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As a result of the shift to remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us had the opportunity to work from home for an extended period. The experience taught us a lot of things and helped us learn a lot about the best location and features for setting up a productive home office. Whether or not you can still undertake remote work from home, having a dedicated office or space within your home can unleash your creativity and open a world of possibilities. You can have a designated space or a communal space that can be shared with all members of the family.
Creating a working space at home can be an exciting project, it can take a bit of planning and you can enlist the help of an interior designer who will design the perfect home office layout and translate your home office ideas into reality, or you can go it alone and look for decorating ideas that resonate with you. Simple things like painting one accent wall can change the look of a room and define its new purpose.
One important aspect is choosing a location that is quiet and as free from distractions as it can be. Sometimes it’s not possible to have a dedicated room with a door to create a physical barrier but if you are lucky enough, a closed door can minimise interruptions from other people in the house. It can also be a way to end the day – leave the room and close the door – it’s a physical and mental barrier. It’s easy to create your own distractions – a trip to the kitchen for a glass of water can turn into “I’ll just unpack the dishwasher, etc” – keep a large bottle of water on your desk and make regular times for breaks such as morning tea and lunch to get up from the desk – and stick to them.
HOW DO YOU SET UP A HOME OFFICE SPACE?
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A guest room can double as a home office. You can set up a desk and all the equipment you need and if it is also to be used as an occasional guest room, you could include a sofa bed in the room, so you have both bases covered.
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If you are lucky enough to have a spare room you can go to town and design it totally as a home office, with a large desk, shelving, and even an armchair so you can escape to the room even when you’re not working.
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If you don't have a lot of space in your home, you might need to set up your home office in your living room. If space is limited, opt for a smaller desk, which is both practical and beautiful and has plenty of inbuilt storage. Carefully select one that will not look out of place in your living room.
Once you have chosen a location, it's important to make sure you have the right equipment and furniture. A comfortable desk chair to suit the desk is essential, as you may be spending a lot of time sitting at your computer. You'll also want to make sure you have enough storage space for all the office supplies you need (such as paper, pens, and files) so look for a desk with plenty of drawers. If there’s enough space, a library, cabinet, or bookshelf are great storage solutions. They can hold files, books, and other resources and can also display some personal items to claim the space as your own.
HOW TO DECORATE A HOME OFFICE
Add personal touches that reflect your style and personality to transform your space so not only is it functional, but it will be a space you love to be in and it will inspire you.
One way to personalise your home office is by adding artwork or photographs. Hanging a favourite painting or a collection of family photos can create a sense of warmth and comfort in your workspace, while also adding some colour and visual interest to the room. You can also display motivational quotes or images that inspire you to stay focused and productive.
HOME OFFICE INSPIRATION
Another way to make the space a bit more personal is to add an indoor plant. Not only do plants add beauty and bring a touch of the outdoors inside, but they also have proven benefits for your health and well-being. Plants can help purify the air, reduce stress, and increase productivity while helping to create a sense of calm and relaxation, which can be particularly beneficial if your work is stressful or demanding. Maybe you’ll need a couple of plants!
Incorporating personal touches into your home office can make it feel like a true reflection of your personality and style. This can help to increase your sense of ownership and pride in your workspace and make it a more enjoyable place to spend time. By creating a space that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, you can maximise your productivity and create a more satisfying work experience.
Another crucial consideration is lighting. Natural light is perfect during the day, as it can help boost your mood and energy levels, but if you don't have access to enough natural light, or will be working at night, add overhead and task lighting that is adjustable and provides bright, even illumination.
Creating a dedicated workspace at home is a fun and rewarding project and the ideal location within your home and the features for your home office will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
However, by incorporating the suggestions above, you can create a workspace that will allow you to be your most productive and focused self. You never know, you may love the space you’ve lovingly created so much you’ll be inspired to start writing your memoir, a novel, learning a language or researching your family tree.
