Creating an Outdoor-Inspired Home Office in Your Rental Apartment

The recent shift we have seen in the real estate world that caters to the increasing remote work trend means that many rentals now come with either a dedicated workspace, or at least a place where a home office can be implemented. However, this is not the only change we have seen. Many of the Gen Zs and Millennials who now form the largest part of the workforce are people who value connection with nature and the environment. For many of us, bringing the outdoors closer to our homes is important, and doing so in our offices can actually boost our well-being and productivity. 

Studies have found that even simple connections to the natural world, whether through plants, natural light, or nature-inspired decor, can reduce stress and improve focus. The good news is that you don't need a large house with a dedicated office overlooking a lush garden to reap these benefits. You just need some thoughtful planning and strategic design choices, and you can create an outdoor-inspired workspace that nurtures both your professional goals and personal wellbeing, making sure you don’t break the limitations of your rental agreement.

Assessing Your Space

Before purchasing furniture or accessories, take time to thoroughly evaluate your apartment's potential office locations. Walk through your space at different times of day to identify areas that receive consistent natural light, as this will be crucial for both your productivity and the health of your plants. South-facing windows typically provide the most consistent light throughout the day, while east-facing windows offer energizing morning light that can help jumpstart your workday.

Measure the potential areas carefully, accounting not just for your desk and chair, but also for the clearance needed to move comfortably around your workspace. Remember that in smaller rental apartments, multi-functional spaces often work best, so maybe your office can share space with a guest area or reading nook.

Review your lease agreement carefully before making any changes. Most rental agreements prohibit structural modifications like drilling into walls or removing fixtures. However, you'll likely find creative workarounds for these limitations. Take photos of your potential office area and create a simple floor plan with measurements. This preparation will prove invaluable when selecting furniture and accessories that fit your space perfectly without overwhelming it.

Nature-Inspired Design Elements

The foundation of an outdoor-inspired office begins with a thoughtfully chosen color palette. Consider the natural environments that most resonate with you and the colors that come with them, such as the soothing blues and greens of a coastal landscape, the rich earthy tones of a forest, or the warm terracottas and sages of a desert scene. These colors can be incorporated through wall art, textiles, and accessories without changing your apartment's existing paint colors. Check out the colors of the Coalatree blankets. They are great for the house as a blanket or a pillow!

When selecting furniture, prioritize pieces made from natural materials like wood, bamboo, rattan, or cork. Even in rental-friendly, budget-conscious options, look for items that incorporate these elements. Look for a desk with wooden legs and a laminate top, or storage baskets made from woven natural fibers. These materials bring warmth and organic texture to your space, balancing a neutral background out.

Plants are perhaps the most direct way to bring the outdoors in. If you're blessed with ample natural light, consider statement plants like a fiddle leaf fig or monstera. For spaces with moderate light, snake plants, pothos, and ZZ plants thrive with minimal maintenance. Even low-light areas can support certain varieties of ferns and peace lilies. Don't worry if you lack a green thumb, some low maintenance plants are really easy to care for. Alternatively, high-quality artificial plants have become increasingly realistic and can provide similar visual benefits without the care requirements.

Make the space cozy and add natural textures through accessories like a wool rug, linen curtains, or a wooden desk organizer. These small touches add depth and interest while reinforcing your nature-inspired theme. Smaller elements such as the color, print, and texture of your mousepad, desk accessories, or wall art can really make the difference. 

Functional Layout Solutions

In rental apartments, every square inch matters. Select furniture that maximizes functionality without overwhelming your space. A desk with built-in storage eliminates the need for additional filing cabinets, and wall-mounted shelving uses vertical space without consuming precious floor area. Also, for an ergonomic choice, consider adjustable-height desks that allow you to alternate between sitting and standing throughout your workday.

If you’re worried about space limitations, consider furniture that serves multiple purposes, such as storage ottomans that provide both seating and organization, or a desk that can double as a dining table when work hours end. These versatile pieces allow your space to adapt to different needs throughout the day and week.

