The home office is something you definitely need, especially if you work from home often. However, creating such space should be done very carefully, mainly because the purpose of your home office should be both comfort and productivity. The main idea behind creating your at-home workspace should be about creating the perfect office oasis. Therefore, here are some helpful tips that will show you how to make it happen.
Designate the space
This is the first thing you should do, before moving on to other work. First, you can start decorating if you don’t know where it’s going to be. If you have a spare room, then you’re in a luck: a separate room as a home office is always the ideal scenario, mainly if you have small kids who love running around the house. Then again, this is often not the case, because many people live in smaller homes or apartments. If that’s your case, then make sure to designate the space that you’ll use as your intended workstation.
Make sure there’s natural light
Now, this isn’t a must, but it’s highly desirable. Access to natural light can boost the mood and increase productivity. Therefore, be sure to increase the natural light access by painting the walls a light color, hanging lightweight curtains and having large enough windows. In case the latter isn’t possible, then add some mirrors to further reflect the natural light that’s already in the room.
Take care of the noise
The street noise can be a huge distraction, so it’s important to make sure that it won’t impact your workflow. If possible, try stationing your workspace away from the everyday noise, so you won’t be distracted by it. In case that’s not doable, then invest in a quality pair of noise-canceling headphones. If the line of your work requires utmost focus, then reducing the surrounding noise will surely benefit you. Besides, the surrounding environment can have a huge influence on the way your home office feels like.
The chair matters a lot
The home office requires a durable and comfortable chair. If you tend to work for multiple hours, while sitting, then make sure to invest in a comfortable, preferably ergonomic office chair. The choice of the chair should always support the correct posture, so you won’t feel stiff after working for the whole day. Proper foot placement and back support are crucial: sitting on a low-quality chair is akin to sleeping on a low-quality mattress. Both will get the job done, but the cost of it will probably be your health and productivity.
Add soft and comfortable touches
Whether you prefer minimalist or maximalist decor, one thing’s for sure: soft details and touches play an enormous role, as they contribute to the sense of comfort and coziness. This is why it’s smart to include one or two bean bag chairs, a plush carpet and some pillows for extra comfort and support.
If you’re looking to further infuse the space with some interesting, eclectic touches, then look no further than real cowhide rugs as they’re unique, warm and interesting enough to beautify your workspace. Such details will have a tremendous impact on your home office, as you’ll feel more comfortable and motivated to work, without feeling stifled, as that’s often the case when it comes to traditional offices.
Indoor plants are a welcome addition, too
Sometimes, the best decor is the one that comes from nature. Potted indoor plants are super beneficial for your wellbeing, so including them in your home office will be a great decision. If you have enough space, feel free to go all in and include all your fave plants. But, in case your workspace is just a table and a chair in one corner, then even the smallest addition, such as a tiny succulent can be of great importance.
Organize the paperwork
Working in a messy office can also make you feel quite disorganized and confused. If you tend to use a lot of paperwork, then be sure to use appropriate folders and files that will keep your documents neatly organized. Also, if you use a printer, make sure to get a reliable one that won’t get broken every time you use it. Although the paperless way of work is getting more common, some businesses still rely on printing documents. Hence, organize all of your documents, so you’ll be able to find them with ease. Besides, if you tend to dispose of a lot of papers, then it’s better to invest in a quality paper shredder, rather than toss everything into a bin.
Declutter everything else
Sure, paperwork is often the main source of clutter. But, home offices are known to be a perfect spot for cluttering useless items, especially if you have children. Business cards, pencils, coffee mugs, books, pamphlets and other stuff are things we often leave lying around. If you want a neat and organized workspace, then be sure to declutter all the time: it will help you feel more productive and organized. Your home office/workspace should be your oasis, not a temporary storage room.
Have some quality distractions nearby
You might believe that workspace and distraction shouldn’t go hand in hand. However, it’s also important to take breaks sometimes. Your favorite musical instrument, a painting, a book or a quality game app 一 are all meaningful ways of getting rest without necessarily scrolling down your phone.
Additionally, if you have enough space, you can also create a cozy spot: a yoga mat or a mediation cushion are all welcome distractions that will help you recharge your batteries, especially during stressful periods.
Conclusion
Your home office should be your oasis of peace and productivity merged into one. These tips will help you achieve that. As long as you make things cozy, comfortable, noise and distraction-free, you’ll be able to accomplish all your work goals without straining yourself. Also, remember that decluttering and access to natural light can have a huge impact when it comes to your productivity and wellbeing.
