As much natural light rather than artificial light is best for sketching and drawing,” he explains.
And in his case: “It’s uniform north light, which any designer or artist would prefer to direct and strong sunlight from the south.”
Then there is a smaller desk area for his computer, reveals George: “This desk area is actually a section of worktop built in up against the wall.
“In many ways, it doesn’t really matter about the position of a desk like this as you’re often facing a big screen and facing a wall, but it’s still nice to get some kind of view, left or right for your screen.”
George looks out on his garden which gives a bit of relief from staring at a computer screen for hours.
How to make your small home work space productive
Everyone works differently, notes George, but if your home work space is small then you should do the following...
Declutter:
“Have as few things as possible. Keep it really simple, and only have the things around you always need to do a day’s work.”
Avoid having took much paperwork:
“This means fewer paperwork files in your home office and more information stored online. “Online information takes up no space and files are often easier to find,” says George. “So having all of your information stored on a cloud is more space efficient and more productive.”
Keep the space as calm as possible:
Says George: “My office at home is incredibly quiet, with very little in the way of distractions.”
How to design your home office
Measure the space out and do some planning as to what will fit in where, suggests George.
“Even doing a quick sketch or drawing will help you decide what works for you and what doesn’t.
“Take a few measurements of the space, get some graph paper and draw out the available space to scale.
“Then start sketching out a few options including everything from your actual desk, all the way through to shelving, stationary drawers or units,” adds George.
A simple sketch or drawing will help you communicate to tradespeople, such as carpenters, what you have in mind.
And if you’re thinking of building an exterior office/small structure in your garden, George says the opportunities are endless.