By Seb Kouyoumjian – leading architect and founder of Bou London, the innovative furniture studio.
The home office has transformed from a nice-to-have to a necessity. Most now need space at home for focused productivity and creativity. Whether you are a remote worker, a freelancer, or simply someone who values a dedicated workspace, a well-designed home office can improve your work-life balance.
Achieving a clear separation from work and home life is crucial for both producing quality work and promoting positive mental health. Being able to switch off and hide away work at the end of the day is even more important at home. Unlike, leaving a traditional office at the end of the day, reminders of work around the home can intrude on relaxation time.
Choosing the Perfect Space
The first step in creating a home office is selecting the ideal location. Even in small spaces, it’s possible to create a functional and stylish workspace. Consider a spare bedroom, a corner of the living room, a dedicated room, or even – if you have stairs – a nook under the staircase or an over-sized landing.
The Bou London FOLD desk is an ideal solution for small spaces without sacrificing on work surface. Its thoughtful design allows you to transition from a full-size workspace to a compact storage cabinet. When unfolded, it offers a generous, almost enclosed workspace with space comparable to a conventional desk, ideal for focus. When folded, it tucks away as a sleek cabinet, protruding no more than a console table. Discreet, and perfect in smaller rooms.
Placement: Position your desk to maximize natural light and minimize glare. If you have a large window, placing the desk nearby can create a serene and inspiring workspace. Daylight can boost your mood and productivity but be mindful of avoiding direct sunlight which can make seeing your screen harder.
Uncluttered Workspace: Ensure you have ample room to work without unnecessary clutter. A clear workspace promotes clear thinking and allows space to write, draw, type, and focus effectively. Make sure you have storage space to hide away work paraphernalia such as documents and cables, to avoid these intruding into your home life.
A Suitable Desk: For functionalism cleverly blended with mid-century styling, consider the Bou London FOLD desk range. This elegant piece of cabinetry allows any room to become a generous home office, providing a dedicated workspace that doesn’t encroach on living space. It can be neatly folded away when not in use. When folded, the desk minds itself, as a high console with storage below, offering both discrete beauty and practicality. Unfolded, it reveals a deep work surface (80 cm) for optimal workspace and clear thinking, with well thought out storage. You can choose from two widths – 100cm and 135cm.
Desk Accessories: Choose elegant desk accessories that complement the design of your work space. Our favourites are stainless steel pens, simple organisers, and a contemporary task lamp with variable brightness and colour temperature.
Comfortable Seating: Invest in a comfortable, adjustable ergonomic chair that supports good posture. For shorter periods at your desk, a solid wood or upholstered chair can add a touch of luxury to your workspace and soften its appearance. Add luxurious cushions for comfort and style.
Storage Solutions: Keep your workspace organised with stylish storage solutions. Consider matching cabinets, drawers, and wall shelves for additional storage of office supplies and documents. Keeping things off the floor helps a space feel bigger, so opt for wall-mounting when possible.
Creating a Serene Atmosphere
To truly create a luxurious home office, focus on establishing a serene and inspiring atmosphere:
Colour Palette: Choose a calming colour palette for your walls and furnishings. Soft neutrals like natural wood (e.g., engineered birch ply or oak) paired with white, grey, and beige tones can create a serene and sophisticated ambiance.
Natural Light: Maximise natural light by using sheer curtains or blinds to allow in light but screen out possible distractions.
Artificial Lighting: Invest in high-quality task lighting to illuminate your workspace effectively. A stylish desk lamp can add a touch of elegance.
Plants: Incorporate indoor plants to bring life and freshness to your workspace. Plants can also help purify the air and reduce stress.
Artwork: Hang inspiring artwork or photographs on the walls to create a personalised and motivating space.
Technology Integration
Technology is an essential part of most home offices. Here are some tips for seamlessly integrating technology into your luxurious workspace:
Cable Management: Keep your cables organised with cable management solutions. This will help minimise clutter and create a clean and professional look. The Bou FOLD range incorporates well-thought-out cut-outs for discreet cable management, feeding them to the back of the desk.
Wireless Charging: Invest in a wireless charger or charging hub for your phone or other devices to keep your workspace clutter-free.
Smart Home Integration: Consider integrating smart home devices into your home. Smart lighting, smart speakers, and smart thermostats allow you to remotely control your surroundings without having to break focus too much.
Incorporating the Bou London Folding Desk
The Bou London folding desk is the ideal home office. Its elegant design and high-quality materials elevate the aesthetic appeal of any space. The craftsmanship in each micro-batch piece of Bou furniture is evident, with every component beautifully considered and made by a master cabinetmaker. A FOLD desk allows you to hide work when you’re done for the day.
By following these tips and incorporating the Bou London folding desk, you can create a luxurious home office that is both functional and stylish. The key to a successful home office is to create a dedicated, clutter-free space, no matter the size of your home.
About the expert
Seb Kouyoumjian, award-winning architect at SEB + FIN Architects is the creative force behind www.Bou.London, redefining contemporary furniture design.
Kouyoumjian’s passion for detail and functionality has established Bou London as a studio renowned for its handcrafted micro batch folding home office desks.
