Today’s post looks at how to create the perfect home office environment.
For entrepreneurs and telecommuters working from home, creating the ideal home office environment can be problematic. A lack of space can restrict the amount of space you need to work, noises can be distracting and your productivity can suffer.
You also need to contemplate investing in the right equipment and adding features to the office that support your mental and physical health.
Read on, and I’ll let you into some professional secrets from the interior design industry that will help you design a home office that aids productivity and supports your general health and wellbeing.
Secrets to Creating the Perfect Home Office
Make Best Use of Space
Image: Cult Furniture
The first hurdle most people encounter when creating the perfect home office is working within small confines. Even if you don’t need much space to perform your actual job, a small room can feel claustrophobic.
Believe it or not, but this can actually have a negative impact on your productivity and mental health. Subconsciously you could be thinking you are restricted.
Make the best use of space by erecting shelves and corner cupboards that are plush to the wall. Eliminating clutter creates the illusion of a bigger space. Also, paint the walls in light, inviting colours such as off-white, or light blues, violets and greens.
Light and Air
Image: Wallsauce
Natural sunlight and good air circulation help to enhance your mood and aid brain function. In contrast, a stale, dark work environment slows you down and can make you feel glum.
Rooms with big windows are ideal for creating the perfect home office. Alternatively, position your desk close to the window. However, you may want to avoid facing the window if you are easily distracted by things that are happening outside.
If your home office doesn’t get much natural light, and for when the dark nights set in, using creative light fixtures to create a suitable environment for work productivity and mental health.
In fact, Office Principles says that the recommended ratio of artificial light to natural light is 1:5. This reduces the strain on your eyes and is good for the immune system.
Invest in Ergonomic Furniture
Image: Ligne Roset
Our bodies are not designed for sitting in an office chair all day. Scientists have discovered that sitting all day is not good for your heart, it increases the risk of dementia, and you’re more likely to put on weight.
Most office chairs strain your back, spine, neck and shoulders which can cause problems with your skeletal structure later in life. So invest in an office chair with good back support and adjustable features.
There is other ergonomic furniture you can buy too, such as desks with adjustable height, mouse and keyboard mats with wrist support and foot stools.
Add Some Plant Life
Image: Hurn and Hurn
I’ve always thought plants and thought-provoking images can work wonders in any room. It turns out that scientists agree with me – albeit for different reasons.
Various studies have found that houseplants reduce stress and anxiety, improve air quality and facilitate healing. Research performed by scholars at the Harvard School of Public Health also discovered that “green” space increases the performance of cognitive function.
Plants add the finishing touch to a home office and can completely transform a small corner without being invasive. They are also inexpensive – although don’t forget to feed them!
When you’re working from home, make sure you have a comfortable room you enjoy spending time in.
Have you tried any of these tricks to help you create the perfect home office?
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