Finding it hard to be productive in your home office? It might be time to give the space a glow-up! We asked the team at The Editors Company for ideas on injecting some style and functionality into your study or work nook.
Lighting your home office
Good lighting is non-negotiable in a home office! Lighting has a huge impact on both productivity and mood, so we always recommend layering lighting rather than relying on harsh overhead fixtures. A well-designed task lamp, such as an Artemide Tolomeo, is ideal for focused work, while picture lights or wall lighting add a softer ambient glow.
For task lighting, a neutral white temperature around 4000K helps boost alertness, while warmer lighting at 2700K elsewhere in the room keeps the space feeling residential and comfortable.
Accessories for working from home
We love including smart lighting systems that allow you to easily adjust the atmosphere throughout the day, whether youโre working, taking calls or winding down. A small desk plant adds life to the space and offers a visual break from screens. Thoughtful objects like a paperweight, a fountain pen or a leather desk pad can also make the workday feel more intentional and considered.
And because video calls are now part of everyday life, your background matters. A styled bookshelf or art wall has become a functional essential and a subtle way to express personal style.
Storage in your home office
Cable management is essential for a calm workspace. Using cable organisers underneath the desk helps keep wires out of sight, while leather cord wraps can make any visible cables feel more intentional and match the dรฉcor.
Weโre also big fans of grid wall shelving. Itโs a flexible way to keep everyday items like headphones, chargers and small accessories within reach, without taking up desk space or adding visual clutter.
Office chairs and desks
Ergonomics and style donโt have to be a tradeoff. Iconic executive chair designs, such as the Herman Miller Eames Aluminum Group or Vitraโs Physix, strike a great balance between comfort, support and timeless design.
When it comes to a desk, a generous size is key, especially if youโre juggling multiple screens.
What Else
Before styling a study, itโs important to audit what you actually use and whatโs there to look good. Assign a dedicated place for each category, whether thatโs reference books, work essentials or decorative objects. Planning in advance which items belong on open shelving versus in closed storage helps minimise visual clutter. The key to a calm workspace is having a clear system and sticking to it!
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This article first appeared in Expat Living magazine in Hong Kong. You can buy the latest issue or an annual subscription or read theย digital version freeย now.
