WORKING FROM HOME - Creating The Perfect Home Office Space
As people all over the world are finding themselves working from home, we have put together some home office design ideas that will help you to stay focused and make the most of the space available to you. Using our tips and tricks, plus a little imagination, you can create an inspiring home office that will help you stay motivated and productive.
DEDICATE AN AREA
Try designating a particular corner or surface as your work station. Where it is and how it’s decorated can have a real impact on your efficiency and wellbeing, so experiment to find a space that suits you; ideally located in a quiet place where you can fully commit to your work without distractions. If you work in the main rooms like your living room, dining room or kitchen, you risk being interrupted by your family members carrying out day-to-day tasks. Many people function best in a calm, clutter-free environment, but others might prefer to be surrounded by colour – it’s a very personal choice.
Should you find yourself working from a dining table or spare room, think about any interior changes you can make to ensure it’s as comfortable and inspiring as possible – perhaps hanging a favourite artwork on the wall or moving furniture so that you have a view out of a window.
What has become apparent during periods of lockdown during covid times, is the importance of video and conference calling to enable interaction with colleagues, customers and suppliers. You must keep in mind, that an attractive and professional looking backdrop to your conference calls is a must. This is where we can help. We have a vast range of accessories, wall art, mirrors and shelving to make any backdrop more inviting and appealing.
NATURAL LIGHT
Your workspace can significantly impact your motivation and productivity, especially when working from home. However, creating an inspiring and efficient home office doesn’t have to be challenging. At House of Isabella, we understand the importance of lighting in setting the tone for your work environment. Proper lighting is essential, as it influences your mood and overall productivity. Poor lighting conditions can lead to fatigue, eye strain, and even headaches. Studies have shown a strong positive correlation between natural daylight and productivity, highlighting the importance of a well-lit workspace. A home office bathed in natural light not only enhances alertness but also uplifts your spirits, making your workspace a place where you want to spend time. Additionally, natural light complements your home office design beautifully, enhancing the overall aesthetic. Just be mindful of glare when positioning your computer screen, ensuring that your home office remains as functional as it is stylish.
Explore our range of stylish and practical home office furniture at House of Isabella to create a workspace that truly inspires productivity.
TASK LIGHTING
Easily the most uninteresting of the four kinds of light. Ambient light helps create mood, accent lighting makes your room look better and decorative lighting is any lamp that is beautiful in itself. Task lighting, on the other hand, is just the light you need to do whatever job you need doing and all sorts of mundane things count: the dentist’s lamp, the light in the fridge… even the bare lightbulb hanging from the rafters in the loft counts as task lighting. The good news is that around the home, there’s no reason why task lighting can’t come together with decorative lighting in perfect, stylishly practical harmony. Particularly in the winter months or in rooms without plenty of windows, it is important and worth investing in suitable lamps to ensure your workspace is well lit.
Perhaps the most obvious task lamps around the home are desk lamps. The classic Anglepoise-style lamp has been a staple of domestic studies for decades, despite its original purpose as a tool for doctors and dentists. It is interesting that this eminently practical construction – a hooded lamp on an adjustable arm – has become a design classic, with different lighting craftsmen giving the basic structure an industrial, mid-century or retro look.
PLANT POWER
Research shows that greenery is key when it comes to concentration. The American Psychological Association found that workers in spaces with plants showed 15% higher productivity than those without. Aside from freshening up your space, plants add visual interest to a room while also promoting a healthy, calm environment. The best plants to incorporate in to your home office space are:
- Peace Lily – they don’t need much light and help remove toxins from the air
- Devils Ivy – these plants can adapt easily to a variety of conditions
- Chinese Evergreen – offers visual variety and requires little maintenance
You can create your perfect oasis within your own home instead of going outdoors. Fengshui specialists say that putting your table near the window is a bad idea, but we believe that taking a look outside from time to time and giving your eyes a break from the screen can be very helpful. Another way to incorporate some greenery is by cultivating an indoor garden. Real or artificial, the effect will bring your workspace to life and add interest with organic textures and a dose of much-needed colour.
WALL ART
If you decide (or need) to stare at a wall, make it a beautiful one with some artwork. It goes without saying that artwork can certainly lift the mood within a space whilst also injecting colour, texture and pattern.
Choosing art that resonates with you not only adds soul and character to your home office area but also ensures that every time you look at it, your spirits are lifted. Make sure that you connect with the art and bring your own personality into play when selecting pieces to hang or prop up against the walls.
DESK JOB
If your space allows for it, choosing a comfortable home office desk that suits your needs is essential in planning your home office. The size of the desk depends on your needs. Some people, working with their computers, love small narrow desks, while others love working on a big desk which fits all their documents and paraphernalia. Buying a desk that you like is important when it comes to working from home. It should fit nicely in the space you’ve chosen, accommodate all of your equipment, and be a design and finish that you love. There is a whole range of desks to choose from; finding one you like will help you stay productive and comfortable in your home office. When you choose your furniture and other items that make up your home office, make sure they’re colours and materials that fit your personality and style. You’ll be far happier working in an environment you think looks good and matches the layout of the rest of your home.
OFFICE CHAIRS
With the increasing amount of time we spend seated, choosing the right office chair is essential for preventing backaches and ensuring long-term comfort. At House of Isabella, we believe that investing in an ergonomic chair is key to maintaining a healthy posture while you work. Ergonomic chairs are designed to support your body, helping you sit comfortably for extended periods. Your office chair is a crucial element of your home office setup, and selecting one that is both stylish and supportive can transform your workday. Instead of pulling an uncomfortable chair from another room, consider a chair that complements your home office design and provides the necessary support. A well-chosen ergonomic chair not only enhances your productivity but also adds a touch of sophistication to your workspace. If you occasionally work from your desk, a beautiful dining chair with armrests can serve as a stylish alternative. While these chairs may not offer the same ergonomic benefits, they can inject personality and charm into your home office. Explore our collection at House of Isabella to find the perfect chair that combines comfort, style, and functionality for your home office.
STORAGE
If clutter is becoming a significant distraction while you work, it’s time to consider smart storage solutions for your home office. Having a well-organised space for your creative ideas, notes, and keepsakes is crucial for maintaining productivity. A great place to start is with shelves fitted above eye level, allowing you to display items that inspire you and keep essentials within easy reach. At House of Isabella, we also recommend practical storage solutions like bookcases with integrated filing units or desks with built-in drawers. For a versatile option, consider a storage bench where you can store files, books, and magazines, and use it as an alternative workspace when you need a change from your chair.
Organisation is key in any home office setup, and utilising every inch of space is essential. Ensure your workspace remains clutter-free by tucking away printers, files, and other essentials into corners and drawers. Don’t forget to use vertical space effectively—install cabinets that extend to the ceiling and incorporate varying storage types. A wall-mounted pinboard can also be a valuable tool for organising supplies that might otherwise be lost in a drawer. By implementing these storage solutions from House of Isabella, you can create a tidy, efficient, and inspiring home office that enhances your productivity.
Our customer services team are always on hand should you require any assistance in choosing your home office furniture or need further information relating to the products shown above. You can contact us online via our contact us page, or very easily via our live chat function found on our website. We will be more than happy to assist you.
