The pandemic sure has highlighted the importance of a dedicated workspace in your home. A week into working from home we soon realised our productivity has dipped, you can’t stay focused, and sitting on the bed all day is doing a number on your back. Whether you run your own business or have been forced to work remotely, a private space can provide room to focus on tasks at your own pace, a place to create and pursue new projects, and the opportunity to work near pets and loved ones.
After more than a year of working from home I've found ways that can help you stay productive. Here are some tips, tricks, and inspiration for improving your own home office
Where To Start?
• Lock-In On A Location
Whether you have a luxury of a spare room or you have to make do with a relatively empty corner in your living room the first step is to find a spot you feel comfortable spending a large part of your day in. Make sure the spot gets enough sunlight/ light, has plug points available for your devices, has good ventilation and is close to the fan or within good distance from the air conditioning.
• Being Organised Is Key
A tidy space makes for a tidy mind. Think of this space as the space you once chose to study for your exams; remember the neatly drawn up timetable put on the board, the perfect chair and desk with all the things you need in an orderly fashion – a space for your computer, your other digital devices, water, notepads, stationary.
Take all this under consideration and organise accordingly. This way you can create a pleasant and non-chaotic environment you enjoy working in.
Once you’ve done that it’s now time to decide on what’s your style – from classic, industrial details to creative and outdoorsy, take inspiration from some of these ideas for a functional, chic and totally refreshed home office.
Minimalistic Is The Best
Think plenty of natural light and practical yet chic furnishing, and décor which complements your home rather than existing separately from it.
Invest In A Modest Writing Desk
Though your home isn't the ideal space to set up shop, let alone your bedroom, if you are living in the city, chances are you have no choice. Look for a writing desk that is perfect for you with ample legroom, not too bulky but big enough to accommodate all your essentials. If two people will be working together at the same time, you may want to opt for a desk bugger in breadth.
Maximise Space
Accessorise your wall to make it more functional – install hanging file folders, shelves, rods with hooks, and even dedicated shelves to help you accommodate office supplies while keeping them close at hand.
Your Space Should Reflect Your Personality
Give your space some character, you would do that back in the office then why hold back here. This ensures a balanced home office that is practical, comfortable, and clean. Add scented candles, plants/ succulents, fill your office with vibrant art to energise your space, maybe add some pictures that will make for a good distraction in-between calls.
Think Vertical Storage
Opt for floor-to-ceiling shelves, this will help in keeping things from looking cluttered.
Pay Attention To Lighting
A brightly lit room is key to a productive day. Opt for space near the window. But also invest in good lighting – white light is what improves productivity whereas a yellow light can often make people feel tired and less productive.
Think Comfort
Get a foot hammock – this is an excellent addition for those of us who like to kick our feet up and relax throughout the day. This works in multiple positions and with multiple desks. Invest in a comfy, memory foam chair cushion so you can lower your back pain levels by working on your posture.
Get Fun Yet Functional Desk Accessories
Invest in accents and accessories that will help you be focused, productive, and comfortable at your desks all day.
• A subtle vertical phone holder
• A stainless steel travel mug
• A webcam cover
• A portable coffee maker
• A Bluetooth keyboard
• A wireless charging pad
• A wireless mouse
• A cute post-it note dispenser
• A weekly planner
• Desk Plant & Pot
• Water Bottle
• Noise Blocking Headphones
• Liquid-free screen cleaner
• A mini desk vacuum cleaner
• Laptop Stand
• Pen and Pencil Holder
Here Are Some Office Ideas That You Can Take Inspiration From:
Whether you are a writer, architect or an entrepreneur, trying to squeeze in a small desk or setting up a fully loaded workspace can get tricky. These ideas will help you set up a surprisingly stylish, small home office.
The Architectural Study
The Open Air Workspace
Functional Elegance
Cosy And Chic Home Office
Contemporary Home Office
Some Tried and Tested Tips To A Perfect Home Office:
• Opt to work in a room without a TV
• Hang up a daily calendar or maintain a daily planner that is always in your line of vision
• Make a DIY ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign and hang them up when you have an important call.
• Maintaining file cabinets, old-school organisational methods not only keeps you engaged but help with digital clutter. A well-organised filing system is a good indication of a functional office space. To organize, separate the filing system into colour-coded categories, and label each hanging folder according to your needs.
• Take a break every 30 minutes – get up, look away from any screens, walk around the house for 2 minutes or go and take a breather in your balcony. This helps you clear your mind and makes you more productive.
• Designate a space in your office to house the printer and printer supplies. If you have a wireless printer, it doesn't need to go on your desk. By placing it in a cabinet or other area in your office, you will gain much more space on your desk for other items.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What materials to consider while buying furniture?
The most common materials found in home-office design are metal, wood, and plastic. The amount of each can often vary depending on the design of the desk, although these are certainly the most common types of materials that you can expect to find. Oakwood is usually one of the more common types of wood that is found in general desk designs. There are also some instances where maple wood or cherry wood could be used for desks as well.
Q: Can home-office furniture be recycled?
It can be challenging to desks and chair, particularly because of the materials used – your best bet is to re-sell furniture. The most common material that can be recycled is plastic, but it can be extremely challenging to effectively accomplish this recycling task so go with sturdy materials and finish that can be reused or re-purposed.
Q: What are the standard desk dimensions?
Most desks are approximately 30 inches tall and range from between 48 – 72 inches wide and 24 – 36 inches in depth.