Work and study areas can be difficult to design. They need to be restful yet not so relaxing that they lull you to sleep while you should be hard at work! Here are some of our favourite home office and study room designs to adopt during your next renovation.

The bedroom office

If you have a large bedroom and not much to fill it with, consider converting half of it into an open-concept bedroom office. You can create a sense of separation between the rest and work areas with a simple room divider that doubles up as a storage unit. For an extra spacious and airy feel, opt for a floating desk instead of a built-in model.

The whimsical work area

You may think that there’s not much you can do with your home office or study room, but there’s always a way to make things interesting! If you don’t have the budget or time to embark on a full-blown renovation, just get hold of a new desk and some work chairs with a cute and whimsical design to give the space a more pleasant vibe.

The built-in desk

If you’re struggling to fit a desk into your home in the first place, make use of those underrated nooks and crannies for a space-savvy built-in that doubles up as another piece of furniture, such as a daybed. Alternatively, look out for multifunctional furniture if you’re on a tighter budget—a kids’ bed that turns into a desk in the daytime may be just what the study room needs.

The small-space wonder

Interior designers can pull off some pretty nifty magic when renovating small spaces. The bedroom above was fitted out with a long table that functions as a nightstand while the homeowners are asleep and a desk during working hours. The designers even saved space by forgoing the nightstand on the other side of the bed and carving a small nook into the wall instead. A ceiling-mounted storage unit keeps work equipment safe and sound and even lends the room a touch of extra privacy.

The office under the stairs

The space underneath the staircase is often entirely neglected, but it can come in very handy, especially if you’re in need of some extra storage space or an elusive study corner. The space underneath these steps was transformed into a wall of cupboards and a remarkably spacious work area, killing two birds with one stone. Just keep in mind that staircases can get busy and may not be the quietest of spaces!

The wardrobe cum study room

Speaking of multifunctional spaces, how about combining the walk-in wardrobe with a study or work area? These homeowners couldn’t sacrifice one room for the other, so they opted for this unusual yet ingenious combination. Plus, the wardrobe is a very low-traffic room, so it makes for a quiet and conducive workspace.

The soothing pastel nook

If all you’re really worried about is the aesthetic of your home office or study room, we highly recommend a pastel palette. Not only is it terribly trendy right now, but it also makes for a subtle and soothing look that will help you focus with its occasional pops of colour.

The modern office

Nothing replicates the look of a real office like the modern aesthetic, with its monochromatic hues, sleek fittings and minimal ornamentation. If you attend a lot of professional meetings and are expected to look the part, this office style will certainly impress the people on the other side. Plus, the fuss-free design provides no distractions, helping you stay focused and on the ball throughout the day.

The eclectic workspace

Doing a one-eighty from the modern office is the eclectic workspace, with its mix of design styles and a plethora of vintage elements. You can go all out with colourful walls and second-hand furniture, or incorporate small decorative bits here and there. Either way, this type of workspace is ideal for those who get bored easily and need engaging surroundings to keep their focus.

The semi-open study room

Last but certainly not least, the semi-open home office or study room is a classic, especially among families. The clear doors and windows enclosing the room make for a quiet, dedicated work area, while the see-through nature of the glass keeps the space bright and eliminates the feeling of isolation that can sometimes lower our motivation when working from home. If you’ve just started working remotely during the pandemic and miss the open office environment, this may be just what you need.