You don’t have to be a pencil pusher to know working from home is the new corporate office. Is your dedicated space up to the task? Whether you already have one or looking to build from the ground up, curate a space that speaks to your level of professionalism with touches of comfort that make working from home a joy in and of itself.
Functional Furniture
Choosing furniture for your home office is crucial when considering your workspace and what’s key for getting the job done with a level of finesse that doesn’t take away from other aspects of your interior design scheme. Think of what furniture will work best to keep you organised and on track.
Furniture for your home office should be functional, but it should also be personalised at a level that might not otherwise be an option with mass-purchased features sitting in your corporate digs. Comfy chairs and wooden desks can give your office a home-away-from-the-rest-of-the-house feel. A touch of something more modern, you might consider metal furniture or artistic pieces to provide contemporary comfort.
Shelves & Storage
A file cabinet might not be necessary in every home office, but that will be up to you. Instead, embrace bookcases and shelving that give you the space to stay organised and on task. Open shelves are easy to install and keep books and notes handy at a moment’s notice. Using vertical space allows you to utilise a tight home office effectively.
If you’re on a budget, you can use your desk and some storage cubes for an easy fix. Allot one drawer for your active paperwork, and take full advantage of storage spaces for expendable items like stationery.
Light it Up
Using natural light helps remove headaches and eye strain from the equation. Be sure that your office has plenty of natural light that has the option to be dimmed should it interfere with a call or your computer screen. Solar shades are a great option for quickly filtering light.
Invest in a ring light that is remote operated. This way, you can find your best light and be visible on camera should you need to zoom from meeting to meeting.
Wired
You can’t do much to change how your electronic devices look; but, it’s always a good idea to keep cords out of sight and organised. Utilising power strips and extension cords is a great way to promote clean cable culture.
When placing extension cords and power strips on the floor, ensure you do it safely and cover your cords. Wire organisers, cord winders, and tubing are tremendously helpful in keeping wires running straight and keeping your floor trip-free.
Look for Inspiration
Take time to add touches of you that make your office feel more like home. Ensure that your office resonates with your personality and makes you feel like you. To make it personal, place framed photos of travel memories or family photos around the office. These reminders can power you from 9 to 5, so that you can better enjoy your 5 to 9 with family.
Pro Tip: If you want to incorporate a splash of colour, try vibrant chair covers, or store your supplies in colourful baskets.
Green with Envy
Energise your office with plenty of greenery. It might sound new age but plants really do provide welcome, albeit silent, company in a con coworking space. Indoor plants have a soothing effect, as well as improving air quality in your room. Plants also have reported effects in decreasing drowsiness, congestion, and general lethargy.
For an indoor plant that is low on commitment, just place a simple fern or peace lily on your shelf. These plants do not require a ton of care and illuminate your office with vibrant smells and green potential.
Build a Board
If you like to organise receipts, to-dos, and personal notes, installing a workstation board should be on the top of your priority list. Like that of a family command centre, a simple board can help keep track of hard copy action items that are at the top of your to-do list.
Try pairing a whiteboard with a cork or felt board, to have a space to write and a space to set out paper. Multi-purpose boards give you the flexibility to use your board for all your needs
White Noise
Sometimes you just need to get out of your own head and turn on autopilot. The only problem? The quiet of your home office. The easiest and simplest way to drown out that silence is with a white noise machine.
With settings that implore static, air noise, and even rain, you can customise your visceral experience to best suit your personal needs. Some of us like the trickle of a summer storm. Others feel more at peace with the sound of a distant running fan. If all else fails, ask Alexa to play “It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere”.
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