The events of 2020 have prompted many of us to start working from home. However, unless you can extend, this means squeezing a workspace into your current setup. This is easier said than done, but some creative thinking could help you carve out some office space.

If you have the luxury of a guest room, make it work that little bit harder by doubling it up as a home office. If you have the advantage of a long run of cupboards, clear one of them out to create a functional workspace. Wardrobes typically measure 60cm in depth, so you will likely have room for a desk. As an added bonus, you will literally be able to close the door on your work at the end of the day.

Many older houses have alcoves either side of the fireplace in the living or dining room. Measure the space carefully and look for a slim desk or a floating one. If you cannot find a standard desk to fit, try a made-to-measure option.

Dead space (such as under the stairs) is a gift when you are trying to slot a study space into your home. Maximise every square inch by finding a local carpenter or joiner who can create a made-to-measure workstation in this otherwise unused space. Alternatively, perhaps you can borrow part of an existing room – a former boiler room for example – or convert a corner of your bedroom into a workspace. Whichever spot you choose, do not forget to factor in storage – and lots of it. You will want somewhere to hide your office essentials at the end of a long day: having them on show may make it harder to relax.

The kitchen is the engine room of the home, so it is the ideal location for a desk that serves many functions, from homework to family admin. However, you may find that perching on a high stool at an island or breakfast bar is not comfortable, especially if you spend a considerable time working there. One solution is to incorporate a stepped-down section of work surface at the right height (around 73cm) to sit at in a comfortable office chair. If coffee is what keeps you going, now might be the time to invest in a good quality coffee machine. The Siemens EQ range gives you barista style coffee, at home, at the touch of a button. See our full freestanding coffee machine range here.

Lockdown brought the UK’s shrinking living spaces into sharp relief. Of course, you could extend or move to get more room, but both options are costly and disruptive, so many of us will be looking for alternative ways to boost square inches.

If you have outdoor space, a garden room could be the answer – it will be quick to build and significantly less disruptive than an extension. There are off-the-peg as well as bespoke options; the one you choose very much depends on the space available. Off-the-peg garden rooms are ideal if you can find one that fits your space. If you cannot find a size to fit, a bespoke design will be pricier, can be tailored to your tastes as well as the exact dimensions of your garden.

Perhaps your loft is large enough to convert into a home office or another bedroom. Loft conversions are generally considered a permitted development. This means you do not usually need to apply for planning permission unless you intend to extend your roof space by more than 40 cubic metres (for terraced houses) and 50 cubic metres (for detached and semi-detached houses). However, there are limits and conditions, so take expert advice.

Sometimes, boosting living space is as simple as creating an outdoor living room with well-designed, high-quality garden furniture and lighting. This approach goes hand in hand with the trend for bringing the outside in. Add bi-folding or sliding glass patio doors so you can look out on the garden.

If the thought of breaking a sweat with others is not appealing right now, online workouts and exercise apps could be the answer. They are shaping up to be an ongoing trend in 2021 – which means we need space for all this activity.

If you have room to spare, convert your garage, basement, loft or even your guest bedroom into a home gym. If you do not have these options, make sure you at least find storage for workout essentials: you do not want to put yourself out of action tripping over weights.

If 2020 has shown us anything, it is that we need space for ourselves. Open-plan living has many advantages, but it does not allow for that element of privacy many us are craving. Cue broken plan, which is all about striking the balance between a spacious, open-plan feel and retaining a sense of separation.

To bring broken-plan living to your home, one option is to divide up a space with a pocket door that slides back and disappears into a recessed compartment within the wall. This means that part of the room can be closed off when you need privacy and opened up when you want to be part of the action.

Thrust into the spotlight in 2020, increased awareness of hygiene is set to continue throughout 2021 with growing demand for touchless taps and flush plates, and work surfaces with antibacterial properties. We also expect a growing interest in appliances with sanitising features. Siemens dishwashers, for example, have the hygienePlus option, which was developed to kill bacteria and germs. To achieve this, the final rinse heats up to 70ºC regardless of the cycle you choose.

This focus on hygiene will also lead to an uptick in the popularity of utility rooms. After all, a space to take off dirty shoes, stash outdoor wear and wash hands before entering the home will help to reduce the spread of germs. As an added bonus, we expect people will continue to make fewer trips to the supermarket. So depending on the size of your utility room, it could also incorporate storage space for the big monthly shop.