In recent years, many people have switched their offices for their home environment due to the global pandemic and the changes it brought about. If this has been your experience, you have most certainly discovered both the benefits and the challenges that come along with working from home.
Just as at work your home office is a place where you want to feel inspired and productive. It’s the place where you spend many hours a day solving problems, communicating, and being creative. Therefore, it is extremely important to make your home office reflect your personality and the work environment in which you feel most efficient.
The good news is that it’s your home and you can do whatever you like!
Turning your home space into a personalized working environment can be quite simple and fun. Here are some tips you might find useful:
1. Start simple
Before thinking about decorative elements, clean out the space you’ve chosen to work in. Remove all things unnecessary until you are left with the essentials. This may include a desk, a lamp, and a chair.
Having de-cluttered the space, you can then imagine what can be added to it to make you feel more comfortable and put you in the working mode.
Photo by Noble Johnson Architects
Perhaps you want to keep a piece of furniture but give it an update, such as painting your old mahogany desk white. It may be just what your room needs to serve you as an inspiring home office.
If you are into drawing or painting, you can even do some decorating on your own and show off your creative side. For example, you can add tiny floral designs to your desk to make it unique. To get a little practice first, check out a video on rose drawing step-by-step and have a go at it.
2. Think of home dynamics
If you don’t live alone, think of how the space you’re considering as your home office is normally used.
Is anyone else using this room or corner? Is this space next to the living room where your family members watch TV? Is this the space people use to move around the house or apartment?
Also, consider the amount of time you’re about to spend there. If you will be sitting for hours at a time, think about investing in a quality desk chair.
If not sure, test the environment first and write down your needs, concerns, etc. as you go through the day.
If you’re not the only remote worker at home, you might want to create a space that fits more than one person, or even leave space for kids to do their homework. In this case, matching chairs and a desk can do the trick and add to the appearance of an organized working environment.
3. Storage solutions
You want to keep your home office tidy and avoid cluttering it with office supplies. Instead of running off to a store and buying pricy boxes, bins, and containers, take a look at what you already have at home.
You might find boxes you can re-purpose as you paint over and redecorate them for your office needs. For example, you can use old cereal boxes as office supply containers you can spray paint for a more polished look and conveniently keep them in your desk drawers.
If you’re out of luck, try Craigslist, thrift shops, flea markets, etc. You might find something unique, but affordable.
4. Open to visitors
If your job involves being visited by clients, co-workers, or work partners, you should consider organizing your home office so that it provides enough seating space.
Apart from that, you should invest in décor that reflects your professionalism and makes a good impression on your visitors.
When it comes to the color palette to employ, consider using only three colors, one of which should be neutral.
5. Plants for a homey look
Nothing says you’re home like plants. People immediately feel more relaxed when in a room containing flowers and greenery.
Make sure you choose plants that don’t depend on light too much so they are easy to nurture.
You can also opt for putting flowers in a vase at a desk, a coffee table, or a shelf. It will brighten up the office and make it feel natural.
6. Visual art for a personal touch
Incorporating artwork into your home office décor can inspire you and make a lasting impression on anyone who visits your working space.
You can add a painting you really love, or different kinds of pictures, postcards, or quotes that sum up your work goals and principles. Just be sure not to overdo it since the general atmosphere here should still be one of working.
Photo by Laurie Demetrio Interiors
Artwork is a great option for making your home office more personal while remaining professional.
Conclusion
Taking care of your home office design and décor might take a little planning and effort, but it will most certainly pay off. By making your home office a comfortable and pleasant place to be, you are ensuring you stay motivated and productive. Just like any other corner of your home, your office should reflect your personality and make you feel cozy and creative.