9 Essential Tips To Making A Functional Home Office

When designing a functional home office, it has to be a practical yet enjoyable space which encourages productivity. Here are nine essential tips for making a functional home office:  

#1 Noise

While some people work best in a quiet environment, there are others who prefer to have just the right amount of noise. Depending on which you prefer, decide where you want your office space to be at. If you need peace and quiet to be productive, it would be better to have an enclosed office. On the other hand, if you prefer some noise, set your office up in a common area.

#2 Colours

Colours have an impact on moods and energy levels; the different colours elicit various emotional and physical responses from people. Bright, warm colours like red stimulate activity while cool colours evoke calmness and relaxation. For an office, you should pick a colour that stimulates focus and concentration, such as medium to deep shades of green. Yellow is also an appropriate colour as it stimulates creativity and conversation, which is a good colour for mental work.

#3 Lighting

If possible, have the desk situated by the window where there’s natural light. It helps to make space feel bigger while keeping you connected to the outdoors. Be sure to position your computer monitor in a way where there is no glare from windows or overhead lights. Also, ensure that the office is well-illuminated too so that you don’t strain your eyes. In addition, you can use a mixture of lighting types, placing a small desk lamp for added task lighting.

#4 Comfortable Seating

Since you will be spending most of your time at the desk, it is very important to choose a good chair which is comfortable to sit on for extended periods of time. More importantly, it should have good back support and encourage good posture. Invest in an ergonomic chair with customisation options to adjust to the fit of your body. The desk should also be of an appropriate height to prevent backaches and bad posture.

#5 Technology

When designing your home office, keep in mind the number of power sockets you’ll need for your various technology devices. Think about what is important to you and get the equipment that best suits your needs. For example, if your work requires you to travel and meet clients, it is better to opt for a laptop rather than a desktop. Invest in quality, surge-protected extension leads to protect your computer and information from electrical power outages. For maximum productivity, ensure that you have high-speed internet access and have your various devices seamlessly connected to different monitors.

#6 Keep Things Organised

Space optimisation is key, especially for small office spaces. Install shelves and drawers to store and declutter the room, keeping the desk neat and tidy for better productivity. You can fix floating shelves, file holders, stationery holders, and drawer dividers to sort and arrange your stuff. Often, cords from computers, printers and charging cables leave the room looking messy and unsightly. Tame the cords with cord winders and wire organisers for a cleaner look.

#7 Visual Appeal

Design an inviting space that is visually appealing to you. Art can energise and motivate. Hang up your favourite art piece or have photos of loved ones framed up. You can also have a corkboard for sticky notes and inspiring quotes, whichever works for you! Add an area rug to give the room some texture and personality. Check out these inspirational designs. 

#8 Add Some Plants And Greenery

Plants are great stress relievers and air cleaners. They transform the look and feel of a room while filtering the air you breathe, giving you cleaner air for better thinking and productivity. If you are worried about keeping the plant alive, choose plants that are easy to care for. These include cacti, succulents and palms.

#9 Remove Distractions

Avoid using your office space for anything other than work as it will limit your productivity in the long run. Remove all distractions such as televisions, game consoles and sofas so you can focus on getting your work done.

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