Interior Design
Maximising
your home office space
The abrupt closure of many offices and workplaces in the wake of the pandemic has ushered in a new era of employees working remotely.
Alternatively, if sitting down all day is just simply not for you – why not consider forgoing a chair altogether and trialling out a standing desk?
By Rosie Duff
Keep it light, and bright
Interestingly, a study commissioned by the University of Otago found that out of 2,500 New Zealanders, 73 percent of people felt “equally or more productive” when working from home during the pandemic and a further 89 percent wished to continue post-lockdown.
Office spaces are notorious for their stark fluorescent lighting. This can induce headaches and ultimately impair your ability to work effectively. Fortunately, when it comes to home offices the power is in your hands – literally! The goal is to illuminate the entire space without creating unwanted glare. So, try positioning yourself next to a window with curtains you can adjust throughout the day.
Though, while the idea of working from home sounds great in theory, it means welcoming work into the sanctuary of your living space. Not to mention, it’s also distractions galore. With this in mind, a dedicated work space in your home helps you set aside household disturbances and more importantly, focus on the task at hand. Vital points to consider, are how do you like to work? When are you most productive? Keep in mind that you needn’t sacrifice form for function. A well-designed office space should balance both. Once you’ve found a designated space to work, it’s time to start piecing together your space.
Accessorise accordingly Ideally, a home office should be decorated minimally enough to keep you engaged, yet interesting enough to keep your creative juices flowing. After all, you’ll be spending a large portion of your time there. It doesn’t matter how put together your space is; it’s inevitable that your home office is likely to feel dull over time. Few spaces demand a sprinkle of greenery as much as a home office. Since plants naturally grow and change, they can be a great
Conversely, lampshades soften and scatter direct light, while an upward-shining floor lamp bounces the light off of walls and ceilings. Lamps with built-in dimmers also allow control over your home office ambiance.
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Though, while the idea of working from home sounds great in theory, it means welcoming work into the sanctuary of your living space. Not to mention, it’s also distractions galore.
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way to keep your space feeling new and interesting.
a suitable work surface and chair is truly an act of self-care.
From a bookshelf layered with family heirlooms, books, and magazines to a piece of artwork that you love, it’s important to decorate your space with items that bring you joy. A Moroccan rug or adding a colourful throw to your office chair is also a great way to freshen up the area.
With this in mind, you’re going to want to seek out a chair that is ergonomically correct and offers lower back support. In terms of a desk, start with one that’s large enough to serve as a comfortable workspace, and tall enough to accommodate your legs. Practicality is key.
Invest in the essentials Research has continually shown that working hunched over is detrimental to your shoulders, back and neck. So, spending the time to find
When it comes to aesthetics; blonde wood against white walls makes for a sunny, serene space. However, don’t be afraid to branch out and try different combinations to see what works best for you.
Sort a storage solution It’s no secret that home offices can get cluttered fast. To keep the mess at bay, invest in a storage option that works best for you. First, ask yourself, what type of equipment do you use for your job on a regular basis? Then, consider what supplies you need, but might not need full-time access to? Once you’ve worked this out, get to work designing your storage setup – from drawer organisers through to filing cabinets and floating shelves; the options are endless. Though do keep in mind, sometimes less is best. Accumulating piles of bins, folders and organizers sometimes creates more clutter, rather than prevents it.
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