Designing a Home Office That Boosts Productivity
One of the best things about working from home is that you can design your space to be just how you want it. Whether you want a chic office that blends in with the rest of your house or something that transports you to another world, there’s no limit to how your workspace can feel!
Colors
When designing your home office, it’s important to consider your goals and how you plan to use the space. Knowing what you want to get out of your workspace will help you choose the right colors for your walls.
Many people opt for neutral shades like white, off-white or gray to create a sense of calm. However, studies have shown that these colors can make you feel depressed, so if you’re looking for a way to boost your productivity, you might want to consider painting a different color on your walls.
One of the best ways to boost your energy is to paint a bright accent wall in your home office. This can be a great way to add some personality to your space and it can also keep you motivated throughout the day!
You can also incorporate bright colors in a more subtle way by using them on other parts of the room. A striped wallpaper or a colorful throw pillow can work in this case, as well as a monochromatic color scheme that uses tints and shades of only one color alongside neutrals to really make the colors pop.
A calming blue is another great choice for your home office, as it promotes feelings of calm and can increase focus and productivity. In addition, it can help you communicate clearly and complete administrative tasks effectively.
Choosing the right colors for your office can be challenging, but there are many options to choose from. For example, you can go with a light shade of gray to give the room a softer, more soothing look or choose a dark color like charcoal for a dramatic feel.
If you’re looking for a color that will energize your creativity, try mustard yellow. This cheerful shade can be paired with other neutral shades, such as white and wood tones, to create a cohesive look.
This color works well for any home office, but it’s especially good for creative spaces, according to Benjamin Moore. The color has a hint of cool gray and green undertones, which help it appear less intense in rooms with a lot of light.
Lighting
Lighting is often overlooked in the design of an office, but it can be a major factor in the productivity and mood of employees. Without the proper lighting, employees can suffer from eye strain, headaches, and poor energy levels.
Luckily, there are ways to create a workspace with proper lighting. You can use natural light from a window, skylight, or other source, and you can install lamps that provide the task lighting you need to complete your work.
In addition, you can also add an accent light to accentuate a certain point in the room. This is a great way to make a visual statement in your workspace, and it will help you feel more inspired each time you come in.
Another option is to use track lights in your workspace. They are a great way to highlight a specific part of your space, and they can be very trendy, too.
As a result, they are very popular in contemporary settings and can easily be combined with a variety of decors. They are also a perfect choice for home offices that have a modern style, and they can be adapted to suit the illumination needs of each individual desk.
You can also choose from a range of ceiling lights that provide the ambient lighting you need in your home office. These options can include recessed or surface-mounted LEDs that illuminate the ceiling and walls and are easy to adjust throughout the day.
If you want to create a more aesthetically pleasing workspace, consider using warm-toned lighting in the 2,700 – 3,000 Kelvin range. This will give your space a warmer output, which is especially important if you spend a lot of time reading.
Aside from boosting your mood and motivation, proper lighting can also improve your sleep patterns. This is because a good amount of blue light in the light spectrum will support your concentration and alertness, and it will also help you get better sleep when you need it most.
Whether you’re designing a small home office or an expansive one, a little bit of planning and forethought will go a long way in making your work area comfortable and functional. By following these simple tips, you can create a workspace that will boost your productivity and increase your happiness in the process!
Furniture
Home offices have become a necessity in the modern world, given that more and more people are working remotely and repurposing their rooms to make them workable. Whether you are an office worker, a stay-at-home parent or simply someone who wants to have a quiet and comfortable place to do your homework, designating a space for your own work is key to boosting your productivity.
Furniture is another important aspect of designing a productive home office. The right pieces will not only help you to focus and get things done, they will also enhance your overall aesthetic and create a relaxing space where you want to spend time.
For starters, choose a furniture set that is comfortable to use and fits your body proportionally. For example, if you are tall, you may need a desk and chair that is high enough to allow you to sit at a natural working position without straining your neck or shoulders.
Keep the rest of your furnishings simple and clean to promote a minimalist vibe that makes it easy for you to focus on the task at hand. Embrace white desks and chairs to create an energizing space that’s free of distracting colors, while sleek wood accents are a great way to add a touch of classic appeal.
You can also create a warm and inviting workspace by selecting a rug with cozy texture. It will keep you feeling warm and cosy when it’s cold outside, and the softness of the material will reflect light and create a soothing atmosphere.
Once you’ve selected the perfect furniture, it’s time to create a design scheme that will set the stage for the type of work you do. For example, if you’re a writer, consider adding some inspirational decor like a pretty mug for your pencil holder or trendy notepads and sticky notes.
Alternatively, if you’re an architect or artist, opt for a sleek glass-topped desk that will reflect the lighting and give your work space an elegant feel. In addition, a few stylish accessories will add a personal touch to your desk that will inspire you and boost your creativity while you work.
Storage
Having the right storage solutions for your home office can boost your productivity. This is especially important if you work from a small space. You will need adequate room to store your documents, files and supplies.
One of the best ways to get your storage spot on is by ensuring that you have enough shelves and cabinets to keep your workspace tidy. This will make it easier for you to find what you need, and will also help you to avoid clutter that can be a distraction.
Another great way to improve your storage is by creating a system that will help you organise and label your documents, books and supplies. This will allow you to easily access what you need without spending time rummaging through your desk.
You can use storage containers that have labels printed on them or even create your own handmade ones to ensure that you never lose track of what you are looking for. You will also want to use separate organisers for your personal and work-related files and documents.
Then utilise your wall space with a pegboard or cork board to hang things like inspirational images, a calendar and pens to keep them handy at all times. Alternatively, mount wire file organizers on the wall to save desk space and provide easy access to papers that you need frequently.
If you are sharing a workspace, go for double desks that have drawers under each to help keep both people’s paperwork and sundries in order. This will free up space for other items on the desks, such as a computer or printer.
Floating shelves are also a good idea as they take up less space on the desk. These are great for holding decorative items like photos and small potted plants, as well as storing a few books and binders.
To keep your work tools organized and safe, consider using a magnetic strip on your desk for metal rulers, scissors and staplers. This will save you time when you’re trying to locate these essentials, as well as preventing any accidents.