Image: Clair Strong Interior Design

Working from home is something many of us aspire to. But it’s not as simple as flopping onto the sofa with your laptop and answering some emails. You need a proper work space. Somewhere that will inspire productivity and motivate you to get stuff done, a place with all the right facilities, and a really comfortable office chair. Wondering how you go about achieving all that? Here are 4 real-life home offices to steal some ideas from.

1) Out of Africa

New York-based textile designer John Robshaw’s love of Africa inspired the aesthetic of his home office. Colourful, cultured and cosy – it certainly catches my attention. A place that draws the eye and stimulates the senses is ideal for a designer.

2) An Artist’s Retreat

Artist Joelle Workman’s studio is small but full. Items of inspiration clutter the shelves surrounding her desk but it feels intentional rather than untidy. There’s a distinctly bohemian feel that suits Joelle’s art style to a tee. I love the grey metal desk and shelves which are much better suited to printing and painting than wood.

3) Monochrome Marvel

The home office of blogger and author Niki Brantmark is Scandi simplicity. A monochromatic colour scheme helps this small corner-of-the-room office feel light and airy. A light-handed approach to decoration keeps it clutter and distraction-free. It’s a perfect spot for writing.

4) A Desk Under the Stairs

Strapped for space? Make use of every corner, nook and cranny with an office under the stairs. As you can see from the image above it’s a perfectly stylish solution to a small space problem, AND it keeps your office out of the bedroom. Win win.