Remote work has made home offices increasingly important. Whether you’re working from home full-time, part-time, or just need a dedicated space for personal projects, a well-designed home office can boost your productivity and enhance your work-life balance.
As a real estate professional, I’ve noticed that homes with dedicated workspaces are becoming more attractive to buyers. A thoughtfully designed home office can not only improve your daily life but potentially add value to your property. Here are some tips to help you create an effective and appealing home office:
- Design your office before moving in – Consider what’s suitable for your work. Do you need a large workstation for design and high-end computing, or are you a laptop warrior whose day is punctuated by conference calls.
- Desk and chair selection – Take your time with this task. Your desk must be comfortable to sit at. You might consider purchasing a standing desk for times when you need to get out of your chair. Your budget for these can range from cheap and cheerful to the thousands of dollars.
- Big isn’t always best – Choose furniture that fits into your home office easily. A large desk can make the room feel small and cluttered, and you won’t enjoy working there.
- Don’t get wired – When selecting your desk, always consider the size of your laptop or PC, whether you want a second screen and how you’re going to manage the ugly issue of wires. There are plenty of solutions online to help you hide wires.
- Control your temperature – Nothing will get you back to the dining room table faster than an office that is either too hot or too cold. Not only is it uncomfortable, it adversely affects productivity.
- Decorate your den – Choose neutral colours for your walls but be sure to put pictures on the walls, maybe install a bookshelf and include indoor plants, so the space is welcoming. Spider plants, dracaena, ficus and Boston ferns have air filtering qualities.
- Off the wall – Consider installing a “working wall” that would feature a whiteboard to keep track of your tasks.
- Be bright with lights – Ambient and natural light is important to your mental wellbeing. A flexible desk lamp will ease the strain on your eyes, especially on dull days or during evening work. Research suggests natural light enhances productivity and sleep patterns. LED lights create a unique, welcoming atmosphere.
- Consider storage needs – Try to keep big filing cabinets to a minimum, especially in a small room. Look for smaller solutions to keep what you need close.
- Enhance creativity – Install a comfortable chair, or create a space where you can come from behind your desk to either relax or think through problems.