Home Office Design: 5 Ways to Create a Productive Workspace
Introducing: The Home Office
Especially with the Coronavirus Pandemic, more people seem to be working from home than ever before. This can be super convenient, but it can also be damaging to mental health. When you go to work, you can also leave it behind at the end of your shift. The same cannot be said when you are working from your living room (or bed!).
It can be emotionally draining if there is no obvious separation between work and home. Even if you love your job, it is still vital to take breaks from it. So, how do you effectively distance yourself from work when you work from home?
If the title of the blog hasn't already given it away, we're going to be discussing the main things to consider when choosing a home office design that works best for you.
1. Get the Location Right
The first thing you need to consider when you think of your home office design is location.
Depending on your space, this might seem like a difficult one. You might be thinking 'Well, I don't have a spare room to dedicate solely to an office!'
That's ok. Is it possible to find a quiet and dedicated space to work from? This should help to minimise distractions. So, yes, ideally, this should be a separate room, but if that's not possible, find a corner or a specific area in a room where you can create a focused work environment.
Now consider natural light and ventilation. Position your desk near a window if possible, as natural light can boost mood and productivity.
The beauty of working from home is having the flexibility to choose where you want to work, so make the most of it! You might prefer a busy environment, in which case, maybe stop reading because you'd probably be happier in a coffee shop than a dedicated home office space!
2. Invest in Quality Furniture
Our next home office design tip is all about the furniture.
If there's one thing you shouldn't skimp too much on: it's your desk and chair. Choose a comfortable and ergonomically designed chair and desk to support good posture and reduce the risk of discomfort or injury. Your chair should provide proper lumbar support, and your desk should be at a comfortable height. Again, you have flexibility here.
We recommend, if you can afford to, a combination of a treadmill and desk. We spend far too much of our lives sitting down nowadays, to the detriment of our physical health and mental wellbeing. In fact, studies have shown it takes years off our life. Therefore, if you are able to, try to think of ways to be more active while you are working. (We 'bodged' a standing desk by putting a plank of wood across the handlebars of a treadmill and putting a laptop on a huge book. Whilst it wasn't ideal (or aesthetic), it was a more affordable way for us to have a desk that made allowances for simultaneous physical activity.
What our bodged desk lacked was space. Ensure there is enough space on the desk for your computer, keyboard, and any other work-related items you need.
3. Prioritise Organisation
I'm not a naturally organised person. But I wake up every day and try to be. And so you should you.
It seems realistic to think that by keeping your home office organised, it will reduce stress and increase efficiency. Your home office design is integral to this goal. Invest in storage solutions such as shelves, cabinets, or organizers to keep your space tidy. It helps to minimise visual clutter to create a clean and focused environment. Remember, the best way to sort out is to reduce!! Throw away the stuff you're holding onto for no reason. Only keep essential items on your desk, and use cable organizers to manage cords and cables.
4. Make it Your Own
Your home office design can be totally personalised and tailored to you. So choose a home office design that is your own special, pleasant and inspiring place by adding personal touches. Decorate with artwork, plants, or items that motivate you and contribute to a positive work atmosphere. Remember, we're separating the office from the rest of the house so, if you find yourself working from the kitchen, stationery in the colour palette of the rest of your home might be a cohesive and effective way to do this.
This leads us on to adopting or adapting a color scheme that promotes focus and relaxation. Blues and greens are often associated with productivity and calmness but, again, this is a personal thing that is just for you!
5. Create a Tech-Friendly Environment
In today's world, we can't mention home office design without mentioning wifi and internet speed. Ensure you have a reliable internet connection! You can have a good internet connection and still pretend to have a bad one in order to leave a Teams meeting early (they shouldn't know, right?) but you don't want to be mid-flow in an important discussion and get cut out. Frustrating!
Also ensure that your workspace is well-lit to reduce eye strain. Use task lighting to illuminate your work area adequately.
Invest in good-quality technology, such as a comfortable keyboard, mouse, and a large enough monitor to enhance your work experience. It doesn't have to be top-of the range, but try to avoid the cheapest in the shop. You could also consider noise-cancelling headphones if your environment is prone to distractions.
Final Thoughts
Your home office design should do two things: inspire you and separate you from the rest of your home and family life. Creating this barriers will allow you to fully switch off from work and make the most of your free time. So, go off, and get designing!
You can find more home office inspiration on Architectural Digest and Houzz.
Smart Doors: Revolutionising Home Security and Convenience in 2024
| By Becky Shore
Embrace Vibrance: The Comeback of Bold Colours in Home Decor 2024
| By Rachel Wellman
BLINDS VS SHUTTERS: Blinds, You’re a Shady Character… and now SO 2023!
| By Becky Shore
The Top 5 Home Security Trends Of 2024
| By Rachel Wellman
