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8 Home Office Design Tips
Have you found your new normal is working from home, are you or the kids going back to school, or are you returning to work after the holidays, is the room in your house that needs help now your home office? Unfortunately, not everyone has a spare bedroom they can swap the bed for a desk and built-in shelving. However there is good news, if you are short of space it is still possible to create a work space anywhere in your home. If this is you then check out my blog on unusual home offices spaces. If you run your own business, are freelance or simply need somewhere to keep on top of your daily admin, a fabulous office space will make any work more enjoyable. Here are my 8 home office design tips.
1. SPACE
Space can be found in some unusual places. A disused space on a landing, under the stairs or in a chimney alcove can be designed to accommodate a desk if you only use it for short periods at a time. Alternatively, hide office essentials in a purpose built area, complete with a desk and integrated lighting. Then at the end of the day it can be shut away out of sight.
2. LIGHTING
Find a good spot which has lots of natural light. Windows give lots of daylight which can help with productivity. Its best to face your window if possible so that you don’t get the light reflecting on your computer screen and also natural light is very flattering for any video calls! Click here for tips on pop up workspaces. Ambient lighting is also great such as LED lights to create soft lighting and add some warmth. Desk lights and floor lamps can also help for darker spaces or dark winter evenings. Add statement lamps to add some personality into the space.
3. STORAGE
Storage is key for keeping the clutter out of sight! Use cupboards with shelving to keep all your paperwork, stationary and bits and bobs you don’t need to hand hidden away. You don’t have to use office furniture, find unique pieces of furniture you love. You can display open shelving and box files of paperwork you need to hand. Check out this video on how to style your shelves.
4. COLOUR
Good decor will not only make your office space feel more inviting, it can also improve productivity. You can choose colours based on colour psychology to help you pick an energy influencing colour, such as blue to stimulate the mind, yellow to stimulate emotion and happiness or green to create balance and calmness. Avoid dark, dull colours — they can make you feel less energetic.
5. STATEMENT DESK
I love a statement desk, its a great way to add your style and personal taste into the space. Do make sure though that it is the right height and that the chair you use is the right height for the desk so you don’t get a sore back.
6. FLOORING
Consider hard flooring such as wood, laminate or amtico rather than carpet if you want an office chair on castors. Or if you have a carpet then you could put down a low pile rug such as sisal to help with this. To define the space in an open-plan room, choose different flooring or wallpaper behind any shelving in the desk area.
7. PLANTS
A couple of green plants are a great way to add a splash of colour and interest to your office space but also increase happiness and reduce stress. A few plants can also increase productivity. You could pick something that is easy to maintain and helps improve air quality. The spider plant, dracaena, ficus and Boston fern are particularly well known for their air filtering qualities.
8. CABLE MANAGEMENT
It may sound silly but basic wire management can go a long way towards improving your office aesthetic. You can use some zip ties or velcro to manage messy wires or use a cable management box such as this one.
My garden office
If you would like some inspiration for creating a pop up work space click here.
