By now, we're all aware of the benefits of working from home. Some of these benefits include spending less time sitting in traffic, more quality time with family, and not having to save household chores for the weekend.
Another benefit? Being able to create your own work from home office setup.
We can probably all agree that the boring brown carpets and harsh fluorescent lighting in our old office buildings weren't doing us any favors. Now that remote work is here to stay, we can create functional home offices that also allow us to show off our creative sides.
Follow the six tips below to create a fun but productive work from home space.
Keep Your Workspace Separate from Your Living Spaces
It's harder to set clear boundaries between work and home when you're not traveling to an office every day.
If possible, set up your workspace in a room other than your bedroom, living room, or dining room. You'll be less likely to work late or on the weekends when you have a space that you can leave behind at the end of the workday.
Use Neutral Colors with a Few Pops of Brighter Colors
Bold colors are fun, but neutral colors are more calming and professional for a work-from-home setup. Use shades of taupe or cream on the walls and add some pops of color with photos and wall hangings.
If you have enough room, you can put a small couch behind your desk and use throw pillows or blankets to liven up the room. You can also install floating shelves and put small plants, books, or picture frames on them for visual interest.
Utilize Good Lighting
Sunlight is a natural energizer, but it's not always possible to put your desk by a window. If you have to use floor lamps, don't get overhead lamps and put your desk directly underneath them. Instead, use an upward-shining lamp that bounces light off the ceiling and walls.
If you use a desk lamp, make sure it has a nice lampshade to soften harsh lighting. Better yet, use a task lamp that only shines light where you need it. This allows you to more clearly see what you're working on without causing excessive eye strain or headaches.
Add Relaxing Elements
Keeping a lavender-scented candle in your home office can help you remain calm when you're preparing for an important presentation or getting ready for a one-on-one meeting with your boss.
You can also hang photos with inspirational messages on your walls. Taking a few moments to look at them and read positive affirmations will help keep you grounded when you feel stressed.
Invest in Good Office Furniture
A chair that you don't mind sitting in for several hours and a desk that allows you to place your computer at the optimal viewing height are essential tools for any home office. You don't have to spend thousands of dollars on a fancy executive desk or a high-tech ergonomic chair, but your furniture should be functional and comfortable.
Use Decorative Baskets and Bins for Organization
Drab metal filing cabinets are fine for a corporate office. But when setting up a home office, you can get more creative with your accessories. Use fun baskets and bins to add some personality to your workspace and store items like printer paper, charging cables, and folders.
