How to style a home office: Creating the perfect work space on a budget

• Staying sane while working from home
• How to maintain a work/life balance
• Creating a home office with personality

Dreaming of a chic and professional home office but low on dough? Don’t despair. The key to pulling together the ideal workspace on a budget comes down to sourcing essentials that are both stylish and functional. “Both are equally important elements and work hand-in-hand,” says The Workspace Stylist Zarina Fernandez. “Your space should be professional, but also a beautiful and inspiring place to be.”

Just as important is your office environment. “No space or place is too small for a suitable work space,” says interior decorator Sarah Elshaug. “With a little know-how, you can create something gorgeous and practical regardless of any limitations.”

Overwhelmed by choice and price tag? “Write a wish list of must-haves,” says Elshaug, “check off pieces that you own that may need some tweaking, and the items that you will need to buy. Be shrewd when sourcing so you can afford a few luxuries too.”

Here are seven home office essentials, totalling under $500, that are guaranteed to supercharge your home office and workday with style.

White Knight Strokes Royal Blue paint, $12.60, Bunnings

A lick of paint can prove transformational. “Research shows that colour can affect your mood and energy,” says Fernandez. “Orange and red inspire and invigorate, pastels calm and aid concentration, and blues and greens inspire and encourage productivity.”

Wynston Sit Stand Desk, $249, Officeworks

“Reinvention is a great option,” says Elshaug, “for example a small dining table stripped back to its natural timber can look a million dollars.” For others, health is a key factor when choosing a workbench. “I prefer a desk I can sit or stand up at,” says designer Jane Walsh. “Given the hours I spend at the computer, the option to stand is essential. It motivates me, and is good for my health.”

When placing your desk, resist the popular go-to position of up against a wall. “Feng Shui indicates that the best position is a desk that sits in front, with a wall behind your back,” Fernandez says. “I recommend moving it around to see what feels comfortable for you.” Businesswoman Kirsten Stapleton agrees, “My desk sits next to a set of French doors because natural light and airflow are essentials for me.”

Photo: The Workspace Stylist

Flintan Swivel chair, $79.95, IKEA

Ensure your chair can be adjusted for your height and provides decent built-in lumbar support. Rubber coated castors allow it to move across the floor with ease, and a pressure-sensitive brake mechanism ensures stability when you stand-up. Comfortable but unstylish? “Drape a sheepskin over it,” suggests Fernandez, “it turns any plain chair into a style statement!”

If you prefer to stand at your desk, invest in a standing mat (try The Mat, $95, from Varidesk) that will beautifully bolster your feet, knees, hips and back.

Red Kent Pendant Light, $19.90, Bunnings

“Bright, but warm incandescent lighting is essential,” says businesswoman Leslie Stark Millen. Choose a style with personality, that won’t encroach on your desk space. “Personally I love a quirky light,” says Fernandez. “Choose something bright or oversized, and not necessarily a table lamp, but a pendant or floor lamp. It will also save desk space.”

Italplast Desk Organiser, $6.99, Spotlight

“My ultimate desk area is a clean one,” says Stapleton. “I can’t tolerate clutter, so everything on my desk has a designated home.” Try teaming a basic desk organiser with empty candle vessels or vintage glasses filled with pencils, for an inexpensive but stylish storage solution.

Cube unit, $19, Kmart and Oscar Filing Cabinet, $69.95, Super Amart

“Boring but essential!” says Fernandez. “Consider floating shelves, bookshelves, and filing cabinets, or something simple like the same coloured folders. It turns the mundane into the awesome!” Elshaug agrees and suggests DIY as a budget-savvy solution. “Use timber off-cuts to fashion shelves that can be fixed to the wall with an angle bracket from the hardware store. Cheap and chic!”

Cable management box, $9.95, IKEA

“I need a minimal work space for sanity,” says Stapleton. “Cables are always well organised and tucked away behind my desk.” We love this sleek box that keeps cords orderly, untangled and out-of-sight.

Urban Wire Memo Board, $8, Kmart

“Surrounding yourself with images and quotes that inspire really works,” says Fernandez. “Pin up your favourites and encourage those creative juices to flow!”

• Paint $ 12.60
• Desk $ 249.00
• Chair $ 79.95
• Light $ 19.90
• Desk organiser $ 6.99
• Storage $ 88.95
• Cable box $ 9.95
• Memo board $ 8.00

Total spend: $475.34

Beat your budget? Elshaug suggests spending the leftovers on cool desk decor and extra office embellishments that will make your space sing. “I love being surrounded by scented candles, indoor plants in stylish pots, and artworks inspire me.”

Where to buy

H & G Designs for cool storage solutions.

Resident GP stock everything for the office from leather trays to cool wall shelves.

Matt Blatt for budget-friendly designer-inspired furniture.

RJ Living stock Scandinavian-inspired office furniture.

Alma Custom Designs for cool and quirky artwork.

Damselfly for scented candles featuring inspirational quotes.