MAXIMISING YOUR HOME OFFICE

The abrupt closure of many offices and workplaces in the wake of the pandemic has ushered in a new era of employees working remotely.

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. 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 way to keep your space feeling new and interesting. 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.

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 a suitable work surface and chair is truly an act of self-care. 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. 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. 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?

Keep it light, and bright

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. 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.

Maximising

your home office space

By Rosie Duff

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. ”

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.

The global pandemic has changed the face of the home market, instigating great opportunities in design and construction. Delivery times and access to products may be affected but the desire for the comforts of home and the ability to innovate far outweigh the negatives.

In the past year many international Kiwis have returned home and New Zealand Kiwis adjusted to life without travel. The result was a building boom in the domestic renovation and building market, with an emphasis on the most functional spaces: bathrooms. They are a place of relaxation and escape, a haven to pamper oneself and revitalise and are being paid increased attention during design phases. Bathroomware market leader Oakleys Plumbing Supplies reports that current customers are not shy about achieving the best results they can, with the demand for top-quality bathroomware and plumbing systems higher than ever. People are not only building for function, there is an aspect of comfort and pride in their projects, too. Oakleys’ commitment to both New Zealand manufacturers and the best of the European suppliers, ensures customers are never without choice of product. Popular amongst homeowners at the moment are tapware in living metals which patina with age, and concrete basins and baths with their raw beauty and anchoring effect. German designed thermostatically controlled shower systems are in demand so you never have to worry about consistency in water temperature again, as are intelligent toilets which incorporate bidet systems and therefore an environment of increased hygiene. Oakleys has a talented team of consultants amongst its four stores, who not only have encyclopaedic knowledge of bathroomware products, but also offer design services, spatial planning advice, colour consultancies and an architectural service for architects and designers. As a result of increased demand in the bathroom industry, the Oakleys Group is in the midst of a showroom rejuvenation programme. Both Nelson and Cromwell stores have their state-ofthe-art showrooms open with Dunedin’s renovation currently in design and Christchurch’s to follow.

Designed by award-winning designer Davinia Sutton, the showrooms introduce a standard rarely seen in New Zealand showrooms before.

Davinia has created a raft of concept bathrooms showcasing the company’s amazing product lines and teamed them with impressive lighting, and beautiful tile, wallpaper and paint choices to showcase exactly what is achievable in today’s bathroom design world. The showrooms also feature kitchen and laundry products, extensive tapware collections, and working displays where you can test products before you buy. Oakleys’ dedication to design, workmanship and service has been evident since the company was established in 1875. When Henry Oakley and John Morgan Taylor founded Taylor & Oakley Plumbers Iron and Tinplate Workers, Gasfitters and Bellhangers, Christchurch was a newly established city and their products were the preferred fittings by reputable plumbers. Now 145 years later the company proudly maintains its locally owned and operated status with the owner of each branch found on the shop floor every day. This dedication to locals helping locals is at the forefront of the exceptional Oakleys’ service.