Interior decor allows homeowners to express their unique style and make any house feel like home, but how often do you think about your home in terms of functionality? Now that our employers are understanding the value and productivity of working remotely, the home office is one of the most functionally important spaces. It may be time to get away from laptops on your couch cushions. Being thoughtful in designing your space will help your overall work (and mental health) in the long run.
THE ROOM
Work in the brightest room. The best kind of lighting for any office space is natural light. If you’re trying to decide where to set up your new workspace, try to focus on areas with large windows to optimize your exposure to the sun throughout the day.
Create a layered lighting look. Natural light is excellent, but the human eye loves depth and patterns. Adding floor lamps, desk lamps, or other light fixtures will help break up the room and add more life to the space.
Perfectly position your desk. While some people enjoy a bit of scenery while they work and can focus with a large window in front of their desk, it can be more advantageous to place your desk perpendicular to the windows. Keeping your desk to the side helps your eyes from straining and helps your screen remain clear from distracting reflections.
Consider the sound. A serene work environment is an integral part of a productive workspace. When deciding which room will contain your home office, you should spend a few minutes in the room and listen. Can you hear the kids next door? The dog outside? It might be good to invest in sound paneling or a pair of noise-canceling headphones to make the space more suitable for the workday.
THE DESK
Keep your desk functioning like a workstation. Your desk should only contain the office objects you need to operate while working. This allows you to maintain productivity while keeping your space free from unnecessary clutter.
Don’t forget a notepad. You never know when inspiration will strike. Keeping a tablet or notepad handy to write things down quickly will help prevent any memory gaps throughout your workday.
Keep a calendar handy. Whether your calendar is print or digital, it’s essential to have easy access to your schedule throughout your day.
Consider your posture. Your desk is a place you might sit for up to a third of your day. That is a lot, almost as much as you spend in your bed. Make sure to invest in ergonomic desk furniture to help keep you, and your spine, happy.
Think vertically. Making the best use of all the space given to you, including the above and below you, will help to organize your office. You also have decor options, such as floating shelves, that can help add style and flair while taking up very little usable space in the room.
THE DETAILS
Adopt a few plants. Even for those of us without the greenest of thumbs, a tiny smidge of leafy goodness can help liven up even the dreariest of workspaces. Do your due diligence and research what plans will work in a home environment to help keep it alive for as long as possible.
Invite couch-like furniture into the space. A couch, or something similar, will help make your office feel like a part of your home instead of the spot where you just work. It also helps create a space to mix it up if you need to move around throughout your day.
Use Mirrors. Mirrors are a great way to make a space feel larger than it is. Adding one to your office will also help reflect light around the room, making it even brighter and easier to work.
Install a curtain. If you don’t have a window, you can always put a curtain on the wall to mimic the look and feel of an authentic window. While not the most common tactic, this will help add depth to your space while making it feel less confined. When you do have a window, make sure to have blinds that are easily adjustable so you can fix how much light is let into your room at once.
Keep it clean. Easier said than done, we know. Keeping your office neat will help you stay better organized and on task in all aspects of your work life.
If these tips have you thinking about the rest of your home, take a peek at our Fall Home Maintenance Guide to see how you can better prepare for the colder seasons.
