Home offices are not a new concept, but they have gained significant popularity as working from home has become more common. Having a dedicated space for work means you get the same privacy and focus as an office, but with all the comforts of home. Plus, you get to design it exactly how you like, ensuring it’s perfect for your productivity and comfort.
You might want to consider working with professionals to help design your space. The Tailored Closet, EYA’s longtime home storage and organization partner, can help you create the ideal office for anything from full-time work to emailing and web surfing, homework, and virtual get-togethers. Continue reading for some of their best tips on maximizing space, integrating technology, and adding personal touches to make your office uniquely yours.
Setting Up Your Dedicated Home Office
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Essential Furnishings
When setting up your home office, start with the essentials that will ensure comfort and productivity. A high-quality office chair can help to maintain healthy posture during long hours at your desk. Look for one with adjustable height, lumbar support, and comfortable cushioning.
While not essential, if you have extra space to fill, consider adding a secondary comfortable spot, like a cozy chair or a small sofa, where you can take breaks or brainstorm ideas away from your desk.
A spacious desk is another must-have. Choose one with enough surface area for your computer, documents, and other work essentials. A good desk can prevent fatigue, promote productivity, and increase focus.
Storage solutions are also important. Invest in decorative yet functional pieces that have drawers for filing, space for hiding a printer and shelving, along with desk organizers to keep your workspace clutter-free and your mind clear. Keeping everything within easy reach but neatly stored away will save you time and reduce stress.
Click here to read more about highly rated home office pieces.
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Tips on Decorating
Although things like filing cabinets and office chairs don’t seem very glamorous, choosing pieces that match your personal taste can be fun and you can create a cohesive and inspiring workspace. This way, even the most basic and functional elements of your office contribute to a space that truly works for you and reflects your personality.
Decorating your home office is not just about aesthetics; it’s about creating a space that inspires you and boosts your productivity. Start by choosing a color scheme that you find calming or motivating. Interior designers often recommend colors like blues and greens for their calming effects or yellows and oranges for a boost of energy.
Ensure your desk is near a power outlet for easy access to electricity and try to position it near a window to take advantage of natural light. Good lighting is essential, so invest in a quality desk lamp that provides ample light without causing glare on your screen.
Personalize your space with artwork, plants, and personal items that make you happy. Plants can improve air quality and add a touch of nature, which can be refreshing. Keep your decor balanced; too much clutter can be distracting, but a few well-placed items can make the space feel welcoming and yours.
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Organization for Maximum Functionality and Productivity
In terms of organization and functionality, avoiding clutter on the desk and around the office space can significantly reduce stress and allow for a more focused mind. Cable management solutions are great for keeping cords tidy and out of the way. Implementing a filing system that works for you, whether digital or physical, is vital for staying organized and keeping track of all your important documents.
Considering the layout of your office can also improve efficiency and productivity. By keeping frequently used items within arm’s reach and less frequently used items stored further away, you can minimize distractions and stay on task.
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Technology Must-Haves and Nice-to-Haves
In today's digital age, technology plays a crucial role in creating an efficient and comfortable home office. The right tech tools can streamline your workflow, enhance your productivity, and make your workday more enjoyable. From essential devices that keep you connected to innovative gadgets that add convenience, here are some must-have and nice-to-have tech items for your home office.
Must-Have
- High-speed internet is crucial for almost anyone to communicate with colleagues and use the web.
- A quality computer is another very important piece of equipment to make writing, web searching, and staying connected much simpler. iPad’s have also grown in popularity and can be bought with a detachable keyboard while also having the touch screen.
- Power strips are great for spaces with few outlets so that you are not limited to how many devices and lighting fixtures can be plugged in at once.
- A printer can be an invaluable tool in a home office if you need to print important documents, contracts, or your child’s homework because it saves the hassle of visiting a print shop.
Nice-to-Have
- An adjustable standing desk allows you to switch between standing and sitting, which promotes better posture and circulation and decreases fatigue.
