Working remotely is here to stay, but literally ‘working from home’ does not mean shuffling to your kitchen table to take a video call or staring at the blank wall in your guest room. Your home office should ideally be a space of comfort, creativity, style, and productivity. The overall setup of the workspace has a significant impact on working satisfaction, productivity, and fulfillment while working from home.
But how does one go about designing an office space that is comfortable yet personalized? It does not matter if it is for the first time or revising one; there are plenty of tips and design ideas that can help transform the workspace into an optimized productive zone.
Choosing the Right Location
Find Your Sweet Spot
The first step in setting up a home office is finding the right spot to provide the best setup in the house. A quiet location that is free from distractions is ideal for productivity and immersion. If you live in a busy place, a spare bedroom or a window nook can serve as a low-traffic area for the workspace.
If you want to create personal space in an area where privacy is minimal, you could use a bookshelf or folding screen.
Expert Tip: “Arrange your home office in the location that best matches your character qualities and work behavior,” says interior designer Emily Novak. “For example, if you tend to get distracted easily, a peaceful corner that is free from noise and a window. If you love the outdoors and tend to complete your work easily when there is some natural light, then make sure to work near the window.”
Trying to Optimize the Natural Light
Lighting matters: it is everything. Natural light improves your mood, energy, and productivity levels. If it is possible, place your desk by a window. Not only will this provide natural light but gazing outside may provide you with mental vacations, absorbing some of the pressure from longer work hours. If natural lighting isn’t an option, a desk lamp with adjustable brightness can eliminate eye strain.
And remember to ventilate, too! A room with fresh air helps to maintain a clear, focused head throughout the day.
Purchase an Ergonomic Office Chair
When it comes to splurging for your home office, ergonomic chairs should top your list.
Long periods of sitting can negatively influence how you hold your body, so having the right chair will make sure your lower back is supported, your spine is in correct posture, and there is minimal pain. Everything should be adjustable as this is the most important thing, so find a chair that can alter its height, backrest, and armrests.
The American Chiropractic Association states, “Some studies state that 70% of people who spend their work hours sitting down complain of low back pain, and ergonomic design is sorely needed for those working from home.” Your back will appreciate it!
Pick A Desk With More Functionality
The bulky and unappealing desks of the past are gone, so go for an adjustable desk that lets you sit or stand as you work. This does not only allow for better spinal alignment, but research indicates that standing desks can enhance productivity and energy levels, too.
Is space a challenge? Choose space-saving desks that have shelving space built in, or desks that are mounted on the wall.
Tech Set Up You Can Depend On
A workstation is not truly complete without a reliable computer and other peripherals. Your computer should align with your work demands, and you will need to ensure there is a fast internet connection so work can be done without interruptions. If your job needs you to multitask, have a second monitor and docking station on hand. Noise-canceling headsets are perfect for those important meetings that require clarity.
Pro Tip: To keep your workstation looking tidy and organized, implement cable management tools to keep everything in one easy-to-access spot.
Maximizing Productivity
Keep Your Space Organized
A disorganized workspace makes it difficult to concentrate. Therefore, take the time to declutter your workplace by purchasing unobtrusive storage solutions like shelves and filing cabinets, or even under-desk storage units. Aim to use desk organizers that are minimalist in design so that essential items are easily accessible but out of sight.
As Marie Kondo said: ‘A well-organized home (and workspace) is a well-organized mind.’ Try arranging your workspace little by little by starting with one drawer, shelf, or desk at a time. Small victories make a significant difference.
Add Personal Touches
While I see the functionality, I tend to overlook how my office ca n look. You should not forget to customize your home office with personal artifacts like photo frames, beautiful decor, or even add throw rugs to the floor. Plants are other fantastic additions—they not only add life to your office but also help purify the air and reduce stress.
If you are uncertain on where to start, here is a quick checklist to personalize your workspace:
Desk plants (like succulents or a fiddle leaf fig for some greenery).
Wall art or prints that align with your brand.
Lighting in the form of candles or fairy lights to create a cozy ambiance.
The energizing color scheme requires neutral coloring that evokes liveliness while including unconventional splashes of color without being too busy.
Experts agree that a home office should be stocked with all necessary equipment. “The aim of your home office should be to help you feel creative and productive“ says lifestyle expert Courtney Banks adding, “You should feel like you’re walking into a space completely tailored to you. Before I step into my office, I make sure to prepare myself mentally it helps me perform at my best.”
Your Home Office Awaits
Creating a perfect home office is easy as it entails picking the right place, personalizing the area, buying ergonomic furniture, and most importantly investing in your self-care. Remember, there is no right or wrong to this, it is about personal preference.
To many people, offices feel like a cold space. However, a well designed home office should be free of traditional office cubicles. Make sure that your office space invited coziness so that you’ll love spending time in it.
Want to create your ideal work area but unsure of where to begin? Our expert team of home decor sits ready to help you achieve your ideal design strap. Get in touch with us today!
