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Add wood to your home office and up your feel good!

By Jen Bishop โ€ข 1 Comment

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Sponsored by Planet Ark’s Make It Wood

I absolutely love my solid timber desk in my home office but little did I know it could be contributing to my productivity as well as looking (and feeling!) good!

My home office
Image source: Domayne blog

A new Australian report, Workplaces: Wellness + Wood = Productivity, saysย productivity can be increased by 8% and rates ofย well-being by 13% when we are exposed to natural elements, such as wood, in our offices. And with youngerย generationsย increasingly starting their ownย entrepreneurial ventures and working from home, they can choose to surround themselves with such things on a daily basis. Not to mention aesthetics! Take a look at some of our favourite timber home office picks. Nature always gets it right, right?!

The Watson Open Bookcase in new teak from GlobeWest

 

Ethnicraft Oak Wave bookcase from Curious Grace made from sustainable European oak

 

My own Ascot desk in natural ash from Contents ID

 

Recycled Stringybark sideboard from Ingrain Designs

Pollinate undertook a large-scale study investigating the relationship between exposure to wood in the workplace and workersโ€™ reported wellbeing. The following findings are based on the results of an online survey of 1,000 โ€˜typicalโ€™ Australians working in indoor environments:

–Workers in workplaces with more wood have higher levels of satisfaction

–Biophilic design elements e.g. plants, natural light are also correlated with increased workplace satisfaction

–Workers in work environments with exposed wood feel more connected to nature and have more positive associations with their workplace

–Those in wooden working environments have higher levels of wellbeing and take less leave

–Wood is correlated with higher levels of concentration, improved mood and personal productivity.

Over the years I have definitely come to appreciate the feel good factor, beauty and longevity of wood in my home. In my thirties, I’ve upgraded from MDF flatpack, and I prefer to wait until I can afford the solid timber version; even better if it’s sustainably sourced too (read more about choosing the right wood). In my last apartment reno I used recycled timber vanities crafted by Melbourne’s Ingrain Designs and my latest furniture purchase for this house is an extendable ash dining table by Ethnicraft, who are committed to making solid wood furniture which lasts for generation and transcends trends.

My last bathroom reno featured stunning recycled timber vanities which I still miss!

It makes absolute sense to me that being surrounded by wood, be it at home, in the office or home office, would contribute to your feeling of wellbeing and connection to nature. As someone who gets to work from home and dictate my home office surroundings, I absolutely love having a beautiful solid timber desk as the hero of the room. Its timeless design means I’ll have it for many years.

The report goes on to say: “The link between job satisfaction and productivity has been well established in several academic papers. The happier the worker the more effective they will be in their role. Therefore, it is crucial for organisations to focus on worker satisfaction in order to maximise productivity. According to the results of this survey only 66% of workers are satisfied with their working life and only 59% with their workplaceโ€™s physical environment. This leaves a significant proportion who may not be maximising their potential while at work.”

An area in which workers were least satisfied was their connection with nature while at work. Given the established link between nature and wellbeing it makes sense that we should all trying adding some timber and plants (which also happen to be seriously on trend!) to our offices (where we have the choice) and home offices!

Why wood’s good (from a design perspective)

  • It’s a neutral
  • Natural materials add warmth and interest
  • It’s solid and hardwearing and can be sanded back and given a new lease on life should it get damaged or you fancy a change
  • It basically goes with everything!

Some ideas for adding wood to your home office

  • The obvious one: a desk
  • Timber wall shelving or bookcases
  • Investing in solid timber flooring when renovating rather than cheaper alternatives
  • Look for vintage timber furniture pieces to add character and minimise the corporate vibe.

Download the report

Read more about using wood, guilt-free, in your home.

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June 14, 2018

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Known for his stylish bar and shop fitouts, @jform Known for his stylish bar and shop fitouts, @jform__ this year turned his hand to an apartment reno and created something really special!

Come and tour this beautiful one bed warehouse conversion in Sydney's Surry Hills on the blog today via link in bio.

Currently for sale though @bresicwhitney

#apartmentinterior #apartmentlove #apartmenttour #mezzaninefloor #mezzaninebedroom #warehouseconversion #factoryconversion #surryhillslife #surryhillssydney #surryhillslocal #shopfitout #barfitout #shopfitters #jform #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #heartyourhome #jenbishop #coolapartment #funkyinteriors #customjoinery
When her styling business took a hit, @vaultinteri When her styling business took a hit, @vaultinteriors decided to reduce her outgoings by moving to a tiny house. And we're not sure we've ever seen a more stylish one!

Although the move to a container home was motivated by financial pressures, Justine Wilson is loving her new simpler way of life.

Read her refreshingly honest, positive interview on the blog now, via link in bio.

It'll make you want to downsize too!

#tinyhomes #tinyhouse #tinyhome #tinyhouses #tinyliving #livingbiginatinyhouse #tinyhousemovement #tinyhouseonwheels #tinyhouseliving #tinyhousenation #tinyhouseattractive #tinyhomedesign #containerhouse #containerhome #containerhomes #containerhouses #containerhomedesigns #interiorstylist #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #heartyourhome #jenbishop #smallspaceliving #smallspacedesign #downsizeliving #downsize #downsizingandminimizing #escapetothecountry #hawkesburyriver #hawkesburyriverlife
Appliance colour trends: They've certainly change Appliance colour trends:

They've certainly changed over the years. Remember when ALL fridges were white?! I remember the original BROWN wall oven in our 60s kitchen here pre-reno! I think the dishwasher was brown and beige (and it tripped the electrics every time we used it!) ๐Ÿ˜œ

What do you think of this new dark stainless steel option (pictured) from Westinghouse as seen in @dnaofdesign_'s latest reno? Yay or nay? 

