The pandemic has shifted the way many of us work. Large numbers of Canadians went from working in an office full-time to working from home. And now, hybrid models are common. If you work from home at all, your home office needs to be practical and functional. Setting aside household distractions and concentrating on work is made easier by having a designated workspace. Here are seven home office design ideas that will help set you up for a productive workday.
Select the right space
Finding the space for a designated work area in your home is not always easy, especially if you share a house with children and other family members. But with a little planning and ingenuity, you should be able to turn a little nook, spare room, closet, living room, stair landing, or another area in your home into a functional workspace. When choosing the right area, consider the overall traffic of the home. The last thing you need on a conference call is for kids crying and other loud noises to distract you from your work. Choose a low-traffic area; someplace quiet that even has a door, if possible. This will help limit distractions throughout your workday.
Marino General Contracting Ltd., Vancouver, British Columbia
Get the basics
You don’t need to break the bank to furnish your office space. All you really need is a sturdy workstation and chair. Purchasing a solid desk and comfortable chair is key when putting together your workspace. There’s nothing worse than being hunched over a desk for 8 hours in a terrible chair. A comfortable ergonomic office chair reduces chronic back, hip, and leg pain brought on by prolonged sitting – you’ll be more effective and productive as a result. Find a desk that works for your needs, whether it’s a standing desk or something with storage space. If you’re tight on space, try a folding desk. There are so many options available, you’re bound to find something you like in your price range.
Dependable Renovations Ltd., Calgary, Alberta
Light it up
When putting your home office together, pay attention to the lighting in your space. Having the right lighting can have a significant impact on your work. Insufficient lighting can cause eye strain, fatigue, and stress, whereas too much lighting can cause glares and headaches. Natural sunlight helps people focus and stay awake. If your office is not near a window, opt for dimmable lights or try out a fun lamp. It’s all about finding the right balance that works for you.
Fairmont Properties Ltd., Aurora, Ontario
Organize your workspace
Organization and decluttering are key to a productive workspace. Keep your workspace clean and simple, and only keep necessities on your desk. Notebooks, paper, pens, and files should all be put away unless you’re using them. Try to keep your wires and cords hidden. Visual clutter can cause stress and you likely don’t need to be adding any of that to your life!
My House Design/Build Team Ltd., Surrey, British Columbia
Time to decorate
Decorating your home office doesn’t have to be complicated. If you want to keep it simple, try a cozy rug, some plants and fun wall art. Feel free to accessorize and personalize to make your space your own. Decorating should be a reflection of your unique personality. It should inspire you to create. If you like the space, you’ll have more positive feelings associated with sitting down to work each day.
Just Basements, Ottawa, Ontario
Add a pop of color
Ditch those gray boring walls and add a pop of color and texture. You don’t need to go crazy – a colorful chair or lamp will do the trick. Color has a significant impact on your mood and emotions. It plays a huge role in how we perceive things in our everyday lives. Don’t treat your office like a boring cubicle; add a pop of color and start your workday on the right foot.
Marino General Contracting Ltd., Vancouver, British Columbia
Maximize storage
Short on storage space in your home? Take advantage of the empty wall space in your office and opt for some vertical storage solutions. What you store in there doesn’t have to be related to your office. Add in some cabinets or custom shelves to utilize every square foot of your space. This desk space-saving storage option is great for tiny spaces and helps keep frequently used items organized and within easy reach.
Dependable Renovations Ltd., Calgary, Alberta
If you’re thinking about creating a home office, start a conversation with a renovator near you. Use RenoMark’s professional directory to find a professional in your area.
Looking for more design trends and inspiration? Check out our blog posts on 10 Ideas for Black and White Home Design and Renovation Project Ideas for Maximizing Storage here. You can also check out our Pinterest account.
