How’s your work-from-home set-up? Do you find your mind wandering? Your focus wavering? Your productivity suffering? Perhaps you’re new to the whole work from home thing, or maybe your space doesn’t meet your needs. Whatever the issue, a good home office environment can yield rich results! Here are some tips to make the most of your home office so that you can get down to business.
Put those unused nooks and corners to work
Two major challenges homeowners are facing right now are working from home and finding the room for a dedicated office space. You don’t need a big space to have a good set-up. All you need is some peace and quiet, a little storage and work surface, and a lot of creativity. We’ve seen some fabulous home offices occupying a home’s basement, an empty corner, the spare closet, built into a kitchen or tucked into the nook under the stairs. Remember, it needs to be quiet. The rest, like lighting and furniture, will make it comfortable and functional.
Think multi-purpose
Now before we dig into double-duty, let’s be clear – a multi-purpose home office is counterproductive. Regardless of where you set up your home office, however big or small, ensure your home office doesn’t double as the laundry folding table or kids’ craft zone. Instead, the multi-purpose factor comes into play when it comes to your furniture. Always opt for multi-functional pieces that can serve another purpose – a top priority if your space is limited. An ottoman or table with hidden storage underneath, an efficient filing system (if you haven’t gone digital yet) or a sitting-to-standing desk are an excellent investment and available for purchase and delivery online.
Get lit
No one functions well while squinting and suffering eye strain. Ensure your home office area is well lit with a layered lighting plan. If natural lighting via windows is an option, go for it. Your eyes will thank you. If you don’t have a window at your immediate disposal, ambient lighting is your saving grace. This is the room’s overall illumination, like overhead or pot lights. Next, task lighting comes into play to illuminate your tabletop, desk or reading nook. Regardless of where you like to hunker down, ensure the area is lit accordingly. Last but not least, accent lighting is decorative, but it can add ambience and emphasis to inspiring items, such as your prized collection of books, art or samples of your best work.
TIP: If you don’t have a window nearby, opt for a mirror. A properly-sized and strategically placed mirror can create the illusion of a window with a view, while visually doubling the size of the space and amplifying its light!
Even when working remotely, ensure that you feel comfortable and at home in your environment. Surround yourself with things that inspire you, and the tools to succeed. You’ll feel more relaxed, more motivated and up to any task.
Need more help with your home office? We’re here to help. Connect with us to schedule a free 20-minute discovery call; we can help you with our virtual design services.
Designers Eugenia Triandos and Korina Khamis are co-founders for Hibou Design & Co. With more than a decade of experience, this Montreal-based design firm provides complete bespoke residential design services throughout North America. hiboudesignco.com