Design tips for your home office: Curate a clean and calm space to increase productivity, beat stress

Work places are embracing flexible and adaptable designs like “open layout” to help eliminate physical barriers such as walls, cubicles, and cabins between employees, allowing them to interact with each other directly (Image: Flipspaces)

In today’s dynamic work landscape in the post pandemic world, setting up an efficient WFH environment or home office space is essential for individuals navigating remote or hybrid work environment. A clean and calm space fosters an environment conducive to focused and clear-minded work, minimising distractions and promoting efficient decision-making.

Given that millennials and Gen Z will dominate the workforce in the coming years, interior designers are adopting innovative approaches to cater to their needs. This includes incorporating technology-driven features like virtual meeting spaces and privacy pods, alongside vibrant colour schemes that promote well-being and productivity. Office spaces and functional furniture are also witnessing a paradigm shift, with traditional desks and chairs making way for more relaxed and collaborative seating arrangements like couches, bean bags, and breakout rooms, further helping with maximising space utilisation whilst offering comfort and ergonomic support.

The surge of minimalism in interior design and construction aligns with the contemporary emphasis on sustainability and eco-conscious design practices. This makes trends like “Biophilia” an instant hit with the GenZ and millennials as it helps in blending the indoors with the outdoors. Key to making these decor changes is the recognition of the importance of “acoustics” in the work environment as it helps in yielding better productivity. While designing workspaces it is vital to create smaller rooms with work standard soundproofing, says Kunal Sharma, founder and CEO at Flipspaces.

He adds, “Minimalism has emerged as a prominent and influential trend. Known as the new cool, the minimalistic design philosophy lays emphasis on simplicity, functionality, and a pared-down aesthetics which employs clean lines, uncluttered spaces, and a restrained colour palette aiding to exude a sense of openness, order, and visual tranquilly, which helps in boosting well-being and productivity.”

Work places are embracing flexible and adaptable designs like “open layout” to help eliminate physical barriers such as walls, cubicles, and cabins between employees, allowing them to interact with each other directly and more importantly evoke an environment that boost creativity and collaboration.  Kunal says, “Spaces with open layout is a cost effective strategy, and lighting and colour psychology play a crucial role here by enhancing focus and providing ample natural light where possible. Colour psychology is also leveraged to set the mood of the space, with colour blocking emerging as a prominent trend in workspace interior design. From vibrant statement walls to carefully curated palettes, colors are strategically utilized to enhance different areas of the workplace and foster employee well-being.”

Ocean Blue: Specific areas such as reception, break-out rooms or relaxation spots can gain a calming atmosphere that fosters a sense of ease for both visitors and employees.

Soft pastels: Gentles tones likes soft pinks, lilacs, and muted blues, are frequently selected for their ability to evoke a sense of serenity, which is versatile to complement both modern and minimalist design style.

Sunshine yellow: The lively and optimistic tone of bright yellow naturally instills a strong sense of vibrancy and positivity and perfectly goes with wallpapers, frames, chair upholstery helping to inject a stimulating and invigorating atmosphere.

Vivid coral: Because of its ability to catch the eye instantly as it can evoke a vibe of playful and lively offering a calming effect, which again aids in boosting productivity.