How to make your workspace and home office productive 

As millions of Australian’s continue working from home, it’s time to check in with yourself. How is your work-life balance? Have you figured out when and where you work best? Are you still working from the couch? As work and home life meld, we reveal 12 home office ideas that will help you create a productive workspace you’ll love. Whether you’re looking to up your WFH desk game, undertake a complete home office makeover or rival your colleagues Zoom set up, we’ve got you covered.

Vince Office Chair | Shop Office Furniture

1. Space Saving Study 

If you’ve set up your home office in a spare bedroom, laundry or even tucked it under the stairs, you’re probably looking for ways to make it work harder for you. Shelving can transform empty walls, creating a productive workplace design that’s stylish and easy to navigate. Turn a home office mess into a masterpiece with the Field Triple Open Shelf, a statement shelf offering ample space to hold and display your office supplies. You can even style it as a room divider for larger spaces when you just can’t face your partner anymore – isolation 2.0 is real. 

Shop Field Double Shelf | Field Triple Shelf

2. Up Your Desk Game

If your couch has turned into a makeshift office, it’s time to up your desk game. As we continue working from home, the lines between work and play have well and truly blurred. When you’re eating where you sleep and sleeping where you Zoom’d your boss for your 9am WIP – something’s got to give. Get to work in style with the Lewes Desk, a statement standout which will keep your workspace neat, tidy and ready to deliver. Don’t worry, we won’t make you put on real pants.

 Lewes Office Desk – Shop Now

3. Light and Bright 

A bright, light home office is the perfect place to think and create. After all, you’re not working at home to recreate the feeling of the boxed-in cubicle you left behind. While proper overhead lighting is important (especially during winter), introducing a table lamp can create functional mood lighting. The striking Leo Arc Table Lamp will illuminate your work space and brighten your mood at the same time.

4. Colour Pop Your Home Office Design 

Inspire yourself with a bold and colourful home office design. Bland and boring does little to promote creativity and productivity. If you want to stay motivated, you need to feel comfortable and relaxed, which can be achieved by adding vibrant colors. A new print or bold coloured chair can help create an inspiring home workspace. Opt for the striking Cyan Print, it’s simple design and vibrant colour palette is perfect addition to bring life to contemporary office furniture. 

Shop Wall Art | Home Office Furniture

5. Modern Boho Workspace

Casual and relaxed, Modern Boho is nonchalant cool with a touch of sweetness. Transform any drab home office with trendy home office furniture, harmoniously blending fresh neutrals with a toned down pallet of earthy sunset colours, warm timber, and quality fibres. Create interest with the timeless Espen Office Chair designed with comfort cushioning for long days at your desk in style. Modern Boho works best accompanied by a little nature, so treat your room to the silhouette of a blossoming peony flower with the Flowering Print or indoor plant for the perfect workplace design. 

Espen Office Chair | Shop Home Office Furniture

6. Hamptons Home Office Retreat  

Timeless, coastal and cool – it’s hard to fault the allure of the Hamptons style. In keeping with its simplistic, yet elegant comforts, keep your home office relaxed by adding accent furniture in different textures and materials to build a layered look. To create that holiday feeling, always have a place to put your feet up and a drink down after a long day. The Diana Armchair adds a stunning focal point to the room, paired with the Greta Desk and Alex Ottomen for your very own luxe Hamptons escape, you can thank us later. 

Greta Desk | Home Office Furniture

7. Curved Home Office Furniture 

Curved desks and high-back armchairs in gorgeous rich fabrics give instant glam to your productive workspace design. When it comes to style, the gorgeous Zoe Office Chair oozes glamour. Finished with simple brass studding – who knew corporate could be so cool?

Shop Office Chairs | Shop Office Furniture 

8. All About Art – Home Office with a Gallery Wall 

Picture walls have become a staple part of any living room set up, so why not your home office? Any design lover knows that art adds indisputable character to a home, and a gallery allows for maximum personal expression. More of a minimalist? Hang a group of black-and-white photographs. We love the on trend arrangement of the Monstera Print, The Downtown Print and The Yellow Crested Cockatoo Print. 

