A thoughtful home office design can be the difference between a productive day at work or hours spent procrastinating. You want to tailor the room to fit your preferences, so you can feel comfortable and focused for hours on end.
Keep reading to discover nine essential home office design tips.
1. Create a Mood Board
Mood boards are a collection of ideas you choose to act as a guide for design. Essentially you can pick colors, textures, products, and features that interest you and place them on a board to generate a theme. You can use this as a guide for planning, and contractors will be able to view your ideas on paper.
2. Choose a Budget
It’s crucial you determine the renovation budget before you become overly invested in a glamourous design. You should factor in purchasing new decor, office furniture, and construction materials. Contractors should provide an estimate for labor costs based on their experience working on similar projects. Ask them to give you the estimate before drawing up official plans.
3. Find a Dedicated Area
You need to choose an area in your home to create this office. Whether you are building an addition or choosing a preexisting space, the key is to devote one place to complete your work. Choose a room with a door or use room dividers to section off your work area.
4. Start Construction
Before you can begin painting the walls or choosing furniture, construction must be complete. Depending on the project’s scope, this stage could last several hours, days, or months. Keep this in mind when choosing features for the new space.
5. Emphasis Storage Solutions
It’s essential you keep your work materials separate from your home life. Prioritize storage solutions to keep things organized. For simplicity, consider utilizing a color-coded filing system. Thoughtful storage will simplify the space and keep the room looking clutter-free.
6. Prioritize Lighting
Prioritize natural light because it helps to keep your circadian rhythm in check. This helps you to focus during the day and sleep better at night.
However, you’ll still need artificial light for the days where you work late. Avoid fluorescent bulbs that can cause migraines — choose LED lights instead. Integrate task and ambient lighting into the space to provide balance to the room.
7. Limit Opportunities for Distraction
When you work from home, distractions pulling at your senses. You might notice dirty dishes in the sink or your children shouting as they play. Reduce the opportunities for distraction by closing the door during your workday. Try implementing soundproofing measures, and wearing sound-blocking headphones.
8. Select Products You Love
Your home office design is an investment for yourself. You should focus on choosing products that will add daily value and simplify your workweek. Consider purchasing an ergonomic chair and updated technology.
9. Consider Positioning
The position of the furniture can be just as important as the aesthetics themselves. Would you feel more comfortable staring at a wall or out of a window? Design a space that has a natural flow.
Keep a Focused Mindset
Utilize these nine essential home office design tips to create a functional space that suits your style. The decor is flexible, so you can feel comfortable changing features in the room. Remember, your home office design sets you up for success, but it’s your responsibility to stay focused and work hard. Try to keep your desk clear of distractions and enjoy the personalized space.