With social distancing becoming the new (temporary) normal, work-from-home and a home office has become more of a widespread trend. Home offices, for those who aren’t used to working remotely, can be quite an adjustment. They need to be designed so productivity rates don’t go down and bad habits don’t form
Thankfully, there’s another side of working from home – the energetic and creative one. Remote work can often yield better work than in the office if it’s done right. But how do you nail down that flawless process? The most important step is to curate a home office design space that works for you regardless of whether or not you have the time to plan out your space. These tips will help you quickly transform any space into your new office.
Pick Your Office Area
First, you need to choose where you want to set up your home office. Do you have a particular room that you can use just for work? Or maybe a secluded corner or nook within a larger room would suit your needs better. Whatever it may be, it’s important to pick a space that will allow for productivity and will also keep you from going crazy.
Space-Saving Furniture for a Home Office Design
It can be tricky pulling together an entire fully-furnished home office on a whim. This is where it pays to be smart with your furniture selection. Whether you have a specific work desk or not, your setup should make the most of the space that you have available. No desk? Try using a card table, appropriately sized cabinet or any hard surface that you can spread your work out on.
You’ll also want to find a chair that’s comfortable, but not too comfortable. Try to stay away from sitting on your couch or any type of seating that can cause you to lose focus and become a little too relaxed. That’s why it’s important to find a chair that is pleasant to sit in, but also will help you keep your focus.
“Home office furniture should be practical, while also fitting your needs,” says David Haseley, Senior VP of Merchandising and Retail Marketing at Decorating Den Interiors. “When choosing a chair for your desk, try to stick with seating that is ergonomically similar to that in your real office, while also fitting in with your design style. This will help to keep you in the work mindset, while still being comfortable with your setup.”
Calming Home Office Decor
Of course, you want to be able to get your usual amount of work done, but sitting in a bland office won’t do you any good. Most people like to keep photos, plants or meaningful trinkets on their desk in the office. Why not do the same for your home office? Even if it’s just picking up a framed photo from a different part of the house. You can bring it to your desk. Adding that extra personalization to your new setup can make all the difference.
Try keeping some candles or indoor plants on or around your desk, recommends Forbes. This can help to bring a touch of nature to your home office, as well as some nice ambiance for your new work setting. They also suggest incorporating some throw pillows or blankets to keep your space cozy.
Feeling inspired to completely overhaul your home office after making these changes?
Contact us today to help you redesign your space or an entire makeover transforming your home office.