Your home office should be more than a place
to accomplish tasks. Instead, it should be a comfortable environment that
inspires you to do your best work. Whether you work from home or just need a
place to spend a few hours paying bills and doing paperwork, there’s a lot that
goes into designing an optimized home office. Check out some of our favorite
tips:
Give
yourself plenty of space
When picking your office space in your house or apartment, make sure you are giving
yourself a comfortable amount of space to work in. You’ll want to ensure that you have enough room for your desk,
chair, shelving, etc. Don’t be afraid to turn your rarely-used guest room into an office that you
will use much more frequently.
Think
about storage
You’ll most likely want ample storage space
for documents, paperwork and books. Explore different shelving and storage
options and think about what will best suit your needs. Use Pinterest for inspiration and shop
around before making a final decision.
Put a
lot of thought into your desk and chair
You’re going to be using this furniture a lot!
Make sure both your desk and chair are optimized for comfort and productivity.
When selecting an office chair, check to make sure that all components of the
chair are adjustable before purchasing. For your ergonomic health, it’s also
best to choose a chair that allows for bouncing and rocking. Similarly, you may
want to consider investing in a standing desk to avoid the back pain and
sedentary lifestyle that can be caused from fixed-height desks.
Natural
light
If possible, pick an office space that allows
for plenty of natural light. Natural light has been known to improve your
mood and can help reduce eye strain from working on your computer. If you
do take advantage of natural light, consider placing your desk so that you’re
facing the window. This will prevent the natural light from creating a glare on
your screen and will allow you to enjoy the view outside your window. You can enhance brightness
by painting your office a light color or adding a mirror to the room.
Paint
the walls
Are you someone who needs muted grays and
beiges to feel at ease? Do bright colors help you feel motivated? Think about
what mood you would like your home office to amplify and paint the walls
accordingly.
Personalize
your accessories
Give your office a homey feel with cozy knickknacks
and accessories. Different accessories will inspire you in a variety of ways.
For example, college memorabilia may remind you
of cherished memories but a photo of your pets, children or family may motivate
you, reminding you why you do what you do.
Stay on
top of cleaning and organization
As much as you should focus on the physical
design of your home office, it’s also important to focus on general upkeep for
your mental health. Keep your home office tidy to reduce stress and anxiety and
clean frequently to keep the space
welcoming.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or
looking to spruce up your current office, use these tips to design a workspace
that’s perfect for you!
