How to Create and Lay Out Your Home Office Space
Working from home can be a freeing experience, particularly when it comes to setting up your office space. Where an office away from home can lack inspiration and creativity, an at-home office can make up for any drab atmosphere by incorporating your own style and personal needs.
If you’ve made the decision to work from home, you might be wondering how you’re going to make your office space habitable. Surely you want it to feel like a genuine office, but you may be wondering how you can turn a part of your home into a real working environment. Here’s how…
Choose the location that’s best for you: It’s likely you’ll be spending a good chunk of time in your home office, so choose an office space that will allow you to be productive. Do you work best around the hustle and bustle of activity or do you prefer a quieter atmosphere? Keep these preferences in mind as you determine the space that’s best for you.
Furnish in a way that complements your home: You may be tempted to make your home office stand out in an attempt to separate work from home, and although that distinction has benefits, a jarring transition may be detrimental to the overall style of your home.
Unless your home office is completely roped off from the rest of your house, consider a paint color and furniture style that blends with your home décor.
Furnish in a way that complements YOU: On the same token, your home office should represent your productivity level and design tastes. Ensure comfort while you work by investing in ergonomic furniture or choosing cabinets with wheels that keep important files within arm’s reach. Both horizontal and vertical shelving are also important as they allow you to move around and keep productivity juices flowing.
Make sure you have something to look at: Having comforting artwork or a view outside will allow productivity to come easily. Position your desk near a window or door, or choose soothing artwork that makes you feel good about spending time in your office.
Light up your work life: Lighting is also key. You may not have the space to sit near the natural light that a window provides, but task lighting and other lamps will keep your eyes from straining and prevent headaches while you work.
Add Tchotchkes and personal items: Pictures of family and close friends, as well as trinkets, toys and other memorabilia work to make your office space personal to you. By glancing at your office’s decorations every now and again, the atmosphere at work will become more enjoyable.