When your office shares space with other living areas, creating visual and psychological boundaries becomes very important. Room dividers, strategic furniture placement, or even a distinctive area rug can help distinguish your workspace from the rest of your home. These boundaries help you mentally transition between "work mode" and "home mode," which is particularly important when your commute is merely steps across your apartment.

Ergonomics and Productivity

Your nature-inspired office should be as functional as it is beautiful. Proper ergonomics prevent physical strain during long workdays and contribute significantly to your overall productivity. Position your desk so that your computer screen sits at eye level, with your elbows resting comfortably at 90-degree angles when typing. Your chair should provide adequate lumbar support and allow your feet to rest flat on the floor.

Lighting plays a crucial role in both productivity and wellbeing. While natural light is ideal, supplement with layered artificial lighting to prevent eye strain as daylight changes. A combination of ambient overhead lighting, task lighting for focused work, and accent lighting to highlight design elements creates a well-balanced environment. Consider full-spectrum bulbs that mimic natural daylight for areas with limited window access.

Develop organization systems that maintain a clutter-free workspace. In nature-inspired design, visible clutter disrupts the sense of calm you're working to create. Use attractive storage containers made from natural materials to corral necessary supplies. Cable management solutions keep technology wires tamed and out of sight, contributing to a more serene environment.

Position your desk to take advantage of any available views, whether that's a window overlooking trees or simply a well-styled wall with nature photography. Studies show that even images of natural settings can provide some of the psychological benefits of actual nature exposure.

Personal Touches and Styling

Your workspace should reflect not just nature in general, but your personal connection to the outdoors. Incorporate elements that hold meaning for you, such as a small collection of stones gathered from favorite hiking trails, pressed leaves from memorable locations, or photographs of landscapes that inspire you. These personal touches transform a merely functional space into one that genuinely nurtures your own creativity and wellbeing.

Balance professional functionality with personal expression by selecting accessories that serve both purposes. A handcrafted ceramic mug can hold pens while adding artistic value. Botanical prints can inspire while providing visual interest. Natural wood bookends keep resources organized while enhancing your nature theme. The bottom line is, make it your own.

For a fully immersive atmosphere, cater to all senses. Consider incorporating sounds and scents that evoke outdoor environments. A small desktop fountain provides the soothing sound of running water, and essential oil diffusers with forest-inspired scents like pine, cedar, or eucalyptus can enhance focus and reduce stress.

Practical Considerations for Rentals

Working within rental restrictions requires creative problem-solving. Instead of painting walls, use peel-and-stick wallpaper with nature-inspired patterns for an accent wall behind your desk. These temporary solutions remove cleanly when it's time to move. Similarly, removable floor tiles or large area rugs can transform the look of less-than-ideal rental flooring without permanent changes.

For hanging art or shelving, explore damage-free hanging solutions like Command strips, tension rods, or leaning shelves that rest against walls without requiring installation. Furniture that stands independently rather than requiring wall-mounting offers flexibility and portability when you eventually relocate.

Work with your apartment's existing features rather than fighting against them. That awkwardly placed column might become the perfect spot for a vertical garden. The built-in shelving with outdated finishes could be temporarily transformed with removable contact paper in a wood-grain pattern. By embracing these challenges as creative opportunities, you'll develop solutions that enhance rather than merely tolerate your rental's quirks.

Conclusion

A home office should support your wellbeing and productivity during the many hours you spend working, so it’s very important to make it your own. Adding natural elements can calm, relax, and inspire you. By thoughtfully incorporating elements through color, materials, and of course plants, you can craft a workspace that feels both professional and nurturing.

Remember that the perfect office for you won't appear overnight. Build your space gradually, after working in it for a while, so that the things you do add actually enhance your workday. This measured approach allows you to refine your vision and invest in pieces that truly help inspire you.