The global Covid-19 pandemic changed the way we lived, worked and socialised for more than two years, but more than 12 months on, its effects are still being felt, particularly when it comes to our professional lives.
After extended periods of time spent working from home, wearing comfortable clothes all day and avoiding the inevitable stress that comes with the daily commute, it seems that many of us have got a taste for it. And with employers, too, now more willing to embrace the set-up long-term, having seen first-hand just how well it can really work – it seems more of us are logging on from our sofas, kitchen tables and home offices than ever before.
With a hybrid approach to working now the new norm for many, in 2023, we’re all about creating a more permanent home office space that supports creativity, productivity and a sense of calm. Superior home tech is enjoying a moment, and we’re going all in on opulent design aesthetics to create a space that isn’t just highly functional, but that looks good, too.
Here are some of the biggest home office trends set to shape the year ahead.
Superior connectivity
High-speed internet is an essential that goes without saying when it comes to ensuring you’re set up for success in your home office, and will guarantee that Zoom meetings and collaborative work go without a hitch. But with many of us now reliant on our mobile phones than ever to take work-related calls throughout the day in the absence of an office landline, it’s also important to ensure you have good signal so that phone calls will go smoothly and that vital messages from employees or colleagues can be received and replied to quickly and efficiently.
Unfortunately, not all homes have the privilege of excellent mobile phone signal, although with the recent introduction of 5G, things are improving. If you need to improve the Virgin signal in the office then investing in a signal boosting plan is a wise move. The provider currently covers 99 percent of the country, and offers a variety of monthly plans designed to guarantee enhanced signal and, ultimately, less stress when it comes to getting that important work call done.
Plants
Bringing the outside inside has been a key interior design trend over recent years, and your home office is the perfect place to experiment with adding plants and foliage. Not only does they look great and breathe new life into what might otherwise look like a rather clinical space, but plants come with the added benefit of air purification, which can feel like a godsend in a stuffy office space.
The better the oxygen supply, the greater your productivity is likely to be. And filling the room with plants will also make you feel more connected with nature – something that multiple studies have shown to help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety and instil a sense of calm. All that, and they look great, too – so all things considered, it’s a win-win.
Colour
Colour plays a surprising role when it comes to influencing our mood, so getting the colour scheme right in your office is essential if you’re keen to create an uplifting space that supports concentration, productivity and creativity.
Take some time to think about the way you’d like to feel when stepping into your home office each morning, and choose your hues accordingly. If you tend to struggle with low energy, then bright, vibrant shades can make the world of difference and will instantly get you feeling more fired up – along with your morning cup of coffee, of course. But if your main aim is to create a calming space where you can concentrate for long periods of time with no distractions, then neutral tones or light blues and greens will do the trick.
Accessories
Whilst it’s important not to create too many distractions in your home office – which is why avoiding clutter is key – some carefully chosen accessories and adornments can make all the difference when it comes to boosting creativity. Staring at the same four, plain walls for hours on end can begin to take its toll, so add interest with a favourite piece of art or a quirky sculpture.
Rustic and unusual accessories are a big trend for 2023, so think outside the box and have fun with it. Accessorising your space is the perfect way to inject a little bit of personality to the room in a way that you simply wouldn’t be able to in a corporate office, so visit some local antique dealers or local artisans and see what takes your fancy.
