If you have the option of working from home, we are all insanely jealous. With that said, you need a space that blends together both functionality and creativity to get your work done. These are some of the most important must-haves to enhance your productivity and overall happiness!
Space. Having a designated space that you can go into and out of is essential when trying to complete work related tasks. Along with being able to shut everything out to increase concentration, this also helps to establish a separation between personal life and professional life. Make sure to decorate the room with whatever makes you happy.
“A fun accent wall can help creative juices flow, and after all, we do our best work in a space that makes us happy.”
Lighting is Key. A dark, drab space is the LAST place you will get any work done! We are all drawn to natural light, so use it to your full advantage. Choose a space with large windows and consider adding oversized french doors to maximize natural lighting. It is also important to utilize great task lighting. Incorporate a few desk and table lamps for a soft glow to get things done if you’re more of a night owl. Remember the fun wall color I mentioned earlier? If you ended up with a darker color such as navy blue or an earthy tone, it could make the space feel dark and closed in. Contrast it by using lighter furniture and metallic finishes and accents.
Adding comfy space. Everyone understands the importance of a great desk and chair. But to help break up your day, add in some comfy chairs or a chaise lounge for reading and thinking breaks. Another great option is to incorporate ottomans and benches with pops of print. If you keep the palette neutral, consider adding pop of color in your furniture. Throw down a faux-fur blanket and colorful pillows to add some fun into the space.
Declutter. Declutter. Declutter. A messy desk is an unproductive desk. Before the day begins, I make sure to organize my space to maximize functionality and productivity. But it’s all about finding what works for you. Having a lot of storage space in or around your desk will help keep clutter at bay. Another great way to add high design and functionality to your office is to add bookshelves. Go for floating shelves to keep a sleeker look, or opt for built-ins with shelving and cabinet space for extra room.
Finding Inspiration. To help boost creativity in your home office, it is extremely important to fill your space with inspiration. Why do you work? What motivates you? What are your goals and passions? These are simple questions to help figure out what to accessorize your office with. It’s easy to find inspiration in nature, artwork or interesting fabrics and patterns. Again, this is all about finding what you love and incorporating it into your space. After all, you will be spending most of your time there!
Bonus tip: Hide things you don’t want to see! I love this tip so much, that I couldn’t leave it out! If you choose a modern aesthetic, there’s no hiding computer cords, whether we like it or not. Run a power strip behind your desk and plug everything into that to hide it away. What about your office equipment? Printers often look bulky and out of place, so opt for wireless printing and hide that printer away in a cabinet or nearby closet.
