With the convenience of technology, more and more people are working from home. Having a dedicated workspace is great for boosting your focus and productivity.

In commercial offices, the trend is to leave more traditional office furniture styles behind. Maybe it’s a growing appreciation for things that ground us, but cosy touches like soft furnishings and botanicals are creeping into office spaces to make them feel less corporate and more comfy.

Applying this attitude to designing a home office means creating an organised workspace that also makes you feel comfortable and motivated. One of the perks of working from home is that you can truly customise the space to suit your working style. Check out the following tips to design a workspace that will have you happy at work at home.

Designate a Space

If you don’t have the luxury of a spare room to use as an office, don’t despair! You can still set up a home office, converting underused nooks or by making larger spaces multi-purpose. Whether it’s your bedroom or your lounge room, adding a desk and portable storage creates an instant workspace. For a more permanent solution that keeps the floor clear, install a counter as a desk.

Peace and Privacy

Setting up a home office in or near to busy areas like the kitchen can be very distracting. If you will be meeting clients in your office, think about privacy. Adding screens or freestanding bookshelves can help to make your space more private if you don’t have a door to close. If you expect to be video calling from your desk, consider the view behind you when picking your location.

Ergonomics

Anyone who has worked a desk job knows the importance of a good chair. Long hours sitting means you’ll want a chair that offers decent lumbar support. If you pick a chair without adjustable height and backrest, make sure it’s at a comfortable height in relation to your desk surface.

Lighting

Minimise eyestrain with sufficient lighting. Natural sunlight is a source of white light which is comfortable for our eyes. Install window coverings like shutters or blinds for improved control over lighting. For workspaces with little natural light, you’ll need to add task lights. Try not to install lighting directly above screens to avoid causing glare.

Organisation

Think about what you need in terms of books, reference materials, filing, and stationery. Do you need a printer? This can take up a huge chunk of desk real estate. Floating shelves increase your storage space without occupying floor space. Use desk trays and organisers to minimise clutter and put everything in its place. As for those unsightly cords, bind them together in neat bundles.

Colour

Colour has a strong effect on mood, evoking specific feelings and messages. Red and orange stimulate whereas blue is calming. Of course, these hues come in countless tones and shades that create moods of their own. A light pastel green will be more soothing than a bright lime. Choose your office’s colour scheme according to the feeling you want to create.

Personal Touches

Just because it’s a place of work, doesn’t mean it needs to be all business. Surround yourself with objects that inspire and motivate you. Hang up some artwork, whether it’s a quote from someone you admire or something more abstract. Add indoor plants to make your workspace feel lively and improve air quality. Swap the the standard black swivel chair for something more plush and vibrant. Design your workspace to include things that make you happy and you’ll be happy at work, too.

For the perfect floor or window coverings for your home office, visit your nearest Andersens showroom and our friendly consultants will be happy to help.