Designing a Home Office That Works - Where Function Meets Feeling

A few years ago, I designed a home office for an orthopedist who wanted his desk to

resemble a vertebra. It was his way of staying connected to his craft (and show off to his

colleagues…) - structure, balance, and support. The idea was very unusual but somehow

perfect: the desk became a reminder that good design, like a healthy spine, holds everything

together without making you uncomfortable.

A vertebra desk designed and built for an orthopedist

That project changed how I think about workspaces. A home office is not just a room with a desk. Coming to think of It, A home office is actually an ecosystem of mind, body and soul. Every decision you make, from the height of the chair to the placement of the window, either supports or strains your workflow. .

Q: How do you design a home office that actually works?

A: It starts with understanding what type of work happens there, not just the technical details but also the mindset needed to energize you and keep you focused. For the orthopedist, it was about focus and communication. For others, it might be strategy, creativity, or simply a place to think clearly. A functional home office balances sightlines, comfort, and flow. your office design should maximize your ability to focus, move, and communicate within your current space.

As a designer, I always make sure there’s something good to look at when you raise your eyes from the screen: it could be a framed piece of art, a garden view, a sculptural lamp, or a textured wall.

Your eyes deserve a rest too, and visual rest often recharges the mind better than a second cup

of coffee.

Q: what is the ideal size for a home office?

A: No matter the square footage, the same five principles apply:

• Anchor the desk - place it where you get natural light or a view that energizes you.

• Define the zone - use a rug, art, or lighting to visually separate work from home life.

• Keep essentials within reach - organize storage around your workflow, not around the furniture layout.

• Allow breathing room - leave at least one uncluttered surface to keep your mind clear.

• Create a reset point - a piece of art, plant, or window view that gives your brain a visual pause.

Your office doesn’t have to be big;, but when you plan it thoughtfully it works.

Here is a starting point I share with many clients: find the spot in your home where you

naturally feel calm and focused. Maybe it’s that corner that catches morning light or a place

where the air feels right. Try to understand why you like it. Is it the light? the quiet, the

colors, the way the view opens up? These can be translated into the design cues for your

office. The best workspace is built around your sense of ease, not someone else’s blueprint.

Desk positioned between light and art with custom storage solutions

Q: How can a space balance function and feeling?

A: :The trick is to translate efficiency into emotion. Small adjustments like soft close hardware, a

desk that hides the cords, or a wall finish that catches afternoon light appeal to your senses

and make you want to stay in the space longer. Feeling follows function when design is

intentional and evokes the senses.

Most of my home office projects include custom pieces built with local woodworkers;

every office space is different and each person works from home has their own needs. we refine every joint and detail to ensure that every piece of furniture supports both workflow and mood.

A good home office design boosts your productivity. it gives support to your body, clarity for your mind and inspiration to your senses. At Shoshi Designs, I help clients design workspaces and entire homes that think, feel, and function beautifully. If your home feels more like a storage unit than an inspirational space, it might be the time to rethink how it supports you.

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