Welcome to Renovate Me Please! Transforming Natalie Collins – Ex-Corporate, Busy Mum who needs to find herself again and get her Home Office in order for her new business start up. By the Renovate Me Please! Co-hosts Jules & Cam from MAFS and Steph & Gian from The Block.
Creating a Functional Work-From-Home Space: Transforming Chaos into Calm
In today’s increasingly remote work environment, having a functional home office is essential. For Natalie, the challenge was to create a flexible workspace in an open area used for multiple purposes, which needed definition and organization. Here’s how the team approached the transformation and some tips for creating your own productive home office.
The Challenge
Natalie’s workspace was cluttered with an exercise bike, telescope, kids’ teepee, and lots of Lego blocks. The first step was to declutter and remove these items to see the space clearly. Using a CAD design system, Steph and Gian measured and reimagined the area, ensuring it met Natalie’s needs.
The Solution
Defining the Space
Gian, one of the team members, emphasised the importance of visualising the space. “Being able to CAD up and look at Natalie’s space made it much easier to see because currently, there is stuff everywhere. There’s Lego upon Lego, teepees, and an exercise bike. Stepping through this process helped Steph and I both visualize the space and figure out what furniture we could place there.” To create distinct zones, they used a dual timber divider that provided storage and acted as a barrier, helping Natalie set boundaries in the previously open space. This innovative solution allowed Natalie to have a dedicated workspace while minimising interruptions.
Enhancing Light and Aesthetics
Bringing more light into the space was crucial. Steph and Gian brought into the space a large wall mirror to reflect natural light, combined with lighter shades of cream, natural timbers, woven baskets, earthy tones in throw rugs, and a rattan floor rug. These elements created a warm, inviting, and functional workspace, assisted by the placement of warm lamps, and floor lights.
Scents and Air Fresheners
Bringing a new scent into the space was important for us to remind Natalie of the changes she is making in her life, alongside an air purifier, and a coffee machine to provide her visiting clients with a café style experience.
The Renovate Me Please! Team Top 3 Tips for a Home Office Renovation
- Create Zones: Segregate spaces for different activities. Define areas for work, client meetings, relaxation, and creative tasks using screens, rugs, and furniture. This helps keep the workspace organised and functional.
- Incorporate Nature: Bringing nature into your workspace provides a sense of calmness and introduces pleasant, natural scents. Plants and natural elements can enhance the overall ambiance and make the space more inviting.
- Choose a Calming Colour Palette: Use neutral and natural materials, such as warm timbers and earthy tones. A calming colour palette ensures the area doesn’t feel stressful and promotes productivity.
Transforming Natalie’s chaotic space into a functional, serene home office demonstrates the power of thoughtful design and organisation. By following these tips, you can create a workspace that enhances productivity and well-being.
Get the Look
Oz Design: Shelf Dividers, European Summer Wall Framed Prints, Lola Wall Mirror and Jetta Wall Ladder;
Adairs: Oslo Floor Lamp, Neville Office Chair and Soft furnishings;
James Lane: Santa Monica Boucle Sofa, Bolo Boucle Ottoman, Domi Coffee Table, Sola Stone Dining Table, Table Lamp, ornaments on table and shelf, Rattan Floor Rug and throws;
Pillow Talk: White Planters, Olive Trees, Layman Rattan Trunks, Polo Rattan Lanterns, Lattice Baskets, Candle Holder, Ornaments on Coffee Table and Shelf.
The Good Guys: Breville Air Diffuser, Sony Noise Cancelling Headphones and Nespresso Coffee Machine.
Watch the Series
You can watch the new Renovate Me Please! Series sponsored by Supa Centa Moore Park by following the hosts on Instagram and Tik Tok and via the Renovate Me Please! Instagram or Tik Tok accounts.
Renovate Me Please! @renovatemeplease
Hosts:
Jules Robinson @julesrobinson82
Cam Merchant @cammerchant
Steph & Gian Ottavio @stephandgian
