We’ve all gone bonkers for outdoor living (I think that might have been something to do with last Summer). Anyhow, it’s here to stay, and it’s great to see that it’s opened people’s eyes to the endless possibilities of what can be achieved outdoors and how wonderful and charming your outdoor space can become.

Anyone can create an outdoor area, perfect for summer soirees or cosy winter nights, no matter what your budget. There are some fantastic brands around that offer stylish and sophisticated outdoor items, from budget to luxury. But I’ve loved seeing the creativity of the population and some of the DIY efforts of the nation.

If you are feeling creative and want to put a little effort in, here are my top four hacks to creating a great area on a budget:

Lighting without having to wire
Light and ambience on an evening is key to creating a dreamy, cosy area. Using basic materials like a plank of wood, a tree branch, food storage jars, chains or rope and a handful of pillar candles can go a long way, and hey presto you have an outdoor chandelier. Take a look these fabulous inspos:

Keep toasty
We know we can’t rely on the British weather, our summer days may bring the summer sun, but the evening temperatures can most certainly plummet. So to keep the party going into the cooler summer evenings, think outside the box, visit a second-hand market and be sure to keep your eye out for any large iron pots, or planters and with a bit of TLC, a sturdy and safe surface you have an instant fire. Another great find on eBay is the ‘washing drum’ fire pit. Trust me, these are great.

Go vintage.
There’s something so effortlessly cool about ‘vintage’. Not only does it look great but it’s also a fantastic way to upcycle and be sustainable. Go for a rough, weathered, or natural look or spruce an item up with a bit of shabby chic pain. Either way, make sure you treat your furniture. It may be vintage, but you don’t want it rotting in the outdoor elements.

Go Green on your patio.
Planters are great for adding texture, colour, and warmth to an area, and best of all, you can pretty much make a planter out of anything waterproof, bearing in mind the size of your plants, positioning, and the style you want to achieve. Hanging plants, table plants, floor plants your options are endless, here’s few we like:

If you’ve created something magical in your garden or balcony, we’d love you to inspire and share with others and dont’ forget to tag us @tutti_interiors #tuttiinteriors

Sustainable interior design is a growing trend. It considers the environmental impact of our homes, including the architectural design of our houses, materials, products, and the way we live have on the environment.  More of us incorporate sustainability into our lifestyles, delivering sustainable interior design can be incorporated into a project through various techniques and considerations.

Give your old furniture a new lease of life. Think about how you can refashion it by upcycling or repurposing it. There are lots of inspirational ideas out there, and if you can’t upcycle, recycle. You can donate, sell, or even do a furniture swap.

1. Use furniture made from natural materials, certain woods, bamboo, cork and other sustainable materials. Better still, buy antiques or other used furniture. 
2. Evaluate the life cycle of the products you select. Think about how that product is extracted, produced, transported and processed.
3. Opt for recycled/renewed products that have been reconfigured into new items. When you want a change, recycle them again.
4. Choose natural textiles and finishings. Cutback on synthetic materials and opt for recycled fabric or natural or materials, such as hemp, flax, and organic wool. There is a tonne of brands that now offer organic and recycled soft furnishings.
5. If you can, shop local, cutting back on transportation costs and emissions.  There are a lot of small independents and artisan stores that create and sell homewares and upcycled items.
6. Pick products and use products that have a low environmental impact (LOC)
7. Avoid products with VOC (volatile organic compounds) these are organic chemicals that evaporate into the air and can be found in various products, including paints, cleaning products, and even furniture and carpets
8. Consider the paint you use. There are plenty of non-toxic paints, including water-based, plant-based, mineral natural, and natural lime paints.  Many brands offer environmentally friendly paints, sustainably produced paint, zero VOC paint, vegan paint, and non-toxic paint.
9. We’ve said it before and it’s still a huge trend, but fill your home with plants. They not only look great but also serve a purpose by providing oxygen and filter the air.
10. Carefully consider your plans and the design of your space. Think about the longevity and life of your design. A well-considered space that lasts a considerable time reduces waste. Also, take into account the flexibility of your space. Times change and so do tastes and trends, so design a room that can grow with you and give flexibility for as long as possible.
11. Energy is a significant contributor to climate change. So give consideration to the efficiency of your home.  There are many ways you can improve your energy consumption in your home. Here are a few quick fixes. (insert link) https://www.ovoenergy.com/guides/energy-guides/120-ways-to-save-energy.html

The list to becoming sustainable in our homes is endless. From the new technologies available when designing and building a house to improving our existing homes, take your time to research your options. It pays to be knowledgeable.

