How to create a home-office set up that works for you

The past four years have revolutionised how we work, with hybrid and remote setups becoming the new normal. But who says your home office has to be dull or uninspired?

Imagine creating a workspace that not only boosts productivity but also reflects your personality and style. Whether you’re crafting the perfect Zoom backdrop or looking for streamlined desk ideas, the possibilities are endless.

Before diving into a globetrotting tour of four stunning and unique work-from-home setups, let’s talk about the foundations of an exceptional home office. The right setup doesn’t just look good - it feels good, too. Here’s how you can start transforming your space today before you even start to think about your chosen aesthetic:

• Prioritise ergonomics: treat your body right with a supportive chair and a height-adjustable desk for better posture and comfort
• Maximise natural light: position your desk near a window to soak in daylight. No window? No problem. Invest in a daylight lamp to brighten your space with nature-inspired brilliance
• Get organised: keep clutter at bay with smart storage solutions—label printers and tidy organisers can make all the difference
• Go green: add plants for a refreshing touch. They not only boost your mood but also purify the air, creating a healthier work environment
• Personalise your space: infuse your workspace with items that spark joy and creativity. Think photos, art, or objects that make you feel at home

Now, let’s take a globe-trotting tour on a journey across the globe to explore four remarkable home office setups.

Each one is brimming with inspiration to help you reimagine your own workspace. Whether you prefer minimalism, luxury, or something totally unconventional, these ideas will take your WFH game to the next level.

Ready to be inspired? Let’s dive in!

The Japanese Zen Den

In Japan, where Brother was born, the home office becomes a haven of calm, reflecting the country’s deep-rooted appreciation for simplicity and mindfulness. Imagine a tranquil workspace that doubles as a meditation room - this is the essence of Japanese design. 

A low desk positioned at floor level encourages grounded focus, while a hand-woven tatami mat adds warmth and texture to the room. 

The minimalist design is complemented by an abundance of green plants, which bring life and harmony to the space.

To implement this serene style in your own home office:

• Embrace minimalism: remove unnecessary clutter and keep your workspace open and organised
• Incorporate natural elements: add plants and wooden or bamboo accents to create a connection to nature
• Choose functional furniture: opt for low-profile desks and storage solutions to maintain a sleek and tidy look
• Create a multi-purpose space: use soft lighting and meditation cushions to transform your office into a place of relaxation after the workday ends

This blend of functionality and peace can make your workspace not just a place to work but a sanctuary for focus and rejuvenation.

Denmark: A cozy, hygge-inspired workspace

In Denmark, the concept of hygge—a celebration of coziness and comfort—transforms home offices into warm and inviting retreats. Picture a sleek bench-style desk paired with a plush chair, all bathed in the soft glow of natural light streaming through large windows. Danish design emphasizes clean lines and practicality while maintaining an atmosphere of relaxation.

To bring this hygge-inspired design into your home office:

• Maximise light: position your desk near a window and use sheer curtains to let sunlight flood the space
• Prioritise comfort: invest in a comfortable chair and add a soft throw blanket or cushion for extra coziness
• Choose slim, functional tech: Use compact, modern devices that blend seamlessly with your decor while meeting all your work needs.
• Add personal touches: include candles, small plants, or framed artwork to make the space uniquely yours

Creating a hygge-inspired office ensures that you’ll feel both productive and relaxed in your environment—a perfect combination for tackling any workday.

The British box room: big ideas for small spaces

Looking for box room office ideas?

In the UK, homeowners are transforming their box rooms into compact, efficient workspaces, proving that size doesn’t limit creativity. These spaces are all about maximising every square inch, with built-in desks and cleverly designed storage solutions.

 A snug corner desk with storage units on either side provides ample space for essentials without overcrowding the room. Tall shelving units add vertical storage for books, documents, or decor.

Here’s how you can turn your box room into a stylish, functional office:

• Go vertical: use wall-mounted shelves or tall storage units to save floor space
• Built-in elegance: invest in custom or built-in furniture to maximize your room’s layout
• Use light colors: opt for light, neutral tones to make the space feel larger and more open
• Keep it functional: choose a streamlined desk setup and ensure your tech devices are compact and versatile

This clever approach to small spaces shows that even the tiniest room can be transformed into a stylish, productive work environment.

The New York closet office

Space is at a premium in the Big Apple, so New Yorkers are turning closets into bedroom offices. This is an ingenious solution to modern work-life needs. 

Imagine opening a closet to reveal a fully functional workspace: a fold-down desk, a wall-mounted monitor and built-in shelves for storage. 

Here’s how to create your own closet office:

• Think multi-functional: install a fold-down desk or a pull-out drawer to maximize space
• Utilise wall space: mount monitors, storage bins, or pegboards for an organized and clutter-free setup
• Add lighting: use under-shelf LED strips or a small desk lamp to brighten the space
• Make it disappear: when the workday ends, simply close the doors to hide your office and restore your living space

This creative solution is ideal for those living in small apartments or shared homes, offering the perfect blend of practicality and style.

Brother can help you achieve your dream home office aesthetic

Create a workspace that aligns with your favourite international is easier than ever with the right tools. Brother has all the tech you need to help you with your home workspace. Find out more about Brother’s home office solutions. 

Here’s how our products fit perfectly with different cultural aesthetics:

In a Japanese-inspired home office, the key is simplicity and functionality. Brother’s compact all-in-one printer is the perfect fit for a minimalist workspace. It takes up minimal space while offering the printing, scanning and copying capabilities you need without cluttering your serene environment. 

Scandi design is all about clean lines, practicality and a touch of warmth. Brother’s label printers are a must-have for keeping your workspace organised and stylish. Whether you’re labeling files, storage bins, or even plants, these compact printers add to the streamlined beauty of your Scandinavian-inspired home office. With their simple design and easy functionality, they help create a clutter-free, functional workspace.

In a small space like the British box room, every square inch counts. That’s why you’ll want to keep your workspace efficient yet clutter-free. With plenty of surface space, you can comfortably add one of Brother’s wireless laser printers (INSERT EXTERNAL LOCAL LINK TO STORE PAGE). These printers are ideal for small spaces - quiet, compact and efficient. Whether you need to print important documents or creative projects, this printer won’t take up unnecessary room and ensures smooth, quick printing whenever you need it.

In New York, where space is limited, creating a compact, multifunctional office is key. The Brother Mobile Connect app lets you manage your printing needs from anywhere in your apartment. Whether you’re in your closet office or your living room, the app allows you to print from multiple rooms without being tied to one printer, giving you the flexibility you need to make the most of your space.

Brother EcoPro: your printing solution (REMOVE IF ECOPRO IS NOT LIVE IN YOUR LOCAL COUNTRY)

Never worry about running out of ink again with our EcoPro Ink Subscription. Starting from just £1.99 per month, you'll receive:

• Automatic ink delivery
• Free shipping
• Flexible plans based on your printing needs
• Environmentally-friendly cartridge recycling

We’d love to see your WFH setups, so remember to tag us on social media using @XXX!