How to design an inviting and productive home office
September 22, 2020 Choosing to work at home has never been rewarding, with the advent of internet technology the possibilities are endless.
For employees who have transitioned from working at the office to being a home-based employee, getting into the mood to work can be difficult, especially if you have limited space in your home. Kids running around, dogs barking, and other distracting occurrences in your home can affect your productivity. The great thing is that you can transform your home office into a conducive and inspiring workspace with simple decorative items. Adding ornamental items not only help you become functional but can also induce creativity and interest with the look and feel of your home office.
Key Design Features:
Whatever reason you choose to have a home office, working at home is still basically “working”. For this reason, you will need to set up a corner or space in your home that will encourage you to not slack off, be productive, and free from destructions.
Look for the Right Spot. Squeezing an office space in a living area can be challenging, especially for tight spaces.
Choose an area with the most minimal household or neighborhood noise. It would also save you energy bills to have good daylighting but without the glare all throughout the day.
For homes with generous spaces, you can choose an unused den, attic, a porch, or an extended room to your garden or lawn. Meanwhile, for tighter spaces, you can choose down below a flight of stairs or just any corner of a room but you’ll need high dividers and screens to create privacy.
Create Privacy. Defining your work area from your living space helps you get focused and organized.
Sliding panels are a good choice for both large and small spaces. If you have the budget, choose a sturdy framing for frosted glass or acrylic sheets to hold unto.
Foldable dividers, drop-down curtains, and high shelving are for cheaper options.
Provide Ample Storage. Know how much storage you need. You can choose open storage, that’s if you’re more of the organized type, But if you have less time in keeping your stuff tidy an enclosed storage will work better for you.
Choosing Home Office Furniture. Since most work today is paperless, a simple desk for a laptop and a comfortable chair is adequate enough. Though, if your space allows you, you can place a side desk for taking notes, or for placing a vase of flowers or décor to pump up your office area.
Collapsible desk and chair as well as shelves on wheels can be great options when you’re still trying to look for that right spot on your home.
Purchase a lazy Susan Organizer to organize smaller office items such as pens.
Whatever furniture you choose make sure they’re comfortable to use. Chairs and desks should be ergonomically designed so you don’t need to slouch or hunch when working on your laptop. Adjustable chairs and tables should be high on your checklist.
Selecting the Perfect Color Scheme. Choose a color scheme that you’re comfortable with but if unsure, you should select colors that won’t drizzle your work energy. Colors such as red and tangerine are perfect colors to pump up your desk area. If bright colors are too much for you, the blues and green hues might suit you better.
For those who really don’t see vibrant colors on their palettes, the sleek gray black and brass combo might be a perfect choice for you. The color scheme will work perfectly with industrially made furniture.
If you have furniture or an interesting piece of artwork in your home office, then work around it as well for your color scheme.
Reduce Household Noise. Eliminate if not dampen the noise by installing sound buffering or acoustic panels. Installing soundproof tiles works well in apartments and other shared residences.
Create an Inviting Space. Like any day in the office, a workstation near your home can be a tempting time to get listless. You may need to update your office abode look to make it more inspiring by adding a few touches.
Start by choosing a comfortable chair. You can either select the typically adjustable office armchair or opt for an unconventional version such as an egg-shaped office chair.
If you have a limited view outside, then painting your walls with leaf patterns can be a visual delight. Wall decals such as flowers and text prints can also add a playful atmosphere to your personal office space.
Hang on some framed pictures or quotations on your walls to add motivation.
Due to a younger workforce today, many of these technology-savvy employees are well-equipped in going home office. In addition, working at home seems more comfortable and productive compared to a 9 to 5 office job. Moreover, the growing numbers of affected in the pandemic continue to rise making online work more attractive than ever before.
An office at home spells out safety, more time for the family, and a chance to have an atmosphere conducive for creativity.
