Working from home has become part of everyday life for many of us — but a truly great home office is about so much more than squeezing in a desk and chair. The right environment can boost focus, creativity and confidence, especially when your workspace is often on display during online meetings.

Whether you have a spare room, a quiet corner of the dining room or a garden office waiting to be transformed, here are seven inspiring ways to create a work-from-home space that feels both practical and a pleasure to use.

1. Transform a Spare Room into a Dedicated Home Office

If you’re lucky enough to have a spare room, turning it into a dedicated workspace can make a huge difference to your work–life balance. A room with a door allows you to “leave work” at the end of the day, even when you’re only a few steps away.

Focus on calm, neutral tones, layered lighting and furniture that supports good posture. Position your desk so your background feels intentional — a bookshelf, artwork or softly textured wall can look polished and professional on video calls.

2. Create a Stylish Work Zone in the Dining Room

Not every home has space for a separate office, but dining rooms often offer generous proportions and good natural light. The key here is zoning.

A console-style desk, a comfortable but elegant chair and a table lamp can create a workspace that blends beautifully with the rest of the room. Choose storage that can be closed away at the end of the day so the space can effortlessly transition back into dining mode.

For video calls, a neutral wall or sideboard behind you works wonderfully — understated, tidy and quietly confident.

3. Make the Most of a Garden Office or Studio

Garden offices have become increasingly popular — and for good reason. They provide physical separation from the main house, plenty of light and a sense of retreat that encourages focus.

Bring warmth into the space with natural materials, rugs and artwork. Consider your camera angle carefully: timber panelling, plants or framed prints can create a beautiful, calming backdrop for online meetings.

This is a wonderful opportunity to design a space that feels both professional and restorative.

4. Design with Video Calls in Mind

Whether you love them or tolerate them, video calls are here to stay — so your background matters.

Think about what sits behind you when you’re on camera. Avoid clutter, overly busy patterns or harsh lighting. A simple styled shelf, a piece of art or a textured wall can instantly elevate your presence on screen and help you feel more confident.

If space allows, test your setup by opening your video camera and adjusting furniture until it feels natural and balanced.

5. Bring in Texture, Colour and Personality

Your work-from-home space should inspire you — not feel like a corporate afterthought. Introduce colour through soft furnishings, artwork or even painted walls to energise the room.

Textures such as linen curtains, wool rugs or timber desks add warmth and depth, helping the space feel comfortable and lived-in. Personal touches — a favourite print, ceramics or books — make the room feel uniquely yours while still remaining professional on screen.

6. Prioritise Natural Light and Thoughtful Lighting

Good lighting is essential for productivity and wellbeing — and it’s particularly important for video calls. Position your desk near a window if possible, allowing natural light to illuminate your face evenly.

Layer this with ambient and task lighting so the room works well throughout the day. A table lamp or wall light behind you can add depth to your background and create a softer, more flattering atmosphere on camera.

7. Keep It Flexible and Future-Proof

Our working patterns continue to evolve, so flexibility is key. Choose furniture that can adapt — desks that double as consoles, storage that works for both work and home life, and chairs that are comfortable but stylish enough to remain on display.

By designing a space that can change with you, your home office will remain useful, inspiring and relevant for years to come.

Creating a Space You’ll Love to Work In

A well-designed work-from-home environment supports not just productivity, but wellbeing and confidence too — especially when your space is often seen by others online. With thoughtful planning and a little creativity, any room can become a place where work feels focused, comfortable and inspiring.

If you would like help tailoring a work-from-home space to your home and lifestyle, why not get in touch with Juniper Blue Interior for professional interior design guidance to make the process both enjoyable and effortless.