For many of us, working from home has recently become the new normal and it has really highlighted the importance of having a comfortable working space that helps us separate home and work life. It’s not always easy to separate the two and home life can be so distracting when you’re practically working within it.
There are a few key elements that need to be considered when designing an office at home which can make the world of a difference to productivity and getting that work/home balance right. I’ll run through a few of them below:
Define your space
Have you ever tried working from the sofa or dining table? I get it, its sounds great, but it soon becomes uncomfortable and extremely distracting! Separating home life and work can be difficult but by creating your own space to work in can make it so much easier.
A spare room is always great to transform into an office area - it’s somewhere you can close the door on all those distractions. If you don’t have a spare room available then don’t despair, little office zones can be created almost anywhere in the home, from the corner of a room, to under the stairs. Look for little nooks and neglected corners in your home where you could build in a little desk. Try to make the zone feel like your own, adding plants or pictures and if you’re brave even try painting the zone in a different colour to the rest of your room to help define the area.
Invest in good Furniture
A good desk and office chair is vital for not only your posture but also helping you to stay focused while working. There are a lot of good quality office furnishings out there and you don’t even have to invest a lot, just make sure it fits your needs. If you know you’re going to be using your chair a lot, then look for one that can be adjusted to suit your needs, with the correct support.
We supply a whole range of home office chairs to our clients, these are some of my favourite:
Belta and Frajumar; Erne armchair 2. Vitra; Grand Conference 3. Muuto; Fiber Front
When it comes to a desk, I personally like a sit/stand desk which can be easily adjusted to the height that works best for you. You don’t even have to invest a lot in a good desk, Ikea do some great ones. If space is at a premium in your home, then you may want to look at going bespoke and getting a desk designed to fit perfectly in your area.
We can help you create your own bespoke desk space if you need assistance with a bespoke design.
Storage is Key
An office can never have too much storage and keeping all those files or paperwork organised can make a huge difference to your productivity. I know I find it so hard to concentrate when documents are strewn across my desk or all over the floor. Having a set of drawers is perfect for hiding away all those bits of work that you don’t need immediately at hand and installing a bookcase or set of shelves is a great way to keep current tasks easily accessible. Bespoke shelving and storage systems are a great way to utilise areas of a room which are often overlooked. I would highly recommend this solution if you really want to make the most of the space.
Light it up and make it your own
Have you ever tried working in a dimly lit room? It’s not easy and can put a strain on your eyes or cause headaches! Good ceiling lighting is vital, but if your desk isn’t in a well-lit part of the room then look for a stylish desk lamp. A desk lamp gives you a more focused bean without the glare, helping you focus on what you’re doing a lot more easily.
I love these from some of my favourite suppliers:
Rocket St George; Manhattan Gold 2. Mullan; Kingston 3. Pooky; Vegas
Lastly, finish off by making your office space feel welcoming. There’s nothing worse than going into a space that’s not very welcoming, especially if it’s somewhere you need to work in all day. Introducing plants, artwork and accessories can make a huge difference to the feel of a space and make it somewhere you really want to spend time.
Don't forget that if its a space just for you, then you can really make it your own!
Creating your perfect office is definitely worth the investment. I hope this has helped you understand the key areas to consider when designing your office but if you would like some more advice or help with creating a space that’s perfect for you then please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We will be very happy to help.