OPTIMIZE YOUR

If you are among the many whose homes have continued doubling as offices, it may be time to carve out a place that’s more conducive to productivity than the kitchen table.

OPTIMIZE YOUR OFFICE SPACE

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How to set up a better workkspace att homeh

Chris Ciesla, owner of Artisan Enterprises Inc., a building and remodeling contractor in Yorkville, suggests converting existing space intoahome office.

“Typically people have a dining room or den that they’re not using that can be converted into office space,” says Ciesla. While the entryways into such rooms are typically open, one way to delineate living area from office area is to install french doors, which let light pass through while shutting out distracting sounds. “They’ll have

By Diane Krieger Spivak

their own private space, but yet, they’ll be at home,” he says.

Another useful addition is a built-in shelving system along one wall with a set of cabinets along the base, adds Ciesla. “I’ve had people doing wood or a solid surface countertop, with built-in shelving above and on either side and a center opening foracomputer desk area. Built-in filing cabinets are an option some people like.”

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supplies. The desk area countertop can be made of granite or quartz for a more finished look as well as added comfort and durability, adds Ciesla.

Any new workspace calls for some color. Lifestyle website The Spruce suggests first looking at the type of work you do. Those who work with numbers, statistics and lists can be more productive with calming colors. Creative types may want a more stimulating color. Yellow is “motivating, happy and positive,” without overpowering, according to The Spruce, which adds that a muted purple can be calming and energetic at the same time. For those who seek the ultimate calm, shades of gray or warmer greiges can set the tone. N ow that your home office is ready, here are a few tips from Flexjobs.com on working successfully at home:

 REDUCE DISTRACTIONS. Get everyone in the house on board with your need for privacy while you work. Remove temptations like open tabs on your computer (yes, this means Facebook). Keep TV out of your workspace and a pad of paper near your computer to jot down extraneous non-work “to do” thoughts that you can get to later on.

 DEVELOP A ROUTINE. Start each day the same way, and at the end of the day, make a to-do list for tomorrow. Then change your clothes to mark the end of your day.

 USE TOOLS. Make friends with your calendar or consider trying new apps, which are available for just about everything: productivity, breaks, scheduling, etc. Use time blocking to get specific tasks done faster.