Working from home is great: it offers flexibility, freedom and maximum comfort. However, having a home office that has a bad design and inappropriate decor can greatly affect your productivity, motivation and general happiness. So, if you want to ensure you have the best home office, here’s a little guide that can help point you in the right direction.
Start with the paint
It’s a well-known fact that colors can affect the way people feel and perform, so choosing the right color palette for your home office is a crucial step towards functionality. The color you choose should depend on the line of work you’re in. For instance, if you have a stressful and intellectually demanding job, you might want to opt for relaxing blues. On the other hand, a more creative business can greatly benefit from vibrant red or violet that boost creativity and strength. Green is in the middle of the spectrum. It is suitable for most spaces since it brings out positive emotions and boosts motivation which is great for any business.
Rely on comfort
Like stated above, don’t strive to turn your home office into one of those horrible cubicles. Instead, concentrate on creating a comfortable yet practical space. Adding a stylish sofa or a cozy statement armchair will not only boost your comfort, but also your aesthetics.
Be moderate
If you want to improve focus and boost your productivity, you have to keep your office clean and clutter-free. Less clutter equals less stress and fewer distractions. However, that doesn’t mean you have to work in an empty, gray cubicle. Being moderate is the key to having an attractive yet not overwhelming space, plus minimalism is very popular today!
Organize like a boss
While comfort is important, the organization is key. Of course, you can opt for big filing cabinets and closets of office supplies, but since most home offices can’t really brag about their size, you’ll have to turn towards other organizing options. For instance, floating shelves take up very little square footage, perfectly utilize your vertical space and offer plenty of storage. You can also employ baskets and containers to tame your files and mail, and keep your office supplies at bay with pencil holders and drawer dividers.
Don’t be scared to coordinate
If you’re a fan of symmetry and coordinated looks, feel free to invest in office accessory sets. They will help you stay organized and improve your aesthetics, especially if you like a professional vibe.
Boost your lighting
If you want to be productive at any time of the day, you have to equip your home office with plenty of lighting. Of course, natural light is the best option—it’s less harmful to the eyes and it makes people happy and motivated. If you don’t have a window in your office, do as Aussies do, and solve that problem with skylights. These products will provide you with ample natural light while taking up minimal space in your home office.
Keep electronics at bay
Electronics is something hardly any home offices can do without. There are computers, printers, scanners and phones, and all of them have ugly cables that can ruin the aesthetics of your space (and are a huge tripping hazard). While you can’t just throw all of your electronics out, you can keep the cords in line. There are cord winders, tubes and wires that can help you tame that unsightly cable mess.
Welcome nature into your office
Another way to improve the look and feel of your home office is to boost the presence of nature and embrace biophilia. Plants have a beneficial effect on people – they reduce stress, improve performance and boost motivation, and they are an easy way to add some color to the space. Having a fish tank can further evoke a sense of peace and add interest to your office design.
Find inspiration in a great view
If you can’t find a way to welcome nature into your space, don’t worry. Having a beautiful view (trees and plenty of greenery can serve as a good view) can also have numerous benefits, both regarding the aesthetic and your performance. Your window is facing a boring wall? Hang a painting or photo of a serene landscape that will imitate a gorgeous view.
Boost motivation with decor
Every good office has a way to motivate its users and help them when they need a little push. Setting up a mini motivation center with photos of your business idols, family or simple motivational messages will give your office personality and feeling of intimacy and inspire you to conquer those long work hours.
Once you use these tips to redecorate your home office, your work will start to flourish and you’ll feel confident, motivated and productive. Plus, your clients will be very impressed with your design.