Shop Prints | Home Office Styling

9. Bold Bookshelves

Lined with reads to evoke, inspire and motivate, a book shelf is the perfect addition to your productive workspace. Not only a space to show off your book collection, bookshelves act as a place to display artwork, personal photographs and other décor. With the right design, you can breathe new life into your home office. Opt for the stylish mid-century modern Frank Open Bookshelf which can be coupled for a larger shelving unit. 

Frank Open Shelf Bookshelf | Shop Home Office Furniture

10. Storage Savers 

Your home workplace can never have enough storage. Unlike corporate offices, most homes don’t have enough cupboard space to put things in without them spilling into your living space. What and how much storage you need is personal. If you prefer soft decor that compliments trendy home office furniture, the Emily Storage Ottoman is a beautiful alternative to shelving. For traditional storage with a contemporary twist, look no further than the mid-century modern Artimus Sideboard. 

11. Contemporary Home Office Nook 

Don’t think you have the extra space for a home office? Odds are that you do. A little creativity and perhaps some rearranging is all it takes to carve out more room. Changing your bedroom or dining room layout will often give you enough space to design a productive home office nook. Pair the sleek and leggy Frank Small Study Desk with the Frank Dining Chairs to really ramp up your contemporary workspace design without overpowering the existing decor. 

Frank Collection | Shop Office Furniture 

12. Comfort is Key 

Does the couch look more appealing than another hour in your home office? If you answered yes, we may just have the solution to your WFH woes. A contemporary couch or armchair can add comfort and style to your home office design, boosting productivity by giving you a comfortable place to work when the desk gets too much. The stylish and cleverly designed Stockholm Sofa Bed also transforms into a modern bed for guests. It’s a no brainer!

Stockholm Sofa Bed | Shop Furniture Online at Brosa

Brosa delivers to Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Brisbane and beyond. 

Have you been inspired? Curate your dream home office and start shopping for your furniture online at Brosa.

 

 

You’ve found your dream sofa, it’s the perfect colour, size and shape but your Living Room still doesn’t look complete. The answer is all in the styling, simple soft furnishings such as throw cushions and blankets can elevate your space taking it from simple to exceptional all in a few easy steps.

 

 

 Florence Velvet Chesterfield Sofa with cushions and a throw

When it comes to styling your soft furnishings, think about the type of room you’re trying to achieve. Are you wanting an inviting and cosy space that calls for soft textures and cushions, or are you trying to align with contemporary trends?  Think about your colour scheme, textures and patterns and read on for our top tips for every type of sofa and how to best arrange cushions on your cosy couch.

What Colour Cushions Go with Your Sofa?

The key to choosing the right cushions for your sofa is picking colours that not only suit your sofa but tie together the whole living space.

From artwork to armchairs, your sofa and your cushions, every element of your living room should complement each other and make for an inviting and stylish space.

If you want a truly stylish living room, it’s the little details that will transform your space. 

Alternatively, you can experiment with colour combinations using the colour wheel or get inspired by on-trend colour palettes available at Pantone. 

 

Cushions for a Red Sofa

A red sofa adds an incredible pop of colour to any living room and can be styled in a number of different ways to achieve various looks. If your sofa is dark red, try dark blue cushions for a regal look – an extremely effective contrast if you have a couch like the Notting Hill Velvet Chesterfield couch. Wanting something more subtle? Think about creating a tonal look and pair your sofa with colours that are within the same shade.

Cushions for a Beige Sofa

John 3 seater sofa with contrasting pattern cushions

(John Collection)

A beige sofa is the easiest sofa to transition to a new palette. Choosing cushions for a beige sofa really depends on the colours you have chosen for the rest of your living room and the style of your home. 

Is your home leaning towards more of a coastal Hamptons look? Think about including more tonal shades and injecting a sense of interest with textures and fabrics. Alternatively, if you are chasing a more eclectic vibe include constrasting patterns and different textures that tie into other colours around your room.

Cushions for a Green Sofa

A green sofa will freshen up your living space. Because of this, natural colours like taupe look nice next to a green sofa. You can also use floral-inspired colours. Use pink floral cushions for a fresh look, and analogous colours like yellow and blue.

Want to freshen up your space? From contemporary style green couches to more classic chesterfield sofas, green lounges are a great way to feel like you’re bringing the outside in. If you have a simple space, why not bring in some colour with floral or patterned cushions, utilising different shaped cushions that incorporate the colour of your couch along with the new pattern will ensure the styles work cohesively together.

