Many people now work remotely, with the latest statistics revealing that 41 per cent of the working population in the UK works from home (WFH) some or all of the time. This amounts to over 22 million people who enjoy the benefits of WFH, such as saving on the time, expense, and stress of commuting and a better work-life balance.
However, in order to work productively from home, it’s essential to have a comfortable working space that is free from distractions and has good access to natural light. If you have a hardwood orangery or are planning to have one installed, then you may wish to convert some or all of this space into your home office. Here are some tips.
Plan the layout
The first step is to plan the best layout for your home office. If you have a larger space, you may wish to zone off a particular area for working, leaving the rest free for other activities. If you have a small orangery or you want to maintain a multi-functional space, you may want to create a convertible desk that folds away neatly into a cupboard when not in use.
Other hidden storage solutions include wheeled storage carts that can be rolled away to a cupboard or nook such as under the stairs when not in use. Bear in mind that traditional office furniture such as tall cabinets and shelving units may not suit an orangery space, because they will reduce the amount of natural light and look out of place.
The desk placement also requires thought: you will want to make the most of natural light and views across the garden, but direct sunlight can cause glare and reduce the visibility of the screen. Experiment with different angles, and consider blinds or smart glass that can be adjusted to control glare without fully blocking out the light.
Consider temperature control
It’s likely that you will be using your home office in all seasons, so it’s essential to make sure it always maintains a comfortable temperature for working in. A high quality glazed extension should have a good level of insulation, such as high performance glass that makes use of solar energy gain to conserve heat in winter or to reflect it away in warmer weather.
High performance glazing also provides a good level of acoustic control, so you will have a quieter space to work in. This might be a consideration if you live next door to a young family whose children often play outside, or near to a busy main road.
Underfloor heating is a good energy-efficient option to help keep your orangery at a pleasant ambient temperature during the colder months.
Select the right furniture
Select items of furniture that will complement the space, rather than obstruct the flow of light and make it feel cluttered. A compact desk that can easily be moved or folded away is ideal. If your orangery is also used as a dining room and space is limited, the dining table might also double up as a desk.
A chair that is designed for ergonomic support and is properly adjusted to the height of the desk is essential to prevent back and neck pain. For other items of furniture such as shelves or cupboards, choose short compact pieces that won’t block the natural light or overly disrupt the flow of the space.
Add some personal touches
Personalising your space will help to create a welcoming and productive working environment. Plants are an ideal addition to an orangery, and there are plenty of options that will look stunning and also thrive in the abundant natural light. For low-maintenance varieties, choose ferns, orchids or succulents.
If you have a larger space, you may want to consider growing citrus fruit trees, such as lime, lemon, or indeed orange trees. These will add greenery and produce fragrant fruit and flowers in season, which you can make use of in the kitchen.
You may also wish to include a more relaxed seating arrangement with armchairs or a sofa for more informal meetings or discussions. Add interest with artwork, sculptures or ornaments, and colourful rugs and cushions.