Home Office Design

Designing an ideal home office environment is about more than just functionality; it’s about creating a space that boosts productivity while promoting a sense of calm and balance. Whether you’re setting up a workspace for occasional remote work or a dedicated office for full-time use, an ideal home office environment can help streamline tasks, reduce distractions, and create a peaceful ambiance.

Here’s a guide to designing the perfect home office that enhances both productivity and peace.

1. Choosing the right location

The first step in creating an ideal home office environment is selecting the best location. If possible, choose a room or area that provides privacy and quiet, away from the main living spaces. This separation helps minimise distractions and sets clear boundaries between work and personal life. Here are some tips to keep in mind when choosing your home office location:

Natural light : Look for a space with ample natural light, as it can boost mood and energy levels, making it easier to stay focused.

Ventilation: Ensure there’s proper ventilation and airflow. A stuffy room can lead to discomfort, whereas fresh air can keep you alert and energised.

Concealed desks: If you live in an apartment or small home and there is no separate room to create a home office, maybe consider a custom made desk/wall unit where the desk can be closed off and incorporated into a wall unit or buffet unit.  This will not only give additional storage but can also be hidden away when guests come over.

If space is limited, you can also create a productive work environment by using room dividers or screens to section off an area of your living room or bedroom. 

2. Furniture essentials for comfort and productivity

Furniture plays a huge role in creating a comfortable and functional home office. Investing in ergonomic furniture can prevent discomfort and long-term health issues associated with prolonged sitting and desk work.

Desk: Opt for a desk with sufficient surface area to accommodate your computer, paperwork, and any tools you regularly use. If space allows, consider an L-shaped desk, which can provide more room for multitasking.

Chair: Your office chair is perhaps the most critical piece of furniture. Look for an ergonomic chair that offers lumbar support, adjustable height, and armrests. A well-designed chair can help maintain good posture and reduce back pain.

Standing desk option: If possible, incorporate a standing desk or a desk converter to allow alternating between sitting and standing. Standing desks are known to improve posture and reduce fatigue.

Storage solutions: Use storage solutions like filing cabinets, shelves, drawers, overhead cabinets.  Also incorporating pull out shelves that you can sit your keyboard, printer or scanner on, and keep hidden when not in use, to keep your workspace organised and clutter-free. Having designated spaces for your documents, supplies, and personal items can help reduce visual distractions and make your office feel more orderly.

3. Setting up for optimal lighting

Lighting affects productivity and mood more than we often realise. Natural light is ideal, but when it’s not enough, you can supplement it with well-placed artificial lighting:

Desk lamp: Use a desk lamp with adjustable brightness settings for focused lighting on tasks that require extra clarity, like reading or writing. Look for lamps with warm light settings for late afternoons to create a calming effect.

Overhead lighting.   If possible, install overhead lights that emit soft, diffused light to reduce glare on screens and prevent eye strain. LED down lights or strip LED lighting  with adjustable settings are an excellent choice, as they’re energy-efficient and allow for control over brightness levels.

Avoid direct light on screens: Position your desk to avoid harsh light directly hitting your computer screen, as this can create glare and make it hard to focus.

4. Organising your workspace

A well-organised workspace is key to maintaining productivity. Cluttered environments can lead to a cluttered mind, which can hinder focus and efficiency.

Cable management: Use cable organisers to keep cords and wires out of sight. Cable clips, ties, and even under-desk cable trays can help reduce the visual clutter created by cables.

Minimalism: Keep only the essentials on your desk, such as your computer, notebook, and a pen holder. Reducing non-essential items will make your workspace feel more open and less distracting.

Storage boxes and baskets: Use storage boxes and baskets to keep smaller items organised and hidden. Labelling storage containers can also help you quickly find what you need without rummaging through piles.

5. Incorporating calming elements

Creating a sense of peace in your home office can help you stay calm and focused. Here are some ideas to make your space more serene:

Plants: Add a few plants to your office space. Plants like succulents, snake plants, and spider plants are easy to care for and can improve air quality. Research has shown that plants can reduce stress and improve productivity by creating a calming atmosphere.

Personal Touches: Add personal touches like artwork, family photos, or inspirational quotes. These elements can make your workspace feel more welcoming and inspiring.

