How to create a beautiful and ergonomic home office: 10 design ideas

Recent research has found that in less than two years, the number of Australians working from home has grown from 8% to 40% as a result of the pandemic, rapidly changing working environments and worker expectations. 

In fact, according to the Survey of Working Arrangements and Attitudes, an ongoing study conducted since May 2020 on American employees by Jose Maria Barrero of the Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México, together with academics at the University of Chicago, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Stanford University, around 30% of all working days will be done from home in the post-pandemic ‘new normal’. Australian research has found similar results, with a 2022 study by researchers at Swinburne University of Technology reporting that 23% of knowledge workers (anyone doing computer-based work that can be done remotely) wanted full-time remote work. Clearly, working from home is the way of the future.

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The kitchen table and spare bedroom offices many people carved out for themselves during the pandemic simply aren’t suitable for long term remote working. These spaces often aren’t ergonomic or aesthetically pleasing, two factors that can have a negative impact not only on productivity and mental health, but physical health, too.

Set up your work space
The NSW Workplace Health & Safety Working From Home checklist requires that you have a solid work space such as a bench, desk or table that allows you to sit upright with relaxed shoulders, and elbows slightly above the workspace when typing. Your chair of choice should provide adequate lumbar support via adjustments to the chair itself, so the support fits well into the curve of the lower back. If the chair has armrests, ensure they’re adjustable so the chair doesn’t get caught under the work surface. If you can’t reach the floor, use a footrest. An ergonomic set-up will allow your ankles, knees, hips and elbows to sit at a 90-degree angle with comfort.

Position your computer
According to Safe Work Australia, your computer should be positioned directly in front of you  – or you should be located in the centre of two monitors if you work from both equally  – and one arm’s length away from you. The top of your computer screen should be at eye level or just below.  Your keyboard and mouse should be on the same level directly in front of you and positioned 10-15cm from the edge of your work surface to allow for good forearm support when operating the computer. Your mouse should be positioned parallel to the keyboard. If using a laptop, raise your laptop so that the top of the monitor is at eye level to ensure you are able to hold your head and shoulders in a comfortable position, and use a separate keyboard and mouse.

Evaluate lighting
Health & Wellbeing Queensland recommends bright, natural light for working on a computer or reading as low light causes eye strain. Characters on your screen should be seen clearly and comfortably.  Reduce the glare and shadowing on the screen by adjusting window coverings and provide additional task lighting to suit you and your type of work.

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Warren Au, founder of interior design firm Studio Gestalt, provides us with his expert advice for creating an aesthetically pleasing home office space.

Create a scheme
When it comes to establishing home office decor, Warren suggests a restrained palette of soothing colours. “I recommend greens, yellow-greens, blues and neutrals for creating a calm and inviting home office environment,” says Warren. “When adding decorative elements to your home office, ensure each object has a specific ‘home’ to avoid visual clutter, and consider using a pin board to display photos and art in one place – but avoid anything too distracting, this is an office, after all.”

Choose furniture that suits your style
“Enough desk space is a key point, so make sure you have enough room to suit your needs, whether you’re a writer or designer. An adjustable desk is worth considering as it breaks up the constant sitting all day,” says Warren. “Home office furniture doesn’t need to be boring, so have fun with colour when selecting pieces. A key home office chair brand that never dates is Herman Miller, but they can come with a price tag – but as they say, you get what you pay for.”

Finishing touch
“With the ever growing use of Zoom and online meetings, having a nice backdrop can be nice to have, either a nice wallpaper or joinery unit with art. If you can’t arrange this, be sure to use a background filter for your meetings for a professional look.”

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Pale timber floors, black cabinetry and a subtle rug creates a gender neutral, timeless and refined home office that is complemented by black and white art or photography. 

This home office feels striking upon first glance, but it's actually a very pared-bar space with little more than custom shelving, a pendant light and a chair. Its the contrast created between the dark floor and white walls, the slash of sage above the desk and graphic shape of the timber shelves that make it look 'full'. 

The statement artwork behind the desk has informed the style of this industrial home office. The blonde and black timber of the desk and the earthy mustard chair echo the hues in the painting, while the species of plant seem to suit the mood of the artwork. a low-hanging pendant provides task lighting. 

Rugs have been used to zone the working and sitting area of this home office, but the shared blue hue of the floor coverings ensures the two areas feel connected to one another, rather than competing for space. The blue of the rugs and the graphic black furniture pull on the colour and tone set by the statement artwork, an effect that makes the space feel cohesive.  

Darker timber tones, an all-white room and classic furniture give this home office a mid-century modern feel. The organic shape of the table lamp, metallic hardware and tan leather seat lean into the theme, while remaining timeless and elegant. 

Simple, clean and contemporary, this home office style will suit myriad interior design styles with ease. It's the chair and objects on display that will shape the character of a space like this – so choose wisely. 

High impact and opulent, this office space uses colour to create balance and symmetry. The green of the veins in the marble is played up by the rug, while the rich toffee hue of the curtains share the rich gold undertone of the desk. For a look as luxe as this, furniture should be kept sleek and minimal. 

This home office zone has been incorporated into a larger open-plan scheme, but the space is just as dedicated to its purpose as any other office on this list. The long work space has concealed storage, statement open shelving and the use of coloured and tactile surfaces makes it feel like artwork, rather than utility. 

Light, bright and airy, this home office is perfect for country and Hamptons-themed homes. White and blonde timber is an enduring combination that sings when teamed with woven details and florals. 

This home office gives old-world charm a Hamptons twist by accessorising a white-washed scheme with aged-brass hardware, pale timber floors and shaker profile cabinetry. 

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