A space for working has become an essential part of the modern home. For those of us without a spare room we can turn into an office or study, that space may have to be created wherever we have an unused nook or cranny- tucked into a corner of a bedroom, under the stairs or in the kitchen or living areas.

With a little planning and creativity, almost any space can be turned into a useful study area for you and your family. The addition of a few stylish accessories and carefully considered lighting will do more than create the right aesthetic, but will boost that all important productivity.

When it comes to lighting and accessorising, it is important to ensure our interiors are relaxing as well as functional. The key for work spaces is to ensure they blend well into the surrounding décor to create a sense of visual harmony, and that there is a balance between the practical equipment we need for working, and the decorative elements we require for relaxation when we are not.

But it needn’t be without charm or character. The right lighting brings both function and alters the ambience, so choosing a table or desk lamp that adds structure, height, and a gentle glow to your desk or table is essential.

In winter, add warmth with the comforting flicker of a candle, grab a plump cushion to soften a hard chair and keep a pure woollen throw on hand to tuck over cold knees; combine with an elegant mirror to make the most of the natural light on darker days, and enjoy the beauty of fluted glass in a vase or table lamp to watch the play of light throughout the seasons.

Seasonal blooms or foraged foliage add softness, and a perfect styling opportunity that can adapt to revive the space as needed, creating a beautiful setting to see you through the darker months.