5 Factors to Consider When You Design a Home Office
With advancing technology and greater call for work-life balance in recent years, working from home is getting increasingly common. Even if you are not a freelancer, chances are you may be working from home occasionally. To help you work efficiently in the comfort of your home, here’s sharing 5 important factors to consider when you design your home office. Read on!
- Equipments: Identify your needs
One of the top considerations when designing your home office would be the essentials that you would need in order to complete your work. A good, adjustable chair with strong support and standing table are common furniture, but on top of that, different businesses have different needs. For example, a musician may require a state-of-art sound system that will take up more space, as compared to an accountant who only requires office tools such as a laptop, printer and shredder, etc. Identifying what you need shall help you to determine the right location and space for your home office.
- Lighting: Is it sufficient?
Having sufficient light is an important factor when designing your home office, given that most of us would be straining our eyes while using the computer for prolonged hours. In addition, research has proven that natural lighting helps people to be more productive, happier, healthier and calmer! Position your workstation along the window or balcony for a natural light source and good view to reduce stress levels. If that’s not enough, daylight bulbs or supplemental desk light shall come in handy when it starts to get dark.
- Storage: Keep it tidy
To create a conducive work space, you should avoid all forms of clutter, be it physical or visual. There’s no better way to keep your home office tidy than to have proper storage, and you can easily do so by installing floating shelves, cabinets or cupboards. If you tend to be a messy worker, you may wish to consider setting up a “secret” home office in a closet or cabinets. A home office built into a cabinet tends to be really cosy with everything that you need within reach, and the best part? You can close the doors on mess without having to pack it all up!
- Balance & Form: Strike a balance
Does your home office fits in well with the rest of your rooms? Balancing comfort, function and aesthetics can be a challenge when you are designing your own workspace at home. Practicality is key, and you need to identify the right components to create a functional environment that will help you to work efficiently. While the design of your home office should not differ too much from the rest of the house, it is important to keep your work and living areas apart. Glass walls can be a good divider option with its ability to keep out sound and welcome natural light.
- Accessories: Personalise your space
Research has shown that a welcoming environment does improve productivity! It’s the little details that can transform a sterile work space to a warm and inviting home office that resonates with you. Be it an artwork with motivational quotes, a fish bowl or some greenery, these little add-ons can brighten your mood and inspire you to work better!
As you embark on the creation of your home office, bear in mind that design plays an important role in setting the environment right. Thereafter, finding ways to better engage your senses (such as scents and music) shall set you in the right mood to work. Time to strive on!
