Since the rise of remote and hybrid working began, our homes have transformed into a multi-purpose space that caters to every aspect of our lives. Homes are no longer places to unwind and de-stress. They have now become a zoned space where different rooms and areas fulfil different needs. From relaxation zones, such as the living room, to workspaces in a spare room, a modern home contains so much more than a peaceful haven.
This is especially the case with working areas because many jobs now work fully remote or on a hybrid basis. People have had to adapt their homes to be able to work properly and be in the zone throughout the day. This has been difficult for many, as the temptation to turn the TV on or get distracted by home comforts can get in the way. The working environment has a huge impact on your productivity level, as well as your comfort and mood. This is why it is so important to design a home office that works for you and your job role, allowing you to improve focus, reduce stress and boost productivity.
If you’re looking to create a workspace that’s both functional and inspiring, here are a few simple steps to help you design a home office that really works for you.
Pick the Right Spot
Your workspace doesn’t need to be large, but it does need to be practical. You need to assess your home and find the right spot for you. Whatever the size of the space is, you need to picture yourself working in various areas and think which would be the best to provide you with focus. It is best to choose a room or a quiet corner that is tucked away from distractions. This will allow you to focus and stay motivated throughout your working day, while having the ability to work properly. The spot you pick should be away from high-traffic areas in the home that will tempt you. For example, the living room where the TV is and the kitchen where people can gather.
Your spot needs to be light and airy to help keep you more alert during work. Bright spaces can also help to improve your mood, which is when you work at your best. It should also have a physical boundary from the rest of the home, such as a door. This can let you shut yourself in the space for privacy and set boundaries between home and work life. It is important to do this so that work and home life don’t blend together, and you can leave work behind once the day is finished.
Get Comfortable
It is pivotal to make your home office comfortable to be able to work efficiently in your own space. This is why investing in an ergonomic chair and desk is essential. Having a comfortable place to sit while working doesn’t just help you feel better, but it also directly impacts your productivity levels. Due to this, you need to make sure that your chair supports your back and head at all times. As for the desk, it needs to sit at the right height so that your arms can rest naturally on it as you type.
It could be best to opt for an adjustable desk or standing desk setup to add variety to your workday. Doing this can help reduce fatigue and keep you motivated at home to work efficiently through every task in your day.
Be Near a Window
It can help to position your desk near a window so that you can look out of it while working. This can connect you to nature and boost your mood, putting you in the right frame of mind to work. As well as this, facing a window can help to prevent eye strain from looking at the computer screen for too long. This is because you have something interesting to look at in between staring at the screen, giving your eyes a rest periodically during the day.
If you can’t face a window, try to have one to the side of your desk to stimulate creativity. Being near a window floods your working space with natural light, which can aid your physical and mental health, while providing enough light to see what you’re doing.
Keep It Tidy and Organised
A cluttered space can lead to a cluttered mind and prevent you from working well at home. It is important to take away the clutter in your home office by utilising smart storage solutions to keep the space tidy and organised.
Invest in shelves, drawers, and filing systems to keep your work area clean and tidy. These solutions help you to properly organise the tools you need for your job, making everything easier to find and keeping the desk tidy. You can colour code items like books and notepads, have pen pots for stationery and make use of storage baskets for electrical equipment and bits and bobs. The aim of storage solutions is to keep clutter off the desk, so you’re not restricted in movement when working. The rest of the room should also be tidy and organised to allow your brain to function properly.
If you’re working with limited space or want a more tailored approach, custom storage solutions can make a big difference. You could use MFC cut to size panels to build practical, made-to-measure desks or shelving that fit your chosen space and style. This reduces the hassle of trying to make a ready-made solution fit the space for quick organisation.
Think About Lighting
Good lighting is one of the most overlooked elements of a home office. Lighting makes a huge impact on your mood and the atmosphere of a space. Natural light is best, so it’s important to make the most out of the natural light the space gets during the day. Try to position your desk near a window and have sheer curtain covers to flood your workspace with sunlight. This helps the eyes because filtered sunlight through the window is gentle, stopping you from straining them. On top of this, it gets you in the right headspace to work while boosting your mood.
However, it’s essential not to rely on daylight alone- you need artificial lighting too. This helps you to create the right atmosphere for different tasks during the day and brightens up your home office on darker, gloomier days. Desk lamps with adjustable brightness are a great option as you can have control over how much light illuminates your space. Plus, they help reduce eye strain, especially during winter months or evening hours.
Bring in Your Personality
The key to having a successful home office that works for you is to make it your own. You should decorate your home office with décor and items that you love and that will inspire you. Whether this is framed prints, small colourful houseplants, or a bright and unique colour palette that lifts your spirits, bringing in your personality can go a long way. Doing this helps you enjoy your workspace at home and makes it much more comfortable to spend your time in. Try not to go overboard with the personal touches because this can be overwhelming. Find a balance so that your home office has a calm and motivating vibe.
Keep Tech Tidy
Tech clutter can be just as distracting as paper clutter. Keep cables under control with clips and organisers to prevent messy tangles that get in the way. Not only does this help get wires under control, ensuring they don’t get in your way when working, but it also keeps your technology safe. Tangled wires can be a health and safety risk as they can be a trip hazard. To prevent this and ensure you have the right technology for your job, it’s ideal to invest in essential tools like a second monitor, a quality webcam, and fast Wi-Fi. A well-set-up tech station means fewer frustrations during your workday.
Designing the right home office is about more than just fitting a desk into a spare room. It’s about creating a space where you can focus, feel good, and get things done. Whether you’re building something custom or working with what you have, the goal is the same: a home office that helps you work smarter and feel better doing it.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings
One Comment