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Staying productive and getting work done when working from home can be a challenge. With so many distractions, meetings and other responsibilities, it's easy to fall into an unproductive routine. That's why it's so important to have a work-from-home zone that's as stylish as it is functional.
We reached out to interior designers and experts to give us the dos and don'ts of setting up a home office the right way.
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1. Start with your desk in the power position
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Interior designer Bridget Pridgen recommends placing your desk in a power position: “This position means it's always facing furthest from the door, so you can always see any opportunities coming your way,” she explains.
2. Don’t prioritize design over functionality
“For any space where you plan to work for more than a few hours, make sure you don't prioritize design over function,” says interior designer Maggie Barnes. “A comfortable chair is a must, and the desk should be the right size to fit all your technology and papers without cluttering the space.”
3. Consider movement
“Even with the most ergonomic seating options, staying in the same position all day can take a toll on the body,” says interior designer Sarah Barnard. She recommends having options to sit, stand and lounge, which encourages movement and variation throughout the day and helps improve productivity. Different activities may benefit from specific setups, and different office areas can serve different work purposes throughout the day.
4. Don't neglect storage space
“Don't neglect proper storage,” says Giovanni Shippo, director of 3D Lines. “Just like a desk is important, storage space is essential to your home office design. Properly storing your essentials ensures an organized and clean space. They should also be within reach so you don't have to walk to the other end of the room to get what you need. Furniture that acts as both workspace and storage is always a good idea for small spaces.”
5. Focus on natural light
“One of the biggest lessons we've learned from COVID-19 is that natural light is essential for designing offices that foster work optimization, environmental well-being, and efficiency,” says interior designer Christian Lemieux, founder of Lemieux Et Cie. “Windows let in plenty of natural light, which we know improves mood and increases productivity,” she adds. By incorporating this element into your office design, you'll enjoy a more productive and healthier environment.
6. Don’t skimp on lighting
“Lighting shouldn't be an afterthought,” advises Jodie Terrell of JNG Real Estate Solutions. “Poor lighting can cause eye strain and make certain tasks unbearable. Make a list of all the tasks you'll be doing and create a lighting plan for each one,” she recommends. Consider overhead lighting as well as natural and task lighting. If you're on a lot of Zoom calls, invest in a beauty ring to keep your face looking fresh and glowing at all times.
7. Invest in wireless devices
“Like clutter, tangled cords can be a huge source of stress,” explains Susanne Fox of Susanne Fox Design. “Get as many wireless devices as you can, like printers, wireless chargers and speakers,” she adds. Having a virtual assistant like Alexa can also increase efficiency, as it's quicker to ask Alexa for the time or weather than it is to open a new window or app.
8. Don't use the bedroom
“Using part of a bedroom or an adjacent space is a terrible idea for setting up a remote office,” says Brian Burke of Kenna Real Estate, adding that “bedrooms are personal spaces and if used too often they can quickly become distracting, defeating the purpose of having a home office.”
9. Make location a priority
Remote work expert Bridget Chebo says the biggest thing to avoid when designing this space has nothing to do with fashion, comfort, or architecture. “It's all about location, location, location!” she adds. Having your home office close to your router, and being able to hardwire into it if necessary, is key to having a stable, strong internet connection. If you really want to be a professional at home, don't let spotty internet make you seem like an amateur.
10. Avoid bulky furniture
Don't overload the space with furniture or make it look bulky, says Amber Guillon, interior designer at Blessed Little Bungalow. “A home office shouldn't feel like a closed-in cubicle or an old-fashioned law office,” she adds. Skip the big mahogany bookshelves and matching furniture sets. Keep the space light and airy, so your mind can breathe and your imagination can expand.
11. Plan ahead
A clutter-free mind fosters clarity, balance, and productivity. “The same goes for a clutter-free home office,” says Amanda Barnes of Amanda Barnes Interiors. She recommends keeping countertops and walls clear and stacking art, lamps, and trays with the little things that help create a comfortable, productive space. “Planning your home office devices to be arranged in the same format as your kitchen appliances will help keep everything more organized,” she adds.
12. Don't spend a lot of money
“Don't spend a ton of money to create your dream home office,” advises Martin Carreon, owner of Soco Wine County Properties. “Your office doesn't have to be a Pinterest-worthy setup from the get-go, it just needs a few elements to make it work,” he adds. Martin emphasizes the importance of making your home office a space that makes you feel inspired, motivated, and free of distractions.
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