When you’re working remotely, the four walls of your study will be your peaceful sanctuary from Monday to Friday, so you want to design a space that keeps you alert and motivated throughout the week. Most importantly, your study doesn’t have to be a cold and clinical space that causes you to dread logging on for your 9-5 each day.

This is why, at Simonds, many of our floor plans already include a dedicated study or working from home space. Because when you build new, gone are the days of yo-yoing between the dining table, kitchen island and couch, or trying to squeeze a desk in wherever it fits. Instead, right from the start, you’re able to include a dedicated working from home space in your new home.

Leaving you with a designated area to start your day and ‘clock off’ in. Giving you that much-needed degree of separation between spaces that you turn to for relaxation and those that you go to when you need to knuckle down.

Keep scrolling, as we’re spilling all of the details on how you can elevate your working from home zone.

1. Design the perfect Zoom background

When designing your ultimate working or studying from home space, there’s a few things to consider. From a convenient location in your floor plan, to a functional desk space that allows you to bask in natural light and breeze while you spend the day working away, there’s a lot of elements that can make or break your working and studying zone.

If you ask us, one of the best parts of a dedicated study space in your new home is that you no longer have to hide behind your virtual Zoom background, as you’ll have a working space that you’ll be proud to show off to your work mates.

Image: Make the most of every inch of space in your new home. As seen in our Tallowood 52 (previously the Napier 53), on display at the Gen Fyansford Estate, Fyansford, VIC.

2. Personalise your space to suit you

There’s no one size fits all when it comes to creating the perfect study space.

While night owls hit their stride as the sun goes down, early risers get into the zone just as the birds are chirping. Everyone works best in different environments, so it’s important to design a space that speaks to you and helps you to be as productive as you can be.

A lot of this will come down to the size of your study space, who uses it on a day-to-day basis and its location within your home layout.

For some, a study nook tucked away just off the kitchen and living will be extremely handy when it comes to homework help and keeping the space connected to the communal areas of the home.

Image: A study nook that's perfect for multi-tasking and homework help. As seen in our Silverton 45 (previously the Hamilton 45), on display at the Kinley Estate, Lilydale, VIC.

For others, a separate, spacious home office towards the front of the home or adjoining the master bedroom might just be what’s needed in order to start ticking tasks off your never-ending to-do list.

Of course, if you’re feeling stuck, we recommend having a chat to your New Home Specialist. They know our floor plans like the back of their hand and they’ll be able listen to your different needs and requirements and find the right fit for you.

Image: A spacious home office that working from home dreams are made of. As seen in our Henty 53, on display at the Somerfield Estate, Keysborough, VIC.

3. Functionality is key

Next up, is functionality.

You can’t create a productive work or study area, without ensuring that the space itself is functional.

When it comes to desk space, it’s important to ensure that you don’t feel boxed in by big, bulky cabinets that are positioned underneath or too tightly either side of you. Having a long, spacious desk with plenty of free-flowing space below helps to create a versatile area. Especially when friends visit after-school, or there’s more than one of you working from home and you’re constantly needing to pull up extra chairs.

Instead, maximise your storage space with open, overhead shelving. Not only can it fit all of the essentials, but it’s also a great space to have all of your decorative items and special trinkets on display. We love a timber look to the joinery in our study nooks, as it helps to instil warmth and break-up all-white or monochromatic neutral spaces.

Image: Shutters and skylights combine to create the perfect, calming study nook. As seen in our Balsa 28 (previously the Belford 28), on display at the Rathdowne Estate, Wollert, VIC.

When you build new, you’re able to leave overheating power boards and tangled extension cords in the past. During your Gallery appointment, your Electrical Consultant will walk you through your floor plan, helping to map out all of your power and lighting needs for your different rooms and nooks. This way, you can rest easy knowing that you’ll never be caught out on charging space for everyone’s laptops and gadgets.

Just as your kitchen island bench has task lighting to help you with chopping veggies and reading recipes, it’s just as important to add LED lighting or bar spots to your study nook. Doing so will have you well-prepared in the fight against squinting and keep you focused as you stare at screens all day long.

Image: A simple and elegant study nook, with plenty of desk space and powerpoints. As seen in our Wattleseed 24 (previously the Moreton 23), on display at the Coomera Foreshore Estate, QLD.

4. Stay connected

As many of you transitioned to working from home, you probably found that you didn’t miss the office politics, but you did miss the water cooler chit-chat and mid-morning coffee runs.

Working from home by yourself can feel isolating at times, and while you might not be talking to yourself just yet, it’s normal to crave the connection that comes hand in hand with a bustling workplace.

While we unfortunately can’t help with the working from home companions, we can help you to create light-filled spaces that keep you connected to the outside world and invigorated throughout each point of your day.

Image: Shutters and calming green hues will keep your study space refreshed throughout the day. As seen in our Castlemaine 41 (previously the Belvidere 41), on display at the Olivine Estate, Donnybrook, VIC.

Ensuring that your space is well ventilated and open to plenty of natural light will keep you motivated and refreshed as you tackle one task after another. Plantation shutters are a great way to embrace light-filled working days, while still having control over afternoon glare on your screen. And skylights shouldn’t just be reserved for the kitchen and living, as they’re a great way to flood your study nook with sunshine.

Image: A long desk will ensure that everyone stays on task and doesn't get distracted. As seen in our Castlemaine 41 (previously the Belvidere 41), on display at the Maples Estate, Greenvale, VIC.