The Very British Edit: Calm, Creative, and Deeply Personal – How My Home Office Became a Hybrid-Work Haven

The Opening Note

Working hybrid – two days in the office and three at home – has completely changed the way I think about a workspace. It’s never just about having a desk and a chair; it’s about creating a space that inspires focus, sparks creativity, and offers a sense of calm amid a busy day. A well-designed home office should feel purposeful, yet welcoming – a place you want to be, not just a corner to get through tasks.

I’ve grown to appreciate the little details that make a workspace truly intentional. A thoughtfully arranged office desk, clever home office storage solutions that keep clutter out of sight, and personal touches that bring joy all combine to transform a simple corner into a space that feels alive.

You’ll rarely find me at my desk without my favorite pen and a monogrammed notebook close at hand. They’re small details, but they make the space feel unmistakably mine. There’s a quiet pleasure in knowing everything has its place, and that the room reflects both the creative work I do and what I’m drawn to right now – rich brown tones, tactile, luxurious textures, metallic accents, and the ease of wireless lighting. Practical, yes, but unexpectedly stylish too.

I’m drawn to pieces that make working from home easier and more enjoyable: desks with character that invite you to sit, ergonomic chairs that support long hours without fatigue, and storage that balances practicality with style. Layering these elements thoughtfully creates a workspace that is energizing when you need focus but calm enough to step away from at the end of the day.

For anyone navigating a hybrid routine, small updates can make a huge difference. By curating a home office setup that feels inspiring rather than chaotic, you create a space that encourages productivity while remaining personal, functional, and in tune with your daily rhythm. With a little care, your workspace can become not just somewhere to work – but a place that energizes, motivates, and truly reflects who you are.

The Edit: Home Office Essentials

In the Spotlight: Papier

Few stationery brands feel as personal to me as Papier. I’ve bought a Papier diary every year since they launched, and over time it’s become a quiet constant in my life – something I return to again and again. The Damson Madder Dotted & Spotted Journal is my latest buy. There’s something reassuring about starting each new year with one, knowing it will slowly fill with plans, lists, thoughts, and moments that matter.

What I love most about Papier is the character in their designs. They’re thoughtful, expressive, and full of personality, whether bold and graphic or soft and understated. The option to add monogramming or personal details makes each piece feel truly yours, not just another notebook or diary, but something made especially for the person using it. That personal touch is what sets them apart.

Papier pieces also make the most meaningful gifts. A monogrammed notebook, a personalised diary, or a set of stationery feels considered in a way few presents do – practical, beautiful, and deeply personal all at once. They’re the kind of gifts that get used, kept, and often treasured, rather than tucked away and forgotten.

Papier is about more than paper goods. It’s about capturing everyday life in objects that feel special, expressive, and individual – pieces that quietly collect stories over time.

In the Queue

Next week on The Very British Edit, I’ll be turning my attention to creating a tidy, considered home that goes far beyond the home office. Rather than focusing on one room, I’ll be looking at the everyday systems and solutions that help keep the entire house feeling calm, organized, and easy to live in.

I’ll be sharing my favorite home organization ideas and storage pieces that bring order without sacrificing style – the kind that are as pleasing to look at as they are practical. Think beautifully designed trays, boxes, baskets, and accessories that earn their place out in the open, rather than being hidden away.

This edit is all about thoughtful storage ideas: pieces that help streamline daily life, reduce visual clutter, and make spaces feel more intentional. When storage looks good enough to be on display, it naturally becomes easier to keep things tidy and in their place.

If you’re drawn to a home that feels organised yet warm and lived-in, this upcoming edit will offer inspiration for creating order in a way that feels effortless, stylish, and genuinely sustainable.

The Very British Edit is a shoppable guide to beautiful living with a distinctly British twist. From heritage patterns to timeless decor inspirations, each edition blends personal insight, design expertise, and a love of craftsmanship. It is stylish, trustworthy, and endlessly inspiring.