Remote workers need functional, comfortable and inspiring home office spaces to enhance their productivity and creativity. Of course, one perk of working full-time from home is the ability to infuse your personality to reflect your work ethic. Use our guide to design the perfect home workstation to motivate you to meet your goals.
Planning the Ultimate Home Office
Planning your home office is essential before filling the room with furniture, technology and decor. Depending on the available space — such as a spare room with a door for privacy, an open area or an empty nook — you’ll want to devise the ideal layout for optimal lighting, ventilation, quiet, accessibility and minimal distractions.
Draw your plans on paper and measure the room to determine the square footage. Consider your comfort, workflow and organizational preferences as you configure an office that supports your professional requirements.
Selecting Furniture
A desk is crucial for any home workstation, but what kind do you want? A traditional desk should have plenty of surface area for a laptop, extra monitor, writing space, pens and other items you’ll need for success. You may also want a standing desk to minimize discomfort or an L-shaped one to maximize space.
Research suggests that 63% of workers who sit for most of the day are vulnerable to aches and pains that could eventually worsen into musculoskeletal disorders. That’s why people who work long hours need ergonomic furniture that allows lumbar support, height adjustments and cushioning.
Maximizing Home Office Lighting
Proper lighting can make or break your work productivity. If you’re fortunate enough to have a window with an unobstructed view, natural lighting can bring extra energy into your home workstation, boosting performance and creativity.
Of course, artificial light is also valuable, especially if you work at night. Desk lamps are suitable for completing up-close tasks. Meanwhile, you can get extra illumination from overhead lighting fixtures and floor lamps.
Putting the lights on a dimmer will let you control the brightness and mood as necessary. Also, remember to choose energy-efficient LED bulbs.
Choosing the Best Color Palette
Yellow or red might be your favorite color, but they could be too harsh for a workspace. According to color psychology, blue is an excellent option for businesses, as it implies tranquility and responsibility while making your home office a comfortable place to spend your days.
However, the shade of blue you select is crucial. Rather than a bright royal blue, opt for gray undertones or a saturated color. You might even decide to paint one accent wall and leave the remaining walls their original hue.
Creating an Organizational System
According to one report, 55% of Americans feel stressed due to visual clutter, which could hinder work performance and cause distractions.
Install an organizational system to give paperwork and other office essentials a designated place. If you’ve transformed an empty room into your workstation, consider adding built-ins or a desk with drawers. A stand-alone filing cabinet or narrow bookcase might also function well in tight areas with limited space.
Also, remember to set up digital organization tools like cloud storage, smartphone calendars and other mobile applications to safely store documents and communications online. Ultimately, a clean, organized workspace is vital for boosting your concentration on your tasks.
Integrating Technology
If you work remotely, your home office design must include cutting-edge technology to make your job more efficient. Ideally, you considered outlet placement during the planning stages. If not, plug all device cords into the nearest power outlets to eliminate tripping hazards. You may also want to invest in a cable management system to create a cleaner, more visually appealing workspace.
Adding Greenery and Biophilic Inspiration
According to one study, four months after offices introduced plants, employees had fewer complaints about dry air, better health, an improved sense of privacy and higher satisfaction while working.
Filling your home workstation with greenery and other natural elements will create a relaxing and inspiring space. Low-maintenance indoor plants that purify the air include snake plants, spider plants, ZZ plants and pothos. Improve your environment and well-being by removing harmful toxins.
Likewise, you might consider other biophilic designs, such as natural wood decor, a small aquarium or a trickling fountain.
Personalizing Your Space
Of course, you don’t want your office space to feel sterile. Working from home means you can personalize your workspace as much as you want with your beloved treasures and photos. Consider creating a photo gallery on one of the walls or hanging artwork and inspirational quotes.
Other ideas include a vision board to keep your eyes on your goals or a funky, colorful piece of furniture that speaks to your personality. For instance, you can buy a desk with unique legs or add a sentimental antique that belonged to one of your relatives. These simple comforts make your office space more inviting and boost your morale.
Stay Motivated With Your Dream Home Office
Your surroundings significantly encourage creativity and productivity. A well-equipped and specially designed home office will inspire greatness throughout your workday. Plan a workspace that combines your personality and professionalism to advance your remote work career.
If you need help planning and designing your home office, give us a call.
Until next time, let your creative juices flow!
Evelyn Long is an interior design writer that helps young renters and homeowners style their spaces. She’s written for well-known publications like the National Association of Realtors and Decor Matters, and she currently acts as the editor-in-chief of Renovated Magazine.
