Even the best-designed rooms can use the occasional makeover, and your home office is no exception. And if you’ve been working from home for the last several months, you’re probably more ready than ever to give your home workspace a new look and feel. These tips will help you make the most of this essential room.
Stay Safe with new Office Equipment
1. If you’ve been working on a laptop from whatever furniture is nearby, it’s time for a proper desk and chair. If you already have a desk, maybe it’s time for an upgrade. There’s nothing like a new monitor stand or a more comfortable desk chair to maintain safety and comfort while putting yourself in a business-only frame of mind.
Limit Distractions
2. It can be tough to stay focused when working at home. Whether kids and pets threaten to derail your video meetings or the temptation to take a Netflix break is too strong, keep yourself on task with the right home office design. If your office is in a heavy traffic zone, consider relocating to a quieter space. If that isn’t an option, use room dividers and earbuds or headphones to drown out distractions.
Unleash the Power of Color
3. Inject a little color into your workday. A new coat of paint can do wonders for your mood, especially if you choose a shade with its psychological effects in mind. Of course, what you do for a living plays into making the right choice. If you’re in sales, orange or red will energize you. Red is also suitable for social situations, so it’s a good choice for those who meet with clients at home. Customer service reps and those others in high-stress positions can benefit from the calming effects of blue, pink, and green. Green also symbolizes abundance, making it a great motivator.
Store it Your Way
4. Storage is a must when it comes to staying organized. Shelving is always a smart choice, and there are plenty of options out there. Whether you opt for multiple sections of wall shelving, a bookcase, or a custom configuration, you need a place for your office essentials. Baskets keep paperwork and small items handy yet out of sight. Stylish bookends, vases, sculptures, and other accent pieces inject visual interest into your home office. Speaking of style, vintage suitcases, trunks, jars, and other accessories add personality to your workspace. Or opt for ottomans with lids and other multifunctional furniture to save space in compact rooms.
Design a Mini Breakroom
5. Make your office homier with a few personal touches. If you have the room, a love seat or comfy chair makes a great napping station. There’s nothing like a catnap for a quick pick-me-up — except maybe coffee. Set up a mini coffee and tea station to make refueling easier. Stock your favorite beverages, sweeteners, and a few light snacks. Don’t forget your favorite mug — or create a coordinated look with a new set of cups and accessories.
Make each workday a little brighter and more comfortable with these five tips for redesigning your home office. From investing in ergonomically designed equipment like a new monitor stand or more comfortable desk chair to upgrading your decor, the right changes can help you enjoy working from home and even boost your productivity. Whether you work for yourself or someone else, these updates could be just what you need to optimize your work experience.