Remember when we all set up a “temporary” home office back in 2020? Fast forward a few years and that emergency desk you ordered online during COVID probably isn’t cutting it anymore. We’re definitely well past lockdown now, so if you’re still lucky enough to work from home, your workspace deserves a bit of attention.

Your home office doesn’t have to be perfect, but it should feel like you. Small upgrades (think lighting, texture, greenery, even the mug you drink from) can completely change the way you experience your day. Whether it’s the gentle glow of a Nanoleaf lamp, a colourful rug underfoot or your favourite cuppa steaming beside you, a little personality goes a long way. 

The key is make it a space that makes you want to show up for the day, not drag yourself out of bed to. Somewhere calm, inspiring and genuinely enjoyable to spend time in. Here are six ways to give your WFH setup the glow-up it deserves.

LIGHTING

We have a rule in this house: never use the big light. And honestly, it’s a rule worth living by, especially in your home office! Overhead lighting can be harsh and uninspiring, while softer light transforms the whole space.

That’s where Nanoleaf’s PC Screen Mirror Lightstrip comes in. Once reserved for gamers, strip lighting has found its way into the stylish work-from-home setup. The gentle glow it gives behind your monitor completely changes the atmosphere, and syncing it with music or your screen is surprisingly satisfying. It’s all controlled through the app, so you can tweak brightness, colour palettes and timing without leaving your chair. My favourite feature is the ability to create subtle ambient light that shifts with your mood—the perfect companion to a lofi-girl loop. 

If strip lighting isn’t your vibe, try the Nanoleaf Matter Smart Multicolor Floor Lamp. When positioned in the corner, it gives that all-day soft glow without shining in your eyes. You can adjust from warm to cool tones to mimic daylight, which is great on unexpected overcast days during Spring. The clever part is the “magic word” feature: say a word like “calm” or “focus” and AI generates a colour palette to match the mood. It’s the kind of whimsy we all need to make the workday a little more fun.

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RUGS

A rug is the ultimate finishing touch for any home office. It’s the difference between “room with a desk” and “actual workspace.” The right one adds warmth, texture and personality, and it just makes the space feel more intentional.

A 1.6m x 2.3m rug is usually a great fit for the centre of your office. The Double Carrel Dark Pink Chenille Rug is a favourite, and just the right size. The rich mulberry tone is bold enough to add interest but still soft and grounding, and the chenille texture feels luxe underfoot. It’s the kind of design that quietly lifts the whole space without taking over.

If you can’t make a full-sized rug work, go for something round like the Double Willow Dark Tan Highland Round Rug. Round rugs are great for tea corners or reading nooks, and this one’s neutral tone and textured weave make it feel cosy and lived-in. I could easily imagine curling up here with a cup of coffee and a book between calls.

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DESK ORGANISATION

“Clear desk, clear mind” might be a cliché, but there’s a bit of truth to it. It’s easy to let clutter build up when you don’t have colleagues around to side-eye your messy workspace. The key is to lift things off your desk—literally!

The Nanoleaf Blocks Light Pegboard Add-On Kit is a clever mix of organisation and aesthetics. It’s modular, practical and doubles as a light source. Perfect for giving your everyday essentials (think headphones, pens, notebooks) a home at the end of the day that still looks stylish. There’s something oddly satisfying about seeing everything neatly displayed and softly backlit.

For a more streamlined setup, the Nanoleaf Pegboard Desk Dock mounts to the wall, freeing up valuable desk space. It’s sleek, modern and surprisingly easy to install. I love how it turns everyday work tools into part of the decor, especially if you’re the type (aka: me) who likes your workspace to feel calm and curated.

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ARMCHAIRS

Every home office needs a “not working but still in the room” chair. It’s the perfect spot to take a breather, stretch your legs or drink a tea that’s not perched next to your keyboard.

The FENTON & FENTON Margot Chair in Mist strikes that ideal balance between comfort and style. It’s low to the ground, slimline and armless, so it doesn’t dominate the space. The textured upholstery and soft neutral colour add instant calm — it feels like the kind of chair you’d actually want to sit in for a few minutes of quiet.

If you like a bit more personality, the FENTON & FENTON Chill Chair in Mex Stripe is pure joy. The bright, sturdy striped fabric has a retro charm that instantly lifts the mood of a room. I could imagine this paired with a bright tassle cushion and a bold throw for the perfect little corner to reset between Teams calls.

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PLANTS

Take it from a certified plant mum: a little greenery goes a long way. Pots and plants bring warmth, texture and movement into a room, and there’s something calming about having them nearby. Studies show they can boost productivity too, but even if they didn’t, they’d still be worth it.

The Urban Greenhouse Jelly Hanging Planter adds an instant splash of colour and personality. Its soft blue tone pairs beautifully with trailing plants, and the sculptural shape feels modern but playful. Hanging planters like this are great if you want greenery without sacrificing desk or floor space.

For something more dynamic, the Urban Greenhouse Tension Plant Pole with Hooks turns your plants into a design feature. It’s renter-friendly, adjustable and surprisingly sturdy. I’m really into the idea of layering a few different plants at various heights; it’s like building your own little indoor jungle.

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TEA MUGS & CUPS

Is it even a workday if you don’t have three beverages on the go? Tea just makes everything better. It’s the perfect excuse to pause, stretch and step away from your screen for five minutes. Fun fact too: herbal teas like chamomile or peppermint can help you relax and even curb those 3pm sugar cravings.

The T2 Mimi Pretty Mug in Amber is as beautiful as it is practical. The double-walled glass keeps your tea warm while showing off the rich colour of your brew. It feels lightweight but sturdy, and the amber tint gives it that cosy glow that looks so good on a desk. It’s one of those little luxuries that makes the everyday feel special.

For loose-leaf lovers, the T2 Billy Mug with Infuser in Pistachio is perfect. The built-in infuser means no extra teapots or strainers, and the soft green glaze is beautiful in person (it looks handcrafted). I could absolutely imagine brewing this sitting next to a glowing lamp (see above) and a cheeky bickie, the ultimate mid-afternoon reset moment.

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