Suffolk &amp; Cambs


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="669" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/05/katie-malik-office.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-40012" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/05/katie-malik-office.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/05/katie-malik-office-800x535.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/05/katie-malik-office-400x268.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Four years post-pandemic and working from home or hybrid office and home working is definitely the new normal. So if you&#8217;re still hunched over the kitchen table or even worse breaking your back while tapping away from the sofa or your bed it&#8217;s time to invest in a dedicated space to work from home. </p>



<p>Whether that space is a tiny little corner of your lounge, the box bedroom, a dedicated office room or a garden room, there are clever tricks to make your home office an inspiring, functional and fabulous space that isn&#8217;t just a dumping ground for piles of paper, used mugs and tangles of wires. </p>



<p>We knew just the person to ask how to make a work space chic and stylish &#8211; talented local interior designer Katie from <a href="https://katiemalik.co.uk">Katie Malik Design Studio</a>. Here are her top tips and tricks to make your home office a place that you actually want to spend time in&#8230; </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-location-location-location">Location, location, location </h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/05/katie-malik-4.jpg" alt="study interiors design" class="wp-image-32994" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/05/katie-malik-4.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/05/katie-malik-4-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/05/katie-malik-4-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/05/katie-malik-4-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Choosing the location of your home office depends on many factors, such as:</p>



<ul>
<li>Do you have a spare room you can turn into a home office?</li>



<li>If yes, this would be a natural choice; if not, the next question is:</li>



<li>Is there a quiet location with plenty of natural light you could turn into a home office?</li>
</ul>



<p>It’s important to consider available space but also the noise and natural light factor. If you pick a noisy and dark spot to work from, it will definitely impact your productivity long term.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-think-about-the-type-of-work-you-ll-be-doing">Think about the type of work you&#8217;ll be doing </h3>



<p>Depending on the type of work our clients do, they might have different equipment and space requirements that are the core of designing a suitable office space. We recommend designing bespoke joinery that can accommodate everything that our clients need and want from a home office.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-consider-making-it-a-flexible-space">Consider making it a flexible space</h3>



<p>If you need a more flexible space, we definitely recommend bespoke joinery &#8211; concealed desks that can be part of a bigger cabinetry set up are perfect for those occasional working days; things can be folded away and still look neat and organised.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-choose-your-colour-scheme-carefully">Choose your colour scheme carefully</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="668" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/06/DSC_3062-668x1000.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-40453" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/06/DSC_3062-668x1000.jpeg 668w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/06/DSC_3062-534x800.jpeg 534w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/06/DSC_3062-267x400.jpeg 267w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/06/DSC_3062.jpeg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 668px) 100vw, 668px" /></figure>



<p>We work primarily with contemporary styles and we prefer using neutral schemes with accents of colours that can help stimulate our clients’ productivity.&nbsp;Consider adding a colour that makes you feel good &#8211; this is very personal but colour psychology says blue is the colour that boosts productivity, can improve concentration, stimulate thinking and provide mental clarity.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-give-your-garden-office-the-love-it-deserves">Give your garden office the love it deserves </h3>



<p>A garden office needs to be approached more like a mini house that works like an office- you need to think of entering into the space and having maybe some facilities like a coffee bar, kettle etc. From that point of view a garden office is a bit different to a home office in a house.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spend-your-money-on-storage">Spend your money on storage </h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="2250" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/06/stylish-office-space-in-home.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-40509" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/06/stylish-office-space-in-home.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/06/stylish-office-space-in-home-533x800.jpg 533w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/06/stylish-office-space-in-home-667x1000.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/06/stylish-office-space-in-home-267x400.jpg 267w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/06/stylish-office-space-in-home-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/06/stylish-office-space-in-home-1365x2048.jpg 1365w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>I always emphasise the use of vertical storage, which is very often overlooked; instead of just thinking of a desk and the cabinets that sit on the floor, think of how you could make the most of the wall space to store anything you need for an office. In our office, we had to make the most of the vertical space available and that has given us a lot more space for different sample books and samples.</p>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">
<p>&#8220;Colour psychology says blue is the colour that boosts productivity.&#8221;</p>
<cite>Katie Malik Design Studio</cite></blockquote>