Japandi is one of 2021 biggest interior trends. It’s a hybrid of Japanese and Scandinavian design and perfectly brings common aesthetics of minimalism and simplicity together. 

The common attributes of Japandi are to create a minimal, calming and uncluttered space without being cold.  It combines the philosophy, attitude, and designs of both cultures. It uses a neutral muted colour palette, minimal styling, clean lines, and nature to achieve a functional, elegant and serene interior. 

We look at how to achieve Japandi style in your home.

1. Clear your space of clutter and have free-flowing floor space, with no interruptions.
2. Use natural and neutral colours to create a feeling of space, light, and calm.  Other colours to consider in the colour palette are whites, neutrals, pearl grey, sky blue, and natural tones like green, browns, blue, and other earth tones.  A hint of black can also be used (inspired by the Japanese style).
3. A shared love of Japanese and Scandinavia design is the beauty of nature and texture. Embrace natural materials like wood, paper, bamboo, linen, and leafy plants. These add a layer of warmth, texture and an element of ‘wabi-sabi’. Other materials like polished concrete and marble can also be used in contrast.
4. Choose furniture that is functional and made of high-quality, natural materials with clean, minimalist lines. Statement pieces that contrast against a room’s backdrop, furniture lower to the ground and low slung chairs follow the Japanese philosophy of cohesion between humans and the earth.
5. Mix light and dark shades of wood together. Scandi is big on light wood tones, while Japanese designs use darker shades of wood.
6. Minimise the number of accessories you have, and keep them simple by selecting soft, smooth lines, soft shapes, natural handmade ceramics, and glass.

We all want a beautifully decorated home, and over the past month, I’ve looked at interior trends that are ‘in’ and ‘out’ in 2021, which is great if you want to be on ‘trend’ but some of the larger, significant items in our homes might not be easily or affordable to replace. So this month I’ve taken a look at 12 ways to update your home and achieve stunning style without a costly price tag.

1. In order to achieve a stunning new interior, declutter. Take a look around and ask yourself whether you need everything you see, this could be furniture, accessories, and rugs.  Having a clear-out can be a daunting task but having a good clear out will make you feel liberated and ready to take the next steps. Think about joining an online marketplace and sell your unwanted ‘stuff’ too, any monies raised can then go towards purchasing something new.

2. What style do you want to create? Have a clear vision of what you want to achieve, use resources such as Pinterest for inspiration but beware not to over mix styles.

3. Avoid ‘matchy, matchy décor’. It’s easy to get carried away and purchase entire matching sets but if you want to create a styled, chic look don’t do it. Instead create an artful mix of materials, finishes, textures, and furniture (upcycle some of your old furniture to fit in with your new scheme).

4. It’s all in the detail. Whilst only a small detail changing knobs on furniture and doors, switches and sockets can make a big impact.

5. Upcycle. If you have a decent piece of furniture that you like and just can’t bear to part with, inject new life into it by giving it a lick of paint or by upholstering it to fit your new colour scheme.

6. Go big with artwork. Use oversized artwork to give your home a sophisticated feel. Position your artwork on large or small walls to create a focal point and incorporate your colour scheme.

7. Rugs are often overlooked, and they are so much more than an accessory to enhance your home décor. Rugs can be used to define and zone spaces in a room in addition to unifying and connecting rooms. Use them to inject colour, reinforce your style, cover and cosy up a vast space, add character and create pathways.

8. Changing your lighting and bulbs can make a huge difference to a room. Reignite an old lamp with a new shade and change your central lighting with a WOW piece. You don’t have to spend a small fortune as many high street and online discount stores offer some fabulous options, just make sure they are all compliant with UK standards.

