If you are one of the many Americans who work from home these days, then you will know that the benefits of having a dedicated space for your job are tenfold, especially if you don’t have to see that mean boss in-person anymore.
First, when working remotely it’s hugely important to make sure you have a productive space so that your boss does not question your work ethic when at your home office — this could make you a terribly unhappy employee. We’ve all had those horrible bosses who are untrusting no matter what, so it’s important to squash that idea immediately. Brand new research shows that more people than you think are facing this same issue with their manager or boss, so that makes a home office even more important. A proper home office can truly change your life. A nice office can also be helpful if you’re interviewing for jobs, as research shows that 77% of Americans are indeed on the job search.
Having such a space, which is just for work, allows you to stay organized and on top of your tasks and it also stops you from letting your personal life leak into your work environment.
Of course, a dedicated office with its own room is the goal for most people who do take the leap and decide to work from home. However, for many of us who are taking advantage of apartment living, having an office that is separate from the living quarters is the stuff of fantasy. The lack of space means it is just not an option.
However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t create a workspace in your apartment that’s great for business meetings, no matter how little space you have.
Here are just a few tips on how you can design the perfect home office in your dwelling.
Smart Storage
According to Franchise Direct, “vertical storage is one way to make your office clutter disappear instantly and make your home office seem more organized. This is particularly true if you are living in an apartment with a tall roof.”
Other smart storage solutions include a foldable desk, which can be especially useful in studio apartments, as you can slide it directly underneath a sofa or bed when office hours have passed.
Get Creative
There are times in life when you have to think outside the box and there are times while designing when you have to get away from the traditional. One way of doing this is by thinking about areas that aren’t typically designated for home office space.
For instance, is there a walk-in closet that you’re not fully utilizing? This could be turned into a productive workspace—perfect for those starting an online business selling items or working as a freelancer offering services like blog writing. Or is there room in your hallway? If so, this could be ideal for a cozy desk space and unique wall art to brighten the space. Adding a touch of character to your walls, such as real tin ceiling tiles repurposed as decorative wall panels, can bring vintage charm and texture to an otherwise overlooked area, creating a unique backdrop that stands out during video calls.
If you’re transforming a specific area in your home to sell items online, consider consulting professionals who specialize in shop design and fit-outs. They can help plan the layout, arrange fixtures and furniture, and choose the ideal colors and lighting, creating a functional and inviting space for potential customers.
On the other hand, if you want to convert a specific area in your home for selling items online, you may contact professionals who specialize in providing great shop design with their fit-outs. They can help create an aesthetically pleasing and functional space for your potential online customers. They help in planning the layout, arranging the furniture and fixtures, and choosing the color and lighting.
When selecting commercial lighting solutions for a home office, there are a few factors to consider. Look for adjustable models of LED desk lamps or task lights with various brightness levels and color temperature options, providing focused illumination for your workspace. For a home office, it’s generally recommended to use cool white or daylight bulbs (around 5000 to 6500 Kelvin) as they promote alertness and productivity. However, you can also incorporate warm white (around 2700 to 3000 Kelvin) for a more relaxing ambiance during non-working hours.
Keep the Chords Away
If your apartment is spatially challenged, then chords are a definite no-no! In this scenario, a wireless printer, wireless monitor and overall, a wireless everything should be chosen here! This will be a huge help with you decor aesthetic.
However, other ways can help you keep the chords away. For example, you can use a chord winder to keep the chords organized and prevent them from getting tangled. You can also tie the chords together to ensure they’re not getting in your way. Lastly, put the chords away when not using them to prevent them from becoming a tripping hazard in your home office.
Invest in cable management solutions designed to conceal and organize cords. Examples include cable sleeves, wire channels, clips, or adhesive cable organizers. These solutions bundle and route cords, keeping them neat and out of sight. Moreover, you can use cord covers to hide cables running along the floor or against walls. Cord covers are available in various styles, including plastic channels or fabric sleeves that blend with home office decor.
Additionally, arrange your furniture strategically to hide cords. Positioning the desks, shelves, or cabinets can help block the view of cords running along walls or floors. You can also use furniture with built-in cable management features, such as cable routing holes or integrated cord channels.
With these tips, you will be amazed by how much more room you have once you have minimized the number of extra chords that are around you. It will also feel less messy and that’s always a good thing when you are trying to be productive!
Sit or Stand
New research has shown that American workers love working at home for many reasons — most including some aspect of comfort. Another study from Beautiful.ai even shows that bosses love it, too! From wearing pajamas during work to setting up their office; a lot goes into being comfortable at your home office. Sit-stand desks are becoming an option many US workplaces are choosing for their employees, so there is no reason that home office workers shouldn’t be considering these options, too. While it all sounds great — spending time alone and working from home — additional research points toward a large percentage of office workers resenting their WFH colleagues.
For those of you that don’t know what sit-stand desks are, they are height adjustable desks that are helping to prevent back pain and postural health issues. They are also great when you need to adapt the space that you’re living in to suit your needs.
They are usually more adaptable than traditional desks, with a large amount of storage space available underneath them when they’re fully extended to suit people who prefer working while standing up.
Minimal Space, Minimal Clutter
If your home workspace is full of clutter, then no amount of space will help your productivity. Distractions are quite simply, productivity drainers. For instance, how many of you are supposed to be working while reading this? We can see you… it’s OK, we won’t tell anyone!
If you have limited space, clutter will actively hamper your work. Thus, ensuring that your area is free from any unnecessary distractions is an essential design goal. Just don’t go overboard and completely empty your working space. A working space that is too bare and minimal can actually make you less productive.
Additionally, clutter can affect your headspace outside of your home office, too. Consider making swaps to streamline your kitchen such as switching your countertop water filter or kettle for a hot water tap, or investing in smart storage solutions to keep utensils and appliances neatly organized.”
Room Divider Curtain
It’s design 101, but it is as true in this instance as any: a room divider can repurpose one room into two different spaces.
Let’s face facts: you don’t want to feel like you are doing your accounts in the same area as you sleeping, or watch your favorite boxset. Thus, if you live in a studio and want to feel as though you’re not working on top of your leisure and relaxation space, then this is be a useful tip.
Moreover, using a room divider curtain has several benefits. It can provide you with privacy, especially if you want to work on one side of the room and relax on the other. It can also help dampen the sound, which can be helpful if you want to create a more peaceful ambiance in your home. A room divider curtain can make your space more aesthetically attractive. It’s available in several colors and styles, so you can easily find the best ones to match your home office design.
So, a room divider curtain can be a great option if you want to improve your home office’s décor while maximizing productivity.
An Alcove Office
Many apartments have little alcoves that aren’t quite big enough for a wardrobe, but where you can easily squeeze a small desk into. Why not make the best of these spaces?
Essentially, what you need to do is use the space wisely. A small desk, a chair that slides under that desk and a lighting fixture that isn’t intrusive will make this area feel like you’ve your own private office. When you get bored of working from home, joining coworking spaces in NYC or in your local area can provide a refreshing change of environment and boost your productivity.
There you have it, seven tips on how you can turn any small space into a small, but productive, office. But remember, you’ll also need to care for your mental health when working at home, as loneliness can definitely creep in. Don’t forget about that!
And don’t forget, when designing you place and your home office, make sure you create a floor plan to show the layout and appliances and how everything will fit!
