A good home office should make you feel focused, calm and mildly impressive — even if the rest of the house is chaos. Whether you’re working from home full-time or just need a space that actually functions, a few thoughtful tweaks can make all the difference.

Here are my top five practical tips for creating a home office that works hard and looks good.

1. Be Strategic With Desk Placement

The position of your desk sets the tone for how the space works. Natural light improves energy and concentration, but glare can be distracting and tiring on the eyes.

Design tip:
Place your desk near a window but slightly offset, so light comes in from the side. If that’s not possible, use a sheer blind to soften harsh light and keep the space feeling bright without strain.

2. Prioritise Ergonomics (Then Style It)

No matter how beautiful your office is, poor ergonomics will undo it quickly. Comfort is essential for productivity and long-term health.

Design tip:
Choose an ergonomic chair with proper lumbar support and adjustable height. Once the practical side is covered, soften the look with a neutral fabric, a cushion or a throw to keep it visually cohesive with the rest of your home.

3. Hide the Mess — Calm the Mind

Visual clutter creates mental clutter. A space that looks messy will feel messy, even if you’re organised underneath it all.

Design tip:
Opt for closed storage wherever possible — drawers, cupboards, boxes or baskets. I often find great, affordable storage solutions at Kmart and even $2 shops that look neat and do the job beautifully. Matching containers instantly create a more streamlined look.

4. Treat It Like a Proper Room

A home office should feel considered, not like a temporary setup.

Design tip:
Layer in elements you’d use elsewhere in your home — artwork, a table lamp with warm lighting, a plant, or a styled tray for everyday items. These details elevate the space and make it somewhere you actually enjoy spending time.

5. Create Visual Boundaries (Even in Small Spaces)

Clear boundaries help define work time and switch-off time — especially if your office is part of a shared space.

Design tip:
Use a rug, joinery, shelving, a screen or even a different paint colour to visually separate the area. These cues help the brain recognise the space as “work mode” — and step out of it at the end of the day.