Even before the pandemic, the transition to working from home began. In just a few years, many companies transformed to remote management. Thus an old trend of having a completely functional, permanent home office returned. However, you don’t need to do a major renovation or add a completely new room to your home – a smart makeover can definitely satisfy your professional needs. This list consists of tips that can help you turn your cramped table in the corner of the room from the chaos into a fully functioning and even neatly designed office corner!
A location that fits your working requirements
This is the part where the word ‘sound’ should be written in capital letters. If you have meetings or if your position requires many conversations during a typical working day, you will certainly require a separate room or a corner where there is no noise. This majorly affects your office position. To put it simply, if you are needed to be seen you need a good source of natural light, but also not a window that looks on the busy street. Or you might consider sound-proofing walls. Next, if you don’t live alone, you will more likely than not also require at least a separate part of the room for yourself. Come up with the conditions that lessen the chance of disturbance.
Natural lightning
The cubicle culture has made us completely connected to the screens. Unfortunately, the continuous usage of computers has proven to cause eye discomfort, known as computer vision syndrome. To help with the prevention, the best advice is to avert your gaze from the screen from time to time. Furthermore, a neatly positioned window will easily remind you that you have spent too long, and will also give your eyes a good rest as the lamps can also help the computer vision syndrome.
Invest in a good chair
The importance of a good chair is immense. Think about it – you are spending a third of your day or more in the same spot, in a similar position. And what about that tense feeling in your neck and shoulders after rushing to complete one more task and be done with your day? Do not underestimate the effect of long sitting, as it is proven to cause metabolic syndrome. This is a name that joins symptoms that lead to coronary and vascular diseases, as well as diabetes type 2. The best chair will ensure that the negative effect on your muscles and posture is minimized, and it can even provide additional support for the neck, spine, legs, or hands.
Consider standing table
The design of the best office desk is also important. It should have the height that corresponds to your chair, around 120 centimeters. However, people of different heights might benefit from different desk heights. However, not every desk is meant for sitting. If you already have issues with sitting for too long, whether from the tension that builds in your body or you simply prefer to move often, the standing desk might be the best choice for you. However, don’t switch right away sitting 8 hours a day for standing for the same period. This Harvard study has shown that the best is to switch gradually or, which is the best option, try to combine sitting and standing.
Insert art or photos that remind you why are you there
Many millennials had their room walls filled with posters of their favourite singers, bands, actors, movies, etc. Nowadays kids prefer games and visual boards. So why don’t you try it out as well? It can be art, motivational quotes, scenes from favourite movies, old photos, or even memes! But as you’re an adult now and you still need that moment of design, put it in a modern poster frame and switch (or add) until you have a cinema-style wall.
You don’t need to fit your business style, but rather your home design
We have started with looking for the best location in your home. However, the best home office doesn’t need to look like your office. Remember, this is your home and you already have a certain style going on. You don’t need to fit anyone’s vision of office but your own. If you want it comfy and to type from a bean bag, why not? Let your mind wander and create a space you feel inspired but relaxed. It is your home after all.
Choose a colour scheme that makes you smile
The same as with the style, if your office in your work has been grey, but your room is green, why would you go to grey? The freedom of the home office is that you don’t need to fit anyone’s needs but your own. This is especially important when it comes to the style, design, colours, and details. If you are not sure how to choose the colours that match, you can always use colour scheme generators (like the coolors.co) and add the matching details to the base colour of your choice.
Add a live plant or pet bed
An important aspect of the home office when designing a home office is to not forget the details that in the office made your desk your own. Many have a small succulent or cacti next to their computer in the office, or an elongated snake plant in the corner, whereas in your home office you can make an office plant jungle to breathe in the clearest oxygen that boosts your brain. If your furry friend doesn’t want to live by your side (who can say no to those little snoots?), you just might buy the matching bed so they can rest right next to you while you earn for their precious kibble.
Bottom line
Your home office, even though in your mind is business, is still inside your personal space. As such, it should fit your and only your needs. You need the highest comfort and best efficiency with as little disturbance as possible. However, you don’t need to depress yourself with the ugly colours, or simplistic design. By making your office fit your home you are also connecting easily to your job and should be able to enjoy it more. Don’t compromise your comfort for the design of someone who is not even sitting in your chair.