Aromatherapy: Diffuse calming scents like lavender, eucalyptus, or peppermint to create a pleasant ambiance. Aromatherapy can help reduce stress and increase focus, contributing to a more peaceful work environment.

Colours: Choose calming colours like blues, greens, and neutrals for your home office. These colors can have a soothing effect, whereas bright or overly vibrant colors can be stimulating and potentially distracting.

6. Maintaining boundaries and balance

One of the challenges of working from home is maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Set clear boundaries for your work and relaxation time to create a sustainable, peaceful home office environment.

Schedule breaks: Use a timer to remind yourself to take breaks and avoid burnout. The Pomodoro technique, for example, involves working for 25 minutes, followed by a 5-minute break.

End-of-day routine: Have a ritual that signifies the end of the work day, such as tidying up your desk, shutting down your computer, or writing down tasks for the next day. This helps signal to your brain that work is over, allowing you to fully relax afterward.

Designing the ideal home office for productivity and peace is about combining practical elements, ergonomic furniture, and a touch of personalisation to create a workspace that meets your needs. With thoughtful organisation and  calming touches, you can create an office space that promotes efficiency, balance, and a sense of well-being.

For more tips and ideas on home office design, visit our blog at [Interfar](https://www.interfar.com.au).

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Ways to make family visits at Christmas more bearable with Wall Beds

The holiday season is a time of joy, giving, and family gatherings, but when it comes to hosting large numbers of guests, the excitement can quickly turn into stress. Christmas, in particular, is a popular time for family members to come together from different parts of the country, often resulting in crowded homes with limited space. The challenge is real—how do you ensure everyone is comfortable and has a place to sleep without compromising the functionality of your home? 

One solution that has been growing in popularity is the use of Wall Beds.   These versatile, space-saving options allow you to accommodate more people without making your living space feel cramped or uncomfortable. In this article, we’ll explore why Wall Beds are a game-changer for family visits during the holiday season, and how they can make hosting easier and more enjoyable.

1. Maximising space without sacrificing comfort

When you’re hosting extended family during the holidays, every square metre of your home counts. Traditional beds take up a lot of space and can make rooms feel cluttered or unusable for other purposes. Wall Beds (also known as Murphy beds), on the other hand, offer a perfect solution to maximise your space without sacrificing comfort. 

Wall Beds can be tucked away during the day, transforming your guest room, living room, or home office into a multifunctional space. With the bed stored vertically or horizontally against the wall, you’ll have plenty of room for activities, entertaining, or simply keeping the space tidy. At night, the bed easily folds down, providing a comfortable sleeping surface for guests. 

2. Easier transition from day to night

The beauty of Wall Beds is their convenience. Imagine you’ve had a wonderful evening, filled with laughter, holiday movies, and a big Christmas dinner. When it’s time for bed, you won’t need to worry about finding places for everyone to sleep. With Wall Beds,  it’s as simple as pulling down the bed and making it in a matter of minutes. 

3. Stylish and functional designs

Gone are the days when Wall Beds were simply practical but unattractive pieces of furniture. Today’s designs have evolved to be both stylish and functional, seamlessly blending into the aesthetics of your home. Murphy beds come in a variety of finishes and materials, allowing you to match the bed with your décor. Some even include additional features like shelving, desks and sofas making them ideal for home offices or guest rooms.

4. Creating a kid-friendly space

If you have children in your family, or if your guests have kids, Wall Beds are the ultimate solution. Not only do they save space, but they also create a fun and exciting sleeping environment for younger family members. Kids love the adventure of sleeping in Wall Beds.

5. Cost-effective solution

Hosting a large group of guests often requires creativity to make the most of limited space without breaking the bank. Wall Beds are a cost-effective solution when compared to adding extra rooms or making significant renovations to your home. 

While they require an initial investment, Wall Beds are durable and long-lasting, making them a worthwhile investment for families who regularly host guests. Many homeowners also appreciate the added value these space-saving solutions can bring to their property, particularly if they frequently use their guest space for other purposes throughout the year.  Even though the bed is fixed to the wall, they are not a permanent fixture.  Most Wall Beds can be dismantled and reassembled in your next home. 

6. Less stress, more enjoyment

The holiday season is meant to be enjoyed, not spent worrying about logistics. By incorporating Wall Beds  into your home, you can alleviate much of the stress that comes with hosting large family gatherings. These space-saving solutions make it easier to accommodate everyone comfortably, so you can focus on spending quality time with loved ones.

