Location is Everything
Whether you reside in a spacious home or thrive in the simplicity of an apartment, there are two main considerations to keep in mind when finding the ideal location for your home office. 1) the amount of room you need to work and 2) the number of distractions you’re willing to deal with throughout the day.
First, it’s imperative that you carve out a space that allows ample room for your job. Those who see clients, for instance, are going to require more room to work than those who just need a laptop. This also rings true if you have a lot of furniture in the home office or share the space with another family member. If any of these scenarios sound familiar, consider creating a private personal office. Think about transforming a rarely-used guest room or spare bedroom, or entirely reimagine the playroom once the kids have outgrown it.
Second, consider your ability to withstand distractions while still being productive. Remote employees who appreciate peace and quiet would benefit from a workspace that’s away from high-traffic areas and other attention-breakers, such as the television. For others who enjoy a bit of background noise, don’t mind the occasional interruption or are working with limited space, consider a home office that’s combined with another room instead.
Layout: Setting the Groundwork
Now that a location is decided, it’s time to think about the layout. The most important factor to keep in mind during this initial phase of setting up the home office is flexibility. What do we mean by this? As your career evolves and work habits change, the need persists for a home office that keeps up with your lifestyle. For instance, desks, chairs and filing cabinets that roll are easy to maneuver—shifting around with your needs. Think about wheeling each out of the way to open up floor space if you pace during conference calls, or just rearranging where they’re situated for a change of scenery.
Another consideration: physical needs. What currently constitutes a comfortable working environment for you may not be the case in the future. Set yourself up for success now by investing in furniture, storage solutions, decor and more that maintain their relevance. For instance, a standing desk to help minimize sedentarism or an ergonomic office chair that keeps your posture optimal when you want to sit.
Furniture: Settling into the Workday
Now that the basics are squared away, it’s time for the fun stuff. When choosing furniture for your home office, be sure that each item works for you and not the other way around. Not sure where to start? Begin with the largest item: a desk. As previously mentioned, standing ones are a versatile choice, as they encourage a healthier lifestyle. If you go this route, be sure to position an anti-fatigue mat or memory foam rug underfoot as well for maximum comfort. For those who require a larger working surface and ample storage, consider an executive desk instead. A footrest or small ottoman placed underneath lets you kick your feet up, too. When it comes to your seating options, swivel chairs are the way to go—typically providing proper lumbar support, as well as adjustable armrests and seat height. Other staples, such as armchairs and side tables, are a must if you have visiting clients, while bookcases and modular storage units keep important reference materials within reach.
If your home office is part of a small space or combined with another room, consider a leaning desk instead. Not only is it unintrusive, it also features plenty of shelving and a drawer or two. Another option: a C-table. Not only does it provide enhanced portability, it also doubles as a side table when you're finished working from your favorite accent chair.
Decor: Staying Motivated
To make your home office feel like it’s truly yours, fill it with decorative objects, artwork, color schemes and other accents that create an enjoyable atmosphere. Start by finding a wall color that suits your preferred aesthetic. Think neutral hues of beige or white for ample versatility or gentle shades of lavender, blue and green when going for a more tranquil setting. Then, hang artwork and framed photos around the room to complete the look. When it comes to accessorizing your workstation, put a personalized spin on the necessities. For instance, replace a pencil cup with a mug in your favorite color or pattern, or keep a chalkboard on the wall to help you stay on schedule while also enjoying your little ones’ doodles.
In addition, creating a visual backdrop for video calls is a pleasing sight for all involved. Working in a private office? Decorate one corner of the room so that it meets your web chat needs. Remove anything that can be seen as a distraction—food and beverages, as well as excessive family photos—and fill the space with neutral decor instead. Think a ceramic vase or two that features seasonal botanicals and subtle artwork on the wall behind you. Working in a smaller space or combined office? Find an area of the room that’s quiet and has ample lighting. Also, make sure there’s no clutter and that the decor is unintrusive. Tealight candles and a small pile of books on a side table in the background are all you need to enhance the aesthetic.
Organization: Just Say No to Clutter
Looking for a way to minimize stress on your work from home days? Eliminate clutter. The easiest way to do this is to take advantage of vertical space. Floating shelves make it easy to organize everything from reading materials and family photos to bud vases and other decor. More concerned about a cluttered desktop? Consider vertical file folders instead. They’re especially useful for sorting important documents and mail, especially when used alongside small baskets. If you’re looking for more versatility, opt for cube storage, as it’s easy to reposition, is stackable and works in any room of your home.
Concerned about a tangle of cords? Minimize the risk by placing your devices near wall outlets. Or, find furniture that features a built-in power source, such as desks with outlets and table lamps with USB ports on the bottom. For those working in a smaller space, use cube storage that contains a charging station instead.
Lighting: Brighten Your Workspace
The right amount of light goes a long way when combating headaches and eye strain. Ideally, you’re able to work near a window that lets natural light flow into the room. If this is the case, be sure to position your work area so that the sunlight runs alongside your computer screen and not directly onto it—minimizing glare. For those who aren’t near a window, consider placing a task light nearby instead. Not only do they focus light on paperwork and reading material, many are also adjustable for enhanced versatility. Don’t forget floor lamps, too. These are especially useful if you have a smaller desk, as they don’t take up workspace. For a more pointed glow, consider one that arcs.
Now that your home office is complete, it’s time to get to work. Have a home office you love? Show us what it looks like at the hashtag #CrateStyle.