Cushions for a Blue Sofa

A blue sofa can have a cool and calming effect on your living room. When choosing cushions for your blue sofa look for colours that are next to blue on the colour wheel, including different shades of blue and green. For more coastal homes, bring in some added texture, tassels, crochet & linen are a great way to channel the Hamptons style without committing. 

Cushions for a Black Sofa

Your black sofa will go with almost any colour, but there are a few colours you may want to avoid. Browns rarely pair well with black, while navy blue is too similar in shade. Patterned and textured cushions can create an effective contrast, especially when you combine a variety of textures and colours on a firmer fabrication like leather. 

Cushions for a Grey Sofa

Frank 2 seater sofa 

Grey couches make for the perfect blank canvas, you can restyle them to suit any interior trend. Wanting to create a more tranquil space? Stick with relaxing tonal shades – grey, white, beige and soft pastels. You could utilise these shades across a number of different cushions whilst also including throw rugs that provide extra warmth and texture. Perhaps you have the ultimate Scandinavian styled home and you want your Living Room to match. Sheepskin rugs, simple patterns and tonal shades will match your theme, be sure to include other design features  that celebrate simple yet functional shapes. Finally, wanting to use your couch as a base and let your artwork do all the work? Pick a few shades from your art and highlight these within your soft furnishings – a perfectly simple way to create a cohesive space.

Cushions for a Brown Sofa

When choosing cushions to go with your brown leather sofa, look for rich, jewel-toned colours. Teals, blues, deep reds and golds look chic on a brown sofa. Depending on the style of your leather couch, neutrals and pinks can also look stylish. Once again, avoid black.

Patterns & Textures

Patterns and textures are important for a living room, with cushions a great way to add this depth. Break up solid colours with patterned cushions, textures and shades. 

Try to contrast different textures against your sofa. A leather sofa looks nice with faux fur and velvet cushions. Silks evoke luxury, while corduroy and weaves give a contemporary look.

You can change your patterns and textures according to the season. Choose floral patterns for summer and cosy, woollen textures for winter. Artistic cushions can also easily add style to the space. A throw blanket also adds warmth and comfort to your living room.

How to Arrange Cushions on Your Sofa

 When arranging cushions many people assume it’s best to arrange them symmetrically. But it’s not necessary; you can be a little more creative!

Mix and match cushions of different sizes and shapes for a visually interesting arrangement. Square, rectangle and the odd circle cushion in coordinated colours and patterns will give your sofa plenty of personality.

Beige sofa with cushions of different sizes

A popular cushion arrangement is the 2-1-2 arrangement. That is: two larger cushions in both corners, slightly smaller ones next to them, and one cushion in the middle.

Two or three cushions are probably enough for a two seater sofa, while a larger three-seater sofa can hold five or six.

However, there are no hard and fast rules for arranging cushions. Experiment with your cushions arrangement, and see what works best for your space and your style.

Get decorating your sofa today for the complete living room look with our range of cushions available online at Brosa.

A sofa is much more than where you sit down after a long day at work. It’s a space for cuddling with your loved one, watching your favourite movies or shows, and even offering respite and comfort to guests.

Buying the right sofa is more than just securing a piece that’s on sale. You will probably have that sofa or couch for many years to come. It should be comfortable, complement the space, and offer the design and practical elements you need in the room.

While browsing a range of sofas can help inspire you, there are several things you need to consider before making the leap and purchasing one.

What Kind of Sofa Do You Need in This Room?

There are so many considerations when you need a new sofa. A sleeper sofa is an ideal solution for those without a guest room or those with children whose friends sometimes sleep at their homes. Far from the unattractive and uncomfortable futon, modern sofa beds feature sleek designs and offer soothing comfort.

If you don’t need an extra sleeping space, there are still many considerations when investing in a new sofa. You should carefully analyse the room, as well as the uses of the sofa, before committing to a purchase.

How Many People Will Need a Seat?

A two-person sofa, also sometimes called a loveseat, offers seating space for two adults comfortably. These can typically hold three or more children. For larger families or spaces frequented more by adults, however, a sofa designed to seat only two people may feel restrictive or cramped.

