Over time, our work setups have drastically changed. We’re looking at how the home office has evolved, and what it looks like today…
When I started working at Kitchens Bedrooms & Bathroom magazine, back in 2020, I remember I only got to go into the office for a week and a half, and then the first lockdown happened… And so, my makeshift home office took form at one end of our dining table with my laptop, a couple of print issues, my planner, and a box filled with stationery and cables neatly organised. Some perks of having my setup so close to the kitchen included having easy access to tea and coffee (and snacks!) anytime of day and lots of natural light flowing in through the French-style balcony doors.
During those uncertain times, we had to embrace change and adapt, be it by turning a guest bedroom into a home office, setting up our station at the kitchen island, or adding a desk and chair in a nook somewhere in the house, like under the stairs or an unused staircase landing.
But with many returning to normal office hours and hybrid working becoming the norm, I started wondering what happened to those work-from-home setups. So, I reached out to my industry contacts to find out what the home office looks like in 2025, and what trends they’re currently noticing…
What does the home office look like in 2025?
These days, is an office still on homeowners’ wishlists? “A dedicated home office is an increasingly important part of a house in the UK,” states Melissa Denham, interior design expert at Hammonds Furniture, who says around 40% of Brits are working from home at least some of the time as of April 2025, according to recent statistics.
But the home office is no longer just about function, Rachal Hutcheson, national retail manager at Sharps, tells me; it’s about integrating workspaces into the wider aesthetic and rhythm of the home. “In 2020, makeshift home offices became a necessity – guest rooms, kitchen corners, and even hallway nooks were quickly repurposed to keep up with remote work demands. Fast forward to 2025, and the home office has evolved into something far more intentional,” says Rachal.
So, what are some design shifts and home office trends the experts are noticing?
Prioritise ergonomics
Sitting down for so many hours a day, over time, can hurt your body. Now, I’m going to be the first one to raise my hand and admit I have to adjust my desk posture on the daily. But apart from good posture, so much more goes into a healthy work setup – from having the monitor or laptop at the right height to the keyboard position so your wrists won’t hurt. So, it’s no surprise when Melissa says she’s seeing a growing investment in ergonomic furniture and smart technology.
“Adjustable chairs with lumbar support, height-adjustable desks, and adjustable monitors are now considered essential for maintaining comfort and posture throughout the day,” she adds. They all play a part in creating a healthy workspace at home.
Home office layouts
Gone are the days of tucked-away home offices – in 2025, the experts say they’re all about multi-functionality. “We’re seeing a strong move toward multi-functional zones that blur the lines between work and living areas,” says Rachal. “Rather than isolating a single ‘home office room’, many are opting for shared or flexible spaces; think living rooms or lofts with built-in desks and bespoke storage that blend effortlessly into existing interiors.”
Shared working spaces
Speaking of shared spaces, they are certainly on the rise. “These are designed with subtle zoning – through lighting, materials, or colour palettes – to provide each person with a distinct yet harmonious space. Minimalist design and smart storage are central to keeping these multi-user environments calm and clutter-free, supporting focus without sacrificing the sanctuary of home,” says Rachal.
If you’re designing for two, Katerina Tchevytchalova, director at K’Arte Design, says it’s important to adapt the space so it works well for both. “Think dual desks, plenty of personal storage, and a layout that gives each person a sense of their own zone without compromising flow,” she says.
Smart storage
Storage is key in any room, but especially so in a home office where you need to keep planners, files, stationery, cables, chargers, and so much more organised. And you know the saying – clean space, clear mind. “Homeowners are prioritising clean and clutter-free environments by incorporating smart storage into an office, from floating shelves that make use of vertical space to built-in cabinetry and drawer dividers that keep essentials organised,” says Melissa.
Breakaway zones
In 2025, having dedicated spaces for taking breaks and disconnecting is equally important as the desk setup itself. “Another key trend is the design of breakaway areas. From window seats with hidden storage to alcoves designed for moments of pause, these pockets of calm help define a more holistic workday routine at home, encouraging mindful breaks and maintaining mental wellbeing,” says Rachal.
Colour psychology
Wherever your office is in your home, one thing is certain – it needs to be a positive, comfortable environment where you are bound to feel productive. This is where colour psychology comes in; think about how you want to feel when sitting down at your desk – yellow encourages creativity, for example, while blue stimulates concentration.
“Homeowners are choosing to decorate their home office with colours that make them happy. For instance, colours with calming hues of green such as sage and olive green or muted pastel colours, such as dusty pinks and pale blue, are becoming popular for those looking to nurture their mental health,” says Melissa. “Whereas, homeowners who are looking to promote productivity, are opting for navy, teal or calming yet bright neutrals such as white, cream or beige.”
As for the future of the home office, Rachal predicts it’s not going to be just about having a dedicated desk, but ‘creating environments that support the flow of daily life, both visually and functionally’.
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