9. Window treatments can be easily and affordably changed. Think about the proportions of your window, layer the windows with blinds and curtains. Hang the curtains on a track that sits a little higher above the window aperture and slightly wider to add fullness to the look.

10. Be wise with your accessories. Accessories are a cost-effective way to update any room and can completely change the look and feel. Artwork, vases, candles, cushions, throws, candles can all contribute to giving a room an updated look, but be careful not to over clutter, you don’t want to cheapen your new look. Take time to curate your accessories, placing them thoughtfully and carefully.

11. Give boring worn down furniture a lick of paint and new handles and it will look like a different piece without the price tag.

12. Finally, less is more philosophy is the best advise ever. Go for fewer pieces but be conscious that each item marries the other yet also has its own soul and style.

It’s a difficult job to keep up with the latest trends as there is often so many depending on where you look. The key is to use trends as inspiration whilst always being true to yourself, after all, your space has to function and feel the way you want it too. I’ve pulled together a few that I’ve seen emerging this year.

1. The Pantone Colour Institute has named two colours this year as the shades of 2021, Illuminating Yellow and Pale Grey these two independent colours highlight how different elements come together to support one another. Read more about the union of these two colours https://www.pantone.com/uk/en/color-of-the-year-2021
2. Both Dulux and Little Greene have been inspired by natural, earthy palettes this year, introducing browns, greens, deep reds and rusty tones all lend themselves to creating warm and welcoming spaces and site perfectly with the old-world influence trends.
3. A big trend emerging is Cottagecore. Taking the simplicity, comfort and idealisation of countryside living, it’s a mix of ‘vintage influencer’ and ‘grandma’s kitchen’. How to live the Cottagecore Dream https://www.lifesavvy.com/30532/how-to-live-the-cottagecore-dream/
4. Keeping its spot this year is houseplants. Following this hot trend from 2020 houseplants are still super fashionable, adding a touch of colour and texture, they instantly freshen up a space. Dried flowers have also seen a huge surge in popularity this year too.
5. My favourite trend this year is knotted light fixing. Great aesthetic lights lift your eye upward and can encapsulate the whole room.
6. One of the biggest interior trends for 2021 is Japandi – a fusion of Japanese minimalism and the warmth of Fusion of Japanese and Scandinavian design. Combining sleek lines, muted colour tones and carefully chosen statement furniture makes for the perfect Japandi look and feel. Calm, cosy and uncluttered.
7. An on-going craze is #Sheflies … people reverting to open shelving instead of closed cupboards especially in Kitchens and Bathrooms. They share their efforts proudly on social media tagging their designs.
8. Neon and LED lighting with inspirational, positive or relaxing quotes. A strong statement to any room with its vivid colours.
9. Herringbone flooring has seen a surge in popularity in homes around the UK. This classic pattern of flooring was first seen in the 16^th century and was used as parquet flooring. Today it provides a classical twist to home interiors.

For more 2021 design trends visit

Elle Décor https://www.elledecor.com/design-decorate/trends/

Home and Gardens https://www.homesandgardens.com/news/interior-design-trends-2021

Giving and receiving beautifully wrapped gifts makes me smile, especially at Christmas.  Witnessing the reaction of joy and that moment when their eyes glisten at the sight of a beautifully wrapped gift is just magic, it really does make unwrapping a gift as treasured as the gift itself.   Fabulous wrapped gifts also become part of the ambience and decoration, as they sit proudly under the tree completing the vision of a perfect Christmas.

This all sounds very dreamy and the reality of having the time to spend hours cutting, streaming and titivating with various elements is very unrealistic.  It can also be a costly affair with some luxury papers and ribbons costing quite a bit.  So I’ve pulled together some inspiration to help you wrap up like a pro this Christmas, get your festive tunes on, put those idol thoughts of the ‘Christmas bag’ away and let’s get started.

