For many, working from home is the ultimate career goal. Dispense with the early mornings and the dreaded commute and instead, simply allow yourself the freedom to roll out of bed and get started on your daily tasks.
Of course, there are a number of reasons why you might choose to work from home. If you are fortunate enough to be able to call your home and your office one and the same, it makes sense that you will want your home office to be a productive space.
While a dedicated room for your home office usually works the best for most people, it is also possible to transform a corner of another room into a workspace – as long as you can avoid the distractions, that is!
If you are intending to get started, here are some top tips and home improvement projects to create the perfect home office space in no time at all!
Add Some Colour
Feeling motivated is one of the most important things to consider when you are trying to concentrate at work. Motivation leads to increased productivity, something which is essential when you are at risk of all the distractions working from home can bring. Many people make the mistake of leaving their home offices plain and almost clinical, but this simply results in an uninspiring workspace. Instead, why not add a splash of colour to the room? Paint the walls a brighter shade or alternatively, pick out your favourite colour and create a bold statement wall!
Light the Room
When you are working, there’s nothing better than natural light to help you feel relaxed, happy and motivated. If possible, it might be a good idea to move your desk closer to your window and make sure that any decorations, blinds or curtains don’t impede the amount of natural light filtering through it. Of course, it’s not always possible to put in bigger windows, so if your home office is struggling for light, it could be time to update your light fittings. Spotlights are a great way to illuminate different parts of the room and can also help to brighten up darker corners away from any windows. Alternatively, pick a bright or patterned lampshade to add some intrigue to the room. Similarly, a good-quality desk lamp is a must for those grey winter days!
Furniture
Is your home office cluttered, or do you simply have the bare bones when it comes to furniture? Of course, the amount and type of furniture you have will largely be dependent upon the size of your room, your job role and any personal preferences you may have, but as a general rule, there are a few key pieces you will need. A sturdy desk, ergonomically-designed desk chair and a filing cabinet or storage system are essential for the majority of home offices, yet it is also important to leave room for any specialist equipment you may require. Is your furniture looking a little worn or tired? A good way to update older furniture on a budget is to simply work with what you’ve got rather than shelling out for an entirely new set of furniture. Repaint any cabinets, or add custom knobs or handles to drawers and cupboard doors. You can also bulk buy some material and re-cover any shabby-looking chairs or soft furnishings – why not try to match the material to your curtains or cushions for a comprehensive look across the board?
While this time of year is perfect for spring cleaning, it also makes a great opportunity to complete those home improvements projects that you keep putting off and get a head start on creating your dream home office!