Tips On Designing A More Productive Home Office

Due to the restrictions around large groups due to the pandemic, many people have been forced to work from home. While it was already a trend among freelancers (I worked out of my home 3 days out of the workweek for example), work from home was not a particularly common thing before the Coronavirus crisis. What a difference a few weeks can make! Companies had no choice but to switch things up.  While prior to the crisis, many companies questioned the benefits of a work-from-home model, many are now seeing that working from home can be a successful and productive alternative to a traditional office setting. Plus, it can contribute to employee well-being, while being a sustainable, environmentally friendly option. That said, now that Nate has moved into my office and works alongside me 5 days a week, I need to start thinking about making our home office space more functional.

Home offices are no longer a temporary corner in your home that is only used periodically. When you spend a lot of time working from home, you need to have a space to be actually separated from the rest of the house, to be more productive but also to have a clear separation between work time and relax/escape time at home. Nate used to be set up in our master bedroom at a folding table.  As it turns out, that is a huge no-no! I kicked him out because it wasn’t restful to have work stuff piled on a table right next to our bed seven days a week.

Right next to our bedroom is a spare room that I use as my office. First, let me just say, “It ain’t pretty!!!” I’m an artist and when I’m building or designing something it’s a HUGE MESS!!!!! Plus, I’ve got multiple projects moving at different speeds so not everything gets put away. However, now that Nate has moved in for the long term (his office won’t reopen until at least 2021) I need to play nice and share the space, and sort-of pick up. 😉 Nate is a tidy, noncluttered kinda guy who doesn’t function well in a messy environment. What a silly man thinking he could have that lifestyle being married to an artist like me!  🙂

Because Nate and I do completely different work, it’s going to take a lot of thought as to how to make it a functional and attractive space. But don’t you fret, I’m going to come up with a solution.

So, here are some ways to design a productive home office space.

1) FLOW

The layout must have a good flow so that it’s comfortable, has a large enough work surface, and has good lighting in order to help you get down to business.

Organization and versatility are the two main elements along with a good flow that can ensure a boost of productivity.

The size of the office is not of major importance. Having a spot allocated for all the tech gadgets, supplies, documents (if any), and devices though, is. Clutter is counter-productive and hence organization is essential.

Versatility in the designated workstations can accommodate several different needs without creating an overwhelming area. So first, examine the layout for yourself. A home office layout needs to be a product based on your actual needs. Really take the time to consider what your work looks like. How do you move around? How many calls do you take/make? What are your needs etc.?

2) LIGHTING

Once, you have figured out the basic functions of your home office then it’s time to play with lighting. Multiple lighting sources will provide flexibility, especially in the long-run. A good table lamp is a tool for task lighting. Make sure you also have good overhead lighting so your eyes are never strained.

Natural light is always amazing, but not an absolute necessity as good lighting fixtures can accommodate for the absence of any natural light. Good lighting will promote productivity, as long as there isn’t glare.

3) FURNITURE

Furniture that will be used in the office must be well thought through. Think multi-purpose furniture as a way to provide storage solutions to help in your office space. Think about repurposing dressers that can double as great storage but also be a place for your printer. Because I paint, sculpt, build, burn, print (the list goes on) in my space I really wanted to look for older, used furniture pieces that can look cool but also take a beating.

Don’t skimp on the desk, even if you’re on a budget, your desk is a big deal.

Be picky about how you work so you have a good flow. In addition to the desk, investing in a good office chair with lumbar support that promotes a good posture is also super important. Hunching over a laptop after a couple of hours will surely be counter-productive. I know! I’m doing it right now! Ha! Nate and I really need to make some changes!!

4) AESTHETIC

Always decorate a home office according to what feels right to you. It should project your aesthetic. However, if it’s an office that clients visit then, its decor should also reflect your brand. It should boost your creativity, confidence, and productivity.

Think about colors that will keep you calm and able to focus. Those are the tones that make for a productive workspace.

As I start to rethink my workspace I’m going to be thinking about comfortable office furniture, functional desk space, good lighting, efficient storage (maybe repurposed), and an attractive space Nate and I’ll enjoy being in for several hours of the day.  In addition, it needs to be a space suitable for video calls.

So, here’s a little peek at my current office. See what I mean with my mess and large projects, like that 6′ x 4′ painting in there? Poor Nate… he has to share with me… Ha, ha, ha! 😉 I can’t show you all of it right now, because I have confidential Talisman Designs projects that are spread out in there. But, I promise I’ll have a good before photo when it comes time to give you a reveal.

How is your home office space looking? Are you ready for a change??

XO,

Melessa

P.S. I’m hoping the rest of Gabe’s decor arrives this weekend! Crossing my fingers! Can’t wait to share his bedroom reveal! Trust me when I say it’s FUNKY!