Office space is something we all want to be functional and aesthetically pleasing, but sadly most home offices aren’t. So how do you set up a home office that’s stylish, functional, and where you’ll enjoy working? What are the main elements of a functional home office?
The main thing to focus on is making the design functional and comfortable.
There are some basic ideas to consider:
· Acknowledge that the home office is not just a workplace but also part of your home.
· The space should be well-planned and function as a place to work.
· Get rid of all distractions (digital and non-digital). Focus on essential items.
Key Things to Get Right
Workstation: set this up to suit your needs. Do you sit at a computer all day? If so, the ideal height is 40″. The most ergonomic height is when your forearms are parallel to the floor. Your eyes should be level with the top third of your computer screen.
Ergonomic chair: yes, you’ll probably sit down for most of the day doing your work, so comfort is vital. Make sure you get yourself a comfortable and supportive chair (i.e., one that fits your back). Armrests will make things even more enjoyable if you want to take breaks from typing at your computer!
Lighting: Don’t forget how important effective lighting is. Ideally, include task and ambient lighting options, so you can fully control your environment. Ensure that artificial lighting is at least 300 lux (preferably 500). Don’t obscure natural light from windows with tall furniture, and install adjustable blinds.
Storage: go for hidden storage items such as custom cabinetry, shelves, and drawers rather than exposed shelving or open wall space. Exposed shelving is a magnet for clutter and requires additional cleaning. Conceal infrequently used items in cupboards, closets, etc., and keep paperwork out of sight but handy.
7 Innovative Ideas for an Efficient and Comfortable Home Office
1. Bring the outdoors in with a fabulous new sliding door system. Sliding doors are practical, stylish, and affordable compared to remodelling costs.
2. Remove unnecessary walls to create more space for your home office. The more room you have – the easier it is to multi-task without feeling overwhelmed or claustrophobic.
3. Use big windows that let in lots of natural light to brighten up your workspace.
4. Be unique by painting your home office an unexpected colour like mint green or lavender! Colours like these make the room seem more spacious and will be a beautiful decor touch!
5. Keep all cables and cords out of sight. Build them into wall trunking or having a sleek cord cover system installed.
6. Increase productivity at home by including a standing or variable-height desk, versatile shelving that can accommodate multiple functions, and having everything you need at arm’s reach.
7. Keep the floor clean by opting for hardwood or tile flooring instead of plush carpet or area rugs which are more difficult to keep dirt free. Keeping the floor clean will help keep dirt and dust from accumulating on computer screens and keyboards.
Home Office Design Tips
· Home office furniture items should complement each other and look good in the space. Rounded shapes can be a great design choice for a home office as they give the illusion of more space.
· What will you need to do while working at home? Do you do lots of Zoom calls? Mainly work on your computer? Or have in-person meetings? How you need to use the space will help determine the furniture. If you do a lot of computer work, put a desk in that area with a chair and leave room for some shelves/cabinets to store books. If you do in-person meetings, install an alternative seating arrangement or another workstation/table in the space instead of just one big desk.
· Keep comfort in mind as well as function when designing your home office space. Create an area that’s truly inspiring and conducive to creating great work. If stuck for design ideas, consider hiring someone who specializes in decorating offices for some inspiration!
If your home office is more like an extra bedroom, make it more professional-looking by painting the walls blue or grey. These colours promote productivity. Also, install dimmers on all lights.
3 Simple Steps for Designing Your Dream Office Space at Home
1. Take measurements of your space. Determine storage and functional requirements. Then, use online tools to help you lay things out in 3D until you get everything perfect!
2. Consider all factors, like light sources (e.g., window shape), max sunlight hours, furniture height, and door width when you make plans for your home office.
3. Decide the budget for your home office project.
Pro Tip: Make sure there’s plenty of storage space so that items don’t become cluttered. Keep desktop items in a box under the desk or put them inside a simple cabinet with doors. Label boxes so that you know what’s inside without having to dig through them.
Do It Yourself or Hire an Interior Designer?
The answer will depend on your budget and whatever works best for you. Are you creative and handy at DIY? Then you can achieve a lot on your own.
Do you prefer to spend your talent and time on other things? Then consider hiring a professional to help.
Investing in custom office furniture is worth it. But if you have limited funds or don’t have the energy to shop around – do whatever works for you!
Making It a Reality
With the tips above, anyone can achieve an efficient and stylish home office. Remember, creativity has no limits, so enjoy the process!
Based on my years of experience in the field, the ideal home office depends on what you find most comfortable and productive. Everyone has different needs when designing a space for work at home. And, don’t forget – it’s still part of your home. Among other things, partitioning off your office space from the rest of the house can make the most impact on increasing productivity.
With some careful planning and creativity, you can make your dream office space a reality!