What colour do you like your appliances?

See the rest of this home and kitchen and laundry design tips from the ex Blockheads on the blog now via link in bio.

#kitchenappliances #walloven #wallovens #combioven #combioven #microwaves #builtinappliances #builtinoven #builtinovens #homeappliance #westinghouse #kitchentrends #ovens #laundryappliances #darkstainlesssteel #stainlesssteelappliances
SALE ALERT! Listen up Sydneysiders, one of my fav SALE ALERT!

Listen up Sydneysiders, one of my favourite home stores @shack.furniture.homewares are having their annual warehouse sale this week, from Thursday until Saturday.

HUGE savings on furniture, homewares and decor with 30 to 80% off. Wowsers!

I'm a big fan of SHACK and can never leave one of their stores without a few styling goodies for my place! It's just too tempting!

While you're at the sale, mention Interiors Addict for an extra 10% off!

Unit 16a, 1801 Botany Rd, Banksmeadow NSW 2019

Thursday 1st to Saturday 3rd June 2023, 9am to 4pm. Not online.

#sydneyshopping #sydneysale #sydneysales #sydneyfurniture #shackfurniture #shackfurniturehomewares #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome #comeshoppingwithme
A door to door continuous curved stone ledge in th A door to door continuous curved stone ledge in this bathroom is one of the cleverest designs we've seen in a while!

This mega ledge, made of Corian, even incorporates a sink, seamlessly.

Combined with venetian plaster on the walls, it's no wonder this Illawarra bathroom by @birdblackdesign feels like a day spa!

Come check it out via link bio.

Lead designer Stuart Gibson says: "One smooth curve, right around the room, from either side of the door opening. As it moves around, it creates a ledge for the bath: for bath oils, lotions, a book and a champagne glass. The ledge continues around and becomes the vanity, widening out to create a custom seamless basin."

#bathroomhappiness #bathroomdetails #bathroomshelves #bathroomshelf #venetianplastering #coriandesign #coriansolidsurface #spalikebathroom #spabathroom #sustainablebathroom
Catch the season finale of @sellinghousesaus last Catch the season finale of @sellinghousesaus last night?

We have all the before and afters for you on the blog now, via link in bio (and swipe for a taster).

#sellinghouses #sellinghousesaustralia #foxtel #lifestylechannel #beforeandafterkitchen #beforeandafterlivingroom #beforeandafterrenovation #realitytv #housetours #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome
๐Ÿ˜ Not sure what's better: the custom mirror abo ๐Ÿ˜ Not sure what's better: the custom mirror above the fireplace in this Art Deco one-bedder or the wallpaper in the kitchen (swipe)?!

It's been a while since we featured an apartment makeover on IA. Would you like to see more apartment interiors? Head to the blog now to see more of this one. Via link in bio.

#artdecoapartment #artdecointerior
#artdecomirror #artdecofireplace #artdecomelbourne #artdecofurniture #artdecobuilding #artdecointeriors #apartmentrenovation #apartmentinterior #smallspaceliving #melbourneapartments #melbourneairbnb #kitchenwallpaper #wallpaperaustralia
Low tox and planet friendly laundry liquid (and sh Low tox and planet friendly laundry liquid (and sheets and soap and powder!). We have a great roundup of the best options on the blog today. 

A whole host of brands are offering eco-friendly, low tox alternatives to the more chemical-laden ones. Not only that, they often smell amazing, look good on your shelf and come in recycled or recyclable (or even better, both) packaging. 

Good for your skin, your clothes and the planet: whatโ€™s not to like?

Do you use any of these?

COMPARE THEM ALL VIA LINK IN BIO NOW.

#lowtoxliving #lowtoxlife #lowtoxlifestyle #lowtoxhome #lowtoxlaundry #lowtoxswaps #naturallaundry #naturallaundrydetergent #naturallaundrysoap #ecolaundry #lowtoxcleaning #ecofriendlyhome #ecofriendlyhouse #laundryliquid #laundrypowder #laundrysoap #naturalcleaning #chemicalfreecleaning #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome
Play room goals!๐Ÿ‘Œ๐Ÿป This is just one room fr Play room goals!๐Ÿ‘Œ๐Ÿป

This is just one room from today's real house tour which I really love because in employing interior designer @issyandhcreative the owners weren't looking for a complete rip out and re-do but rather to work with what they had in their new suburban home (including a dated kitchen) and give it a largely cosmetic glow up with styling and new furniture (some of which was upcycled). 

The brief was to create a family friendly home. "They weren't looking for perfection but rather a warm and relaxing retreat for their busy young family." This playroom though? Pretty close to perfect! And the mum did the colour coded books herself. Love that๐Ÿ˜

Head over to the blog now via link in bio to see the rest of this home.

#playroomideas #playroomgoals #playroomdecor #familyhomes #kidfriendlyhome #kidfriendlyinteriors #familyhomedecor #sustainabledecor #affordablerenovations #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome #beanbagchair #beanbags #colourcodedbooks #colourcoded #toyroom #kidsroomdesign 

Pix by @tealily
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About Jen Bishop

Jen Bishop is our owner and publisher and an experienced journalist and editor. Interiors Addict has been her full-time job for more than 10 years. She is mum to two young boys and lives in Sydney.

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Comments

  1. AvatarAhaan says

    June 15, 2018 at 8:14 pm

    It’s a trend now-a-days of using wood in newly offices, restaurants, cafes, etc. Like the idea of the benefits of bringing nature to work.

    Reply

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