Tips, Ideas & Updates

Technological developments have made telecommuting possible and as a result, more people are working from home than ever. Designing a great home office that will suit your needs and provide aesthetic appeal is the first step to working effectively from home. While a key element in designing the best home office is choosing suitable office furniture, the layout, lighting, and other decorative elements in your home office can also enhance the appeal of your work space. Here we look at the top six strategies that you should use for putting together your home office.  

1. Get a Great Desk  

No all desks are made equal. The traditional rectangular desk may suit your purpose, but if you’re planning on conducting small conferences in your home office, designs such as the D-end, P-end, or keyhole desks, each with rounded-off ends, will save you office space by eliminating the need to purchase a separate conference desk. Splay, wave, and crank office desk designs allow greater personalisation, as do arc and bow-shaped desks that provide a welcoming look.   For those who like to separate computer equipment and working areas or prefer different shaped workstations, designs like the 120 degree and crescent provide interesting alternatives to traditional styles. Consider how your computer equipment and office peripherals will be laid out. Most workstations come with drawers and cabinets, so storage and accessibility is another factor to keep in mind.  

2. Choose Chairs for Comfort and Purpose  

While the impression you make with your desk is important, your desk chair should be chosen for comfort as well as style as you will be spending most of your office time in your chair. Executive and task chairs come with a choice of adjustability as well as upholstery.   You might also need another chair or two for client meetings and conferences. Client chairs come with less adjustability and maximum comfort. Most office furniture suppliers will have a large range of office chairs to suit your needs. If there is a reception or waiting area in your home office, use lounge chairs to make the client’s wait more comfortable.  

3. Storage  

Your desk probably already comes with drawers and cabinets but if your work is paper-intensive, make use of filing cabinets, shelves, wall cabinets, and other storage spaces. Arrange your storage devices so that they are accessible but produce minimal clutter in your home office.  

4. Decorative Elements  

• Visual – Whether you’re after a minimalist appearance or a colourful and warm design, you can make use of framed pictures, photos or posters.  
• Lamps – An attractive desk lamp or two can add to professionalism and bring in more light.  
• Fish Tanks – A small fish tank can bring colour and life to your office.  
• Pot Plants – Pot plants can enhance the appearance of your office but they have also been demonstrated to improve air quality, reduce indoor pollution, and bring about a cooling effect in office spaces. Most plants can grow indoors if the space receives some sunlight during the day.  

5. Situation and Light  

Light can greatly enhance the look of a room. Choose a room in your house that has a good aspect and adjust your desk to make the most of the light. If the room is too hot or bright, install appropriate blinds that will filter out direct sunlight. If your home office lacks natural light during the day, make use of a standing lamp to brighten up the room.  

6. Reduce Clutter  

Feng Shui practitioners believe that objects can be adjusted to optimise the flow of energy in a physical space. Adjust your office furniture until you have plenty of space to move around. Move storage items or other pieces into a closet or another room if they are not essential.  

Make use of paper trays and desktop file or document organisers. Use cord organisers to loop and contain your computer cords or go wireless. Less clutter means you’ll feel more positive and organised in your office.