Sofas designed for three adults may be a better option for those who entertain frequently. In addition to being longer, these sofas can typically support more weight as well. That may make them a better choice for households with more people. For some families, matching lounge suites that offer multiple spaces to sit may be the best option.

What Does the Space Allow?

A sofa is a large piece of furniture, even if you go for a more compact two-seat option. Whether you’re replacing an older sofa or buying the first piece for a new home, you need to consider the size and feel of the room.

The design of the sofa, including the colours, shape, and stuffing should all reflect your intended use of the sofa and the room it will be in.
Is this sofa going into a sitting room or formal parlour? If the room is highly stylized but receives little traffic, it may make sense to invest in a show-stopping sofa with bold colours or a strong pattern.

You won’t have to worry about wear to the sofa, and it can provide real visual appeal in a room intended for entertaining guests.

On the other hands, sofas that will see daily use and heavy wear require a different approach. You need to consider how well the fabric will hold up to routine use and potential staining.
The overall structure of the sofa also matters. Your selection will need to be sturdy enough to withstand regular abuse by household members.
Finally, the density and material of the stuffing will matter. You don’t want the whole thing going flat after only a few months of use. Denser foam and similar fillers are ideal for a daily-use sofa, while natural fillings may be a better option for sofas that only see occasional use.

Making Savvy Design Choices When Purchasing a Sofa

Given that they can cost bit, you want to pick a sofa that you’ll enjoy looking at and sitting on for many months to come.

Once you’ve decided how you’ll use your sofa – and how much – you can move on to ensuring that the new piece of furniture will fit with your overall design for the room and the home.

Overall Shape and Materials Matter

Homes outfitted in a Classical design will require different sofas than those with a more Modern or Art Deco feel. Thankfully, there are many options available to you when selecting a sofa beyond just function and size.

Sofas modelled after classic pieces may have carefully polished exposed wood on the back, arms, and legs. More modern pieces could have stark, clean lines and minimal design elements.

Would your space benefit from a rounded back or something more rectangular? Will overstuffed cushions encased in leather bring a comfortable feel to your room, or would you prefer something more slender and sleek?

Do you imagine armrests that rise straight up, perpendicular to the seat, or do you prefer the elegant outward slope of diagonal armrests?

Colour and Texture Have Profound Visual Impact

The colour of the upholstery, as well as the legs and any visible structural elements, will impact the visual appeal of your sofa.

White sofas cushions, for example, speak of minimalism and cleanliness, although they may feel less inviting to guests. Neutral earth tones, on the other hand, could encourage guests and loved ones to take a seat without worrying about staining or spilling on the sofa.

Many sofas come in a single colour, but you can also find some beautifully patterned upholstery. A single colour sofa is often the best option for one that endures regular use, while bright and bold patterns could make a beautiful sofa more of a focal point in a room.

Aside from colour, you should also think about the texture of the upholstery on your sofa. Is it leather, suede, or synthetic? Is it plush or woven? Are the cushions and seats one long expanse of fabric, or are they broken up into geometric, tufted areas? The decorative buttons and patterns created by a tufted sofa could be the perfect way to break up the textural monotony of a space.

It’s important to remember that no single design element will please everyone. You should consider the visual impact you want from a sofa, but also prioritize your own design aesthetic when making your final selection.

Browse Brosa’s full collection of designer sofas online today to get some inspiration and find the perfect fit for your home.

Wood furniture gives your home an instant dignified air, no matter whether it’s a pine cabinet or a large oak kitchen table. Multiple types of woods see use in home furnishings, and these woods receive different finishes to achieve a distinctive look.

The cost of the wood used in furniture varies because not all species of tree grow naturally in the same place. In tundra and cold climates, you’re more likely to see pine. Oak sees more use in temperate zones. These are just a few examples. We’re here to give you the basics of different favourite types of timber and their finishes

Types of Timber

First, a bit about timber types.

Oak for Solid Furniture Pieces

Oak is a hard, heavy wood used in furniture meant to support a lot of weight. As one of the more expensive solid woods, you’ll see it in cabinets, tables, and occasionally chair legs. You can also use it as a veneer. Oak comes in two colours: red and white.