Have a Merry ‘green’ Christmas

Whilst some wrapping and ribbons offer sparkly and shine, a lot of them aren’t recyclable. So if you want a sustainable Christmas why not consider these options, not only will be doing your bit for the environment it’s a chance to get creative too:

• More and more retailers are realising the demand for recycled products including these fabulous papers by Paper Chase who sell this beautiful, 100% recycled. Christmas paper, take a look.  We also love Plewsy for their luxury eco-friendly paper and quirky designs.

https://plewsy.com/collections/luxury-gift-wrap

https://www.paperchase.com/en_gb/grey-scandi-village-wrapping-paper-3m.html

• Why not can create a classic parcel using brown Kraft paper.  Not only Kraft paper recyclable, but it’s also made from recycled paper and is biodegradable too.  Keep it plain or use a stamp to decorate your own and dress your gift using natural materials like string and foliage from the garden.

• John Lewis have taken it to the next level you can now buy Kraft wrapping paper in a choice of 6 colours, and their paper is FSC Certified and can obviously be recycled. 

https://www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-partners-plain-kraft-wrapping-paper-10m/red/p4083084?irclickid=3E4S53w1BxyLWrVwUx0Mo3EtUkE3T8TWcxsawc0&irgwc=1&tmcampid=99&s_afcid=af_10078

• For those smaller gifts, you could use an old magazine that’s lying around, carefully cut the pages out and wrap using leftover ribbon from the previous year’s festivities.

• For ultimate luxury use a silky scarf to wrap up! The bonus is you can wear it after or reuse it again. We love the Fabric Wrapping Co take a peek.

https://fabricwrappingco.com/products/vintage-wrapping-scarf-bundle-surprise?variant=36451269673114&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=Google%20Shopping&gclid=Cj0KCQiAw_H-BRD-ARIsALQE_2OLyGufJUuxONikE8kWaMfB-kLkFQsOoDTfXpf0QLjF8fmHKCFTJ94aAq_NEALw_wcB

Now you’re all wrapped up, let’s get to work on those finishing touches. There are hundreds of ways to decorate and theme your presents, and by using these final props you can really add that WOW factor, here are just a few suggestions to complete the perfect gift.

• Think about using natural materials like pinecones, fir branches, holly, rosemary, dried flowers, even some smalls twigs from the garden.
• Try crafting things like mini wreaths, wooden tags, pom pom, hand-painted tags, printed photographs, threaded beads, clay gift tags.
• Finally, let’s tie this up with tulle, ribbons, string, tinsel or netting, and remember to keep these little treasures to use next year.

So don’t just rely on gift bags this year have a go of getting creative and if you a really are struggling can always call in a professional wrapping service.

Having managed to escape to my haven of tranquillity in Southern Spain, I’ve had time to reflect on my journey of launching a new business in recent times.

I chose a time in my life that felt right to launch my business, however, unfortunately for me, and no doubt millions of other people, we’ve been hit by this horrendous pandemic.

In addition to the challenges of any young business, I’ve had to navigate my way around how to provide a super personal service in a ‘not’ so personal environment of social distancing and lockdowns. I had to ask myself how could I thrive in the midst of this crisis, how will it change the interiors industry, will customers still want a service, what other aspects will it impact in my industry?

Fortunately for me, I have, thankfully, been working on new projects. Maybe it’s been people spending hours on end in the same space that has determined how their environment makes them feel, or it might be the realization of how important the function of their home is, that has made them reach out for help. Whatever reason, I am grateful as designing a space to enhance how that makes my clients’ feel in their home is key to any project.

Managing my projects safely has been at the forefront of my mind, and having recently stepped out into the big wide world I have managed to put smiles on my clients’ faces by delivering a variety of projects. A popular paid service that I have recently delivered to clients’ in the past few months is a Design Consultation.

An interior Design Consultation gives me the opportunity to see my clients’ home first hand and address their painpoints. I take the time to listen to their issues, likes, dislikes, and learn more about their vision for the space and how it fits in with their lifestyle, and ultimately gauge what guidance they need.

Once the brief is established I will spend time planning the space, from layout to colour schemes, furniture to styling. Based on the clients’ budget I also provide a ‘shopping list’ and visuals of the space before finally presenting. This part of my job gives me so much pleasure, not only do I get to design beautiful spaces but seeing a clients’ reaction is priceless!

