How to Create a CEO-Level Home Office in an 85m² Apartment?A Smart Guide for Young Buyers Navigating Australia’s Housing Shift
The Housing Reform That’s Reshaping How Young Families Live and Work
Australia’s 2025 Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy Stage 2 has triggered a transformation across suburban and regional areas, especially around Sydney’s satellite cities. With the NSW government promoting more diverse and compact dwellings near transport and town centres (Planning NSW), younger buyers are now opting for smaller, better-located units — often around 80–90m² in size.
Affordability and accessibility are driving these choices, but they also raise a critical challenge: How do you create a stylish and professional home workspace in such limited space?
Why Your Home Office Needs to Feel Like a Power Move — Even in Small Spaces
Whether you're working remotely, running your own business, or simply managing tasks after work, your home office corner is your command center. And in an 85m² apartment, the kitchen table just doesn’t cut it anymore.
Instead of thinking in terms of space-saving only, think in terms of space-empowering. Even if you're not yet a CEO, your workspace should reflect where you're going — not just where you are.
“Luxury in Compact Living” — Practical Design Principles That Work
1. Invest in One Statement Piece: The Chair
Instead of crowding the area with bulky desks, start with one luxurious, ergonomic leather office chair. It acts as both a focal point and a health investment. Choose models with gold legs or armless silhouettes to enhance elegance and openness.
2. Use Vertical Space Like a Designer
- Wall-mounted shelves with hidden lighting
- Fold-down desks
- Smart cable organizers
These maximize usable area while allowing the room to breathe. According to Dentons, multi-functional, flexible furniture is essential for the next generation of Australian homes.
3. Textures and Tones Matter
Choose neutral colors — cream, light oak, matte black — to visually extend the space. Coordinating your office chair with curtains or storage accessories creates harmony and flow.
When it comes to styling your workspace in a compact apartment, furniture alone isn't enough — the visual rhythm of your space matters just as much. Watch this inspiring guide to learn how to harmonize colors, lighting, and layout, even in tight quarters.
Need visual inspiration? This short video walks you through how to design, organize, and style a small apartment without sacrificing elegance or comfort:
Compact Office, Serious Performance: What to Look For in Furniture
| Feature | Why It Matters | Smart Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Adjustable lumbar support | Protects your spine during long sitting hours | Opt for mesh back or memory foam padding |
| Small footprint base | Fits tight corners without compromising stability | Chrome or aluminum bases are ideal |
| Quiet wheels or fixed legs | Important for apartment living | Ensure compatibility with wood or carpet floors |
| Built-in charging ports or cable routing | Reduces clutter and boosts efficiency | Look for side-mounted USB options |
Why This Matters More in Second-Tier Cities
Young families in cities like Wollongong, Newcastle, and Albury are gaining access to affordable, well-located homes thanks to new mid-rise developments (Brightstone Legal). These apartments often feature open layouts, making it crucial to create clearly defined and productive zones within shared spaces.
A visually distinct home office corner can mentally separate work from home life without needing additional rooms or major renovations.
Final Thought: Function Is the New Luxury
In 2025, luxury isn't about size — it's about how intelligently you use your space. The right chair and layout won’t just support your tasks — they’ll support your mindset.
Even in an 85m² apartment, you deserve a space that says: “My time matters.”