Red oak is a bit stronger than white oak, but both are beautiful in their own right. The open grain texture gives it distinct patterns. Oak grain is almost always straight along the wood. This tree grows throughout many of the forests in temperate climates.

Pine for Light Colour & Texture

Pine wood sees a lot of use when it comes to untreated furniture pieces, mainly because the light colour and texture make it easy to paint, stain, or otherwise alter.

Pine is a soft wood that works well for curved and ornate-looking furniture because of how easy it is to shape.

Because it’s a soft wood, it is easy to damage, especially without treatment. If you want wood with a distinct curved grain with knots, you should consider pine furniture. As a coniferous tree, it grows more in northern climates and is likely cheaper in those areas.

Ash for Hardy Wood Furniture

Ash is a more popular choice for many pieces of furniture than oak because ash is harder and more responsive to finishes and painting. With oak, you can only have its natural colours. If you choose to use a finish on ash, you’ll notice the distinctive pale look.

One advantage ash has over oak is that it’s resistant to decay. You’ll see it used in modern furniture more than oak because ash is more widely available. Natively, it grows in European forests, but can occasionally grow in North America.

Mahogany for High Quality Furniture

This is one of the more expensive woods, so it’s used in fine, high-quality furniture. Mahogany has a distinctive, dark red-brown hue that makes it work well for almost any kind of furniture.

It’s a soft and easy wood to work so that it can be shaped into ornate trims and fittings. Mainly, you’ll see mahogany used in things like cabinets or drawers. The tree grows large and creates broad boards.

The other two types of mahogany that exist tend to grow in the Philippines and Honduras. This version of the tree has orange and grey hues, respectively.

Walnut for Dark, Natural Colours

Walnut is by far the most expensive of the hardwoods you’ll see in furniture. Like mahogany, it can be used in a wide selection of furniture.

It isn’t the hardest of woods, but it is relatively easy to work. Walnut wood has one of the darkest natural colours, ranging from dark brown to almost black. You’ll see walnut wood used in china cabinets and the occasional table.

The 4 Most Common Finishes

There are several finishes that can give your timber a beautiful shine to make it stand out.

Lacquer for High Sheen

As a finish, lacquer creates an extremely high-gloss shine applied via a sprayer. It’s a solution that dries on the wood and creates a fine coating when the liquid solvent evaporates.

Lacquer is one of the most durable finishes, which is why you see it so often on furniture, but it can suffer discolouration over time and become scratched.

Natural Oils for Rich Polish

Oils are liquid that work their way down into the wood, giving it a rich, polished look without creating an impervious film the way lacquer would.

It’s easy to apply: just saturate the wood with oil and rub it in with a rag, then sand it in to create an even smoother appearance.

The most common types of oil you’ll see used are tung oil and linseed oil because of their abundance. When applied, they can create a solid film that will have to be reapplied periodically. You can also use mineral oil on surfaces where food will be placed.

Shellac for Golden Amber Look

Many people confuse shellac and lacquer, but they aren’t the same thing. Shellac is a natural compound that comes from the lac bug. Combined with rubbing alcohol, these secretions produce a formula that can create a rich amber colour that stays on wood for a long time.

Because shellac is a partially organic compound, it can break down when exposed to heat. So it’s a compound you don’t want to use on surfaces that see a lot of heat, like kitchen counters or tables.

Wax for Fine Polish

Wax is another temporary finish used by a lot of beginning woodworkers. It goes great on furniture that doesn’t see a lot of wear and tear, like bookcases.

You apply warm wax with a rag onto the wood, and it can last for up to a year. However, wax finish comes off easily when dissolved in natural spirits. This is useful if you need to apply a new finish or to repair damage to the wood.
Whether you want to buy pre-made furniture or apply new treatments to your existing pieces, you should know the advantages and disadvantages of the different kinds of finishes.

When making a furniture selection, knowing the material the furniture is made of can help you decide whether it’s a good fit for your home.

Hardwood furniture can be expensive, but it’s worth the price tag. Other wood types exist, but these are things like plywood, particle board, and other things that just don’t look good in classy decor.

Invest in a quality, designer piece of wood furniture with Brosa’s exquisite furniture range. Crafted by loving artisans, our furniture is delivered direct to you to help cut down costs. Browse our full range of designer furniture today.