Designing a Home Office That Feels as Good as It Functions

Rather than simply placing a desk in a quiet corner, designing a home office should be about creating an environment that supports both focus and flow.

At Maché Interiors, we believe that function and beauty should never be at odds. So, here’s our approach to creating a home office that supports your work, while sitting gracefully within the rhythm of your home.

Start With Purpose

Before we think about fabrics or finishes, we begin with how the space will serve you. Is it a daily workspace? A part-time setup? Somewhere creative, or somewhere contained? Understanding the usage allows you to shape the room to perfectly to your needs.

Choose Your Location Carefully

Not every home has a dedicated office, and that’s perfectly fine. We often work with:

• Spare rooms that can flex into guest or hobby spaces

• Architectural corners in bedrooms, landings, or kitchens

• Built-in joinery within open-plan spaces, beautifully integrated to feel intentional

Natural light is always a bonus. If you can place your desk near a window, even a small one can subtly shift your energy throughout the day.

Prioritise Comfort and Clarity

A calm workspace begins with smart foundations.

• A supportive chair and well-sized desk are essential

• Discreet storage helps keep the visual noise down

• We layer in task lighting alongside ambient light to ease the transition from day to evening

This isn’t about tech-heavy solutions, it’s about designing a space that lets you think and work with ease.

Let It Reflect You

We believe every room in your home should hold your character and your office is no exception. A home office should still feel like part of the home. Soften hard edges with curtains, tactile upholstery, layered lighting and personal touches. These elements make the space more inviting without compromising productivity.

• Consider a colour palette that supports your pace: soft earthy tones for focus, muted blues for calm, even a quiet hint of something unexpected like rust or forest green can energise the space and make it a joy to work in

• Textural details - boucle, timber, brushed brass help the space feel layered, not stark and give you a subtle feeling of luxury in your space

• Add pieces that feel personal: a favourite artwork, family photos, flowers or a plant

  
  

Create Boundaries That Work for You

If your office is part of a multifunctional space, we use visual cues to gently define its edges.

• Rugs, painted zones, or wraparound joinery can subtly separate work from life

• We often recommend a closing ritual, whether that’s shutting a cabinet, dimming a light, or closing a laptop inside a drawer

• Hidden cable routes and curated desktop styling help maintain a sense of calm, even when life gets busy

Room to Adapt

We’re big believers in designing spaces that evolve.Your office might double as a guest room, library, or creative nook. With well-chosen furniture and intentional layout, one room can shift seamlessly with your needs.

Remember no matter how small the space, there is always a design that can make a great space that will suit your style and needs.