How do you feel when you step into your home office ? If you used words like “frustrated” or “overwhelmed,” then it might be time to switch up your decor. A chaotic or messy space can be distracting. Ideally, your workspace should be a personalized, organized place you enjoy going to every day that inspires you to be innovative.
The good news is, there are plenty of easy ways to transform your home office into a beautiful, functional space. First, start with the essentials. Make a list of all the work-related tasks you do in a day to create an office space to support those needs. Then, personalize your area.
The following tips will help create a well-organized, beautiful space that boosts your energy level and ability to work on any project with a smile.
Say “No” to Big Bulky Furniture
Your office is an extension of your house, not the corporate office. Instead of heavy-duty, traditional furniture, opt for a desk, bookcases, and cabinets in bright or light colors. These pieces will give a more open, airy feel to your room. Pay attention to the scale and proportion of furniture items compared to the actual room size. Having less bulky furniture can give the impression of a larger space.
If most of your work is web-related or consists of virtual computer files, then you probably don’t need an excess amount of office furniture. Take inventory of what tools and accessories you need to actually perform your work. You might be surprised that a desk and a small side table are all you need in some cases.
Place Your Desk Here, Not There
The principles of feng shui can play a powerful role in decorating your space. Feng shui is the art and science of arranging a living space to achieve balance and harmony, which also promotes the flow of energy. It is believed that placing furniture in not-so-favorable areas can have negative outcomes.
Your desk should be placed in a commanding position, i.e. near the center of the room, facing the entrance. According to Greatist.com , interior feng shui decorating experts advise against having your back to a window or door because it is believed to be an energy drain. Never block the flow of energy.
Choose an Ergonomic Chair
A trendy, stylish desk chair is nice but a healthy neck and back are even better. No one wants aches and pains at the end of the day from sitting in an uncomfortable chair. TomsGuide.com advises choosing an adjustable chair that conforms to your body and “supports your back,” bottom, and arms.
Add a Cozy Seating Area
Having multiple seating areas in your home office can create a more relaxed atmosphere. Even if you don’t have clients come to your office, having different places to take a load off can help give you a new perspective. Try adding a loveseat, chaise lounge chair, or even a large bean bag chair to your room. Benches and ottomans with storage space are a great way to hide clutter.
It can be relaxing to step away from your desk and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea on a lounge chair. Add some decorative pillows or a plush throw blanket for an extra cozy ambiance.
Bring in Life with Plants
Plants and fresh flowers can make an area seem more inviting, bring life and color to a dull space. Larger plants can be placed in the corners of a room, while smaller plants can sit on shelves. Add even more pops of color with decorative containers like vivid stone, ceramic, or terra cotta pots. Plants both purify the air and add an extra layer of tranquility to a room.
Faux plants and flowers can also add character. They provide year-round vibrancy with minimal maintenance. Choose from artificial plants that look and feel just like the real thing, or opt for dramatic colors not found in nature. There are many to choose from and on the plus side, they don’t need to be watered, only occasionally dusted.
Bring in the Light
How much lighting you need will depend on the size of your office space. Overhead lighting isn’t always the best choice as it can be straining on the eyes when paired with computer screen glares. TheSpruce.com recommends using lamp shades or floor lamps for soft, indirect lighting. Wall sconces and desk lamps are other options as well.
Try not to block any windows with furniture or curtains that are too heavy to permit natural light to come through. Interior lighting should mimic daylight as much as possible. Choose energy-efficient lightbulbs like LEDs or compact fluorescent bulbs in daylight or soft white variety.
Add Rugs for Beauty and Sound Buffering
If your home office is not soundproof, kids playing in the background, TV noise, even traffic blaring from the street can be a distraction. Try to choose a space in your home that is away from all the action. If that’s not an option, a good area rug can help absorb and diffuse sound plus add elegance to any room. If you plan on having the rug directly under your desk, make sure it is low pile so your chair can easily roll over it.
Hide Tech Clutter
It's difficult to achieve a tidy-looking office when power cords, monitor cords, and other peripheral connectors are spread about your desktop. Try grouping them together with zip or Velcro ties. Then place them through your desk's cable management hole. If your desk does not have one, then run the tied group of cords down the side of the desk and place a decorative item such as a tall plant or other decoration next to it.
Artwork and Wall Decor
Make your space a little more personal by hanging artwork, framed inspirational quotes, family vacation photos, or awards. If you don’t want to damage the walls with nail holes, hang these items using command strips or push pins. They should do minimal damage to the paint or wallpaper.
Fabric wall hangings such as macrame, tapestry, wall rugs, & upholstered wall panels can make a striking visual statement as well as buffer sound. Remember not to overdo it with wall decorations. For video conference calls, you may want to have a plain background that is not as distracting.
Add Small Elements of Cuteness
Kawaii is the Japanese culture of cute, tiny, loveable things. Try adding a small figurine to your office, or a playfully designed case for pens or computer supplies. Adding these aesthetic elements will bring individuality and uniqueness to your space. Plus, you’ll have something nice to look at that makes you happy & brings in creative energy.
Scentscape Your Home Office
Out of all five senses, smell is the most dominant sense in the human body. It plays an important role in your mood, stress level, and ability to be productive. Filling a room with scent is another addition to the decorating process. MarthaStewart.com suggests selecting a fragrance combination that is subtle and inviting to enhance the energy of your room. Try filling your home office with pleasant smells from reed diffusers, scented candles, room sprays, incense, or wax melts.
Make Sure You Have Adequate Storage
An overly cluttered space can cause feelings of anxiety. Having excess computer accessories, pens, paper clips, and other office supplies laying around can also be distracting and an eyesore. Get your office organized by having adequate storage. Desk drawers, bookcases, storage containers, and cabinets can help reduce clutter. Keep post-it notes off of your desktop and place them in a notebook instead.
Wall Color and Texture
Your office is an extension of your home. Choose a color palette that suits your aesthetic and ties in with the rest of your abode. If you feel like being adventurous with color, keep in mind how it can affect mood. Instead of going bold on all four walls, try a splash of color or a patterned/textured wallpaper on one wall. That way, you are not married to it and it's easier to change.
Conclusion
It doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive to design your dream home office. Put thought into decorating your office like you would any other room in your home. Create the space around your functional needs. Then slowly add accents to make it uniquely your own.