How to work from home in style

At first the idea sounds pretty good doesn't it? No commute, no restricting outfits and (ahem) minimal personal maintenance. But if you're anything like us, the perks just don't seem that perky anymore. Not only is spending days on end at home not good for your well-being, we miss the camaraderie that comes with being in the office, we miss our colleagues (as fun as poor-quality robotic zoom meet-ups are) - and we actually miss proper clothes!

The biggest downside to homeworking, (we think) is not knowing how or when to shut off. Your kitchen has become your office, the 'close of play' is now whenever you go to bed that day, and it's all too easy to lose track of time when there's no train timetable to think of. To help combat this potentially disastrous collision of two worlds, especially as for some of us this could become the ‘new normal’, here are our top tips on how to stay sane during home-working - and how to do it in style.

Light up your space

Looking at a screen all day isn't great for your eyes. Often suffer from a headache during your working day? It could be your lighting. Warmer yellow or orange lights tend to be better for relaxing, whereas cooler blue and white lights are good for working, waking up, and concentrating. If working from home is looking more permanent, maybe it's time to invest in a new chic desk lamp?

Bring the outside in

Whether it's a garden, a balcony (like the one at The Silk District below) or a house plant. Ensuring the fresh outdoors isn't too far from your work space will do wonders for your wellbeing. And make sure you take a break at some point to take a walk outside or sit out on your terrace away from the computer screen.

Check your posture

The position of your computer screen really matters. Make sure the top of your screen is at, or slightly below, your eye-level. Position the monitor at arms length (literally). And voila! Say goodbye to your aching back and poor posture - trust us, it works!

Clever storage

You'd be surprised how much hidden storage space is right under your nose - with a little imagination. Just like the clever book shelf at in the master of one of the homes at Hampstead Manor (below). The clever design maximises what otherwise would be wasted space. Take a quick look around your home to find a hidden storage-surplus to store your stationary at the end of the day.

Finesse your floorplan

Putting some thought into the layout of your home will help keep your work-life balance in peaceful harmony. There are many clever techniques to help separate an open-plan space to make sure you're shutting off at the end of the day. Keep your office space neatly tucked away in one area of the room and make sure your evening time is spent elsewhere.

Keep it moving

Mix up your working week by changing your location. Why not head to your nearest hot desk facility? Many of our residents just have to head downstairs to access their very own exclusive flexible workspace (below), all offering rapid WiFi speed and flexible work and meeting areas.

"We wanted to create a space that allows you another option for working from home or bringing clients in for a meeting. Comfortable and welcoming, every detail has been considered – even down to the carpet that has been acoustically treated." - Tim Whyman, Head of Design, Mount Anvil on The Silk District's flexible workspace.