Whether you live in a small apartment or a large house, Wall Beds provide the flexibility to transform any room into a functional guest space. The simplicity, convenience, and stylish designs make them an ideal solution for the holiday season, ensuring that everyone—both hosts and guests—can enjoy Christmas in comfort.

Conclusion

When it comes to making family visits at Christmas more bearable, Wall Beds offer a perfect blend of practicality and comfort. They help maximise your space, create a smooth day-to-night transition, and even add a touch of style to your home. By investing in these versatile sleep solutions, you can ensure that your holiday gatherings are more enjoyable and less stressful for everyone involved.

 

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My Journey with Wall Beds

I remember as a young girl seeing a wall bed for the first time in a tiny apartment in Italy at my Grandmother’s house.   I was amazed at what looked like a buffet unit through the day folded out into a single bed at night.  Who would of thought that years later I now design and sell wall beds for a living. 

Over the years I have noticed that Wall Beds have become more and more popular as it not only maximises space in small apartment living but can also function as a multi-function room such as a study, kids’ bedroom, and studios.   Designs have also changed over the years, not only is a Wall Bed known to be a bed inside a cupboard but there are now so many variations of the Wall Bed.  You can have a Wall Bed combined with a sofa, desk, table or even a bookcase. The options and new innovative designs that are on the market are endless, but this can also be quite daunting for someone who is searching for a Wall Bed.

So here are some of my top tips on what to look for when purchasing a Wall Bed.

 

Mechanism 

When looking for a Wall Bed, you need to firstly look at the mechanisms used and how they perform and make sure they have a sturdy metal frame. 

For example:

If you’re looking at a standard Wall Bed (also known as Murphy Bed) – the classic design is either using a spring loaded or piston mechanism which both allow the ease of opening and closing the bed.  Having the spring-loaded mechanism also gives you the option of adjusting the tension to suit the mattress. 

For a Wall Bed combo ( featuring desk, shelving or sofa)  – a slightly stronger gas strut or spring assisted mechanism will give you more support to open and close the bed due to the additional weight. 

Posture Slats. 

Within the mechanism, look for posture cambered slats.  Wooden cambered slats are designed to hold and support a comfortable mattress. The flexible cambered slats are also there to help support the curvature of your spine when sleeping. 

Mattress

The mattress is just as important as the mechanism.  Make sure that it is a comfortable mattress that is suited for the wall bed mechanism.  For spring loaded you can use a good quality inner spring mattress such as a Sealy mattress. As for a gas strut or pivot assisted mechanisms, depending on the depth of the cabinetry you can either use an inner spring mattress, pocket spring mattress or a good memory foam mattress.   Be sure that the frame of your Wall Bed can handle the weight and thickness of the mattress and make sure that the wall bed has straps in place when folding the bed away. 

Dimensions of your room 

When looking for a Wall Bed make sure you measure the room carefully to make sure there’s enough space for the bed when it’s both folded up and folded down.  For rooms that may be a bit shorter in length, go for a horizontal version over a vertical option, it may suit your room better when the bed is out, especially if you have low ceilings or there is a high light window above the bed.  Wall Beds can also come in different size options and configurations.  Having a CAD drawing of your room is also recommended so you can see what the bed would look like, which can also note how far the bed comes out into the room when it is down.  Knowing all your space parameters will also allow you the option to add more joinery into the room to maximise more space for your needs. 

Installation of your Wall Bed 

Most mechanics of Wall Beds can be tricky, so it is recommended to have your Wall Bed installed by a qualified Cabinet Maker, Joiner or Builder. This will avoid warranty issues and the qualified Installer will make sure there is enough structural framework in the wall to support the bed. Also, the bed needs to be fastened securely to the wall.  Wall Beds can also incorporate additional joinery surrounds so the bed integrates and hides away seamlessly. 

Warranty 

When purchasing a Wall Bed ensure the supplier provides a warranty for the Wall Bed mechanism. Generally, the mechanisms don’t need servicing but if it is a spring-loaded mechanism you may need to adjust the tension over time. Also check with the supplier if the Wall Bed is capable of being disassembled and moved. Some companies will void a warranty on uninstalling or moving a bed and you want to make sure that your Wall Bed is able to be moved without any problems.

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