5 tips for setting up your home office
With the current world events, many of us have had to shift our working arrangements – leading to plenty of ad hoc home office setups. And while working from home may be an exciting prospect (you mean I can stay in my pyjamas all day long?!), it certainly comes with its own set of challenges.
So, whether you’re already used to working from home or this is foreign territory, we’re here to share our tips for setting up the perfect home office – one that’s both COVID-19 and future-proof.
Set aside a dedicated space
While you may not be in a position for a full-blown makeover or renovation, marking out a dedicated space for your home office is the key to a productive workday.
It doesn’t need to be a separate room either (not all of us have the luxury of space); smaller dwellings can transform an underused alcove into a stylish work nook for their computer and wall calendar. Whether you choose to embrace the more traditional style by converting a spare bedroom, or go for an open office setup, the end goal is to create a dedicated office area – one where your laptop doesn’t have to compete with toys or kitchen utensils.
Balance function with style
Your home office should be a space that strikes the perfect balance between functionality and style – this way, you’ll get the most out of it. Unless you currently utilise a standing desk, you will most likely spend a lot of your day sitting in one particular chair at one particular table. No point in having a fancy stylish chair if it increases your need for chiro visits.
On the other hand, your home workspace shouldn’t be a mismatched jumble of furniture – there’s nothing motivating about a visually inconsistent space. Balance these two elements and you’ll find yourself utilising the space long after social distancing restrictions come to an end.
It’s all in the details
A good chair, work desk and screen are vital to a home office setup, but cohesion is what keeps this workspace humming along. Arranging stationery and accessories to a particular colour scheme will ensure your home office looks organised and inviting.
Use your home office to trial a new design theme or layer different textures to create warmth and visual interest – not everything has to match. Small, nuanced touches such as indoor plants, wall art or scented candles are an invaluable contribution to the feel of a space – these personal touches do wonders at elevating an otherwise clinical home office environment.
Keep it clutter-free
No matter how large or small your dedicated office space is, it should be kept neat and tidy. We’re not here to mum you around, but leaving bundles of paperwork, coffee cups and hand sanitisers lying around will not only create a disorganised space – it’ll also hinder productivity.
Working from home has enough distractions as it is; reduce clutter by reserving as much of the workspace as possible for actual work tasks. That’s not to say that the desk should stay completely bare. Small accents can (and should) be used to inject personality. The rest of the “non-essentials” should be tucked away – drawers, cabinets or even straw baskets are your heroes here.
Let there be light
Social distancing comes with plenty of challenges – don’t let a lack of light be one of them!
Aim to set up your office space in an area that allows for plenty of light. Now we’re not talking spotlights, but a good mix of natural light with overhead lighting and a table lamp will do wonders for your mood. Not only that, but it’ll also make your space look better – so show off that sexy chair with some good lighting!
Ultimately, every one of us has a different working from home style – and what works for one person may not be ideal for another. The above tips are a great starting point for creating a home office that works for you.