A well-designed office isn’t just about looking good—it’s about making life easier, work smoother, and keeping productivity high. Whether you’re working from home, running a team, or managing a full office space, the way it’s designed plays a huge role in focus, energy, and even well-being.
Here are ten simple but effective ways to make your office work harder for you.
1. Let There Be (Natural) Light
Ever noticed how you feel more alert in daylight and sluggish under harsh artificial lighting? Natural light boosts focus, energy, and even sleep quality. If you can, position workspaces near windows, swap out heavy blinds for sheer ones, and if daylight is limited, go for soft, warm LED lighting over cold white bulbs.
2. Use Colour to Your Advantage
Colour affects how we feel—whether we realise it or not. Blues and greens promote calm and focus (great for deep work), while soft yellows can boost creativity. Avoid stark whites (too clinical) and bright reds (stress-inducing). If repainting isn’t an option, introduce colour through artwork, soft furnishings, or even your stationery and room accessories.
3. Prioritise Comfort with Ergonomic Furniture
Nothing kills productivity like a bad back. An ergonomic chair, a properly positioned monitor, and an adjustable desk can make a world of difference. It’s worth the investment—after all, you spend hours at your desk, so make sure it’s working for you, not against you.
4. Create Different Work Zones
Not every task requires the same setup. Open-plan offices can be great for collaboration, but they’re terrible for deep work. If space allows, create dedicated areas—quiet zones for focus, breakout spaces for brainstorming, and comfy spots for informal meetings. Even in a home office, having a separate space for admin versus creative tasks can help shift your mindset.
5. Cut Down on Noise Distractions
Constant background noise is one of the biggest concentration killers. If you’re in an office, consider sound-absorbing materials like carpets, acoustic panels, or even soft furnishings to dampen noise. If you work from home, noise-cancelling headphones might be your new best friend.
6. Bring the Outdoors In
Biophilic design (aka adding greenery and natural materials to your space) isn’t just a trend—it’s scientifically proven to reduce stress and boost productivity. A few well-placed plants can make your space feel fresher, more inviting, and even improve air quality. Easy-to-care-for options like snake plants or succulents are great if you’re not a natural gardener.
7. Keep It Clutter-Free
A messy space = a messy mind. It’s not about having a Pinterest-perfect desk, but keeping things organised makes a real difference to focus and efficiency. Tidy away cables, invest in smart storage, and go digital where you can. A quick 5-minute reset at the end of the day can make all the difference.
8. Breathe Easy – Improve Air Quality
Stale air leads to headaches, fatigue, and general sluggishness. Make sure your space is well-ventilated, add a few air-purifying plants, and if needed, invest in an air purifier. You’ll be surprised how much fresher your space (and your mind) feels.
9. Get the Lighting & Temperature Right
Poor lighting = eye strain. Bad temperature = distraction. Too hot? Productivity plummets. Too cold? People (or you) end up uncomfortable and fidgeting. Aim for a happy medium with adjustable lighting and temperature control where possible.
10. Make It a Space You Want to Work In
Your office should reflect your personality and brand—not just be a bland box of desks. Whether that’s through framed artwork, a feature wall, or just a well-curated shelf behind you on Zoom, make it a space that feels yours. When you enjoy your environment, you’ll naturally feel more productive.
Designing a productive office doesn’t mean spending a fortune—it’s about making smart choices that help you and your team (or just you!) work better. Whether it’s tweaking your lighting, decluttering, or adding a few plants, small changes can make a huge difference.
You can find Studio JQ on socials @thestudiojq and if you’re looking for help with a project, schedule a free consultation on our website www.studiojq.co.uk
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