Alongside Design Consultations, I also work alongside clients’ through renovations, extensions and new builds, as well as offering a turnkey and styling service for homes and events.

Every inch of storage space in a home is prime real estate, when planning any kind of extension or renovation, always pay attention to your storage needs. This is especially true in designing your kitchen layout.

As the ‘heart of the home’ the kitchen has many functions and uses. It can act as a meeting place, hang out and family space, the obvious prep, cooking and eating place, the ‘party’ space and sometimes the laundry area too… No matter what size your kitchen space, you’ll have a lot to think about when planning the ‘hub’ of the house.

There are some amazing kitchen designers and equally some clever storage solutions and gadgets to make life easier, simpler and more streamlined.

Design

As an interior designer the look, feel and the functionality of a space, including the kitchen is vital, it needs to work for you. It should be beautiful, well designed, durable, and of course, create that WOW factor. In and amongst all of these things there are so many other elements to consider the layout, finishes, the furniture, durability, wall coverings, surface materials, cabinet material, appliances, flooring, lighting and of course KITCHEN STORAGE solutions. Ultimately how you use the space and ensuring it meets your needs and expectations whilst maximising the space are really important to a successful kitchen design and install.

You may or may not know how you want your kitchen to look and work, but it’s always a good idea to have the input of a professional. Here are just a few of my favourite storage space ideas.

Good Housekeeping Magazine

The basics

The layout of any kitchen design is key to its functionality and success. So, take serious consideration to the work triangle, developed in the 1940’s, this theory is simple and is still used in today’s kitchen design. The work triangle determines the flow of workspace between the sink, fridge and cooker. The idea is that you should be able to move easily within these 3 areas whilst keeping enough clearance to ensure functionality and safety.

Other things to consider are countertop space and heights, widths between your work areas, how your storage should/can work around these spaces, where your other appliances will fit.

House Beautiful Magazine

One of my favourites is the ‘Pantry’

Originally the pantry was a ‘room’ used for food storage and provisions, storing dishes and linens in an area close to the kitchen. In years gone by the pantry and even the larder (a cooler place to store provisions in years gone by) were commonplace in many homes.

I have fond memories of my Grandma’s larder, a small window, cool solid stone flooring and slabs of cool grey stone shelves, I digress. We may not allow the space for these special areas in our kitchens these days, however you’ll be pleased to learn that the pantry is very much in the forefront of design. Many companies have now realised the necessity of the ‘larder-cupboard’. Humphrey Munson is one such company, I love this company, but more so the inner storage available in their ‘larder’. It uses every inch of space including the shelves and the doors.

Humphrey Munson

Every inch counts

When planning your kitchen, the logistics of how it works for you and its functionality is key, however, consider every inch of the space. There might be a space that you would consider blocking off with an infill, but could this small slim space be used as a store for tall storage bottles (like olive oil), could use a pull out larder unit with several baskets and use it for herbs or could you store your chopping boards in it? There is a use for every space in the kitchen and when working with a professional company they will definitely have a solution for you.

Instagram

Bespoke cabinets

Using well-designed bespoke cabinetry can maximise your kitchen storage solutions. Units that reach from floor to ceiling will maximise storage and give a feeling of space, you can make use of tricky spaces, and you can create a real feature such as shelving.

Bespoke cabinets also come with a host of clever internal storage solutions too corner unit fittings that enable smart accessibility, pull out wirework baskets and drawers, pantry units, drawer boxes, internal drawers within drawers, cupboard drawers the list is endless.

Your kitchen is a long-term investment; so make sure you employ reputable professionals to deliver your vision, making it a happy place for years to come.

As we enter into the summer months, and although the British weather is a little unpredictable (understatement), we Brits love being outdoors.

Over the past couple of years ‘outdoor living’ has become more and more popular, the benefits and enjoyment of the outdoors, the fresh air, the feel-good factor and the extra space our outdoor areas can provide have been realised. 

No longer are our homes and gardens separate entities but we have started to link them together, making our outdoor spaces work harder to create stylish, comfortable and practical areas for us to enjoy.

