Across the globe, there is an increasing number of people who are working remotely. Being your own boss in the comfort of your home is linked to various benefits, but there are also some challenges to be aware of. For starters, it is quite stressful to stay organized in the living environment, especially for work-at-home moms juggling different obligations and properties. So, to come on top, you should consider creating a home office, your impeccable zone of productivity. This is not some luxury, but a must-have. Here is how to make it happen, get a dream workspace that suits your needs and reflect who you are.
Location and layout
First off, you have to pick a location for your home office. Ideally, it is a separated room, which is insulated from household distractions and goings-on. It is spacious enough to accommodate supplies and equipment you require to get the job done. Alternatively, you can turn one of your rooms into a flexible, multi-functional space for both work and relaxation. I have seen office areas and purpose-built pods squeezed into underutilized spaces like entryways, kitchens and even closets. Loft and basement conversions are quite common as well.
Note that technology is disrupting the status quo and making unconventional and ambiguous workspace possible. So, you can go for a seamless blend between zones or clear division. In any event, pay close attention to the size and layout. Work out your floor plan, furniture arrangement, and design solutions ahead of time. Your goal should be to put together an environment that is both highly functional and visually pleasing.
Laying the functional groundwork
Next, you need to tool up. I would not skimp on office desk and chair, staples of any work environment. Coffee tables, kitchen islands, and wooden chairs hardly do the trick for full-time business moms. You need enough desktop space for your computer/laptop and other tools, as well as ergonomic support for your back and whole body. Moreover, you might want to add a couch and a few comfy office chairs for when your clients come around.
Furthermore, consider your storage space to keep clutter and mess at bay. You may use a variety of different tools to achieve this. Maximize vertical dimension by installing open, floor-to-ceiling shelves and showcase décor alongside books. You can also mount floating shelves on the walls to save precious floor space. Likewise, keep your eyes open for versatile, built-in and modular storage that is rocking the office design world. No matter how small, each and every storage piece, be it a drawer or an organizer, counts and adds up.
Moving on, one of the key aspects of any workspace design is lighting. Before going on a shopping spree, try to make the most of the natural light. If you have large windows, get rid of thick drapes and other blockers. There are some great benefits you can reap from sunlight exposure. In addition, ensure that artificial fittings work to your advantage. Add multiple light sources, not just one overhead fixture. Take this chance to infuse more aesthetic bliss with stylish lamps and striking features like chandeliers.
Plus, don’t forget you’ll need a good internet connection as well. Make sure you research the best internet providers who can offer you the speed you need to get your work done – it’s worth investigating this as a priority to ensure you’re able to actually work from your home office after all.
Visual side of things
This brings us to the final point. An office should have a different feel than the rest of the household. Therefore, find a way to increase its aesthetic pull. Feel free to follow your style preferences, but do check out some modern trends. A soothing, neutral color palette is all the rage and for good reasons too. A minimalist and streamlined scheme oozes sublime sophistication and boosts your level of concentration.
And you can always compliment the colors with greenery, as well as organic, and natural elements like aged wood. Besides, at this stage, you should have some fun with art and décor details. Show off a playful side and highlight the warm, sensory side of the office with textures and patterns. Think in terms of chair throws, acoustic fabric wall panels, handmade baskets, and woven area rugs.
Implement colorful and whimsical elements to make things more interesting. A splash of color and texture here and there is always nice, as long as it does not get overwhelming. You can pull this effect off by introducing bright filling storage, chair fabrics, floor coverings, or the whole accent wall. It is your space, after all, so leave a personal mark. You want to own a workplace that helps you get inspired and energized. These are things that sterile corporate cubicles seldom offer.
Sublime style and prime functionality
More and more moms decide to stay at home and tackle family obligations, house chores, and work tasks there. Maintaining focus and peak productivity does not come easy, so take into account multifarious factors that impact your productivity. To figure out the location and layout, think about how you will use the space.
Make an effort to ramp up your storage capacities and cherry-pick furniture pieces. Keep things clean and tidy. Inject some character and visual interest. Foster a creative and uplifting work-only area where you can have your peace and quiet.
Absolutely agree about making your home office space stylish as a means to inspire and improve your productivity. I loved using gold, aqua, and white to make my space really modern. My room definitely feels way different than the rest of the household. Nice article!
Having a nice place to work when you work from home is a must!
Whenever we decide to move, a home office is definitely a space I want to have!
Whenever we decide to move I want to make sure I have a space for a home office!
I love home office spaces. My office was the first thing I set up when we moved. Just have to have your space, ya know?
Great ideas!! It’s so important to have a great space to work!
These are great tips! Having a work space you love when you work from home is so important – it definitely helps to motivate you!
I need to invest in a nice office chair. I’m currently using the cheapest chair IKEA had as my home office chair, which means most of the time I end up on the couch!
Same here, I have a cheap chair. As much time as I put in at my desk, I need to get a better and more comfortable chair.
I’ve been thinking about making some updates to my home office… I’m going to keep all these tips in mind when I’m ready to change things up!
As someone who works from home, having a designated working space is so so important. I had my own office until we found out we were expecting and my office became our guest bedroom so our guest bedroom could become our nursery. I can’t wait until our next house so I can have a home office again!
Thanks some great ideas to improve my office space at home
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