- Paired with the adjustable desk, a walking pad allows you to get those 10,000 steps in without having to risk falling behind on work. It is another great way to stay focused and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
- A mini fridge is slightly more extravagant but can come in handy to store healthy snacks and drinks that will keep up your energy and minimize the number of times you must leave the office.
- Noise-canceling headphones are ideal for blocking out distractions during conference calls or focused work.
- If your work consists of frequent video calls, an upgraded webcam could be useful.
Learn more about the home office necessities here.
Creating a Functional Small Space for Work
For homes without a designated office space, incorporating an office workstation into a bedroom, living room or kitchen by using one wall or a nook are great tactics for maximizing space and lets you keep the two purposes of the room separate.
Even if you don’t have dedicated office space, there are plenty of tips and tricks to help you create a functional small space office in other areas of your home. Here are some of our favorite ideas.
One Wall, One Great Small Office
Simply one wall of a room can be transformed into a functional workspace. The office becomes an element of the room, but self-contained and not spilling over into the rest of the space. Position the desk near a window for natural light or add lighting above the desk. Add under the desk storage and/or nearby shelving that can be used to stay organized. This setup creates a functional and compact workspace that maintains the room’s aesthetic and provides a clear boundary between work and relaxation.
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Corners, Nooks and Created Office Space
Where space is really at a premium, there are all kinds of tiny desk options that can create a workstation space. And get creative! Use a kitchen nook or hallway alcove. Even a closet can be turned into a functional office space!
Wall desks, either pull-down or floating, can turn any space into a desktop in a corner or a hallway alcove. Click here to view some stylish pull-down and floating desk options. The Tailored Closet even has Murphy Bed desk designs that give the ultimate two-for-one space saving, perfect for studio apartments, lofts, and tiny home living. Both bed and desk fold away until needed!
The Tailored Closet can help you create custom desk setups in your kitchen, closet, pantry, laundry room or any space you wish. Whether you're working with a small kitchen nook, a corner in your living room, or even a compact hallway, they can design a bespoke workstation that fits perfectly and maximizes your available space.
Additional Tips and Resources
Work/Life Balance
Working from home offers flexibility and convenience, but it can also blur the lines between your professional and personal life. It is important to establish clear boundaries with yourself by setting specific working hours and sticking to them. Communicate your schedule with family members and housemates to minimize interruptions. When the workday ends, shut off your computer and allow yourself to relax and stop thinking about work. Having a designated workspace in your home can make “leaving work” at the end of the day much easier. This creates a physical boundary between your work and your personal life and allows you to mentally separate the two, despite being in the same place.
It is also important to stay connected. Working from home can be isolating, so make an effort to stay connected with colleagues, friends, and family. Schedule virtual coffee breaks or social calls to maintain relationships and support networks.
Staying Focused
Allowing yourself to take breaks is very important for productivity and avoiding burnout. Use this time to stretch, go outside, have a snack, or rest your eyes. Short breaks can help you maintain focus and stay more energized. This goes hand in hand with prioritizing self-care. Make time for activities that promote your physical and mental well-being. Exercise regularly, practice mindfulness or meditation, and ensure you get enough sleep. Taking care of yourself will enhance your overall productivity and happiness.
Another great tip for staying focused is starting each day by outlining your tasks and setting achievable goals. Begin your morning with a quick planning session where you list out the tasks you need to complete. Prioritize these tasks based on their urgency and importance, which helps ensure you tackle the most critical items first. Setting specific, measurable goals for each task provides a clear direction and keeps you motivated as you check items off your list.
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Additional Resources
- How to Organize Your Home Office for Increased Productivity
- 20 Tips for Working from Home
- How to Have a Good Work/Life Balance
With working from home becoming more common, having a space that is tailored to your needs has never been more important. Whether you have a designated room or need to get creative with small spaces, the key is to design a home office that suits your style and meets your needs.
There are countless possibilities for designing a home office that maximizes productivity and comfort. If you'd like tips from the pros, the folks at The Tailored Closet can provide expert advice for designing a home office of any size and help create a stylish space you'll love.