Even though I’m sure you’ve watched Sex and the City, and imagined yourself at Carrie Bradshaw’s desk pensively staring out the window whilst writing your next column, ladies I hate to break it to you, but cast that vision aside. That ain’t the perfect work setup. Carrie’s been lying to us.

Home offices are meant to combine your creativity, inspiration, work ethic and create a reality of dreams where you can escape your mind from distractions and be surrounded by what makes you work to the best of your ability.

The beautiful thing about a home office is that you get to create your own working world, rather then be chained to an environment you feel uncomfortable in, or its wallpaper makes you want to run screaming into oncoming traffic.

// TANGERINE TRIUMPH

This retro meets modern sizzling home office screams acceptance and warmth with its bright colour scheme. And the white shaggy rug helps to create an inviting and comforting ambience in this room. If you’re over the standard boring brown desk, I suggest you bring a new feel to your office and give it a modern edge by investing in a transparent desk.

// SUNNYSIDE UP

This office space has a futuristic tinge to it. Using black furniture against a light interior scheme is a great way to assert a professional and clean feel to your home office. And there’s plenty of sunshine streaming through the windows to keep you recharged throughout the day.

// GREEN WITH ENVY

Colour is an important aspect of your home office. You want a colour that will lift your mood, but will also be easy on your strained, tired eyes when you’re working away at your desk. Green is a perfect colour for an office as it’s said to have a calming effect, to be good for stress and improve your reading ability. Complimenting it with white balances it out, and white is said to eliminate clutter and obstacles.

// BLACK AND WHITE AFFAIR

The black and white domino effect is what makes this home office unique, it’s got an eloquent but trivial element to it. This is a clever use of colour and design in a compact space, and the sleek design creates a feeling of productivity and clarity.

// HOME OFFICE STYLING ADVICE

:: It’s essential to be reminded of what inspires and motivates you. Visually decorate your space with direction and motivation to succeed with ease.

:: It’s your space, so let your individuality shine through with colour, texture, lighting and decor.

:: Fresh flowers always bring a space to life and can make a real difference to your working day.

:: Pin quotes and beautiful images on your walls.

:: Be proud of your achievements and success; put up degrees, awards, or reminders of the things that have shaped your evolving career and remind you of how far you’ve come.

:: Make sure there is plenty of light to radiate your space as you work. Think about putting your desk where the sun illuminates it or preferably aim to have windows where the sun can lighten your room, and provide warmth and guidance to your day.

// ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Helena Hatz :: Features Intern

Helena has had a love for writing and the media industry ever since she picked up her first magazine at the age of 13 years. Still to this day she’s obsessed with magazines and on her day off you’ll find her lazing in the sun with a vanilla latte in one hand and her eyes peeled to the pages of magazines in the other. She’s also got a passion for dance and loves to try new styles, and at the moment shaking her hips at belly dancing is her favourite. She believes in making the most of the day and having a positive attitude to what life brings. She’ll be in her final year of university next year and hopes to fly off to Europe and have lots of exciting stories to share when she gets back.