Many of us were introduced to a new concept at the start of the coronavirus pandemic: working from home.

While a portion of people already worked from home, for the majority, this was a major shift.

When the novelty wore off, lots of us began to realise how ill-equipped our houses were for home-working – and how uncomfortable our dining table chairs were, for that matter.

What if our homes were more than places of function – more than places to eat and sleep?

Luxury homes can change the work from home experience from a drag to a dream. Imagine, for example, being able to categorically say ‘work-life balance’ is built in to your home.

A luxury home office could be the answer; let’s explore the benefits and how you can set one up.

If you stay ready, you don’t have to get ready

When you have a luxury home with an extensive amount of space, what you choose to do with each room is completely up to you, fully tailored to your lifestyle.

In the old world, and outside of luxury home-life, you’d have to pack your bags, make the commute to the office, unpack, set up, and get settled and ready for the day.

Having a dedicated study room or office is the answer to this, and the first step to achieving that work-life balance.

You won’t have to waste time on the daily set-up and pack-down, plus having a dedicated work space can also help you focus, because you can set it up in whatever way you find most conducive for work, and power through your to-do list.

For example, you might find that you want to keep ‘leisure’ screens (TVs, phones, etc) out of this room entirely. But you can make sure you’ve got all the computer screens you need, and all the comfortable, ergonomic furniture your heart (and back) desires.

Screen breaks become slices of heaven when you have floor-to-ceiling windows and a picturesque view to feast your eyes on.

Setting up your luxury home office space

The most important thing to keep in mind is this: your office space has to work for you. By all means, check Pinterest for some inspiration, but the ultimate result has to be tailored to your individual working style.

So, sit in your chair in what will be your dedicated office space with its East-facing window and let it come to life – where is your desk set up? Is it in the middle of the room or against the wall, facing the window or away from it? Is your bookshelf in an arm’s reach for your go-to books? How’s the lighting?

This ‘ideation’ stage is so important for making the space yours.

Some vital things to consider:

Lighting

Make sure you don’t have to squint when reading documents by putting the right lighting in your office – not too harsh and white, but not too dim and cosy.

You should also think about your setup in relation to the natural light that comes into the room. How can you avoid that oh-so-frustrating screen glare?

Screens

Some might think it’s excessive, but seriously – you should really go all out with screens. Think about what you’d have at the corporate office. Why wouldn’t you have this in your luxury home office too?

No, three screens are not too many! Trust us, once you’ve tried out more screens, you won’t settle for anything less. It makes all the difference to your workflow (and eyesight!).

Why not go for 4K while you’re at it?!

We might make one small suggestion though – and feel free to ignore this if your working life would benefit from it – no TV screens. Save those for the living room and leisure spaces.

The idea here is to make sure those lines between work and play don’t blur too much, as this can often lead to a dip in productivity that many people have reported when working from cramped bedrooms, for example.

Internet connection

Don’t work in the living room simply because “the wifi connection is better”! Try out a wifi booster or upgrade your router/supplier by finding the best connection in your area.

Alternatively, upgrade your mobile data plan and use your phone’s hotspot if that provides better signal.

Again, this is about making the space work for you, not working around the space. Aspire luxury homes are built with state-of-the-art technology throughout, which means your wifi won’t be a problem.

Ergonomics and setup

Let’s face it: if you’re not comfortable, you’re just not as productive. Now, we’re not talking sofa-level comfort here, but making sure that your chair is set up correctly is a must.

The top of your screen should be at eye level – so you’re not looking down or craning your neck all day – and at about an arm’s length away from you. Your keyboard and mouse, though, should be closer, and slightly below the elbow so your elbows can be at about a 90-degree angle.

Some people like having a sofa in the office for small breaks and thinking time. Making sure you’re not sitting at the same desk all day long is helpful, but make sure the majority of your work is done at the desk.

Another top tip is to invest in some high-quality wireless earbuds, giving you the freedom to walk around while still tuned in, instead of tripping over trailing cables.

Letting off steam

 

Life shouldn’t be all work, no play.

Just as important as your office is your out-of-office setup. There’s nothing worse than heading to work in sweaty sportswear after a morning session at the gym, or having to pack gym clothes into your office bag for when you head there after work.

Having a gym in your luxury home – and one that is tailored to you, at that – provides an excellent solution.

Looking after yourself and taking some time out of work while working from home is absolutely necessary. Having to call a taxi, wait for gym equipment to be free, or use communal shower facilities? Not necessary when you own a luxury home.

When you’re done exercising, there’s no better way to recuperate than in your own sauna or infinity pool – a true staple for luxury homes.

 

Quality time

Working from home has been something of a double-edged sword for many. It means more time with your loved ones… but during working hours, that’s not always practical.

One of the huge benefits of having a luxury home is having that ability to dedicate different spaces to certain activities, like having your office for work only.

When you’re saving time on the commute, you’ve got an extra hour to spend in the games room with your family, or unwinding in the snug watching your current favourite series.

 

There’s no place like home

When all your needs are met by your environment, you can really awaken your full potential. A home office designed with your working habits in mind makes a world of difference to both your working and personal lives.

A work space that works, extensive entertainment spaces, epic views, sleek craftsmanship, and a home that you envisaged (not one you have to work around) – these will have you clicking your red heels to come home.

And when you do choose to come home, choose Aspire. With over 10 years of experience and a passion for creating incredible luxury homes, an Aspire home is an investment that rewards you over and over again.

If you’re feeling inspired, why not take a look at some of our properties for sale, or see some previous private commissions for a snapshot of some of our bespoke creations.