Whether you have a large or small space, replicating and taking our interiors ‘outside’ needs the same consideration as your ‘indoor’ areas.   There’s a lot to consider when planning your outdoor space, the shape and size, direction of the garden, existing features, and landscaping.  However, with the help and assistance of today’s available resources, landscape and garden designers and an amazing range of outdoor products, the possibilities are endless.

Indoors Out

To completely encompass and connect spaces use large windows and bi-folding doors to open and extend your space. Consider running your flooring through, this will create a seamless transition of your spaces.  Also choosing a similar colour palette, materials and textures from your home is another way of making the outdoor space integral.  These elements of design will also work in the opposite, bringing the outdoors in, providing natural light and wonderful views.

Designated Areas

When planning your outdoor space you need to take into account how it will be used, the shape and size, the outlook, the connection to the house, the environmental conditions also play an important part in determining the location and design. 

Also, determine your style at the beginning of the project when designing your area; it will help you select the right materials, plants and landscaping.  When defining the area consider the flooring, planting, screens, walling, decking, steps or overhead covering.  You might even want to enclose the area or build cupboards and storage, particularly if you are creating an outdoor kitchen.   

Light and Heat

Practicality such as lighting and heating is another thing to consider when designing your outdoor area, as you may want to install gas, electricity or even water – particularly for outdoor kitchens and water features.

As the evenings draw in you need to make sure your areas are perfect for night-time alfresco soirees, and so light and heat are essential, especially in our climate.

Illuminating your garden will not only help avoid trips and falls but will also create a visually striking space.  When designing the lighting, bear in mind your primary objectives: keeping safe by lighting pathways, steps, decks, illuminating your garden to cleverly accentuate features (hardscapes, trees, bushes, water features), and finally creating the right ambience in your outdoor area.

There are a myriad of products to choose from when it comes to heating.  Outdoor heaters come in a variety of shapes and sizes, fuel types, different methods of spreading the heat, the choice of portable, tabletop, built-in or suspended heaters, or you may prefer to create an intimate feel of a fire pit.

Furniture

Your outdoor living space should echo everything you love about your home, but outdoors. Chose the right furniture ensuring it is stylish and comfortable, but that it also fits the space.  Outdoor furniture and textiles have come a long way over the years and there are various stylish weatherproof options available. Make the space inviting using accessories such as waterproof rugs, cushions, throws, storm lanterns; wireless lamps will all make the area cosy and comfortable area. 

If you are looking to install an outdoor kitchen that’s another trend and another blog, as there are plenty of options to choose from, and they can be as luxurious or as modest as you want. 

Take a peek at some of these useful resources:

Garden Landscaping: https://www.idealhome.co.uk/garden/garden-advice/garden-landscaping-21287

Garden Design Ideas: https://www.housebeautiful.com/uk/garden/designs/a495/garden-design-ideas/

Outdoor Rooms to Inspire: https://www.elledecor.com/design-decorate/room-ideas/g2198/outdoor-rooms/

Lighting Ideas: https://www.housebeautiful.com/room-decorating/outdoor-ideas/g30679369/outdoor-backyard-lighting-ideas/

Outdoor Kitchens: https://www.idealhome.co.uk/garden/garden-ideas/outdoor-kitchens-171952

Life is definitely a juggle at the moment, with so many different needs and functions to deal with all under one roof.

Like many of you, I have been thrown into having my home turned upside down while the world outside fights against this awful virus. So, I thought why not throw a few ideas into a blog to help others.

I have 2 girls at very different school ages, our kitchen has turned into a zoom centre for my CrossFit classes, our front room is now the creative play area for our youngest, bedrooms are play and downtime areas, and our dining room has been transformed into a schoolroom. So, let’s see if we can simplify things to make our homes fit for purpose, especially that all-important home office.

I know not everyone has a home office but hopefully, you can take away some tips for your temporary office set-ups. Here’s a few simple design hacks that may help self-design your office space:

Firstly, ergonomics. As an interior designer I have to think about the functionality of a space and how it’s going to work, this results in a user-friendly and successful space. So, firstly make sure your ‘desk’ area is working for you.

