In recent years, largely due to unwelcome circumstances, we’ve seen more people than ever switch to a home office setup and it’s certainly here to stay. A home office offers numerous benefits, including increased comfort, cost savings, and the ability to personalize the space to your specific needs and interests. With a home office, you can work in a comfortable and familiar environment, save money on commuting and professional attire, and create a space that reflects your style and personality. So, what’s not to love about a home office? Getting it perfect for you might require a bit or trial and error. You want to ensure you don’t get distracted and can produce a similar or improved level of work. Take a look at these modern home office ideas and you’ll be able to fashion a productive and personalised space that you love working in but can also escape from.
1. What You Need
The first thing you should do when creating a home office is ask yourself a few questions about how you’ll utilise the space. Do you work from home full-time or just need a dedicated space for your side hustle? What equipment such as a diary will you need? How much space have I got to work with? Answering these questions plus a few more is the first step in creating the best possible home office.
2. Diligent Desk
Choose a desk that is the right size for your space and has enough surface area to meet your needs. Search for a desk that’s made from durable, easy to clean material such as laminated particle board. Think about whether you require additional drawers or shelves built in or would prefer to keep that separate from the desk. A desk with clean lines and a minimalistic aesthetic works well with a modern design. Finding the best desk that suits your space whilst also being practical and long lasting is something that might take a bit of research but is fundamental in creating the best home office for you.
3. Smart Storage
Whether you’ve gone for a desk with storage included or not, it is vital to your organisation that you have adequate facilities to keep your stationary and other necessary items neat and within reach. This can be through a filing cabinet, storage ottoman, or various types of desk organisers. By considering your storage needs and incorporating storage solutions into your home office design, you can create a functional space that is organized and helps you work more efficiently.
4. Be Chair Aware
A crucial part of your home office setup, the chair you opt for can make or break how effective and enjoyable you find work life. As this is going to be something that you sit on for long periods per day, you first need to focus on comfort. A chair with good lumbar support and adjustable features is a good idea, ensuring you are relaxed and in the most effective position. You can choose a padded mesh style seat or if you’re feeling a bit luxury, then go for a material like leather. You should think about the style of the chair and whether it fits in with the rest of the room but don’t be afraid to invite a touch of colour if you fancy.
5. Natural light
Natural light is an important aspect of any home office as it can help improve your productivity and wellbeing. Furthermore, it can add warmth and a sense of openness to your home office, making it a more pleasant place to work. This can be achieved by placing your setup near a window with blinds or curtains essential in case there is an of putting glare. A clever way of brightening up your room is to simply add mirrors as they reflect the light to other parts of the room, making it feel bigger and luminescent.
6. Task Lighting
As good as natural light is, it isn’t available all the time, so using an alternative method is necessary. Task lighting is an important aspect of a home office, as it helps you see clearly and reduces eye strain while working. Task lighting can be incorporated via a desk lamp, floor lamp, or even wall-mounted fixtures. By incorporating this type of lighting into your home office design, you can create a functional and efficient workspace that is comfortable and conducive to productivity. There is a wide range of options available so choosing one that suits your needs and style shouldn’t be too problematic.
7. Neutral colour scheme
Using neutral colours in your home office can create a calming and professional atmosphere that is conducive to productivity. Neutral colours such as white, grey, and beige are timeless and can be easily paired with a variety of accent colours. In addition to their aesthetic benefits, neutral colours can also help to make a small space feel larger and more open. When incorporating this into your home office, consider using them as the base of your colour scheme and adding pops of colour with accents such as a colourful chair or patterned rug. Neutral colours can also be used on walls, floors, and furniture, and can be easily incorporated into a variety of design styles.
8. Pick Some Plants
Incorporating plants into your home office can have numerous benefits, both for your physical and mental well-being. Plants can help purify the air by removing pollutants and increasing oxygen levels, which can help you breathe easier and feel more alert. Furthermore, plants can reduce stress and improve your mood, making them a great addition to a home office where you may be under a lot of pressure. Helping you stay calm and relaxed; plants have been proven to enhance productivity which makes it a non-brainer for the work environment. On top of all this, plants can add a real aesthetic beauty to your space, helping you to create a more pleasant and inviting atmosphere.
9. Wonderful Whiteboards
Whiteboards are useful for staying on top of the work you’re currently on and allowing you to produce the best possible piece as you can constantly check and change your notes whilst you’re working. Whiteboards are especially convenient because you can easily erase and revise your notes as needed. We’ve all had them days where you just can’t get your creativity flowing but brainstorming it on a whiteboard is a good way of coming up with new ideas whilst taking your eyes away from the computer screen.
10. Complementary Corkboards
Corkboards can be a useful tool in a home office for organizing and displaying information. They can be used to display to-do lists, project plans and schedules, inspiring quotes or images, and other important documents. You can pin or clip items to the board, making it easy to add and remove items as needed. They are also a visually appealing, inventive ways to display information and can help create a more organized and efficient workspace. In addition to their practical uses, corkboards can also add a touch of personality to your home office by displaying items that are meaningful to you.
11. Bring Your Personality
Whilst you ‘re creating a workspace and productivity should be of primary importance, this shouldn’t mean that you neglect your own unique style and wellbeing. As you aren’t restricted to using corporate facilities or being judged by other co-workers, you can be a bit more creative. Have a think about what you like in terms of colour scheme and furnishings and incorporate this as you se fit. Things like artwork, décor, and framed photos shouldn’t be forgotten about but included in a way that won’t be distracting to your work. Finding the balance between a space you love and one that you can be productive in is crucial when creating a space that is uniquely yours boosting your wellbeing and ability to work.
12. Shut The Door
One of the most important aspects of a home office is the way you can separate your work and home life despite them being connected. You may often find yourself getting caught up in work or losing track of time, but it is important to set boundaries and be strict with yourself on these. In terms of the space, there should be a way of shutting it away once you’ve finished for the day otherwise you’re going to constantly get reminded of work and struggle to switch off. On the flip side, you should let everyone who might be in the house when you’re working, informing them of when you plan to have breaks and what to do if they need you outside of this time. Setting clear boundaries is a good idea and will help you find a healthy balance between your home and work life.
Conclusion
Working from home can be a great way to save time and money, and it can also provide a sense of freedom and flexibility. However, it's important to establish boundaries and create a designated workspace to help you stay focused and motivated. It's also important to take breaks and disconnect from work to avoid burnout. By following these tips, you can create a healthy balance between your work and personal life and enjoy the many benefits of working from home.