Are you leaving the office to begin working from home or already working from home and your office space just isn’t cutting it? Either way–this article is written for you. When you integrate your professional life into your home, it can lead to a tricky balance of getting in the mindset of “work-life” without feeling like your workspace is oppressive. Give yourself an inspiring office space with a few changes and smart investments.
To create a productive, comfortable, and attractive home office oasis, follow these tips:
1. Select a Location within Your Home That is Inviting & Inspiring
Whether you have a dedicated room or not, you will want to consider the location of where you’re going to set up your office. If you’re transitioning from working from home occasionally to full-time, your home office space may need to be relocated–Especially if you find the area uninspiring, closed off, loud from household activities, or lacking the privacy you need.
Consider:
- Adding an office area to a guestroom or bedroom
- Sectioning off an area of your living room or another large space
- Adding a desk and office accessories to your dining area
- Finishing a section of your basement
- Utilizing an unused area elsewhere in the home your sitting room, for example
- Purchasing a studio shed
No matter what area you choose, you want to be able to access your bathroom easily and control the temperature within the room.
2. Decide on What Mood Pairs Well with Your Profession
Before you purchase paint, art, and accessories, it’s vital to consider what design style works for your job and the work you do. If your profession involves a lot of stress, you may want to avoid overly bright, complicated, and intense colors and patterns. However, if your job requires creativity, bright colors and accessories could be highly beneficial.
If you spend a great deal of time on Zoom, consider how color will reflect off your face or appear in the background behind you.
3. Create Sound and Privacy Buffers
One of the biggest hurdles of a productive home office is being able to fully focus on the work at hand. Creating privacy and reducing noise can help.
To reduce sound from outside, use thicker window dressings. Indoor noise can be quieted with sound panels, adding a thick curtain to the doorway or hallway.
As for privacy, investing in some stylish privacy screens can make a world of difference if you’re working in a larger room. Facing your desk strategically away from the larger room or into a larger room can either visually block off distractions or safeguard information on your computer monitor.
4. Don’t Skimp on Comfort
One of the biggest benefits of working from home is getting to enjoy all the comforts of your own space. When I recommend that you don’t skimp on the comfort–I’m not talking about upgrading your pajama pants. Instead, invest in a truly comfortable desk chair. You will also want to consider adding a few throw blankets, pillows, candles, and other niceties that help you feel cozier.
I also highly recommend having a hook or storage for a few cardigans to help you regulate your temperature.
5. Plan for Storage
Offices come with many items you do not want to stare at all the time. Hiding these items away can create a more peaceful environment. So, declutter your area with some smart storage choices, and you will declutter your mind.
Keep often-used items close by while objects and reference material you only occasionally use can be tucked away.
6. Invite Nature into Your Office
Letting nature into your workspace may not seem like an intuitive idea. However, fresh air, natural light, and a few plants and truly make your office both elegant and comfortable.
Open a few windows before you begin work or during the day. Oxygen is an important ingredient for thinking, a refreshing breeze can help ignite your imagination, and an open window is a great way to flush out stagnant and stale air.
Natural light is often the most flattering on camera–and it is the most comfortable for reading. If your office is flooded with too much natural light, soften it with sheer curtains.
Houseplants are known to reduce stress, and they filter your office air. Furthermore, they’re a great way to add interest to your office without loud decor.
Make Your Office Your Own Oasis
Working from home can be an excellent opportunity to invest in your career, creativity, and yourself. Creating an office that supports your goals can be as easy as changing your wall color, purchasing an ergonomic desk chair, and creating privacy.
Need a hand turning your home office into a work environment that is comfortable as well as attractive? I can help. Contact me to learn how I can transform part of your home into your dream home office.