Hello to all! I hope your week is going well so far. Many of us are working from home these days. Some of us were already doing this and have already set up a home office but maybe it’s time to hit ‘reset’ and refresh the space.. For some, this is a brand new experience that started suddenly and unexpectedly and after a few weeks of working from home you may be looking for inspiration and ideas to create a space that is comfortable and supports your productivity.
When planning your home office it not only needs to be functional and comfortable, it should be inspirational too, a place you enjoy spending time. This does not mean it needs to be large and spacious, even the most compact offices can hit all the right notes.
Location
You may be fortunate enough to have a spare bedroom in which to set up a home office. For others, your home office will be the corner of a bedroom, a corner of the family room, the dining room or an unused space in the basement. Do not overlook the use of a closet as well or the unused space beneath a staircase. It is possible to set up a small desk or work surface, additional shelving and lighting in these areas and the best part is, you can close them off at the end of the day!
Photo Credit: Hutomo Abrianto
And as much as you might be tempted, avoid arranging your home office around the television. Quiet background music to work by is one thing, but the distraction of the latest ‘must see’ series will NOT enhance your productivity.
Comfort
To ensure you are comfortable and able to maintain correct posture and position, a desk and chair that ‘fits’ is a necessity. Do not overlook the importance of ergonomics to health, productivity and results. Whether it’s a desk you sit at, stand at or does both, make sure it is set at the proper height for you. A desk chair that is adjustable for height, back support and seat angle as well as adjustable arm rests is an absolute must! Those wood dining chairs are going to get uncomfortable quickly and do nothing for your focus.
Storage
A clutter free, clear desk top not only looks ‘cleaner’, but will actually calm your mind, your space and support productivity. Most offices, yours included, need storage in a variety of sizes to accommodate items big and small. Consider the addition of:
book shelves
baskets
bowls
decorative boxes
desk sets
trays
View
Not many will be blessed with the perfect view from a home office. If you are – bonus! For those who fall into the former category, consider the use of artwork and/or a gallery wall of your favourite images or scenes. Wall murals are another way to create an attractive ‘view’ that is beautiful, inspirational and calming.
Lighting
Never underestimate the importance of good lighting in your office, especially on your work surface! Looking at your computer screen is difficult enough without the challenge of poor lighting too. As with other rooms in your home, you should have three levels of lighting in your office:
ceiling lights for overall ambience and atmosphere
task lighting directed at specific ‘work’ zones
accent lights to highlight soften the space
Photo Credit: Tatiana Lapina
Appliances
It may sound indulgent but having a small fridge, microwave, kettle and/or coffee maker handy may boost productivity and assist in simulating and replicating a typical office. Having access to these appliances are particularly helpful if you are easily distracted leaving your works space to go to the kitchen in your home for coffee, water, snacks or a meal.
Decor
Last but certainly not least! Adding decor items is a way to personalize your space and create an ambience that supports and enhances your productivity and comfort and makes you happy! Consider:
greenery to add life and energy to your space (every room needs something living)
a small vignette of your favourite things
photos of your fave people
your favourite books or magazines for some reading during breaks
small cork board for notes, memos, inspirational pics and quotes
I hope these tips inspire you as you set up or refresh your home office space to make working from home as comfortable and productive as possible. And be sure to share the pics when you are done – I would love to see where you are working these days!
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