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Looking For The Ultimate Co-Working Location? Step Inside The Bureau.

Rhea Patel, co-founder of female-focused co-working space The Bureau, on how to create your own pocket of productivity at home

Working full-time hours, five days a week, from the same boring office has become a thing of the past. These days, with an increase in hybrid working, and a huge growth in the self-employment sector, working from home, or opting for co-working spaces, has become the norm. In fact, statistics show that while one million of us globally were using co-working spaces in 2020, that number likely reached five million by the end of 2024.

Here in the UAE, one of the most popular co-working spaces is The Bureau, a female-focused hub in Dubai’s Gold and Diamond Park, which hosts a community of over 12,500 people and 157 businesses. This spring, The Bureau opened its second location in Opera Grand Downtown. The brainchild of sisters Nikita and Rhea Patel, The Bureau interiors have been designed to inspire focus and promote productivity, and many of these aspects can be replicated when creating a workspace at home. Co-founder Rhea shows Bazaar Interiors exactly how.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

“This really comes down to personal preference; whilst some love the quiet of a separate room, others prefer the bustle of a living room. Ultimately, the location of your home office depends on your personality, the layout of your house and the number of kids or pets you have, too. One thing I do believe, is that you should separate your workspace from your rest space, which means the home office should be as far from your bedroom as possible – especially given the temptation of a midday siesta.”

THE POWER COUPLE OF PRODUCTIVITY

“Whilst it’s cute and fun to pick something aesthetic, comfort is key when choosing the right furniture. Your workspace set-up directly impacts your productivity and wellbeing, so invest in an ergonomic chair and desk that promote good posture. An adjustable standing desk can also be a game-changer, allowing you to alternate between sitting and standing to keep your energy levels up. Want to take it one step further? Opt for a treadmill desk or walking pad.”

PAINT YOUR MOOD, NOT JUST YOUR WALLS

“Colour selection is less of an art and more of a science. Bright, warm colours stimulate energy and happiness, whilst soft neutrals (beige, nude, pastels) create a calming environment, perfect for focus and productivity. When choosing colours for The Bureau, after a lot of research, colour swatching, and comparing the subtlest of shades, I settled on pastels. The goal is to pick shades that are easy on the eye, such as baby pink, green, and beige. However, should you wish to add more nuance to your space, look into subtle wall accents such as textured paint, wallpaper, or fabric walls, or to instantly elevate your space, paint your ceiling with a pop of colour.”

TAKE A WINDOW SEAT

“Plants aren’t the only things that gravitate towards the sun, so do humans. High ceilings, tall windows, and natural light can make all the difference to how well you work – a sun-kissed space can boost both mood and focus. Something that I swear by is to position your desk near a window. Even if you don’t have a great view, the presence of daylight can help keep you energised. Plus, it’s always fun to people watch during breaks – and get a little inspiration from your neighbours.”

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE LIGHTING

“Office spaces have historically been very conventional and a little institutional. An office needs to feel enticing, and what better way than to romanticise the space with ambient lighting. Go for table lamps, wall sconces, floor lamps and overhead lighting to add layers, giving the space depth and warmth. Having the right lighting means you can easily transition from day to night – keeping your energy up when working late.”

SPRINKLE PERSONALITY WITH ACCESSORIES

“Coffee table books, candles, photo frames and wall art will really bring a space to life, and give you that effortless ‘lived-in’ feel that makes your office feel welcoming. Assouline tomes, female biographies, and New Yorker magazines are just a few of the delightful things you can find on the shelves of our office library at The Bureau. You can also opt for more cosy accessories, such as throw blankets, pillows and large rugs to make the space feel more residential as opposed to commercial.”

HAVE AN ESCAPE PLAN

“To truly appreciate your home office, the key is to leave it every once in a while, and get inspiration from places such as co-working spaces and cafés. Explore cool new spots around the city with different aesthetics, and look out for elements of design that you like that can be easily incorporated into your office back home.”

Images supplied.

From Harper’s Bazaar Arabia Interiors’ Spring 2025 Issue.

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