As the world of work continues to evolve, so too does the way we design and inhabit our homes. The rise of remote work, and hybrid working models has transformed the home into more than just a space for living—it’s now a place where work, leisure, and family life intersect. It's colloquially known as 'Working from Home' or 'WFH'. At Studio Hallett Ike, we are excited by this new chapter of domestic design and believe that creating functional, flexible home office spaces is key to enhancing productivity, comfort, and well-being.
Whether you’re looking to integrate a home office within your existing home or considering a dedicated garden studio, the goal is the same: designing a space that supports both work and personal life seamlessly.
The Hybrid Home Office: Flexibility is Key
The hybrid work model, where employees split their time between working at home and in the office, has introduced a need for adaptable, multi-functional spaces. Gone are the days when home offices were relegated to a tiny corner or a small desk crammed into a spare room. Today’s home offices are evolving to meet the demands of remote work with a focus on versatility, comfort, and style.
Creating an office within the home requires careful consideration of both functionality and aesthetics. One of the first challenges is to carve out a space that is separate from the distractions of daily life. Whether it’s an alcove, a dedicated room, or a nook under the stairs, finding a quiet and private corner is essential. The key to successful design is zoning: ensuring that the space feels distinct from other areas of the home, even if it’s just a small section of a larger room.
Incorporating modular furniture is one effective way to make a home office flexible. Desks that can be folded away when not in use and shelving systems that can adapt to your needs as they change are both design solutions that can make a home office more functional. Additionally, utilising built-in storage options—such as under-desk cabinets or custom shelving—can keep the workspace organized and minimise visual clutter, allowing the room to retain its flow and openness when work is done.
The use of natural light is critical for any home office. Ideally, position your desk near a window or other natural light source to boost productivity and mental well-being. A balance of artificial lighting is also important—adjustable, task-specific lighting such as desk lamps or floor lights can ensure you’re never working in the dark, no matter the time of day.
Garden Studios: The Escape to Work in Peace
For many, the answer to creating the perfect home office lies outside the house entirely. The rise of garden studios is one of the most exciting developments in home design, offering homeowners the opportunity to create a dedicated, peaceful workspace separate from the hustle and bustle of family life.
A garden office is an extension of the home, offering a retreat where you can work in a serene and distraction-free environment. These studios come in a variety of shapes and sizes. At Studio Hallett Ike, we can design your bespoke garden studio to harmonise with its surrounding environment while offering all the functionality needed for a productive workspace.
One of the main advantages of a garden studio is the ability to keep work and home life entirely separate. Having a space that is physically detached from the house allows you to mentally disconnect from work when the day is done. It also ensures that your work environment is free from domestic distractions, such as laundry or the sound of family members in the next room.
In terms of design, garden studios can be customized to suit your specific needs. For example, if you need a larger space for meetings or creative work, we can design a studio that accommodates this while still maintaining a compact footprint. Features like large windows can bring in natural light and connect the interior with the outdoors, making it an inspiring space to work. The use of sustainable materials - like locally sourced timber cladding, or triple glazed fenestration - can create a warm and inviting atmosphere while minimising environmental impact.
Climate control is also a key consideration. Garden studios are designed with insulation and energy efficiency in mind, so you can work comfortably year-round. Whether it’s installing underfloor heating, air conditioning, or solar panels, these spaces can be optimised for comfort without compromising on energy use.
Refer to our previous blog post for more information on the benefits of your own garden studio.
Designing for Wellness: A Focus on Balance
Whether within the home or in a garden studio, the design of a home office should prioritise wellness. As the lines between work and personal life blur, it is crucial that the spaces we work in support our mental and physical health.
The rise of biophilic design—bringing elements of nature into the workspace—has become increasingly popular in home offices. This might mean simply introducing plants, or designing with natural materials like wood, or even creating a view of your garden or local green space. At Studio Hallett Ike, we encourage clients to think about how their work environment can enhance their well-being through thoughtful design choices.
Lighting affects mood and productivity, so a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting is essential. Creating an atmosphere of calm can be particularly beneficial for those working in high-pressure environments. In addition, soft colour palettes, efficient use of space to minimise clutter, and noise-reducing materials, can transform a home office into a place that supports focus and reduces stress.
The Future of Hybrid Home Office Spaces
As we look to the future, the design of hybrid spaces will continue to evolve to meet the changing needs of both homeowners and workers. Whether you are transforming a room inside your home or building a garden studio from scratch, the goal is to create a space that adapts to both work and life.
At Studio Hallett Ike, we believe that successful hybrid spaces are those that are flexible, comfortable, and thoughtfully designed. By incorporating elements that promote productivity, health, and well-being, you can create a home office or garden studio that works for you—now and in the future.
Are you ready to create your ideal home office? Contact us today to begin designing a space that supports your work, your life, and your well-being!