A study room is much more than just a work station, but a creative zone that can inspire you to keep learning

While everyone's ideal study room looks different, Andrew Lam, designer at PLUS Designs, the firm that snatched Gold in the Study Room category of Home Journal Awards 2022, explains that as long as certain key factors are grasped, you can easily create an ideal study room that balances comfort and functionality. 

Lam enjoys designing and decorating study rooms because these spaces can stand apart from the rest of the home's design, showcasing one’s unique style and preferences. Furthermore, he recognises the potential for study rooms to amplify creativity, inspiration and work efficiency. Ideally, the study should be located in a well-lighted, well-ventilated, quiet room.

"With virtual work meetings and remote learning in this day and age, it's important to minimise noise coming through the windows, or neighbours, and pay attention to the direction of the sun's rays. Close the doors and windows to test ventilation, and noise, to ensure a cosy, tranquil working space,” says Lam.

Lam highlights that nature and simplicity are set to dominate the latest design trends for study rooms this year. "Although trends change every day, and everyone has different tastes and preferences, recent years have seen a persistent inclination towards incorporating natural elements in interior design,” he says.

“People are increasingly drawn to the beauty of stones, wood and other organic materials, and are eager to infuse their homes with such elements through plants, cuttings and bonsai. This trend is also reflected in the furniture and overall design's colour palette, with earth tones such as brown, cream and grey as the primary colours, adding softness from nature into a cold home.

“Sustainability is also becoming an important consideration, with renewable and recyclable materials trending in furniture design. In the design of study rooms and even the entire home, furniture made of renewable and recyclable materials is becoming one of the top trends."

Minimalist design has also gained popularity in recent years, particularly in study spaces. The emphasis on simplicity and functionality has become a hallmark of efficient design. A functional, but not an extravagant study, is crucial to promoting efficiency. This can be achieved by incorporating clean lines and utilising a cohesive colour scheme, cultivating a comfortable workspace.

The growing popularity of combining various design elements into one cohesive style has emerged as a new trend. This approach allows people to express their unique personality and taste through their study's design, creating a truly distinctive and exclusive environment.

Choosing the right desk and chairs is arguably equally as important as the physical space. Lam points out that in choosing a comfortable desk, besides the size, its height is also very important.

In recent years, more and more people are choosing height adjustable desks, which not only meets the needs of different statures, but also make users more comfortable. Sitting and standing alternately can promote blood circulation in the lower limbs, which is also of great benefit to health. In terms of office chairs, you should choose an ergonomic chair that can maintain a good sitting posture even if you work for a long time.

Light affects vision, which in turn affects work efficiency; sufficient light, whether it is light or sunlight, can also improve work morale."Lighting is an important consideration when designing a study room. You need enough light in order to read and work comfortably. I recommend choosing bright LED lights and installing dimmable controllers so that users can choose the most suitable luminosity," Lam says.

When it comes to a study room, it's crucial to have enough storage space for your documents, books and other necessary work equipment. To achieve this, you can select bookshelves and lockers that best fit the size of the room and your personal requirements. Maintaining a well-organised study area is also fundamental in enhancing productivity and efficiency.