A HOME OFFICE THAT WORKS FOR SUMMER...

INTERIOR EXPERTS SHARE THEIR TOP TIPS WITH SAM WYLIE-HARRIS

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WITH the summer holidays in full swing, and lovely sunny weather making us want to embrace the great outdoors, keeping your concentration when working from home can be challenging.

To help boost your work-life balance, experts share their top tips.

ZONING

"Working from home can be distracting at the best of times but when the days get longer and the sun begins to shine, those distractions only multiply," says Gisela Lancaster, head of buying, Sofology.

"That's why zoning is key to maintaining mental clarity and consistent productivity. Creating distinct visual and spatial cues between work and relaxation areas helps the mind shift gears with ease."

A desk space positioned by the window establishes a clearly defined workspace, she says.

"With ample natural light streaming in, it's an inviting area for focus, video calls and creative thinking.

"The choice to place it within a builtin bookcase structure reinforces its function as a place to work, to read and concentrate.

"Pay careful attention to the arrangement of the seating area, as even the smallest of changes can make a big difference. Seating that's slightly turned away from the desk creates a subtle shift in orientation physically and psychologically, separating a relaxation zone from the productivity zone."

Facing the open floor, the living space invites casual conversation, leisure reading, or winding down generally, Gisela suggests. adding that the positioning of a rug can emphasise this.