People who work from home enjoy several benefits. Not only do they get to balance their work and personal lives better, but they don’t have to worry about everyday commute as well. But, here’s another upside: you can design your own home office exactly the way you want it to look like.
Whether you need a home office to run your business, telecommute occasionally or just space where you can organize your daily schedule and monthly bills, you need more than just a random wooden desk and an old chair shoved in one corner of your home.
You might be working at home, but you still need a space where you can be comfortable and able to finish all your tasks at a certain time. Here are some ideas on how you can create a charming yet still practical workspace at home:
Function over form – always
All your office items such as your shelves, desks, and storage should accommodate you and not the other way around. Before purchasing all the furniture pieces you need, think about your current workflow and make a list of things that are not only stylish but also functional.
The great thing is you don’t need brand new pieces. Even used office furniture here in Salt Lake City can work perfectly in a home office. As long as all the pieces complement all the other rooms you have, you won’t feel like you’re stuck in a soulless cubicle. Do you have traditional home décor?
Then go for anything made of wood that comes in a soft, warm shade. For a more contemporary look, modern metal furniture pieces are your best choice.
Homey accessories for additional comfort
To get that comfy feeling in your home office, surround yourself with accessories that give off a homey vibe. Sometimes, it’s all in the details. Get a dainty coffee mug and use it as your pencil holder, purchase some cute notepads and colorful sticky notes, and buy a wastebasket that comes in an interesting design.
If you need a bulletin or inspiration board, wrap it in some fabric with a bold pattern. Give yourself a view even if your desk is facing the wall by hanging some inspirational prints or photos. Also, hide all your utilitarian bookshelves behind some curtains so they won’t look unsightly and distract you from doing your work.
Vertical and horizontal organization
It’s common for many home office not to have a lot of floor space. So it’s imperative to know how to use your available space efficiently. To keep your desk as uncluttered as possible, get some floating shelves. Mount them on your walls so you’ll have a place for all your papers and smaller office equipment.
For documents that you need to be within arm’s reach, use some vertical file folders. If you’re more of a stacker, grab a basket where you can toss your mails, notes, and not-so-important papers. Set aside one of your drawers for your “to-do” papers.
Finally, invest in a great-quality chair. You’ll be spending hours in your office chair, so make sure it doesn’t only look good but is also ergonomically-correct and comfortable.