1. Is your screen at eye level and at arm’s length away, this is important as it avoids neck strain and ensures your eyes aren’t straining and don’t tire as quickly.
2. If you are working from a laptop you will constantly have to look down, so it’s worth considering an external keyboard and monitor.
3. Keep the keyboard at a height so that your forearms are parallel to the floor, your wrists are straight, and hands at elbow level.
4. If you have an office chair, great, adjust it to make sure your knees are about level with hips, and your feet are flat on the floor or on a footrest.

Woods Furniture – www.woods-furniture.co.uk

Splurge!!!! On an office chair … the most important bit of kit you can invest in. Some of the staged magazine shoots of home offices feature dining chairs as office chairs! Major no-no, you need a chair that provides lumbar and pelvic support. Personally, I find using a comfy office chair helps with my posture and breathing and these days it doesn’t have to be ugly. Search for one that has a little bit of individuality, sitting for hours day after day is made all the better if you love what you sit in!

Lighting. Lighting plays a pivotal role in defining every room of the house, in the home office it becomes even more important. A poorly lit home office can affect your mood and put strain on your eyes, which in turn can lead to headaches.

If you can position your desk in an area where you have a lot of natural light (ensuring there isn’t any glare on your screen or in your eyes). If this isn’t possible then try and stick to white lighting as opposed to warm as white light resembles daylight. Also, try not to rely on the main overhead lights, position directional focussed lamps around the working spaces to balance out the room.

Laredoute.co.uk – Ikebana Wall-mounted Flower Pots

Greenery, a proven mental health aid. You don’t need a forest in your home office but a few small green plants will add life and colour to a space, bringing the outside in! But if you’re like me, and can never keep plants alive, make sure they are low maintenance.

Actions. I absolutely have to have visualisation in my office and so I have transformed a whole wall into a chalkboard. It’s great to take a step back and look at ideas, notes, actions, inspiration and my wall calendar. There are some great tools out there to transform walls into useable areas including magnetic walls.

I also have motivational quotes written up that I get from books that I read. I love motivational coaching books and they inspire my positive thinking so as I read them I rotate the quotes for new ones to keep me driven.

Organisation. Keeping organised is key to any office, but in a home office, you don’t want it to overspill into your home life. Bespoke shelving and storage not only looks sophisticated and stylish, but it can also replace ugly filing cabinets. Use baskets or boxes to file things, with plants in between to soften them. Basket can also be used as part of your portable office, moving them around as and when you need them.

Oversize your shelves, this avoids them looking overfull, and this deliberate design detail means you can also use these for displaying ornaments, awards, trophies. Incorporate some of the office lighting within the shelving too, a great way of omitting the light but hiding the source.

Hide the cords. Don’t we all just hate seeing wires. With any modern office there are always going to be wires, not only are they unsightly but can also become a health hazard. Some desks are designed with hidden compartments specifically for wires and cords, but if you can’t do this there are plenty of tricks to hide them. Use clamps and zip ties to keep them together, use hooks under the table to attach the wires, hide routers and extension cables in smart looking boxes. There’s also lot’s of products out there that will help with stray wires.

Monitors. Having 2 monitors helps us juggle, and juggle at speed. Setting your space up with 2 screens is a huge help, especially as a lot of us are using platforms like Zoom, Google Dou, Skype for conference calling and meetings.

With this in mind, be mindful that colleagues and clients at the other end are now seeing you in your home, your private space so remove any personal things you don’t want to share with them. 

If you have a permanent office space make your backdrop a happy, positive motivational visual that inspires others. Introduce texture into your office space through wallpaper, upholstery, curtains, lamps shades, desks, pin boards. If you are temporarily working from home and have a portable set up, select a background that is bright, clean and tidy, just because you are working from home you still need to be professional.

Decoist.com – home office ideas

Timeout. Often an area that’s overlooked when designing an office space is a comfy corner! A stunning comfy chair and ottoman combo, a little side table for your coffee and a statement lamp for your light. Not all your creative thinking happens at your desk and we all need to take time out and breaks away from our computers to think and have quiet time. 

All in all, working from home can be super hard, but it’s important to define your spaces, designing them for purpose, but also as an inspirational space you want to be in.