<p></p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-think-about-hiding-messy-tech">Think about hiding messy tech</h3>



<p>There are many solutions for hiding messy tech leads and bulky equipment &#8211; after all, who likes seeing cables?&nbsp;</p>



<p>The easiest, but probably most expensive way is to have custom joinery and furniture with false backs and cable management systems where everything can be tucked away.&nbsp;</p>



<p>There are cheaper solutions, which include cable concealers, cable ties and clips and cable management boxes that can be added to the existing furniture.</p>



<p>You can also be creative and use hollow books, decorative boxes and baskets to store cables neatly. I use that solution in my small home office area; I also placed a lovely decorative cushion to cover the cables. The basket is positioned strategically as well close to the main socket.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-do-your-research-on-desks-and-chairs">Do your research on desks and chairs</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="720" height="1080" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/06/JBP_KM_6FT_Low_003.jpg" alt="home office ergonomic chair" class="wp-image-40454" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/06/JBP_KM_6FT_Low_003.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/06/JBP_KM_6FT_Low_003-533x800.jpg 533w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/06/JBP_KM_6FT_Low_003-667x1000.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/06/JBP_KM_6FT_Low_003-267x400.jpg 267w" sizes="(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" /></figure>



<p>I definitely suggest ergonomic desks and office chairs from a reputable brand such as Herman Miller. Everyone who&#8217;s working from home should check the height of the desk and ideally get an adjustable office chair with a good back support. The screen should be at approximately 750mm from your face at the eye level. If you take that as a rule, you should measure whether the desk would allow for this. A typical desk height is 750mm but you might need a desk that’s a bit taller or slightly shorter, depending on your height. Some desks have drawers underneath which might be uncomfortable for some people to sit at.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-think-about-your-wellbeing">Think about your wellbeing</h3>



<p>To help your well-being consider temperature, scent, noise and colours.&nbsp;Keep the air fresh and invest in scented candles that are vegan and non-toxic. Ensure your home office temperature is comfortable for you &#8211; this is very personal and can vary, but remember if your office space is too cold you will feel unsettled and distracted, and if it’s too hot you will feel uncomfortable and lethargic. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-let-there-be-light">Let there be light </h3>



<p>Lighting is one of the most overlooked aspects of creating the right home office environment where you can thrive. It goes without saying a suitable desk lamp is a bare minimum. We emphasise the importance of placing your desk in a spot that gets a lot of natural light, but&nbsp;you should also avoid direct light if possible. What works really well in our office are SAD lights- we have them most of the year and I do believe it helps us work better and feel happier.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-make-small-offices-work-hard">Make small offices work hard</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1001" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/06/office-chair-and-storage.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-40507" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/06/office-chair-and-storage.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/06/office-chair-and-storage-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/06/office-chair-and-storage-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/06/office-chair-and-storage-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Custom joinery works best in small spaces but if you can&#8217;t afford it try these ideas:</p>



<ul>
<li>Fold-down, wall-mounted desks </li>



<li>A floating desk &#8211; this is only suitable for occasional working on a laptop</li>



<li>Install floating shelves of bookcases above your desk for storage </li>



<li>Use a pegboard to hang accessories, organisers etc.</li>



<li>Invest in convertible furniture &#8211; a desk that can convert into a dining table or a cabinet with a built-in desk</li>



<li>Think of a corner desk that can maximise the working space </li>



<li>Think what kind of under-desk storage you can fit &#8211; rolling carts or small filing cabinets</li>



<li>Use drawer organisers. We love these &#8211; it takes much less time to find anything if you have a drawer organiser;&nbsp;</li>



<li>Use some form of a room divider to create a home office for the time you need to work. You can also do that with a set of bookshelves that will also provide storage.</li>



<li>Take a minimalist approach and keep only items you really need.</li>
</ul>



<p><em><a href="https://katiemalik.co.uk">Find out more about how Katie Malik Design Studio can help you create your dream home office or help with any other interior design decisions here</a></em>. </p>


WFH in style! Top interior designer’s tips for creating the perfect home office

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