Expert Advice: A Smartly Planned Home Office Makes Working Days Pleasant

The home office has become a daily workplace for many people, where they spend a large part of their day. However, not every home has a separate room for this purpose, and with limited space, furnishing a home office can become quite a challenge. Real estate developer Liven's creative director Alina Kester shares tips on how to design a home office that is simultaneously comfortable, ergonomic, and space-efficient.

"The best home office is one that takes into account your lifestyle and your home's possibilities. Whether you need a fully functional office room or a cleverly designed corner is enough – what matters is that the choice supports your daily work organization. A properly planned work area helps improve concentration, supports your health, and makes your home environment more versatile," said Liven AS's creative director Alina Kester.

According to Alina Kester, there is no single universal solution for a home office, as every home and user's needs are unique.

"If you work from home daily, it's worth choosing a spot for your office corner that receives natural daylight. If you spend long days in your home office, proper lighting is key – incorrect lighting not only tires your eyes but can also affect your overall work capacity," recommended Alina Kester.

Traditionally, warm-toned (2700–3000 Kelvin) light is used in home environments, but in a work environment, cooler (4000 K) light is recommended, which helps maintain alertness and reduces eye strain. Lighting intensity is also important – it must be sufficient so your eyes don't have to constantly strain, especially if your work requires attention to detail. If your desk is located near a window, you can occasionally direct your gaze into the distance. This helps relax your eyes and keep them healthy and fresh throughout the day.

Tip: When planning your home office, pay attention to the room's natural lighting. If possible, choose a work spot that receives plenty of daylight.

"Certainly, you should not make compromises when it comes to furniture in your home office. An adjustable-height desk and an ergonomic, back-supporting chair ensure a comfortable and healthy working position even with long-term use," emphasized Alina Kester. According to her, proper furniture helps prevent back pain and muscle tension, which prolonged sitting often causes.

Additionally, you should pay attention to the technical side of your workspace. Cable management and outlet placement should not compromise the room's aesthetics or functionality. Well-thought-out cable organization helps avoid clutter and keeps your work environment visually tidy.

"If your home office is set up as part of an open living space, you must carefully ensure that air circulates freely and the work environment remains fresh. Liven designs ventilation in its homes so that fresh air supply reaches even the office corner – this helps prevent fatigue, improves well-being, and supports efficient work," explained Alina Kester.

Tip: Plan at least a 20–30-minute walk into your daily schedule. When choosing your home location, also consider whether you can easily go outside and move around in any weather.

Movement should not be overlooked when it comes to a home office. Long workdays at home can result in less movement than when going to an office. "Going to the gym twice a week is not enough – daily movement is important, which helps maintain both physical health and mental freshness," explained Alina Kester.

A home office no longer means a cramped and uncomfortable corner or ergonomic compromises – a modern and properly planned work environment can be functional, comfortable, and visually appealing. With thoroughly thought-out solutions, you can create a space that supports efficient work while seamlessly blending into the rest of your home interior.

"It doesn't matter whether you have a fully functional office room at home or a skillfully planned corner – what matters is that it works for you, not against you," Kester concluded.