7 Tips for Creating a Functional Home Office
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Whether you work from home, run your own business or simply use a space for paying bills and organizing your calendar, a functional home office requires more than just a desk and a chair. A good home office should also be a peaceful oasis away from the distractions of your daily life. A home protection plan insurance could be beneficial when you do work from home or run a business out of your home.
1. Invest in a Desk
Having a dedicated work space will help to boost productivity. If you can, try to set up your home office in a quiet area of the house that will be free from distractions.
Choose a desk that is the right height for you, so you can sit comfortably while working. Also consider investing in a monitor stand to keep your screen at the optimal level.
Home offices can be located in unused rooms, spare bedrooms, or even a corner of the living room. Ensure that you have a clear workspace that is equipped with everything you need to get work done.
2. Think About Space
When working from home, you need a space that will encourage productivity and focus. Home renovation experts recommend using a dedicated home office space that can be separated from the rest of the house to minimize distractions and maximize productivity.
Think about where you will set up your home office and try to find a space that is free of distractions, quiet, and well-lit. Look for areas like spare bedrooms, basements, and nooks under staircases as spaces that can accommodate a desk and chair.
Storage is another consideration when setting up a home office. Make sure you have enough shelving or filing cabinets to store all of your office supplies and documents.
3. Think About Storage
Home offices need plenty of storage to keep clutter under control and make the most of a limited amount of space. If you don’t have a room dedicated to your work, consider repurposing an old trunk or even a closet as a desk nook.
Create a system to keep your office supplies organized and accessible during the week, then tuck them away to wind down on weekends. You can also add some decorative touches to your workspace to make it feel like a comfortable place to get work done, such as using pretty mugs for pencil holders and stacked decorative baskets for paper or wicker odds and ends.
4. Think About Lighting
Having the right lighting in your home office is just as important as having a desk and storage. Adding a desk lamp that can be dimmed can help reduce eye strain and is an easy and affordable way to bring more functionality to your space.
Adding natural light can also make your work environment more enjoyable and productive. If you have a workspace that sits near the windows, consider using window films and light-filtering curtains to maximize the benefits of daylight without glare on your screen.
Lastly, personal touches can help you feel connected to your work and motivate you to stay focused and productive throughout the day. Whether it’s a stylish paperweight or a framed painting, find something that inspires you to get to work!
5. Think About Accessories
Whether you’re working in a minuscule shard of a kitchen nook or an expansive home office, there are savvy and stylish ways to make your work area feel like a retreat. Layer in pretty mugs and sticky notes, wrap utilitarian bookshelves with fabric, or hang some inspiring wall art.
Having ample storage is essential to keeping your workspace clean and organized. Think about your workflow and where you will keep your inbox, current work, and filing system. You can also incorporate floating shelves and add a shelving cabinet right above your desk for a clean look.
6. Think About Artwork
When it comes to setting up a home office that fosters productivity and creativity, it is important to think about the aesthetics of your workspace. For example, using nature-inspired artwork, indoor plants, natural materials and furniture, jar terrariums, and water elements can help to create a calming and inspiring work environment that will boost your productivity and creativity.
Similarly, choosing the right color scheme for your home office is also important. Calming colors like shades of blue can help to promote a sense of calm and heightened focus. While warm colors like yellow or orange can help to promote energy and productivity.
7. Think About Plants
Home offices should be separated from the rest of the house, but they don’t need to be cold and sterile. Add personal touches like a plush area rug, stylish organizers, and framed artwork to make your workspace more enjoyable and productive.
Plants are a great addition to any office because they not only look beautiful, but they also help clean the air. Try adding a Schefflera (Dwarf Umbrella Tree) or Fittonia to your desk, two air-purifying plants that can thrive in low light.
Embrace eco-friendly practices in your home office by going paperless and reducing waste with modern media storage solutions.
